All inclusive Private Tour to Icacos and Palomino Island

The best part of this Fajardo boat trip is the freedom to shape the day around your group. Instead of sharing a schedule with strangers, you get a private 30-foot power catamaran and a captain who can adjust your stops between Icacos, Palomino, snorkeling water, and the beach. Captains named Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis have all hosted recent trips.

I like the all-inclusive setup: sandwiches, fruit, chips, soda, water, beer, rum drinks, snorkel gear, float belts, and a mat are provided. I also like the shallow swimming areas, usually around 3 to 5 feet deep, which work well for families. The main drawback is that this is a weather-dependent outing, and the final route, snorkeling stop, and even the length of the day on the water can change.

Key points to know before booking

• A private boat for up to six people: The $850 group price makes the most sense when shared by a full party.
• Icacos or Palomino, depending on conditions: Your captain chooses the safest and most enjoyable stops for that day.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect deli sandwiches, fruit, chips, water, soda, beer, and rum-based drinks.
• Good family water access: Swimming areas are generally 3 to 5 feet deep, with float belts and a mat available.
• Optional water scooters cost extra: Ask about current availability and pricing before departure.
• Four hours goes quickly: This is a focused half-day trip, not a full-day island charter.

A private boat day from Puerto del Rey

This tour begins at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey in Fajardo, at 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4. You meet the crew at the marina, park for free, and return to the same place after the outing.

The boat is a 30-foot power catamaran, a useful choice for a short island trip because it gives your group room to sit, move around, eat, and dry off without the cramped feel of a small open skiff. You are not sharing the boat with another booking. That matters most if you have children, older family members, or a group with different ideas about how to spend the afternoon.

The private format also gives you more say in the pace. You can spend longer in the water, head to the beach, or move on if the wind picks up. The captain still controls the route and safety decisions, but the day is not locked into a rigid public-tour timetable.

Captains and crew named in the trip information include Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis. The feedback consistently gives special attention to their friendly service, care with children, and willingness to adjust the timing of stops. One family of eight, including three children, specifically appreciated Captain Angel’s attention to the children and baby. Another group arrived late and said Captain Luis helped the outing work out.

That kind of personal service is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter. It also means you should tell the operator about allergies, children, and any needs before leaving the marina.

Choosing between Icacos and Palomino

The trip can visit Cayo Icacos or Palomino Island. The exact choice is not fixed, since wind and sea conditions affect the route. You may also stop at more than one area, but the supplied information does not promise a set number of islands or beaches.

Cayo Icacos is known here for its clear turquoise water, beach time, and snorkeling opportunities. The boat may stop in a calmer swimming area, often 3 to 5 feet deep, where you can wade, float, and cool off without needing to swim far from shore. That shallow water is especially helpful for families, though you should still keep close watch on children at all times.

Palomino offers the same basic appeal: sand, warm water, and a pleasant place to spend time off the boat. A family group of five adults and three children described a very successful Palomino outing, with good weather, food, and drinks. The setting can be beautiful, but the quality of any island stop depends on weather, water conditions, and how crowded the area is that day.

The captain may select a different snorkeling spot or beach than you expected. That is not a flaw in the plan. It is part of operating a small boat in open water. Wind and rain can make one cove uncomfortable while another remains calm. Still, I would ask at the start of the trip which island and water stops are realistic for the day.

What the four-hour itinerary feels like

The trip lasts about four hours, so you should think of it as a concentrated boat escape rather than a full island day. After leaving Puerto del Rey, the boat heads toward Icacos, Palomino, or another nearby stop selected for the conditions.

The route is flexible, but the main activities are simple:

• Cruising around the islands on the power catamaran
• Stopping at a beach or shallow swimming area
• Snorkeling with the supplied equipment
• Floating on the mat or using a float belt
• Eating sandwiches and snacks
• Enjoying water, soda, beer, and rum drinks

That mix works well because you do not need every member of the group to enjoy the same activity. One person can snorkel while another stays on the mat. Children can play in shallow water, and someone who prefers not to swim can remain aboard with a drink and a view.

The short duration is also a limitation. You will not have time for a long, leisurely stay at several islands. If you want a full day at sea, more extensive snorkeling, or several distant stops, look for a longer charter. For a half-day break from sightseeing, four hours is easier to fit into a Puerto Rico itinerary.

Snorkeling, swimming, and floating

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to bring a mask or fins unless you prefer using your own. The exact snorkeling location depends on the weather and the captain’s judgment.

The available float belts and float mat add real value for a mixed-age group. The belt can help a nervous swimmer stay comfortable, while the mat gives you a place to relax between swims. The water is described as clear and turquoise at the beach areas, but visibility can change with wind and sea conditions.

One important point: good snorkeling is not guaranteed on every departure. One family had to skip its planned snorkeling spot because the weather did not cooperate, though the group still enjoyed the boat day and returned early. You should book this for the overall island and boat experience, not only for underwater viewing.

Optional water scooter rentals are available for an extra fee. Ask before the trip if you are interested, since the base price does not include them. A past party also enjoyed a seabob, but the official inclusions specifically mention optional water scooters, not guaranteed seabob access.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

The included food is practical rather than fancy. You receive turkey, ham, or vegetarian sandwiches, along with chips and fruit. Water and soda are included, plus beer and rum-based drinks such as piña coladas or rum pouches.

You may also bring food that suits your group. This is useful if you have a specific diet, picky children, or allergies. The operator asks you to report allergies in advance, and you should take that seriously before boarding.

There is one small service point worth clarifying. One outing did not offer the advertised rum drinks and piña coladas, even though the operator said they are part of the trip. The issue appears to have been an oversight rather than a standard exclusion, but I would confirm the drink package before departure if it matters to you.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. One person specifically wished they had been more careful about sunscreen, a common problem on bright water where reflected light makes the heat feel less intense than it is. You should also bring a towel and any personal medication, since those items are not listed as included.

Is $850 good value for up to six people?

The listed price is $850 per group of up to six people. At six participants, that works out to about $142 per person before any extra rentals. For four people, the cost is about $213 each, and for two people it is $425 each.

That price is easier to justify when you fill the boat. You are paying for privacy, a captain, a power catamaran, parking, food, drinks, snorkel gear, float equipment, and the ability to adjust the day around your group. A private boat also avoids paying separately for every sandwich, rental mask, and beach transfer.

For a small party, the value is less obvious. Two people may prefer a shared boat trip if keeping the price low is the main goal. For a family or group of friends who would otherwise book several seats on a public excursion, the private arrangement can be a fair deal.

One cancellation account refers to a payment of $1,099, while the supplied tour price is $850. Because prices can vary by booking channel, date, taxes, or group size, confirm the final amount before paying. The published base price is the figure to use for comparison, but the checkout total is what matters.

Weather is part of the decision

This tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from being sent out simply to keep the schedule moving.

It can still create a planning headache. One group had its trip canceled on the morning of departure and had to wait three to five days for its refund. The cancellation left few same-day alternatives, since many other outings were already full.

For that reason, I would avoid placing this tour on the final day of a short Puerto Rico visit. If weather cancels it, you may not have another chance. Book early enough to leave room for a new date, and keep a beach or town activity in reserve.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Cutoff times use local Puerto Rico time.

Who will enjoy this boat charter most?

This is a strong fit for families, couples traveling with friends, and groups that value privacy over the lowest price. The shallow swimming areas, float equipment, included sandwiches, and attentive crew make it practical for children. Children aged one and older may participate.

It also suits people who dislike large public boat trips. You can talk with your own group, adjust the time spent in the water, and avoid a fixed crowd. The private format is especially useful when one person wants to snorkel and another simply wants to sit on a beach or float.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed island, guaranteed snorkeling, or guaranteed drinks at a specific time. The route changes with conditions, and the four-hour schedule leaves limited room for delays. It is also not the best value for a couple unless privacy is worth the higher per-person price.

Most participants can take part, and service animals are allowed. The marina is near public transportation, has a bathroom, and offers free parking.

Should you book the Icacos and Palomino charter?

I would book this private charter if you have four to six people and want a relaxed half-day on the water with food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and no strangers aboard. The strongest parts are the flexible routing, shallow beach water, and the crew’s attention to families. Captains such as Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis have been singled out for friendly, helpful service.

I would hesitate if your group has only two people, your schedule cannot tolerate a weather cancellation, or snorkeling is the sole reason you are going. Ask about the final price, planned island, drink options, and any water scooter rental before you commit.

For the right group, this is a practical way to reach Icacos or Palomino without arranging every detail yourself. Just remember that the sea gets the final word.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey.

How long is the private boat trip?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The listed price covers a private group of up to six people.

Does the tour visit Icacos or Palomino Island?

The trip can visit Cayo Icacos or Palomino Island. The exact stops depend on the weather and conditions on the day.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes turkey, ham, or vegetarian sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, soda, beer, and rum-based drinks such as piña coladas or rum drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a float mat, float belts, and required USCG-certified equipment.

Are water scooter rentals included?

No. Optional water scooter rentals are available for an additional fee.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.