Two islands, one easy day. This private charter from Fajardo pairs guided snorkeling in Tortuga Reef with beach time on Cayo Icacos and then Isla Palomino.

I love how organized the day feels once you’re on board, with gear, food, and breaks timed so you’re not stuck waiting. I also like the hands-on crew touch from Jon and Sid, especially the way they keep the snorkeling smooth and fun.

One thing to plan for: you need to bring your own towel and sunblock, since they’re not included.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Guided Tortuga Reef snorkeling with gear provided and hands-on support
• Icacos + Palomino in one trip, so you get both snorkeling and two beach vibes
• Spotless, spacious boat that feels comfortable from the first minute
• BBQ lunch plus snacks and fruit, with drinks kept flowing
• Music, floaters, and a restroom onboard for a more relaxed beach day
• Personalized service for your group of up to 6

Price and group value: is $1,350 worth it?

This charter costs $1,350 per group for up to 6 people, for a day that runs about 7 hours 30 minutes. That pricing can look steep if you only shop by sticker price, but it’s actually fair for what you’re buying: a private boat day with snorkeling guidance, full beach time, and a prepared lunch plus drinks.

Here’s the value math that matters for real trips: you’re paying for (1) transportation by boat to two islands, (2) snorkeling equipment, and (3) meals and beverages handled for you. If you’ve ever done a half-day snorkeling plan and then paid extra for lunch, drinks, and taxis to get around, the overall cost usually stops feeling “cheap” fast. This format is built to keep you from spending mental energy—and cash—on logistics.

Starting at Sunbay Marina: fast check-in, easy rhythm

You meet at Sunbay Marina in Fajardo, and the tour ends back at the same spot. The start time is 9:00 am, which I like because it gives you real daylight for snorkeling and still leaves time to enjoy beach breaks without rushing.

The marine setup is also helpful. There’s parking and restroom/showers on site, and the location is described as near public transportation. Once you’re out on the water, the boat has its own restroom onboard, which makes a big difference when you’re mixing snorkeling and beach time.

And yes, this is a private tour. Only your group goes. That changes the whole feel of the day: you can keep a calmer pace, ask questions freely, and you’re not squeezed into a shuffle with strangers.

The boat experience: clean, comfortable, and ready for snorkeling

From the first moment you step aboard, you should expect a boat that’s kept spotless and spacious. The crew matters here, too. The captain and crew have years of experience in the area, and the service style is practical: they help with what you need and don’t turn the day into a complicated production.

The most meaningful detail for snorkeling comfort is the gear setup. In this case, the snorkeling equipment is provided, and the experience is set up so it fits properly. People noted that the snorkeling gear didn’t leak—small detail, huge relief—especially if you’ve ever had water creep in and turn a good swim into an annoying fix.

There’s also onboard comfort to make the transitions easier: music, floaters/float options, and water breaks built into the schedule. That means you can snorkel, then cool off on a float, then head back to shore without feeling like you’re constantly changing layers of effort.

Cayo Icacos and Tortuga Reef snorkeling: the main event

This is the long stop—about 4 hours—and it’s where the day gets its story. You’ll head to Cayo Icacos, and you’ll do guided snorkeling in Tortuga Reef.

Why Tortuga Reef matters to your day: guided snorkeling helps you spend less time guessing and more time looking. When someone guides where to go and how to move, you tend to see more marine life with less stress. It also helps if conditions change, since the crew can steer the experience to keep it enjoyable.

It’s also a smart sequence. You snorkel first at Icacos, then you shift into beach time and lunch. That order works because you’re fresh when you start snorkeling, and then you’re ready for slower, sun-and-sand time afterward.

Possible snag: the itinerary keeps snorkeling fairly central to the Icacos portion, so if you’re not confident in open-water swimming, plan to spend most of your time on the surface with the float options. You still get the island day vibe even if you snorkel only briefly.

Beach time and BBQ lunch on Icacos: shade, snacks, and real recovery

After snorkeling, you get beach time and lunch at Icacos. The lunch is BBQ chicken, pasta salad, and bread. There are also snacks like chips and fruit.

What I like about this kind of setup is how it avoids that “hungry but trapped” feeling. You’re out on an island. You don’t want to be thinking about where food is coming from. Here, it’s handled, and people specifically noted the lunch was delicious and that the day’s beverages didn’t feel stingy.

The beach side details are built for easy lounging: you’ll have an umbrella in the sand, plus floating options in the water and music on board. That combination keeps your time on Icacos from being just one long swim. You get a real rhythm: snorkel, rest, eat, and float.

Isla Palomino: a second beach stop that keeps the day feeling special

After lunch and your Icacos beach time, you sail to Isla Palominos for about 2 hours on the beach. It’s shorter than Icacos, but that’s the point: Palomino gives you a fresh look without dragging the whole schedule.

This is where you can slow down and just enjoy. If Icacos is your snorkeling-and-lunch anchor, Palomino becomes the “look at this water” finish—white sand, crystal-clear water, and marine life nearby.

A practical note: since Palomino is only a couple hours, don’t plan to do everything there. Pick your favorite shade moment, get your photos, then enjoy swimming or floating while you still have time to fully relax before the ride back.

Drinks, snacks, and onboard extras: the all-inclusive part that matters

This day is genuinely all-inclusive in the way that counts. You get soda, juice, water, and snacks throughout the day. The bar includes alcoholic beverages: Medalla beer (1 box) and rum (1.75 liters).

You also get juice options listed as Caprisun, plus soft drinks like Pepsi and 7up, and Diek Coke (listed as part of the drink selection). It’s not trying to be an upscale cocktail bar. It’s built for a beach day: easy choices, plentiful refills, and no awkward trip to a store.

Onboard, you also have restroom access, plus gear help and float options. Those are small details, but they reduce the friction that can make beach trips feel stressful.

What to bring: towels and sunblock are your two big musts

The only clearly listed personal items you need are simple:

• Bring a towel
• Bring sunblock

I also suggest basic water-day extras even though they aren’t listed here: a waterproof phone pouch can be handy, and reef-safe sunscreen is ideal if you have it. But the non-negotiables from the provided info are towels and sunblock.

For clothing, plan for beach comfort first. You’ll be in and out of the water, and you’ll want something that dries fast. If you’re the type who hates being stuck in wet swimwear, pack a dry shirt.

Your timing: how the day likely feels from start to finish

You start at 9:00 am and spend roughly 4 hours at Icacos (snorkel + beach + lunch) and 2 hours at Palomino. That leaves additional time for boating between stops and settling in on board.

In plain terms, it should feel like:

• Morning: travel + snorkeling guidance setup
• Late morning to early afternoon: Icacos snorkeling and long beach break
• Early afternoon: lunch and chips/fruit
• Afternoon: Palomino beach time
• Return ride: back to Sunbay Marina

This pacing is a big reason I’d choose it over a shorter trip. You get the main highlight (snorkeling) without sacrificing a real beach chunk on both islands.

Who this charter suits best

This is a great fit if you want a private, all-inclusive day without the usual scramble. It’s especially good for:

• Couples or small friend groups who want privacy (up to 6)
• People who want guided snorkeling without planning every step
• Anyone who wants an island day where food and drinks are already handled
• Travelers who care about comfort: a clean boat, music, and a restroom onboard

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for a long, slow exploration day on foot. This is a boat-to-island format with set beach blocks.

Quick decision: should you book Icacos and Palomino?

If your dream day is snorkel with help, eat a real BBQ lunch on an island, and then finish with two beach stops, I think this charter is worth strong consideration. The best signals here are the practical ones: a spotless, spacious boat, guided snorkeling that feels well coordinated, and a crew that makes the day run smoothly—especially Jon and Sid.

Book it if:

• You’re traveling in a group of up to 6
• You want convenience (gear, lunch, drinks handled)
• You’d rather spend your time in the water than planning it

Skip it if:

• You don’t want alcohol as part of an all-inclusive setup
• You’re very sensitive to sun exposure and don’t plan to bring sunblock
• You’re expecting a huge number of different activities beyond snorkeling and beach time

FAQ

FAQ

How many people are in the charter?

It’s a private tour for your group, up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sunbay Marina in Fajardo and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Which islands and areas do you visit?

You visit Cayo Icacos and Isla Palominos, including guided snorkeling in Tortuga Reef.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a BBQ lunch (chicken, pasta salad, and bread), soda/pop, juice, water, snacks (chips and fruit), and alcoholic beverages (Medalla beer and rum).

Are towels and sunblock included?

No. Towels and sunblock are not included, so bring your own.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

This is private. Only your group participates.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.