Afternoon Icacos Snorkel & Sunset Excursion

No coolers or outside alcohol will be permitted onboard. For convenience, we also offer local Medalla beer available for purchase on board.

Roundtrip transportation is available from most locations in Metro San Juan at selected hotels for an additional cost per person. A minimum of six passengers is required for the transportation to operate. To ensure availability, transportation must be arranged at least 48 hours before your scheduled trip over the phone.

Yes! This tour is available for all ages, perfect for couples, groups of friends, and family getaways.

TripOutside recommends knowing how to swim before snorkeling, but participation is ultimately up to you and the tour operator's discretion.

• Check ocean conditions and only snorkel at lifeguarded beaches. The chance of rescue is much higher with trained lifeguards present.
• Never snorkel alone. Always bring a buddy. Beginners should consider booking a guided tour.
• Rest after flying. Flying can dehydrate and exhaust you—give your body at least a day to acclimate before snorkeling.
• Test your gear on land or in a pool first. Make sure your mask fits snugly, you can breathe through the snorkel, and you know how to clear water if needed.
• Practice with fins. You should be able to scissor kick while swimming. Avoid doggie paddling—it won’t get you far.
• Don’t wear fins on land. Walk into the water, get past the waves, then put your fins on. Remove them before exiting.
• Take it slow. Breathe calmly, relax, and avoid overexertion to keep your heart rate low.
• Know your limits. If you’re feeling tired, anxious, or unsure about conditions, skip the snorkel session. Panic in the water is dangerous.
• Stay aware of currents and tides. Even experienced swimmers can get pulled out. Know how to identify rip currents and how to escape them (swim parallel to shore).

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. 

Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’

Icacos is one of the best snorkeling destinations on Puerto Rico’s east coast, thanks to its shallow reefs and consistently clear waters. While snorkeling, you’ll often see schools of blue tang, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sergeant majors weaving through the coral. The reef also attracts bigger visitors like yellowtail snapper, barracuda, and the occasional stingray cruising along the sandy bottom. Sea turtles are sometimes spotted grazing in the seagrass beds, and if you slow down and look closely, you may notice smaller creatures like cleaner shrimp, sea urchins, and colorful wrasse darting among the coral branches. The mix of hard corals, soft corals, and sponges creates a diverse underwater world that’s exciting for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers.

The trips 2 destinations will be determined by our US Coast Guard licensed captain on the day of your adventure, ensuring the best and safest experience based on the current weather and water conditions.

Cayo Icacos: Located some four nautical miles northeast of Fajardo, it has a size of approximately 163 acres. It is part of a chain of small islands, keys, and coral reefs known as La Reserva Natural de la Cordillera. The island hosts a fairly large amount of marine life, coral reefs, birds, and land iguanas. It is the perfect setting for snorkeling, swimming, diving, and beachcombing. It gets its name from the large number of Icacos bushes on the island. The Icacos is a small sour fruit, which grows to about the size of a key lime. When ready to be picked, they are pale yellow in color and come off the bush quite easily. The best way to eat them is cooked in heavy syrup.

Isla de Palomino: Located some 3.5 nautical miles east of Fajardo, it has a size of approximately 104 acres. It is one of a few private islands that exist throughout Puerto Rico. Part of the island is on lease to El Conquistador Hotel to be used as the hotel’s beach. About a quarter-mile south of Palominos island lies Cayo Palominitos, which is a one-acre sandy key with tropical vegetation perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

Isla de Lobos: Located some 1.5 nautical miles east of Cayo Icacos, it has a size of approximately five acres. It is also one of a few private islands throughout Puerto Rico. In the early ’60s, the island hosted a very exclusive hotel, which ran into financial difficulties and was abandoned for a great part of the ’70s and ’80s until it was bought by a local family and converted into a paradise vacation home. Surrounded by small keys and coral reefs, it is great for snorkeling.