Reviewed · SAN JUAN SNORKELING WITH TURTLES
Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel
Six hours on a luxury catamaran feels easy. I’m talking about an all-inclusive day sail from Fajardo that takes you from the marina out to the Cordillera Cays for calmer water and a more manageable crowd scene, on a 54-foot vessel built for lounging and splashing. With limited capacity (49 guests), plus a guided snorkeling clinic and a real Puerto Rican meal, it’s a simple way to get a big day at sea without second-guessing the plan.
I love the onboard setup for comfort: shaded areas and private restrooms, plus water toys like swings and a slide so you can actually choose how active you want to be. I also love that the lunch isn’t an afterthought—pork, roasted chicken, sides like vegan pigeon peas, and multiple salads make it feel like a proper meal. One possible drawback: if conditions are choppy or you’re expecting serious snorkeling, you may find the water time more fun than deep-water wildlife hunting.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Plan Around
- Entering the Day: Where You Meet and When You Start
- The Catamaran Experience: Comfort First, Then Play
- Shade, restrooms, and space you’ll actually use
- Water toys are part of the itinerary, not extras
- Music and a relaxed party mood
- The On-Water Part: Cordillera Cays Time and Why It Matters
- Snorkeling Clinic for All Ages: What You’re Actually Signing Up For
- Lunch That Makes the Price Make Sense
- The dessert and snack moment
- Drinks and the Alcohol Line: Unlimited, With a Caveat
- What You Do With the Beach Time
- The Crew: Service That Feels Like It’s Part of the Product
- Price and Value: Is This Worth $195?
- Who This Sail Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)
- Quick Practical Tips Before You Go
- Should You Book Icacos for Your Puerto Rico Day Sail?
- FAQ
- What time does the catamaran tour start?
- Where is the meeting point in Puerto Rico?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is alcohol included?
- Is snorkeling included, and is it beginner-friendly?
- What should I bring with me?
- How big is the group on this cruise?
- What if the water is choppy or the weather is rough?
- Are animals allowed on board?
Key Things I’d Plan Around

- 49-guest cap keeps the vibe roomy, which matters when everyone wants deck space and shade
- Guided snorkeling clinic for all ages helps beginners feel comfortable in the water
- Unlimited rum beverages after lunch means the drinks stay part of the day, not just the start
- Water swings, water mats, and a slide let you structure your own day on the catamaran
- Authentic Puerto Rican lunch (pork, pollo asado-style roast chicken, sides, salads) makes the included meal genuinely worth it
- Arrive 1 hour early or you risk being marked a no show with no refund
More turtles, reef and clear water
Entering the Day: Where You Meet and When You Start

This cruise leaves from 200 Ave Marina Vw, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, with the activity scheduled to start at 8:45am. They ask you to arrive 1 hour prior—so plan to be there around 7:45am—because the check-in window is strict. If you’re late, you’ll be marked a no show and there’s no refund, so it’s worth treating this like a flight, not a casual pickup.
The trip runs about 6 hours and you end back at the same meeting point. That loop matters. You’re not signing up for a long, exhausting transit day around the island—you’re mainly buying time on the water, with the comfort to enjoy it.
The Catamaran Experience: Comfort First, Then Play

You sail aboard Getaway Too, a 54-foot luxury catamaran, and the design is clearly meant for easy, good-weather fun. Most people come for the water, but the real difference here is how quickly you can settle in once you’re aboard.
Shade, restrooms, and space you’ll actually use
One big plus: there are shaded areas and private restrooms on board. That doesn’t sound thrilling, but after you’ve been on hot boats with flimsy facilities, you’ll appreciate it. Shade also changes the feel of the day—especially if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want to stay in the sun the entire time.
Water toys are part of the itinerary, not extras
This isn’t a sit-and-sun cruise only. You’ll have access to water swings and water mats, plus a water slide. The catamaran layout makes it easy to hop in and out without turning the day into a logistics puzzle. If your group has a mix of ages or energy levels, the toys let everyone find their lane.
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Music and a relaxed party mood
There’s also music during the day. It’s the kind of background energy that keeps the vibe fun even if you’re not constantly in the water.
The On-Water Part: Cordillera Cays Time and Why It Matters
The sailing portion focuses on reaching Cordillera Cays areas—places where the water can be clear and you’re not dealing with the most crowded shoreline scene. The goal isn’t just pretty views. It’s better swim conditions and a day that feels more like an escape than a cattle-line beach stop.
One practical note: water can be choppy depending on weather. If you get motion-sick easily, this is the one thing you should take seriously. Bring what helps you (motion meds if you use them), and plan to keep your expectations flexible if the ocean feels rough.
Snorkeling Clinic for All Ages: What You’re Actually Signing Up For

You get snorkeling equipment, and there’s a guided snorkeling clinic for all ages. That phrasing is important. This is built for people who want help getting comfortable—so if you’re new, it’s not just a grab-and-go swim.
That said, snorkeling time may not match the expectations of someone who wants intense, long underwater searching. If you’re the type who judges snorkeling by how often you’re seeing dramatic marine life, you may feel it’s more about the experience and the water time than a long reef tour.
The best way to approach it: treat it as a skills-and-comfort session. Focus on learning how to breathe steadily, how to float, and how to watch the water below without fighting your gear. If you do that, you’ll usually come away happy—because the setting is the real star.
Lunch That Makes the Price Make Sense

A lot of boat tours either feed you something basic or offer a meal that’s more symbolic than filling. Here, lunch is a highlight: an authentic Puerto Rican feast with pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, fresh green salad, bean salad, and pasta salad.
Why that matters for value: at a $195 per person price point, you’re not just paying for the catamaran and drinks—you’re paying for the day’s center of gravity. A real lunch prevents the “we’re hungry but stuck on a boat” problem, and it keeps energy up for snorkeling, sliding, and beach time.
The dessert and snack moment
On the return sail, you’ll get a local frozen treat: coconut and passion fruit sorbet. In real life, that’s the kind of detail that makes people remember the day. It’s also a smart touch because it’s cooling without requiring you to buy anything extra.
Drinks and the Alcohol Line: Unlimited, With a Caveat

The included drink setup is straightforward:
- Unlimited water, soda, and fruit juice
- Unlimited tropical rum beverages served during and after lunch
Two things to keep in mind:
- Premium bar options cost extra
- Beer is not included
If you know you’re a beer person, don’t assume it’s part of the deal. If your group loves rum-based tropical drinks, you’re in the right place. Also, the fact they serve drinks during and after lunch is part of what keeps the cruise from feeling like a quick party burst and then a long dry stretch.
What You Do With the Beach Time

Your day is flexible. You’ll have time to enjoy the beach and swim when you’re there. Some people go right into the water toys and enjoy the day as a beach-and-boat mix. Others prioritize snorkeling early, then switch into a relax mode for the second stop.
I like this structure because it works for mixed groups. You can go full active for an hour, then spend the rest doing shade, swimming, and just watching the water.
The Crew: Service That Feels Like It’s Part of the Product

The crew is consistently a strong point. People highlight professional, attentive service and fast support—especially with drinks and general help. One standout detail you can actually use: Captain Gabriel is specifically mentioned as a great, knowledgeable presence with a professional approach.
There’s also a practical reminder that’s worth repeating: reapply sunscreen. You’re on open water with sun reflecting off the deck and the ocean. If you’re the type who only applies once in the morning, this is your cue to bring a small sunscreen bottle in your bag.
Price and Value: Is This Worth $195?
For a 6-hour luxury catamaran day in Puerto Rico, $195 can sound steep until you tally what’s included.
You’re getting:
- A luxury 54-foot catamaran with shade and private restrooms
- Water toys (swings, mats, and a slide)
- Guided snorkeling clinic plus equipment
- A full Puerto Rican lunch with multiple dishes (not just a sandwich)
- Unlimited non-alcohol drinks
- Unlimited tropical rum beverages during and after lunch
That’s why this feels like a value purchase for the right traveler: you’re paying for an all-in-one day that’s structured, comfortable, and not dependent on buying food or drinks on the fly. If you show up expecting to spend little beyond sunscreen and maybe a few premium add-ons, it lines up well.
If you’re the type who only wants a quick swim and doesn’t care about food or drinks, you might find a cheaper option suits you better. But for a full day where you want everything taken care of, this pricing makes sense.
Who This Sail Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)
This tour is a great fit if you:
- Want a beginner-friendly snorkeling setup with guidance
- Like water toys and don’t want a “too-calm” cruise
- Care about comfort details like shade and restrooms
- Want a real meal and unlimited drinks, not just snacks
It might be less ideal if:
- You’re obsessed with serious reef snorkeling and long underwater time
- You get motion-sick and can’t handle choppy water conditions
- Your group expects beer to be included (it isn’t)
Quick Practical Tips Before You Go
- Bring a towel and keep your swimsuit on underneath beach clothes.
- Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply during the day.
- If you’re sensitive to motion, be ready for the fact that conditions can get choppy.
- If premium drinks matter to you, accept that premium bar items cost extra.
Should You Book Icacos for Your Puerto Rico Day Sail?
Yes, with a clear reason: this is one of those tours where the included parts actually add up—luxury boat comfort, water toys, guided snorkeling for all ages, and a proper Puerto Rican lunch—so you spend your energy enjoying the day instead of managing details.
If you’re going for the vibe of a fun, uncrowded catamaran day with real food and helpful snorkeling support, it’s a strong choice. If you only want intense snorkeling or you can’t handle rough water, you’ll likely be happier with a different style of excursion.
FAQ
What time does the catamaran tour start?
The tour starts at 8:45am. They ask you to arrive 1 hour before departure.
Where is the meeting point in Puerto Rico?
You’ll meet at 200 Ave Marina Vw, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
Soda/pop, unlimited water and fruit juice, unlimited tropical rum beverages during and after lunch, water swings, water mats, snorkeling equipment, guided snorkeling clinic, and an authentic Puerto Rican lunch plus snacks (including coconut and passion fruit sorbet).
Is alcohol included?
Yes. Unlimited tropical rum beverages are included during and after lunch. Premium bar items cost extra, and beer is not included.
Is snorkeling included, and is it beginner-friendly?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there’s a guided snorkeling clinic for all ages. It’s described as a great option for beginners.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a towel and have your swimsuit underneath beach clothes.
How big is the group on this cruise?
The maximum group size is 49 travelers.
What if the water is choppy or the weather is rough?
The tour notes that water can be choppy due to weather conditions. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are animals allowed on board?
No. Animals, including service animals, are not permitted on board the vessels.
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