All inclusive Private Tour to Icacos and Palomino Island

The best part of this private boat charter is the freedom to shape the day around your group. You can head to Icacos or Palomino, stop for snorkeling, settle into a shallow beach area, or change the plan when wind and water conditions shift. Captains including Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis are known for friendly service and careful attention to families.

I like the 30-foot power catamaran, which gives your group room to move, and I like that lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and float belts are already aboard. The main drawback is the weather-dependent schedule. One trip was canceled in poor conditions, and another had to skip snorkeling and return early.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six: You get the whole charter rather than sharing the boat with strangers.
• Two island choices: The captain selects Icacos or Palomino, with exact stops shaped by the day’s weather.
• About four hours on the water: This is a compact half-day outing, useful when you want island time without giving up your whole day.
• Food and drinks included: Expect deli sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, sodas, beer, and rum drinks or piña coladas.
• Snorkeling and floating gear provided: Snorkels, masks, a float mat, float belts, and required safety equipment are available.
• Optional water scooter: A water scooter or Seabob can be rented for an added fee.

Setting out from Puerto del Rey in Fajardo

You meet at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4, in Fajardo. The tour returns to the same marina, and free parking is included, which makes this simpler than an outing that requires arranging a separate transfer.

The boat is a 30-foot power catamaran. That size matters. You have a private platform for your group, space for food and gear, and a more personal setup than a large public excursion. The charter is priced at $850 per group of up to six, not per person.

That price is strongest when you fill the boat. Six people pay about $142 each before any optional water scooter rental. For two people, the cost is much harder to justify, but you are paying for privacy, flexible timing, and the use of the entire boat rather than individual seats.

The tour lasts about four hours. I would treat that as a focused island outing, not a full day at sea. It gives you time for a boat ride, one or more water stops, food, and beach time, but you should not expect a long, leisurely island expedition.

The company asks you to reserve several days ahead. That is sensible for a private charter, particularly if you have a specific vacation date in mind.

Choosing between Icacos and Palomino

The main decision is not a fixed sightseeing route. Your captain chooses the island and water stops based on conditions. That flexibility is useful in Puerto Rico, where wind, clouds, and waves can change the quality of a beach or snorkeling site during the day.

Cayo Icacos is the more natural-feeling choice for a simple beach and water day. The trip description focuses on clear turquoise water, sandy beach areas, and shallow swimming zones around three to five feet deep. That depth can be comfortable for families and for anyone who wants to float without committing to open water.

Palomino Island also offers beach time and clear water, and it has worked well for family groups with children and a baby. The island stop is less about checking off a landmark and more about choosing a pleasant place to swim, relax, and spend time together.

You may not get to select the exact cove or sandbar. That is not a weakness by itself. A captain who adjusts the route can avoid a rough patch and seek calmer water. Still, if you have your heart set on a specific island, ask about the likely plan before departure.

How the four-hour route works

The outing begins with a boat ride from the marina toward the chosen island. The route is described as island hopping, with the captain selecting stops according to the weather that day. You may visit Icacos, Palomino, or more than one area if conditions and timing allow.

At the water stop, you can snorkel using the equipment aboard. The boat also carries a float mat and float belts. These are useful if you prefer to stay near the surface, want a break from swimming, or have children who are more comfortable with extra support.

The beach areas are a major part of the appeal. You can expect shallow swimming water in many of the chosen spots, often around three to five feet deep, with clear turquoise color when conditions are good. The exact water quality will depend on wind, clouds, and recent weather, so keep your expectations flexible.

A water scooter, also called a Seabob in one account, is available for an added fee. It adds a more active option for people who want something beyond swimming and snorkeling. The rental cost is not provided, so confirm the price before agreeing to it.

The captain can adjust how long you spend at each stop. That helps families who want more beach time and groups that care most about snorkeling. It also means the day may not follow a precise timetable, so keep the rest of your schedule loose.

Food, drinks, and what is really included

You do not need to plan a separate lunch stop. The boat provides turkey, ham, and vegetarian sandwiches, along with chips and fruit. Water and sodas are included, which is important on a hot boat trip.

Alcoholic drinks include beer and rum-based drinks, with piña coladas listed as an option. One guest found that rum drinks and piña coladas were not offered on the day, and the company apologized and said it would check with the captain. I would confirm the drink selection before boarding if that matters to your group.

You may also bring food of your preference. That is helpful if someone has a particular diet or if your family needs familiar snacks. You should notify the company about allergies in advance. The tour specifically asks guests to share allergy information, so do not leave that until you are already on the boat.

The included food is best viewed as simple boat fare, not a catered meal. Sandwiches, fruit, and chips are practical, easy to eat, and suited to a wet outing. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary needs, bring suitable food after discussing it with the operator.

Captains who shape the experience

The captain matters a great deal on a private charter. Angel receives repeated praise for being attentive, especially with children and a baby. He has also been described as flexible when a group arrived late and as someone who helped adjust stop times.

Jorge is noted for warm service and for making the trip feel personal. Nomar has been praised for guiding snorkeling and keeping an eye on safety. Kyle and Luis also receive strong marks for friendly service, family care, and making adjustments when conditions changed.

That variety is worth noting. You may not get a particular captain unless you request one and the company can accommodate it. The experience appears to rely heavily on the person running your boat, so it is reasonable to ask who is scheduled.

A captain cannot control the weather. One family had a favorite day despite skipping a snorkeling stop and returning early because conditions were not cooperating. That is the right way to view this outing: the captain can improve the plan, but cannot guarantee every advertised activity on every date.

What makes the private format valuable

The private setup is the clearest reason to choose this tour over a shared boat. You are not working around a large group’s meal preferences, swimming habits, or preferred music and conversation. A family can spend more time in shallow water, while a group of friends can give snorkeling or the beach more attention.

You also avoid the social friction of a full public boat. If someone needs a quieter moment, a snack, or help with a child, the captain can focus on your group. That personal attention is especially useful for families, and the included flotation equipment adds comfort for mixed swimming abilities.

The tradeoff is price. A private charter at $850 is a good value for six people who want a relaxed, tailored half-day. It is a costly choice for one or two people unless privacy is your top priority.

The tour has received a 4.9 rating from 47 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it. Those numbers suggest consistent satisfaction, but they do not erase the practical risks: weather can cancel the trip, drinks may not always match the expected selection, and a short four-hour schedule limits how much you can cover.

Families, children, and swimming comfort

Children age one and older may participate. The shallow swimming areas, float belts, and float mat make the outing workable for a family group, though adults remain responsible for supervising children in and around the water.

The experience has suited groups with several adults and children, including a family with a baby. The boat has a bathroom, which is an important comfort on a four-hour outing. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Most people can participate, but this is still a boat and beach activity. If anyone in your group has mobility, medical, or swimming concerns, contact the operator before booking. The available information does not give detailed boat-access information, so ask specific questions rather than assuming.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it. One guest specifically wished they had done so, and the combination of sun, water, and wind can catch you quickly. You should also wear a swimsuit and bring anything you need for personal comfort, since the included gear is focused on swimming, snorkeling, floating, and safety.

Weather and cancellation realities

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is the right safety policy for an island boat trip, even though it can cause trouble if you have waited until the last morning to make plans.

A canceled trip may leave you with few replacement choices, especially during a busy vacation period. I would avoid booking this as your only major activity on the final day of a short trip. Give yourself another option and, if possible, schedule the boat early enough in your stay to allow a rescheduled date.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff follows local Puerto Rico time.

One cancellation caused frustration because the group had to wait several days for the refund and found it difficult to find a new boat at short notice. That is a reminder to read the refund terms and keep a backup plan, even when the operator cancels for sound weather reasons.

Who should book this boat charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of up to six people who value privacy and want a simple beach day with food and drinks handled for them. Families benefit from the flexible stops, shallow water, bathroom, flotation gear, and captains who pay close attention to children.

It also suits friends who want to snorkel, swim, share beer or rum drinks, and avoid the feel of a crowded excursion. The optional water scooter adds a bit of speed and fun for an extra charge.

I would be more cautious if you want a guaranteed island, a fixed sequence of stops, a full-day charter, or a highly structured snorkeling program. The route changes with the weather, and the trip is only about four hours.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your group can fill most of the six places and you want a private, flexible outing from Fajardo. The combination of a 30-foot catamaran, beach time, snorkeling gear, sandwiches, drinks, and free parking makes the $850 group price reasonable for a full party.

Before booking, confirm the likely island, the captain, the drink selection, the water scooter price, and how the company handles your allergy or dietary needs. Keep your schedule flexible because weather may change the route or cancel the trip.

For a family or small group seeking clear water and an easy half-day on the coast, this is a strong choice. For two people watching every dollar, a shared excursion may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4, Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Where does the tour end?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

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

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes turkey, ham, and vegetarian sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, sodas, beer, and rum drinks or piña coladas.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a float mat, float belts, and required safety equipment.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children age one and older may participate.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.