Icacos island boat tours from Fajardo reach Cayo Icacos in 30 minutes — turquoise water, white sand, and a protected coral reef teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish. Every catamaran on this page is top-rated, operated by a licensed local captain, and bookable with free cancellation.
Updated 2026-06-21
Quick answer
Icacos is an uninhabited cay in the Cordillera reef reserve, 30 minutes by boat from Fajardo on Puerto Rico's northeast corner. There is nothing on the island, so every tour is a catamaran day out with food, drinks and snorkel gear brought aboard. Trips run 4 to 6 hours and cost $95 to $195 per person; a private power catamaran charter starts at $1,004 for the boat.
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Best Seller — 868 Reviews, 4.8★ Most Popular Icacos Island Boat Tour
A 6-hour catamaran voyage from Fajardo through crystal-clear Caribbean waters to Icacos Island and nearby cays. Swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun on one of Puerto Rico's most pristine uninhabited islands.
Real-time dates and prices for the full-day Icacos Island catamaran trip — book directly with free cancellation.
Whether you want an all-inclusive snorkel and boat tour to Icacos Island with icacos island lunch included and icacos island open bar, a budget beach day package, a top-rated power catamaran fajardo double-stop, or a fully private boat tour icacos island charter for your group — every fajardo snorkeling boat tour below leaves from Fajardo and includes snorkeling gear and a licensed operator with free cancellation. These are the best tours to icacos island across every format: shared catamaran to icacos island, luxury sailing catamaran, power catamaran, and private charter. Check all options and pick the itinerary that fits your group and budget.
from $155 A 6-hour catamaran voyage from Fajardo through crystal-clear Caribbean waters to Icacos Island and nearby cays. Swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun on one of Puerto Rico's…
from $115 A 4-hour inclusive boat trip from Fajardo to the uninhabited Icacos Island, where you'll swim, snorkel crystal-clear shallows, and relax on a sandbar while sipping tropical rum drinks…
from $117 A 5-hour snorkeling cruise from Fajardo to Cayo Icacos, featuring a giant water slide off the back of the boat, snorkeling over coral reefs, a light lunch, and…
from $130 A 5.5-hour catamaran tour from Fajardo aboard The Traveler, sailing to Icacos Island for beach time and guided snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks are all included.
from $135 A 4-hour power catamaran adventure with two stops: first a reef snorkeling site inside the Cordillera Nature Reserve, then a second stop on Icacos Island's white sand beach.
from $195 A 6-hour luxury sailing catamaran cruise from Fajardo through the Cordillera Cays to secluded Icacos Island, with a guided snorkel clinic, a gourmet lunch, Bacardi rum cocktails, and…
from $95 A relaxed 5-hour island escape from Fajardo: the boat drops you on Icacos Island for a full beach day, with optional snorkeling and light hiking with the crew…
from $110 A 4-hour afternoon snorkeling and beach tour through the Cordillera Nature Reserve, with stops at reef sites near Icacos Island. Snorkeling gear, gourmet snacks, and drinks on board…
from from $1,004 An exclusive 5-hour private charter aboard the Sea Runner power catamaran, sailing from Fajardo directly to Icacos Island for your group of up to 6 passengers. Crystal-clear water…
| Tour | Price | Rating | Book | Reviews | Duration | Type | Food & Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Catamaran Trip | $155 | 4.8 ★ | Check | 868 | 6 hrs | Catamaran | Included |
| Swim, Snorkel & Relax — Inclusive | $115 | 4.8 ★ | Check | 87 | 4 hrs | Inclusive boat trip | Light lunch + rum |
| Snorkeling Cruise + Water Slide | $117 | 4.7 ★ | Check | 817 | 5 hrs | Catamaran with slide | Lunch + open bar |
| Catamaran Snorkeling Tour | $130 | 4.7 ★ | Check | 50 | 5.5 hrs | Catamaran | Lunch + drinks |
| Double-Stop Power Catamaran | $135 | 4.9 ★ | Check | 322 | 4 hrs | Power catamaran | Gear only |
| Luxury Sailing All-Inclusive | $195 | 4.9 ★ | Check | 141 | 6 hrs | Luxury sailing catamaran | Gourmet lunch + Bacardi |
| Boat Trip + Beach Day Package | $95 | 4.8 ★ | Check | 58 | 5 hrs | Boat transfer + beach | Not included |
| Cordillera Reef + Snacks | $110 | 4.7 ★ | Check | 278 | 4 hrs | Snorkeling boat | Snacks + drinks |
| Private Power Catamaran Charter | from $1,004 | — | Check | — | 5 hrs | Private charter | Customizable |
Cayo Icacos sits inside the La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve — a chain of uninhabited cays off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, about 30 minutes by boat from Fajardo marina. All boat tours to icacos island depart from Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo and arrive at an island with no hotels, no shops, and no permanent residents — just white sand, turquoise Caribbean water, and a living coral reef with visibility exceeding 50 feet on calm days. Boat tours fajardo puerto rico to Icacos are the most popular day trip from San Juan: drive 50 minutes to Fajardo, board a catamaran snorkel fajardo departure, and be snorkeling over a protected reef before 10am.
Here is everything you need to know about icacos island tours from fajardo.
| Tour Type | Best For | Duration | Price Range | Food & Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive Catamaran | Families, groups, party atmosphere | 5–6 hrs | $115–$155 | Lunch + open bar |
| Power Catamaran (double-stop) | Wildlife, reef snorkeling + beach | 4 hrs | $135 | Gear included |
| Luxury Sailing Catamaran | Couples, special occasions | 6 hrs | $195 | Gourmet lunch + Bacardi rum |
| Beach Day Package | Those who just want island time | 5 hrs | $95 | Bring your own |
| Private Charter | Groups up to 6, full flexibility | 5 hrs | from $1,004 | Customizable |
Cayo Icacos is a small uninhabited island inside the Cordillera Nature Reserve, a protected chain of cays off Puerto Rico's northeast coast east of Fajardo. The island has a crescent of white sand beach on its western side and a fringing coral reef on its sheltered lagoon that supports a rich ecosystem of tropical fish, sea turtles icacos island, stingrays, and hard and soft corals. The reserve protects the coral reef fajardo area from commercial fishing, keeping marine life icacos island populations healthy and visible on every snorkel outing.
Because there are no permanent facilities, this uninhabited island puerto rico experience feels remote even though it's a short boat tour puerto rico departure away. An icacos island day trip is the most popular day trip to icacos island from San Juan — a natural add-on to any wider boat tour puerto rico itinerary.
All icacos island boat tours depart from Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo, on Puerto Rico's northeast coast. There is no public ferry or scheduled boat service to Icacos Island — you must book a guided tour or private charter. From San Juan, Fajardo is about 45–55 minutes by car via PR-3 or PR-66.
Most tours include free parking at the marina. The boat journey takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on type: power catamaran fajardo departures are faster, sailing catamarans slower. An icacos island tour from san juan is practical — depart San Juan by 7–8am, arrive Fajardo marina by 9am, and be snorkeling near fajardo in the Cordillera Reserve before 10am.
Fajardo catamaran tour options depart most mornings at 9:00–10:00am, with some afternoon slots.
Every icacos island snorkel and boat tour includes stops both at the reef around Cayo Icacos's sheltered lagoon and at additional reef sites inside the Cordillera Nature Reserve en route. Snorkeling fajardo puerto rico in this protected reserve means visibility of 40–80 feet on calm mornings. The reef is shallow enough for beginners (6–15 feet at most snorkel stops) and interesting enough for experienced snorkelers.
The fajardo snorkeling boat tour operators know the Cordillera inside out — guides reliably find sea turtles in the seagrass beds, parrotfish, queen angelfish, blue tangs, sergeant majors, and southern stingrays resting on sandy patches. Snorkeling near fajardo in the Cordillera is consistently better than most open-water snorkel trips in the Caribbean because the reserve keeps the reef protected year-round.
The best all-inclusive boat tour to icacos island includes snorkeling gear, a meal on board, and drinks ranging from soft drinks to a full open bar with local rum. An all inclusive catamaran fajardo departure covers everything: icacos island lunch included on tours 1–4 and 6, and icacos island open bar on tours 1, 3, and 4. The luxury catamaran icacos (tour 6) goes further with a gourmet lunch and Bacardi rum cocktails.
The boat trip icacos island beach day package (tour 7, $95) is the most affordable option but does not include food — bring your own. All tours include the icacos island water slide or snorkel gear as standard. The private icacos island private charter (tour 9) is fully customizable.
Every icacos island boat tour provides snorkel gear, so there's no need to pack your own equipment. What to bring on an icacos island boat tour: reef-safe mineral sunscreen (chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone are prohibited inside the Cordillera Nature Reserve — use zinc/titanium oxide only), a rash guard or UV swim shirt, water shoes for rocky entries, a dry bag for your phone and wallet, and extra cash for guide gratuity. Seasickness tablets are worth bringing if you're prone — the open ocean crossing can have chop, especially on afternoon departures when trade winds build.
For groups who want the island to themselves, a private boat tour icacos island charter is the top option. The power catamaran Sea Runner (tour 9) is a dedicated private charter for up to 6 passengers at $1,004 for the whole boat — roughly $167 per person in a full group of 6, comparable per head to the luxury catamaran icacos shared tour. A private icacos island private charter means flexible departure time, your own snorkel stops, more time at anchor, and no other guests.
If the best tours to icacos island for your group are shared catamarans but you still want more privacy, tour 2 (Swim, Snorkel & Relax, $115) operates in small groups and is consistently the quietest shared option.
The best time to visit Icacos Island is December through April, when the northeast trade winds are calmest and snorkeling visibility peaks at 60–100 feet. May through July is also excellent — still calm, less crowded, and icacos island weather is warm and mostly sunny. August through November is hurricane season: icacos island weather can be rough, some days have wind chop, and cancellations are more common.
That said, mornings are generally calmer year-round, and the Cordillera Nature Reserve's sheltered cays provide protection from swell. Catamaran to icacos island trips operate year-round — always check the operator's weather policy and book tours with free cancellation so you can reschedule if needed.
Water around Icacos Island stays above 78°F all year, making boat tours possible every month. Sea conditions and snorkeling visibility vary by season — here's what to expect.
The Cordillera Nature Reserve protects one of Puerto Rico's richest reef ecosystems. Snorkeling near Icacos Island means encountering tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and vibrant coral on nearly every icacos island all inclusive snorkel and boat tour.
The luxury sailing catamaran to Icacos Island was an incredible experience — we sailed through the Cordillera cays, snorkeled over a stunning reef, and had a proper gourmet lunch on deck with Bacardi cocktails. Felt like a private yacht even though it's a guided tour. Highly recommend for a special occasion.
Did the power catamaran double-stop — reef snorkeling first, then beach time on Icacos. Saw two sea turtles at the reef stop and the island itself is gorgeous. No development, no crowds, just white sand and turquoise water. Can't believe it's only 30 minutes from Fajardo.
Took the all-inclusive snorkel boat tour with the water slide — our kids absolutely loved it. The water slide is huge and the snorkeling over the coral reef was amazing. Hot lunch and open bar sealed the deal. Booked for a Saturday morning and the boat left right on time.
We were a group of four and did the private power catamaran charter — worth every penny to have the boat to ourselves. Our captain took us to the best snorkel spots and spent extra time on the beach. Saw a stingray gliding under the boat at anchor. Unforgettable day.
From budget beach day packages at $95 to luxury all-inclusive sailing catamarans at $195 and private charters — all boat tours to Icacos Island from Fajardo are listed and compared side by side. Pick the itinerary that fits your group and budget.
The best-value icacos island all inclusive snorkel and boat tours include hot lunch, an open bar of local rum and soft drinks, full snorkeling gear, and a licensed guide — all for one price with no surprises at the dock.
Every catamaran to Icacos Island listed here is independently rated 4.7★ or higher by verified guests, with hundreds of real reviews. Only licensed operators with proven safety records are included.
Weather in the Caribbean can change. Every icacos island boat tour below offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure — no financial risk when you book in advance.
Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos) is a small uninhabited island inside the La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve on Puerto Rico's northeast coast. It sits about 8 miles offshore from Fajardo, roughly 30 minutes by catamaran from Marina Puerto Chico. The island has no permanent facilities — no hotels, restaurants, or shops — just a white sand beach, sheltered turquoise water, and a protected coral reef. All access is by private boat or guided tour.
All icacos island boat tours depart from Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo. There is no public ferry or scheduled boat service — you must book a guided catamaran tour or private charter. The marina is approximately 45–55 minutes by car from San Juan via PR-66. Most tours include free parking at the marina. The boat journey to Icacos Island takes 25–35 minutes. For a full-day option, see our Full-Day Catamaran to Icacos Island guide.
Most shared catamaran tours to Icacos Island are all-inclusive or close to it. The Icacos Island Snorkeling Cruise with Water Slide & Lunch and Luxury Sailing Catamaran All-Inclusive Tour include a full open bar with local rum. Tour 7 (the beach day package at $95) is the most affordable option but does not include food. The private charter is fully customizable.
Yes — snorkeling at Icacos Island is some of the best in Puerto Rico. The Cordillera Nature Reserve protects the reef from fishing and anchoring, which keeps coral health and marine populations in excellent condition. Snorkeling visibility regularly reaches 40–80 feet on calm mornings. You can reliably see green sea turtles in the seagrass beds, parrotfish and angelfish on the reef, and southern stingrays on sandy patches between coral heads. The reef is 6–20 feet deep — suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. For a reef-focused experience, see our Fajardo Cordillera Reef Snorkeling Tour guide.
All tours provide snorkel gear, so there's no need to pack your own equipment. What to bring on an icacos island boat tour: reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc or titanium oxide — chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone are prohibited in the Cordillera Nature Reserve), a rash guard or UV swim shirt, water shoes, a dry bag for your phone and valuables, extra cash for guide gratuity (10% is standard), and seasickness medication if you're prone. The water temperature is 78–86°F year-round, so a swimsuit is all you need in the water.
The best time to visit Icacos Island is December through April, when the northeast trade winds are calmest, snorkeling visibility peaks at 60–100 feet, and sea conditions are most consistent. May through July is also excellent — warm water, less crowded, and generally calm mornings. August through November is hurricane season, when seas can be rougher and some days are cancelled due to weather. That said, boat tours to Icacos Island operate year-round and the Cordillera cays provide some shelter from swell.
Icacos Island and Vieques offer different experiences. Icacos Island boat tours from Fajardo are the most varied — from party catamarans with water slides and open bars to quiet beach day packages and private charters. The island itself is closer to San Juan (30 min by boat from Fajardo vs. 45 min ferry to Vieques from Ceiba), making it easier for a day trip. Vieques is wilder and less visited, better for those seeking a small-group snorkel with sea turtles in a truly remote setting. For families and groups who want all-inclusive catamaran snorkel tours, Icacos Island is the better choice.
Yes — tour 9 is a dedicated private charter aboard the Sea Runner power catamaran, for groups up to 6 passengers. The price starts at $1,004 for the whole boat — roughly $167 per person in a group of 6, which is close to the luxury sailing catamaran price per person. The advantage is a fully private experience with a flexible itinerary, your own departure time, and time on the water without other guests. See our full Icacos Island Private Catamaran Charter guide. Book well in advance for weekend dates.
For shared catamaran tours during peak season (December through April), book at least 3–7 days in advance — the most popular morning departures sell out. Weekend tours in particular fill fast. The Full-Day Catamaran trip and luxury sailing catamaran should be booked 1–2 weeks ahead. The private charter needs 1–2 weeks for peak dates. All tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so booking early carries no financial risk.