Full Day Fajardo Snorkeling Adventure
Private Trip
Snorkeling
Sixhour private charter explores Icacos and Palomino IslandsProfessional snorkeling gear provided for reef observation activitiesUSCGlicensed captain handles navigation and safety protocols
Picture yourself floating over crystal-clear Caribbean waters, watching colorful fish dart between coral formations while warm sunshine beats down on your back. That's exactly what you'll get with this top-rated six-hour private snorkeling charter from Fajardo to Icacos and Palomino Islands. Your USCG-licensed captain will handle all the navigation while you and up to nine friends focus on what matters most – exploring some of Puerto Rico's most pristine underwater worlds. With all gear included and refreshments on board, this is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the protected waters around these renowned barrier islands.
Your day kicks off from Fajardo's marina, where you'll meet your experienced captain and get the lowdown on the day's game plan. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – your captain will read the conditions and choose between Icacos and Palomino based on visibility, currents, and what's looking hot that day. Both islands offer world-class snorkeling, but each has its own personality. Icacos tends to have shallower reefs perfect for beginners, while Palomino often delivers slightly deeper waters with more diverse marine life. The boat ride itself is part of the fun – you'll cruise past mangrove channels and get spectacular views of El Yunque rainforest rising up from the coastline. Once you hit the snorkeling spots, expect to spend serious time in the water exploring different reef sections, with plenty of surface intervals to relax on pristine beaches that feel like your own private paradise.
Gratitude Charters provides all the professional-grade snorkeling equipment you'll need – masks, fins, and snorkels that actually fit properly and won't fog up on you. Your captain will do a quick gear check and run through basic snorkeling techniques for anyone who needs a refresher. The protected waters around these islands are ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels, with depths ranging from just a few feet to around 15-20 feet max. Visibility is typically excellent – often 60+ feet on good days – so you'll have no trouble spotting marine life. The reefs here are healthy and vibrant, featuring brain coral, elkhorn formations, and plenty of soft corals that create perfect habitat for tropical fish. Between snorkel sessions, you can beach it on powdery white sand, explore tidal pools, or just float and soak up the Caribbean sun. The onboard refreshments keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day, because six hours flies by when you're having this much fun.
The waters around Icacos and Palomino Islands are like a living aquarium, packed with colorful Caribbean species that make every snorkel session feel like a nature documentary. Parrotfish are absolute crowd-pleasers here – these chunky, vibrant fish cruise the reefs in small schools, munching on coral with their beak-like mouths. You'll hear them crunching away underwater, which always gets a laugh from first-time snorkelers. They come in brilliant blues, greens, and rainbow patterns, and they're not shy about swimming right up to check you out.
Sergeant Major damselfish are everywhere, and for good reason – these yellow and black striped beauties are incredibly territorial and fun to watch. They'll hover protectively over their coral territories, sometimes getting bold enough to bump into your mask if you drift too close to their turf. French angelfish are another customer favorite, gliding gracefully between coral heads with their distinctive black and yellow patterns. These guys can grow pretty large – up to a foot long – and they move with this elegant, almost regal swimming style that's mesmerizing to watch.
Keep your eyes peeled for green sea turtles, which are becoming increasingly common around both islands thanks to conservation efforts. These ancient mariners can show up any time of year, but many guests report more sightings during the warmer months from April through October. There's nothing quite like locking eyes with a turtle underwater – they're curious but calm, often allowing snorkelers to observe them for several minutes as they graze on seagrass or rest on sandy patches between the reefs.
This private charter delivers everything you want in a Caribbean snorkeling adventure – pristine reefs, abundant marine life, gorgeous beaches, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. With a flat rate covering fuel, gear, and all service fees, it's a fantastic value for groups looking to escape the crowded tour boat scene. Your USCG-licensed captain brings local knowledge and safety expertise, so you can focus on making memories rather than worrying about logistics. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, introducing kids to snorkeling, or just craving some quality time on the water, this six-hour adventure hits all the right notes. The protected waters around Fajardo offer some of Puerto Rico's most reliable snorkeling conditions, making this trip a smart choice year-round. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when everyone wants a piece of this underwater paradise.
Your snorkeling adventure awaits aboard this classic 34-foot Catalina Islander, a reliable powerboat that's been expertly maintained since 1985. Twin Cummins engines deliver smooth 25-knot cruising speeds, getting you to Icacos and Palomino's pristine reefs quickly and comfortably. The spacious deck layout accommodates up to 10 snorkelers with plenty of room to gear up, dry off, and relax between water sessions. Modern amenities include air conditioning for those sunny Caribbean days, plus an onboard kitchen and refrigerator stocked with refreshments. Advanced navigation equipment like radar and VHF radio ensures safe passage through Puerto Rico's coastal waters, while your USCG-licensed captain handles all the technical details. The boat's shallow draft design allows access to protected coves and coral formations that larger vessels can't reach, giving you exclusive snorkeling spots teeming with tropical fish. Whether you're a beginner or experienced snorkeler, this versatile platform provides the perfect base for exploring underwater gardens and enjoying beachside breaks on secluded island shores.
Fajardo, Puerto Rico