Icacos Afternoon Snorkeling Tour
The easy half-day. Two guided snorkel stops in the clear water around Icacos, sandwiches and rum drinks on board, and no early alarm. Kids from age 3 welcome, and infants ride free.
The day
An afternoon built for first-timers
Not every great day on the water needs to start at dawn. Our afternoon trip leaves Fajardo after the lunch rush and gives you the same impossibly clear Icacos water with a slower, easier rhythm. It is the trip we recommend most often to families and first-time snorkelers.
Two different stops mean two different reefs: one with fish-dense coral gardens, one with calm, shallow water that is perfect for kids and nervous swimmers. Your guide is in the water with you the whole time, the crew keeps sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks and rum drinks coming, and you are back at the marina in time for dinner plans.
Cayo Icacos itself is an uninhabited island inside a protected nature reserve, ringed by a white sandbar and no buildings at all. The water around it is calm and shallow, which is why this is the best beginner snorkeling trip we run. The $109 price covers your gear, drinks and snacks, so there are no hidden costs once you step on board. Curious how it compares to other spots? Read our crew's ranking of Puerto Rico's best snorkeling. For everything about the island itself — how to get there, the reserve rules, even the water-taxi option — see our Cayo Icacos island guide. It's an easy half-day trip from Fajardo, and conditions hold up year-round. Staying in the capital? Our snorkeling-from-San-Juan guide covers the drive and cruise-day math, and the what-to-bring checklist packs your bag.
- 1
Check in at Villa Marina
Meet the crew at the marina in Fajardo. Free parking, easy gear fitting, quick safety brief.
- 2
Cruise out to Icacos
A short, scenic ride across the Fajardo sound to the Icacos Nature Reserve.
- 3
Snorkel stop one
A guided drift over coral gardens full of parrotfish, tangs and sergeant majors.
- 4
Snorkel stop two
Calmer, shallower water, ideal for kids, first-timers and anyone easing in.
- 5
Cruise home
Drinks, snacks and salt air on the ride back. Docked in time for dinner.
All-inclusive means all-inclusive
What's included, what to bring
Included in your ticket
- Two guided snorkel stops
- Mask, snorkel, fins & flotation device
- Sandwiches, chips & snacks
- Soft drinks, water & rum drinks
- Professional guide in the water
- Free parking at Villa Marina
Bring with you
- Swimsuit (wear it there)
- Towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat & sunglasses
- Dry change of clothes
- Waterproof camera if you have one
Good to know
Before you book the Icacos afternoon tour
- Children from age 3 are welcome, and infants ride free.
- For safety reasons, pregnant guests are not permitted on this trip.
- Vegetarian and vegan food options are available for an additional charge. Request them when you book.
- If conditions are unsafe, we may reschedule or reroute to a protected spot and will contact you as early as possible.
Questions
Icacos Afternoon Snorkel: FAQ
Is this tour good for young kids?
Yes, this is our most family-friendly trip. Children from age 3 are welcome, infants ride free, and the second snorkel stop is chosen specifically for its calm, shallow water. Flotation devices are provided for everyone aboard, and your guide stays in the water with the group the whole time.
Is this a good tour for beginners?
Yes, this is the best trip we run for beginners. The water around Cayo Icacos is calm and shallow, you are guided the whole time, and flotation is included for everyone. Kids from age 3 can join, and the relaxed afternoon pace gives first-timers plenty of time to ease in.
Do I need snorkeling or swimming experience?
No, you do not need any snorkeling or swimming experience. Your guide is in the water with you at both stops, flotation devices are included, and the pace is relaxed. If you can breathe through a snorkel, you can do this trip, and the crew helps you get fitted before departure.
How much does the Icacos afternoon tour cost?
The tour costs $109 per person, all-inclusive. That price covers both guided snorkel stops, your mask, snorkel, fins and flotation device, sandwiches, chips and snacks, soft drinks, water and rum drinks, plus free parking at Villa Marina. Infants ride free, and there are no hidden costs once you step on board.
What food and drinks are included?
Sandwiches, chips and snacks are included, plus soft drinks, water and rum drinks served on board throughout the trip. This afternoon tour serves snacks and sandwiches rather than a full buffet lunch. Vegetarian and vegan options are available for an additional charge if you request them when booking.
What time does the afternoon tour leave?
Exact departure times show on the booking calendar when you pick your date, so check there for current times. The trip runs seven days a week, leaves Fajardo after the lunch rush, lasts about four hours, and has you back at the marina in time for dinner plans.
What marine life will we see?
Expect reef fish like parrotfish, tangs and sergeant majors over the coral gardens at the first stop, with calmer, shallower water at the second. This is wild ocean, so nothing is ever guaranteed, but the reefs inside the Icacos Nature Reserve are known for their clear, fish-dense water.
What should I bring?
Just a swimsuit, towel and reef-safe sunscreen are the essentials; wear the swimsuit so you are ready to go. A hat, sunglasses, a dry change of clothes and a waterproof camera are also worth packing. Gear, flotation, snacks and drinks are all provided, so leave the rest at home.
Can pregnant guests join?
No, for safety reasons pregnant guests are not permitted on this tour. If someone in your group is expecting, contact us by phone or WhatsApp before you book and we will help you find the best option for your group. The same policy applies on our Vieques and Culebra excursions.
Where does the tour leave from?
The tour leaves from the Villa Marina Shopping Center in Fajardo, on Puerto Rico's east coast, about an hour's drive from San Juan. Free parking is available inside the marina. You check in with the crew at the marina, get fitted for gear, and board right there.
How do I get there from San Juan?
Drive or take an Uber east to the Villa Marina Shopping Center in Fajardo; the trip takes about an hour from San Juan. Free parking is available inside the marina if you are driving. Many guests come over in the morning or midday and are back in the city by evening.
What happens if the weather turns?
If conditions are unsafe, we may reschedule your trip or reroute to a more protected location. We will always contact you as early as possible so you can adjust your plans, and if you have questions about the forecast you can message us on WhatsApp before your trip.
More days on the water
Compare with our other trips
Keep the morning. Take the reef.
Afternoon departures run seven days a week and seats go fast on weekends. Reserve in about a minute.