Two islands, one easy boat day. This private charter in Fajardo pairs guided snorkeling at Tortuga Reef with long beach time on Cayo Icacos and Isla Palomino, so you get both ocean and sand without fuss. The best part is how the day runs like a plan, not a scramble.

I love that you’re never left guessing what happens next: the snorkeling, the BBQ lunch, and the move from Icacos to Palomino flow smoothly. I also love the comfort side—an actual clean, well-kept boat and a crew that can handle a busy day without making it feel rushed; in the reviews, the names Jon and Sid came up as especially great at keeping things fun and organized. The one drawback to consider is simple: you’ll need to bring your own towel and sunblock, since those aren’t provided.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private full charter for up to 6: it’s only your group, so the day feels personal.
• Guided snorkeling at Tortuga Reef: gear is provided, and guidance helps you make the most of the reef.
• All-inclusive beach setup: music on board, snacks, and a beach umbrella so you can settle in fast.
• BBQ lunch on the water: chicken with pasta salad and bread, plus fruit and chips alongside.
• Two top beach stops in one run: Icacos first for snorkeling plus beach time, then Palomino for extra sun and swim time.

Why This Fajardo Private Charter Feels Like a Real Vacation

This is the kind of tour that works when you want a day off, not a day of logistics. You meet at Sunbay Marina in Fajardo (morning start), then you’re off to two of Puerto Rico’s best-known island beach stops. The format is straightforward: snorkeling in the reef area first, then beach time with lunch, then sailing to the second island for more swimming and relaxing.

What makes it feel like value is the all-inclusive approach for a small group. The price is listed per group (up to 6 people), and you get food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and on-board comforts built into the day. When you split the total across a full group, it can start to look less like a luxury splurge and more like a smart choice versus paying for multiple separate pieces (boat + gear + lunch + drinks) on your own.

One more practical win: it’s a private experience, so you’re not waiting around for a crowd to finish. If you like a day that stays on schedule without feeling like a production, this style fits.

The Boat, the Crew, and the Small Comforts That Make It Easier

This charter is run by Escape To Paradise PR, and the day is handled by an experienced captain and crew. In the feedback, the boat quality stood out: spotless, comfortable, and spacious enough to feel good during the ride. That matters more than people think, especially if you’re wearing swim stuff and you want a clean place to store towels and bags.

On board, you get a restroom plus music. You also get float options for the water time, including floaters and a floating mat. If you’re not trying to snorkel the entire day, those extras help you enjoy the water without needing to be an expert swimmer.

And yes, the human factor is real. The crew names Jon and Sid were called out because they kept the day organized while staying friendly. That’s the difference between a trip that feels managed and a trip that feels chaotic.

Cayo Icacos and Tortuga Reef: Snorkeling Plus the Best Part of the Day

Your morning anchor is Cayo Icacos, with guided snorkeling in the Tortuga Reef area. This is where the day earns its reputation: clear water, white sand, and marine life that you can actually see. Guided snorkeling is a big advantage because it helps you spend your time looking at what matters instead of fighting for positioning.

You’ll also have a chunk of beach time on Icacos. That’s important because snorkeling days can sometimes turn into nonstop gear and mask time. Here, you can switch modes: snorkel first, then transition into relaxing on sand with a set-up that helps you settle in quickly.

Lunch happens as part of the Icacos portion, not as an afterthought. You get a BBQ lunch with chicken, pasta salad, and bread, plus snacks like chips and fruit. The idea is to keep energy up without leaving you hungry or waiting too long. In the reviews, lunch was described as delicious, and beverages were plentiful, which lines up with what an all-inclusive beach charter should do.

Possible consideration: since Icacos is the first stop and the snorkeling spot, that portion of the day is the most structured. If you want the calmest, slowest start possible, plan to arrive ready to swim and follow along. You’ll get the most value when you’re comfortable jumping into the water at the right time.

Isla Palomino: Two Hours of Beach Time After Lunch

After lunch and beach time at Icacos, you sail to Isla Palomino. The Palomino portion is about 2 hours, which makes it perfect for a second swim, a relaxed shoreline reset, and some time to just float without thinking.

Two hours sounds short until you remember what you’re doing: you’re changing islands, getting back in the water, and enjoying beach time without feeling worn out. If you’re the type who loves a plan but also wants freedom once you’re there, this timing can work well.

What to expect here is more beach-focused time than structured activities. You’ll be set up with the water-friendly extras you already got on board, and you’ll likely spend this time deciding whether you want to swim, snorkel casually, or just soak up the sun. The sailing shift also helps break up the day so you don’t feel like you’re repeating the same thing for hours.

What You Get All Day: Drinks, Food, Snorkel Gear, and Beach Extras

This charter is strongly built around the idea that you shouldn’t have to bring half a packing list. Here’s what’s included so you can travel light:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you don’t need to pack your own)
• Alcoholic beverages, including 1 box of Medalla beer and 1.75 liters of rum
• Non-alcoholic drinks, including Pepsi, 7up, Diet Coke, Capri Sun juice, and water
• BBQ lunch: chicken, pasta salad, bread
• Snacks: chips and fruit
• Floaters and a floating mat
• Music on board
• On-board restroom
• Beach shade setup, including an umbrella in the sand (based on the tour description)

And here’s what you must bring:

• Towel
• Sunblock

That two-item list is unusually simple. If you’re planning your packing around this, I’d treat it like a checklist. Bring a small bag you can keep with you, and you’re set.

One more comfort detail: the marina setup includes facilities like bathrooms and showers, plus parking. That makes the pre-boat part easier, especially if you need to freshen up before you head out.

Timing and Logistics That Keep the Day Stress-Free

The tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes and starts at 9:00 am. The day is built around a clean flow: Icacos first (including snorkeling, beach time, and lunch), then Palomino for the rest of the beach session. You return to the meeting point at the end.

The meeting point is Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran, Barrio, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. You’ll receive a confirmation at booking, and the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Why this matters: a private charter can feel like more work when schedules get messy. Here, the day structure is clear enough that you can show up, check in, and trust the pacing. Since most travelers can participate, you don’t need special athletic training to join—just comfort with being on the water and swimming as desired.

Value Check: Is $1,350 Worth It for Up to 6?

Let’s do the practical math. The price is $1,350 per group for up to 6 people. At full capacity, that’s about $225 per person. That number might look high at first, until you remember what you’re getting for that per-person total: a private boat day, snorkeling gear, guided snorkeling, food, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), and a two-island beach itinerary.

The biggest value driver is that this isn’t a bare-bones cruise where you pay extra for everything. Many trips charge separately for snacks, drinks, and gear. Here, those costs are baked in, so you can budget once and enjoy the day without constantly pulling out your wallet.

It also helps that it’s private for your group. If you’ve ever been on a shared snorkeling trip where you’re squeezed into limited space or delayed by other groups, you’ll appreciate the calmer pace that comes with a charter format.

Who This Private Icacos and Palomino Day Is Best For

This works especially well for:

• Couples and friend groups who want privacy and a predictable plan
• People who want snorkeling guidance but don’t want to spend the whole day wrestling with logistics
• Small groups (up to 6) who will actually fill the charter and get the best value

It’s also a solid fit if you like a beach day with a clear schedule. You get a first island with snorkeling and lunch, then a second island for more relaxing water time. You don’t have to choose between a snorkeling-focused day or a beach-focused day; you get a bit of both.

If you’re someone who prefers very long stays at a single beach, you might feel the time split. Icacos and Palomino are both great, but the format uses the time to cover two experiences.

Should You Book This Icacos and Palomino All-Inclusive Charter?

I think you should book if you want a private, all-inclusive boat day that saves you time and decision-making. The value is strongest when your group is full, and the experience is built for comfort: clean boat, restroom on board, floating gear, music, snacks, and a BBQ lunch that doesn’t feel like a token meal.

You might skip it if you’re trying to keep your costs ultra-low or you don’t care about guided snorkeling. The snorkeling-and-beach combo is the core of the experience, so if snorkeling isn’t your thing, you may not feel as much payoff from the charter price.

If you do book, pack smart: bring a towel and sunblock, and plan to enjoy the day in two modes—snorkeling and beach relaxation—without trying to do everything at once. That’s when this charter shines.

FAQ

How much is the charter and how many people fit?

It’s $1,350 per group for up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran, Barrio, Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity runs about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What does the itinerary include?

You’ll visit Cayo Icacos for guided snorkeling at Tortuga Reef and beach time plus a BBQ lunch, then sail to Isla Palomino for additional beach time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. You get BBQ lunch (chicken, pasta salad, and bread), snacks, soda/juice/water, and alcoholic beverages (1 box of Medalla beer and 1.75 liters of rum).

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunblock. These are not included.

What’s not included besides towels and sunblock?

The tour data only lists towels and sunblock as not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the boat day suitable for most people and are service animals allowed?

Most travelers can participate, service animals are allowed, and the marina has parking and restrooms/showers.