Private All-Inclusive 22ft Boat Guided Snorkeling Icacos Palomino

The best part of this Fajardo outing is the private 22-foot boat, which keeps the day personal rather than turning it into a crowded party cruise. You’ll visit Icacos and Palomino, snorkel with a guide, and have time for beaches, views, snacks, and a paddleboard.

I like the hands-on help for first-time snorkelers, especially from captains such as Alex, Jorge, Joel, and Raul, also called Mako. I also like the simple all-inclusive setup: gear, life jackets, water, soda, snacks, and a light meal are provided. The main thing to consider is space. A 22-foot boat is a cozy fit for six, and the four-hour schedule can feel short if you want long beach stops at every island.

Key points to know before you go

• Private boat for up to six: You get your own group and captain, not a large shared excursion.
• Two island stops: Icacos brings snorkeling and wide views, while Palomino adds beaches and a more private-island feel.
• Good for cautious swimmers: Captains have helped children and nervous adults learn to breathe, float, and move around safely.
• Food and drinks included: Expect water, soda, snacks, an aperitif, and sandwiches or fruit based on the service provided that day.
• Four hours from Fajardo: The tour begins and ends at Navea PR Adventure Corp. in Puerto Chico Marina.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: Neither is included, and larger appetites may call for extra food.

A private boat day from Fajardo

This is the kind of tour that works best when you want the sea without the crowd. You and up to five companions have the boat to yourselves, with a captain focused on your group’s comfort, swimming ability, and interests.

The boat is 22 feet long, so do not picture a roomy yacht with separate cabins and wide decks. Think of it as a small, nimble boat suited to island hopping. That smaller size lets the trip feel relaxed and direct, though six adults will need to be comfortable sitting close together.

The tour lasts about four hours. That gives you enough time for a snorkel session, beach time, and views around the cays, but it is not a full-day charter. Your captain decides the exact order and timing based on conditions, crowd levels, and the best available water.

The trip leaves from Navea PR Adventure Corp. at Puerto Chico Marina in Fajardo and returns there at the end. Free private parking is available, with security on site. Transportation or taxi help may be available for an added cost, but it is not part of the basic price.

Icacos: snorkeling, beaches, and wide-open views

Cayo Icacos is the main water-and-beach stop. The island is known for clear water, pale sand, and open views toward Vieques, Culebra, El Yunque, and Las Cabezas de San Juan. On a good day, the ride itself becomes part of the show as the boat passes smaller cays and islets.

The snorkeling portion is guided rather than simply dropping you into the water and pointing toward the reef. Captains help you understand where to look and can offer support if you are new to snorkeling. Several families found this especially useful for children or adults who were not strong swimmers.

If you are nervous, say so early. Alex has helped first-time snorkelers learn how to breathe and move in the water, while other captains have stayed close to children who needed extra confidence. The included masks and snorkeling equipment save you from packing your own, though you may prefer personal gear if you already have a well-fitting mask.

Marine life is not guaranteed, but turtles and many fish have been spotted around Icacos and on the way to Palomino. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a guided recreational snorkel, not a marine biology trip, and visibility can change with weather and sea conditions.

You may also have time to relax on the beach. The water and sand are the draw here, but the stop can feel popular at busy times. One useful advantage of a private boat is that your captain may adjust the timing to find a quieter stretch or a better moment for swimming.

Palomino and Palominito: a second side of the coast

Isla Palominos gives the tour a different rhythm. Here you can walk along the beach, swim, paddleboard, and enjoy the setting around a private island. The tour description notes views of the owners’ residence, which adds a curious local detail without turning the visit into a formal house tour.

Palomino is also a good place to slow down after the boat ride and snorkeling. You may find that the island feels less about checking off sights and more about sitting in the sand, taking photos, and enjoying the water.

Palominito, a much smaller island, may also be part of the route. It has attracted attention because of its changing shoreline and the visible effects of marine erosion after Hurricane Maria in 2017. That makes it an interesting stop for anyone who wants to see how storms and ocean forces reshape small islands.

The exact time spent at each place is not fixed in the information provided, so ask your captain at the start how the four hours will be divided. If your group cares most about snorkeling, say that. If you would rather have beach time and paddleboard use, say that too. A private outing gives you more room to express those preferences than a large scheduled boat.

The captains make the difference

The service is strongly tied to the captain assigned to your boat. Alex is frequently named for his friendly approach, safety-conscious guidance, and ability to work with children. He has also helped groups choose less crowded beach times and has gone out of his way to return a wallet lost in the water.

Jorge is also praised for clear communication and a calm, respectful manner. Raul, known as Mako, has helped with paddleboard tips, taken group photos, and pointed out fish during snorkeling. Francesca and Joel have worked together as hosts, helping first-time snorkelers while keeping the mood light.

You may not receive the same captain every time, so treat these names as examples of the team rather than a guarantee. The important point is the style of service: this is not meant to be a silent boat transfer. The captain provides the route, explains what to expect, helps you use the equipment, and watches out for less confident swimmers.

That personal help matters most for families. A child who is unsure at the dock may be enjoying the water ten minutes later with a calm guide nearby. Still, parents remain responsible for their children. Life jackets are included, and the staff can help, but this is an open-water activity.

What is included, and what is not

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a paddleboard, water, soda, snacks, and an aperitif. The food described in the service includes sandwiches and fruit, with some trips offering a fuller snack platter. It is enough for a light boat lunch for many people.

One family found the sandwiches and fruit plentiful for children but suggested that adults with large appetites bring extra food. That is good advice. Pack something additional if you expect a full meal, especially since the outing lasts four hours and includes swimming.

Drinks may include beer on some trips, according to the supplied details. If you drink alcohol, keep safety in mind around the water and paddleboard. The captain remains responsible for operating the boat, while you are responsible for making sensible choices as a swimmer.

Towels and sunscreen are not included. Bring both. Reef-safe sunscreen is a sensible choice for a snorkeling trip, and applying it before boarding will save time once you reach the islands. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is also useful for phones, though it is not listed as an included item.

Music may be played during the ride. The mood can range from easygoing to lively, depending on your group and crew. If you want a quiet boat day, mention that at the beginning. If your group is celebrating a birthday or family occasion, the private format makes it easier to set the tone.

Is $550 good value for six people?

The price is $550 per group, with up to six people included. At a full group of six, that works out to about $92 per person. For a couple, the same boat costs $275 per person, so the value improves sharply as you fill the boat.

For six people, this is a strong option if you want a private captain, guided snorkeling, food, drinks, parking, and a paddleboard without joining a large boat. You are paying for privacy and flexibility as much as for transportation.

For only two people, the price is harder to justify unless having a private boat is the main goal. A shared excursion may cost less, though it will not offer the same control over the pace or the same one-on-one help in the water.

The private setup is especially useful for families with mixed abilities. Strong swimmers can snorkel while a cautious child gets extra support, and the group does not have to follow the needs of dozens of strangers. Couples may also appreciate the quieter feel, though a 22-foot boat still offers limited personal space.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this tour for a family, group of friends, or couple that wants a simple day on the water with a captain doing the driving and planning. It is a particularly good match for:

• First-time snorkelers who want clear instruction
• Families with children over age two
• Groups that prefer a private outing to a party boat
• Visitors staying near Fajardo
• People who want both snorkeling and beach time
• Groups willing to share a small boat closely

The tour is not recommended for children under two. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the activity still involves open water, boat movement, and getting in and out of the sea.

If you have limited swimming ability, tell the captain before entering the water. The crew has helped nervous swimmers, but the experience remains safest when everyone is honest about comfort levels.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour requires suitable weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. Since boat trips depend on weather, keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible.

Arrive ready for the water. Wear a swimsuit, bring sunscreen and a towel, and keep valuables to a minimum. The meeting point is Navea PR Adventure Corp., Puerto Chico Fajardo Marina, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738. The activity ends back at the same marina.

The tour includes free private parking with a security guard, which is useful if you are driving. Public transportation is nearby, and taxi or transportation assistance may be available for an additional charge.

Should you book the Icacos and Palomino boat tour?

I would book it if your group can use most or all of the six spaces. The combination of private boating, guided snorkeling, beach stops, food, and patient instruction offers good value for a small group. The repeated praise for Alex, Jorge, Mako, Francesca, and Joel points to a team that takes personal service seriously.

I would pause if you want a full-day sailing trip, a large boat with lots of room, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Four hours passes quickly, and the meal is light rather than a large lunch. But for a relaxed Fajardo outing with clear water, two island stops, and help for less confident swimmers, this is a well-focused choice.

FAQ

How long is the private Icacos and Palomino boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and returns to the departure marina in Fajardo.

How many people can join the private boat?

The $550 price covers one private group of up to six people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Where does the tour leave from?

The meeting point is Navea PR Adventure Corp. at Puerto Chico Marina in Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, along with a guided snorkeling experience.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes water, soda, snacks, and an aperitif. The supplied details also describe sandwiches and fruit, while some trips provide a snack platter. Bring extra food if your group needs a larger meal.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.