Four hours on your own boat, unbeatable. This private half-day charter sails from Sunbay Marina to either Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos, with guided snorkeling gear, plus fruit, sandwiches, and drinks for up to 6 people. My favorite part is that you control the pace. The only real catch is simple: you need good weather, and it is still just four hours, so plan to snorkel early and then settle in.

You get two departure windows, 8:30am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:30pm, so you can match your day to your energy level and your other plans in Fajardo. In the best moments, you get reef time for snorkeling and then proper beach time, with a crew focused on keeping you comfortable and safe.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Two island choices: Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos from Fajardo
• Guided snorkeling included: snorkel equipment and a guided session
• Food and drinks on board: fruits, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, Pepsi, 7up, juice, water
• Alcohol is included: a case of Medalla beer and rum
• Small-group privacy: up to 6 people, your own boat and crew
• Cabezas de San Juan area access: El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan and Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan are part of the day

Private Boat, Two Islands, And Real Beach Time From Fajardo

This is the kind of trip that makes sense when you want Puerto Rico water time without the big-boat hustle. You leave from Sunbay Marina in Fajardo and head out for a focused half-day at sea. The goal is straightforward: snorkel, then enjoy the beach the way you want.

The big advantage is privacy. Up to 6 people means you are not sharing the boat with a rotating crowd or negotiating where to stand or how long to stay in the water. Your crew can actually pay attention to the whole group, including first-time snorkelers.

You also get two island routes, Icacos or Palominos. Both are built around doing the snorkeling first and then spending time near your chosen island for beach relaxation.

What that privacy changes for you

• You can go at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
• Snorkeling instruction can be more personal, especially for kids or anyone who gets nervous in open water.
• You avoid the chaotic feeling that can happen on crowded catamarans.

Price That Feels Fair When You Split It Up

The price is $750 per group, up to 6 people. That means your per-person cost depends on how many you bring. For a full boat, you are looking at about $125 per person for a private half-day with snorkel gear, food, and drinks included.

What makes that number feel more reasonable is what you get bundled in. This is not just transportation to the islands. You are also getting a guided snorkeling session plus supplies (snorkeling equipment) and a full on-board snack plan: fruits, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Then there is the part that many group tours do not include in a serious way: alcohol. You get a case of Medalla beer and rum as part of the experience. For some groups, that alone is a big value boost.

A balanced note: if you have a smaller group, like 2 people, the cost per person rises fast. This trip is best when your group can fill it or at least come close.

Picking Between Icacos And Palominos: How To Choose

You choose the island option for the charter. Both routes keep the same basic structure and timing. Your day will run about 4 hours total, and you will have a guided snorkeling stop plus beach time.

Cayo Icacos tends to fit people who want snorkel and reef energy

Icacos is the classic choice when your priority is getting into the water and exploring the marine area. The day is built around a guided snorkeling session with equipment, followed by time near the island so you can stretch out on sand and swim at your own rhythm.

El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan is listed as an attraction in the Icacos option, which hints at the route being tied to the Cabezas de San Juan area scenery. Even if you are mostly focused on the water, that geography matters because it sets up the kind of coastline and marine access this area is known for.

Isla Palominos tends to fit people who want beach relaxation

The Palominos option leans into beach time once you are done snorkeling. It also connects to the Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan, which makes sense if you like the idea of time on white sand with a natural-park feel to the surroundings.

If your group has mixed styles, Palominos can work well. Snorkelers still get a guided session and reef time, but beach lovers get the reward of staying longer in the sand and shallow water after.

Tour Timing: Morning or Afternoon, and Why That Matters

You get two departure windows: 8:30am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:30pm. That is a big practical benefit. You can line this up with your travel plans instead of forcing your schedule around a single departure.

Morning tends to feel good if you want your water time early and then keep the rest of the day free for dinner or other stops. Afternoon tends to feel good if you want a slower start and still get a full half-day outside.

Either way, the “four hours approx.” duration keeps it from dragging. It is long enough to do snorkeling properly and actually enjoy beach time. It is short enough that you can still feel like you got your money’s worth without needing an all-day commitment.

What The 4-Hour Format Really Looks Like

Even though the exact details can vary based on conditions, the day is designed around two big moments.

First: guided snorkeling with equipment

You get snorkel gear included and a guided snorkeling tour. The crew also gives instruction on how to use the equipment correctly, including practical reminders that help you feel more comfortable once you are in the water.

Snorkeling time is not the whole trip, and that is a plus. You get reef time, then you move on so you are not stuck in and out of the water for hours.

Second: move near your island for beach time

After the snorkeling, you head near your chosen island. That is when the day shifts from active exploration to relaxing. You can swim, float, and hang out on white sand without feeling like you are racing the clock.

The phrasing in the plan also emphasizes that you do not just pass by the island. The goal is to be close enough for real beach time, not quick photo stops.

Cayo Icacos Stop: Snorkeling Spot First, Then Beach Hours

For the Icacos option, the stop is Cayo Icacos. The day is built around the best snorkeling spot for that route, then moving near Icacos so you can enjoy the beach.

Here is what that usually means for your experience:

• You start with the water-focused part, while you still have energy.
• You get guided snorkeling so you are not figuring it out alone.
• You finish with beach time when the group naturally slows down.

How the Cabezas de San Juan connection shows up

El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan is included as an attraction tied to this route. Even if your main time is spent in the water, the Cabezas de San Juan setting is part of the appeal. It is a coastline area with strong visual payoff, plus the natural access that makes snorkeling so worthwhile.

Marine life expectations, without the hype

Some groups have reported seeing sea turtles, lobsters, and even dolphins. You might also see plenty of reef fish. None of that is guaranteed, but it matches the kind of marine visibility and habitat that brings people back to Icacos again and again.

A practical tip: if you are worried about snorkeling, this route can still work. The crew’s instruction style is hands-on and safety focused, including patience with less confident snorkelers.

Isla Palominos Stop: Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan and White Sand

The Palominos option targets Isla Palominos with Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan as the related nature feature. The structure stays the same: guided snorkeling with equipment, then time near the island for beach enjoyment.

Why Palominos feels different once you hit shore

Palominos is the pick for people who want the day to end on pure relaxation. After the snorkeling, you get a chance to slow down on sand and enjoy the water at a calmer rhythm.

If you like group dynamics that feel easy, this option tends to be friendly for mixed ages. Kids and non-swimmers can still enjoy time near the boat and in the shallow water while snorkelers get their moment in the reef.

Snorkeling, but with real recovery time

The guided snorkeling session is still part of the itinerary, and you get equipment. What makes Palominos attractive is that snorkeling does not become the whole day. Once you finish reef time, you shift into beach mode and stay there long enough to actually relax.

On Board Inclusions: Snacks, Drinks, and the Little Comfort Wins

This charter is built around an on-board “stay happy” setup. You get:

• Fruits
• Sandwiches, ham and cheese
• Snacks
• Beverages: Pepsi, 7up, juice, water
• Alcohol: a case of Medalla beer and rum

It is hard to overstate how much this changes the feel of a trip. When snacks and drinks are already handled, nobody has to worry about finding food, buying drinks at the last minute, or cutting beach time short to hunt down a meal.

A small reality check about alcohol

Since beer and rum are included, it is a good idea to treat the day like a beach day, not a party. You will be in sun, likely doing active snorkeling, and you want everyone staying alert. The vibe is fun, but you still need to play it smart.

Boat comfort and cleanliness matter

Multiple groups mention a clean, well-kept boat and a smooth ride. That is not a tiny detail. Comfort on the water affects how much you enjoy the islands once you arrive.

Crew Names You Might Meet, and the Style They Bring

This experience stands or falls with the crew. The names that show up again and again include John, Syd, Adriana, Lolo, Jon, Oscar, Matthew, Justin, and Angel. Your exact pairing depends on your departure, but the style is consistent.

What I like about this crew approach is that it is personal without being pushy:

• They keep an eye on safety.
• They give practical snorkeling guidance.
• They stay friendly and down to earth.
• They adjust the day to your group’s energy level.

Some groups also mention music being part of the atmosphere and the day feeling more like a choose-your-own-adventure. That usually means you are not locked into a rigid script for every minute.

And yes, there are even stories of the crew helping others at sea. That kind of responsibility is part of why people keep booking.

Small Group Expectations: The Best Fit and the Likely Misfit

This is best for:

• Friends or families up to 6 who want privacy.
• People who care about snorkeling instruction, not just snorkeling as an activity.
• Groups that want included food and drinks, including alcohol, without extra stops.

It may not be ideal if:

• You want a full day on the water. This is half-day, so you have to choose what you care about most.
• Your group prefers a totally dry experience. Alcohol is part of the included package.

If you are a couple, you can still book. Just do the math on the per-person cost so it feels right for your budget.

Planning Tips So You Actually Enjoy the Day

You do not need to overthink this trip, but a few prep moves help a lot.

In your bag

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• A towel if you prefer one
• Water shoes if you like extra grip on sand and in and out of the water
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch, especially for beach time

In your head

• Aim to snorkel first, then shift into beach mode.
• Decide in advance if you want more sand time or more reef time, then tell your crew.
• If anyone in your group is nervous about snorkeling, say so early. The crew’s patience is a known strength.

Because the day is only about four hours, your choices matter. You will feel the time pressure if you treat it like a “maybe we swim later” trip.

Weather Matters, and So Does Having a Backup Plan

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

That is the right kind of policy for a sea-day. You are buying an island experience, and the ocean decides part of the schedule. When weather is good, this trip delivers exactly what it promises. When it is not, you get a clean reset rather than a frustrating scramble.

Should You Book This Private Icacos or Palomino Charter?

I think you should book if you fit the sweet spot: a small group, a half-day schedule, and a desire for a private boat with guided snorkeling plus real beach time. The value comes from the bundle. You are not paying separately for snorkel gear, food, and drinks. The included drinks and snacks also make the day feel easy.

I would skip it if your group wants a longer full-day charter or you are trying to keep the trip strictly budget and non-alcohol. Also, if you are sensitive to weather changes, remember the ocean can affect the plan.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: pick the island based on your group’s vibe. Icacos works well when reef time is the priority. Palominos works well when the goal is beach relaxation after snorkeling.

FAQ

Is this tour a private charter?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How long is the charter and what departure times are offered?

The duration is about 4 hours, and you can choose from 8:30am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:30pm.

Which islands can we choose from?

You can choose either Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos.

Is snorkeling gear and instruction included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there is a guided snorkeling tour included.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes fruits, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, and beverages such as Pepsi, 7up, juice, and water. Alcoholic beverages are included as a case of Medalla beer and rum.

Where is the meeting point in Fajardo?

You meet at Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran, Barrio, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy, and can I bring a service animal?

Cancellation is free, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Service animals are allowed.