Icacos Island Full-Day Catamaran Trip from San Juan
4.8 (1,013 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience
Overview
This full-day catamaran trip sails from the marina in Fajardo, on Puerto Rico's east coast, to Icacos Island, a small uninhabited cay with pale sand and clear shallow water. You swim, snorkel and relax on deck, and a barbecue buffet lunch is served on board. It suits couples, friends and families who want an easy beach day on the Caribbean side. Depending on the option you choose, you either meet the crew at the marina or ride in a round-trip transfer from your hotel in the San Juan area.
Highlights
- Sail by catamaran from Fajardo to Icacos Island, a small cay with pale sand and clear water
- Swim and snorkel over the reef, with snorkelling equipment included
- Barbecue buffet lunch served on board, with water and soft drinks
- Relaxed time on deck, on the nets and on the beach of the cay
- Choose the option with a round-trip transfer from your San Juan hotel, or meet us at the marina
- About six hours in total, with a morning departure
- Child rate available, so the whole family can come along
Full Description
Fajardo and its marina on Puerto Rico's east coast
Fajardo is the sailing capital of the island's east coast, roughly an hour's drive from San Juan, and it is the departure point for most boat trips to the nearby cays and to Culebra and Vieques. If you are wondering how to get to Fajardo from San Juan, the drive follows the highway east past El Yunque and takes about an hour in normal traffic, which is why many guests prefer the transfer option.
Boarding takes place at the marina, and we suggest arriving a little before the departure time shown in the booking panel. A day trip from San Juan to Fajardo is easy to fit into a longer stay, and the morning start leaves the afternoon free for the return to your hotel.
Icacos Island, a small cay with pale sand
Icacos Island is a tiny, uninhabited cay a short sail off the Fajardo coast, part of a chain of cays that is protected as a nature area. It has no shops or buildings, only a ribbon of pale sand, palms, shallow turquoise water and views back to the green hills of the mainland. An Icacos Island tour is popular precisely because it feels like a castaway beach.
Many visitors ask whether Icacos Island is worth visiting. If you like calm, clear water, good snorkelling and a day without crowds or noise, the answer is yes. The beach has no facilities, so the catamaran is your base for food, shade and fresh water.
Snorkelling and swimming around the cays
The water around the cays is shallow and sheltered, with patches of reef, sea grass and small tropical fish. Icacos Island snorkeling is easy for beginners because you can wade in from the sand or step off the boat, and the crew explain how to use the mask and fins. Snorkelling equipment is included in both options.
The best time to visit Icacos Island is usually the dry season from December to April, when skies are sunnier, although winter swell can make the crossing livelier. Summer seas are often flatter but hotter, and hurricane season runs from June to November, so the captain always makes the final decision about the route.
The catamaran day: sailing, lunch and free time
The catamaran has a wide deck, shaded seating and trampoline nets at the front where guests lie back and watch the water. On the Icacos catamaran tour from San Juan, the sail out takes a short while, then you have a long stretch for swimming, snorkelling and walking on the sand.
A barbecue buffet lunch is served on board, together with water and soft drinks. The whole trip lasts about six hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper day at sea without being tiring for children. Bring a light cover-up for the sail, because the breeze on deck can feel cool after a swim.
Itinerary
- Pickup or arrival at the marinaWith the transfer option you are collected from your hotel in the San Juan area; otherwise you meet the crew at the marina in Fajardo.
- Boarding in FajardoCheck in with the crew, hear the safety briefing and find your place on the catamaran.
- Sail to Icacos IslandCruise along the east coast with views of the green hills and the cays, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the sea.
- Swim and snorkelEnjoy long free time in the clear shallow water and on the sand, with snorkelling equipment provided.
- Barbecue buffet lunch on boardEat on deck with water and soft drinks, then relax in the shade.
- Sail back and returnReturn to the marina in Fajardo, then to your hotel if you chose the transfer option.
What's included
- Full-day catamaran sailing trip to Icacos Island
- BBQ buffet lunch on board
- Water and soft beverages
- Snorkeling equipment
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot swim and do not want to stay on the boat or in the shallows
- People with serious back problems or limited mobility, as boarding involves steps and a moving deck
- Guests who are very prone to seasickness unless they take a remedy beforehand
Meeting point
Depending on the option you choose: with the standard option you meet the crew at the marina in Fajardo, and the exact location appears on your voucher; with the round-trip transfer option you are collected from the selected hotels in the San Juan area, which you choose when booking, and the pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Wear light clothes and shoes that are easy to take off on board
- Take a seasickness remedy beforehand if you are sensitive to boat movement
- Pack a waterproof pouch for your phone and camera
- Hotel pickup is only included with the transfer option, and only from the San Juan area
- Crew gratuities are not included
- The captain may change the route or stops because of wind, swell or weather
- Check the age ranges for adult and child rates in the booking panel
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Icacos Island catamaran ticket cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
It depends on the option. The option with a round-trip transfer includes pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in the San Juan area, while the standard option starts at the marina in Fajardo and you make your own way there.
How long is the Icacos Island trip?
The trip lasts about six hours from boarding to return to the marina. With the transfer option, add the drive between San Juan and Fajardo each way.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, families are welcome and there is a child rate for the age range shown in the booking panel. Children should stay with an adult in the water and follow the crew's safety instructions.
What is the difference between the options?
Both options include the catamaran trip, the barbecue buffet lunch, water, soft drinks and snorkelling equipment. The only difference is transport: one option meets at the marina in Fajardo and the other adds a round-trip transfer from San Juan.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear under light clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a change of clothes. A waterproof pouch for your phone is useful.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
You can book when the calendar in the booking panel shows availability. Short-notice dates depend on free places, and the transfer option needs enough time to arrange pickup.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Yes, snorkelling equipment is included in both options, and the crew show beginners how to use it.
When is the best time to visit Icacos Island?
The dry season from December to April is popular for sunny weather, while summer often has calmer water. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and trips can change if conditions are unsafe.
Is the beach on Icacos Island crowded?
The cay is small and has no buildings, so it feels quiet and natural, although other boats may visit at the same time. The catamaran is your base for shade, lunch and fresh water.