Private Icacos Snorkeling and Hiking Excursion

While Icacos Island doesn't have formal hiking trails, it offers natural paths that wind through its undeveloped terrain, providing a unique opportunity to explore its untouched beauty. Guided hikes typically lead you along the northwest tip of the island, where you can discover hidden coves, rocky outcroppings, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the turquoise waters. These paths are often less traversed, allowing for a more intimate connection with the island's natural environment.

You'll encounter native vegetation, seabirds, and perhaps even hermit crabs along the way. The hike culminates in breathtaking panoramic views, offering a perfect backdrop for photos or a peaceful moment of reflection.

Snorkeling around Icacos Island gives you a chance to see a colorful mix of Caribbean reef life. The shallow reefs are home to schools of sergeant majors, blue tang, parrotfish, damselfish, and wrasses. You’ll often spot angel fish, butterflyfish, and trumpetfish weaving through the coral. Look closely and you might see conch, starfish, sea cucumbers, and urchins along the sandy bottom. Larger sightings can include stingrays, barracuda, and the occasional sea turtle cruising by. The reefs are mostly made up of elkhorn and brain corals, with lots of sea fans swaying in the current, making Icacos one of Puerto Rico’s most popular snorkeling spots.

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.’

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

Glasses cannot be worn while snorkeling, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. Prescription masks are not available for rent, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Additionally, there is an automatic correction effect that occurs underwater due to light refraction, making things appear clearer, but contacts or a personal prescription mask will provide the best visibility.

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).