Icacos Power Catamaran Snorkeling & Beach Tour

Absolutely! Each set of our snorkel gear is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use, but we encourage guests to bring their personal snorkel gear when possible.

We advise that you consider taking an over-the-counter seasickness medicine at least 1 hour before the trip.

A minimum number of passengers is required for the tour to operate. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if we don't reach this number. Guests will be notified as soon as possible and offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

The captain may adjust the destination to safer, protected locations, such as Playa Tortuga, Icacos, or Palomino. These alternative sites offer stunning snorkeling and beach experiences. If we cancel due to weather or sea conditions, you will not be charged and will have the option to reschedule.

Anyone who is confident in the water, has basic swimming skills, knows how to float and does not fear the water can snorkel. We provide floating belts that provide assistance if you are not a great swimmer. Our crew can provide the basic instructions of snorkeling if you are a first-timer. Our vessels are equipped with a custom swim ladder (catamaran) on the front of the vessel or a swim platform (motor vessel) for easy access in and out of the water. Our first beach stop usually is great for practicing snorkeling because the water is at standing depth and you can explore a small section of the reef without leaving the comfort of standing depth. If you don’t feel confident venturing away from the boat, there will be a line provided at the stairs or swim platform to hold on and view the natural aquarium without leaving the safety of the boat, or you can stay aboard with the captain where you can see the fish without having to get wet.

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.

Each snorkeling stop near Icacos offers something unique. Tortugas Reef is one of the most popular sites, named for the sea turtles that are sometimes seen grazing there—it features shallow coral heads and lots of tropical fish, making it great for beginners. Lobos tends to have slightly deeper water and stronger currents, attracting larger fish and offering a more adventurous feel. Punta Águila, located on the edge of Icacos, has excellent visibility and dramatic reef formations with plenty of hiding spots for eels and reef fish, giving it a more rugged, wild character. Palominitos, a tiny sandbar island between Palomino and Icacos, is more about the shallow turquoise waters than reef structures—it’s a fun place to wade and explore but less rich in coral compared to the others.

Together, these options give snorkelers a chance to match the day’s adventure to their skill level and interests, whether it’s spotting turtles at Tortugas, chasing schools of fish at Lobos, or soaking up postcard-perfect scenery at Palominitos.