Private All Inclusive East Coast Keys Tour and Snorkel Experience

The best part of this Fajardo boat trip is the freedom to make the morning your own. You get a private boat for up to six people, then spend four hours moving between Cayo Icacos snorkeling grounds, quiet beaches, and the Palomino islands. You can swim, stretch out on the floating mat, play your own music, or simply sit back while the captain handles the route.

I like two things right away: the all-inclusive setup, with sandwiches, chips, soda, water, and local beer, and the private format, which gives your group more room than a crowded shared cruise. Captains including Carlos, Jamil, and Derek are praised for being friendly, careful, and flexible with time at each stop.

The main trade-off is the tight four-hour schedule. Snorkeling, beach time, turtle watching, and several island stops fill the clock quickly. There is also no restroom onboard, so plan ahead before leaving Marina Puerto Chico.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six: The $715 group price becomes much better value when split among five or six people.
• Cayo Icacos gets the most time: Expect about two and a half hours for reef snorkeling and beach time.
• Sea turtles are viewed from the water: The Palominos turtle area is protected, so this is a sightseeing stop rather than another snorkeling session.
• Food and drinks are supplied: Sandwiches, chips, Coca-Cola, Sprite, bottled water, and local beer are included.
• Your captain shapes the day: Carlos, Jamil, Derek, and other Encanto Boat Tours captains are noted for local information, safety, and adjusting the pace.
• Bring a swimsuit, but plan for the missing restroom: The boat has shade, floats, snorkeling gear, and a sound system, but no onboard toilet.

Why this private Fajardo cruise works so well

This is not a sightseeing boat where you follow a fixed crowd from one stop to another. Your group gets the boat to itself, and that changes the feel of the outing. You can spend longer in the water if everyone is having fun, or move on when the youngest swimmer has had enough.

That privacy matters most for families and mixed-age groups. One party included children as young as five and adults in their late sixties, while another group ranged from age 10 to 77. The boat was described as spacious and comfortable, which can make a real difference when the water turns choppy.

You also avoid the social pressure of a shared boat. If part of your group wants to snorkel while someone else prefers a float and a cold drink, the captain can help shape the stop around both interests. You are not locked into someone else’s party schedule.

The tour starts at Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo and returns there. Pickup is offered from a designated location, but confirm the exact arrangement when booking because the listed meeting point is the marina. If you are coming from elsewhere on the island, allow extra time for Puerto Rico traffic. One group arrived about an hour late after underestimating the drive, so this is not a morning to cut things close.

Cayo Icacos gives you the main water adventure

The first major stop is the reef area near Cayo Icacos. This is where you use the supplied snorkeling equipment and look for fish in clear tropical water. The exact sea life varies with conditions, but the trip’s strongest underwater reports include colorful fish and good visibility.

The snorkeling stop is followed by beach time on Icacos. Expect pale sand, bright turquoise water, and a relaxed stretch where you can swim, sunbathe, or use the floating equipment. This is the part of the day that gives you a classic northeastern Puerto Rico island setting without needing to arrange a separate beach visit.

About two and a half hours are assigned to Icacos, making it the centerpiece of the outing. That length is useful because snorkeling takes time to organize, especially with children or first-time snorkelers. You can get comfortable with the mask, spend time in the water, then move to the beach rather than rushing through both.

I would set your expectations sensibly. This is a reef snorkeling excursion, not a dedicated marine biology trip. The water, fish, and visibility depend on weather and sea conditions. If you are hoping to see a particular animal, the captain cannot promise it, but the included equipment and generous Icacos time give you a fair chance to enjoy the water.

The boat has a sun shade, so you can get out of direct sun between swims. It also carries jumbo noodles and a large floating mat. Those extras are particularly useful for people who want to enjoy the sea without spending the whole stop swimming.

Palomino adds turtles and another beach

From Icacos, the boat heads toward Isla Palominos. The turtle viewing stop lasts about ten minutes, which tells you what to expect: a short wildlife look from the boat, not a long stop on land.

The turtle area is protected, and snorkeling is not allowed there. That rule is worth knowing before you go. You may see sea turtles moving through the water, but you will be observing them from above rather than swimming after them. Some outings also report sightings of other marine life, including a manatee mother and calf, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

The short turtle stop works well as part of a larger half-day route. You get a chance to look for animals without using up the time needed for the beaches and reef. Keep your eyes on the water and listen to the captain’s instructions, since the viewing window can be brief.

The next Palomino stop is more relaxed. You get about an hour at the beach, enough time for another swim, a float, or a quiet break on shore. This second beach gives the day a different rhythm after snorkeling at Icacos. You can dry off, eat a sandwich, and enjoy the water without needing to put on a mask again.

The route also includes a short visit near Palominito Island, where the island was located and where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. This is a quick ten-minute stop, more of a scenic pass and talking point than a full beach visit. It is a nice extra for film fans, but do not confuse it with another long island break.

The captain can make or break the day

The strongest part of this experience is not just the scenery. It is the captain’s ability to keep the outing comfortable and well paced.

Carlos is repeatedly praised for being attentive, professional, and good at explaining the islands. He has also helped groups adjust the route and handle small problems, including seasickness. Jamil is noted for sharing Puerto Rico history and for making the private trip feel personal. Derek is described as relaxed, friendly, and good at giving a group time at each stop without making the day feel rushed.

Those names are useful, but captain assignments can change. You should not book solely on the promise of one particular captain unless the company confirms it. The wider pattern is what matters: Encanto Boat Tours places an experienced captain with your group, and the captain can explain the area while managing the boat and safety.

The private format also lets you communicate clearly. Tell the captain if your group wants more beach time, more snorkeling, or a slower pace. Several outings were adjusted around family needs, and one captain helped a group member who felt seasick. That sort of attention is harder to get on a large shared boat.

Still, you are on the water, not at a resort. Conditions can change, and the boat ride may feel choppy. A larger, newer boat was especially appreciated by one family on a rougher day. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly, drink water, and tell the captain early rather than waiting until you feel unwell.

Food, drinks, shade, and music are all practical wins

The included food is simple but useful. You get sandwiches and chips, along with Coca-Cola, Sprite, and bottled water. Local beers are included for adults, and you can bring additional drinks or food onboard. The cooler can hold your own items as well.

I like this arrangement because it removes the need to pack a full beach lunch or search for food between island stops. The meal is not presented as a restaurant-style spread, so set your expectations accordingly. It is an easy boat lunch that keeps the group going through four hours of swimming and sun.

The boat also has Bluetooth audio, allowing you to play your own music. That is a small detail, but it helps the trip feel private rather than packaged. Keep the volume reasonable so the captain can communicate and the natural setting is not lost.

The shade canopy is another practical feature. Tropical sun catches up with you quickly, especially after snorkeling. Use the shaded area between swims and keep drinking water even if you are also enjoying the beer.

Snorkeling gear is supplied, which saves you from carrying fins and masks around Puerto Rico. The float noodles and floating oasis mat give non-snorkelers something to do, too. Families with children may find those items just as valuable as the reef stop itself.

Is $715 a good value for six people?

The price is $715 per group, with up to six people included. At the full six-person capacity, that works out to about $119 per person. For four hours of private boat time, a captain, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, floats, shade, and several island stops, that is a fair price for a group that values privacy.

For four people, the cost is about $179 per person. For two people, it becomes a much more expensive half-day. I would recommend it most strongly for families or friends who can fill most of the six available places.

The value comes from more than the number of minutes on the water. A shared trip may cost less per person, but you give up control over the route, the music, the pace, and the space around you. Here, your group does not have to coordinate with strangers or wait while another party finishes at the beach.

The included food and drinks also reduce small vacation costs. You do not need to buy a separate lunch, rent snorkeling gear, or arrange a second beach stop. That makes the price easier to accept, especially for a full group.

The weak point is that four hours passes quickly. You are paying for a focused half-day, not a leisurely full-day charter. If you want long beach stays, extensive snorkeling, or a slow route through every nearby island, ask about longer options before booking.

Who should book this boat trip?

This outing is a strong fit for:

• Families who want a private boat and an easier pace
• Groups of four to six people splitting the cost
• Couples or friends who prefer privacy over a shared cruise
• Swimmers who want both snorkeling and beach time
• People who enjoy wildlife viewing without a long formal tour
• Visitors staying near Fajardo or arriving through a nearby port

It is less suitable if you need an onboard restroom, dislike boat motion, or want a full day at sea. It may also disappoint anyone expecting guaranteed turtle sightings or a long snorkeling session at every island.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The boat is near public transportation, and pickup may be available from a designated hotel or port location. Confirm those details in advance rather than assuming the marina transfer is included in your exact booking.

Timing, weather, and what to bring

The experience lasts about four hours and returns to Marina Puerto Chico. Since the day includes a reef, two beach areas, turtle viewing, and the Palominito pass, arrive ready to board and avoid using up your water time with a late arrival.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal motion-sickness supplies you use. The boat provides gear, food, drinks, shade, and floats, but the supplied details do not list towels or personal toiletries.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, do it at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

My call: book it for a full group

I would book this tour if I had four to six people and wanted a private morning of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and simple wildlife viewing around Fajardo. The combination of Cayo Icacos, Palomino, included food, and a captain who can adjust the pace gives you a lot in four hours.

The smartest booking is for a group that will use the private format fully. Split $715 among six people, confirm the pickup details, and be ready for a boat ride without a restroom. If that works for you, this is a practical, comfortable way to reach some of Puerto Rico’s finest nearby island water without joining a crowded excursion.

FAQ

How long does the private boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and ends back at Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo.

How many people can join the private boat?

The $715 price covers one private group of up to six people.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Marina Puerto Chico, PR-987, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Pickup from a designated hotel or port location is offered, so confirm the exact pickup details when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with floating noodles and a floating oasis water mat.

What food and drinks are provided?

The boat provides sandwiches, chips, Coca-Cola, Sprite, bottled water, and local beers. You may also bring your own food and drinks onboard.

Can you snorkel near the sea turtles?

No. The turtle viewing area is protected, so you see the turtles from the boat rather than snorkeling there.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom onboard, so use facilities before leaving the marina.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can select a different date or receive a full refund. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time also qualify for a full refund.