03 · On the Water

Icacos Catamaran Snorkel & Beach.

A power catamaran out of Fajardo to Cayo Icacos — open ocean, two snorkel stops, a deserted island, and lunch on the boat.

The Activity

The day on the boat.

Out of Fajardo on the east coast, you board a power catamaran with maybe forty people, music, and a crew. Forty-five minutes out, you stop at the first snorkel site — clear water, healthy reef, sometimes turtles. Another short hop and you're at Cayo Icacos, a small uninhabited island with a white sand beach and absurd turquoise water. You swim, you eat lunch on the boat, you snorkel a second site on the way back.

It's the closest thing to a Caribbean cliché in this guide — in the best possible way.

Why people love it

Because there are days when you don't want a curated experience. You want a boat, an island, snorkel gear, lunch, and a few drinks. This is that day, packaged. The catamaran is fast and stable, the crew handles everything, and the destinations are objectively gorgeous.

Why I love it

Cayo Icacos is one of those places that, the first time you see it, you don't quite believe. White sand, palms, water so clear you can see fish from the boat before you jump in. The catamaran ride out has a soundtrack and a wind. The lunch on the boat is better than it has any right to be. It's a perfect "I did Puerto Rico right" day.

Pro tips

Sea-sick prone? Take Bonine the night before AND that morning.
Reef-safe sunscreen. Apply twice — before you go and at the first stop.
Long-sleeve rashguard if you burn. The reflection off the water is brutal.
Wear a swimsuit you can be in all day.
Cash for the bar and crew tip.
Aqua shoes for the beach landing.
Don't forget a dry change of clothes for the drive back. You will be salty.
Fajardo is about 45 min east — leave Santurce earlier than you think.

The logistics

Duration: about 4 hours on the water
Difficulty: easy — you're on a boat all day
Group size: medium-large catamaran
Departure: Fajardo marina
Distance from the house: ~45 min drive east