Icacos Island Cruise Review: Snorkel & Picnic (2025)

Dreaming of crystal-clear waters, so too maybe white sandy beaches, and an escape from the everyday? Well, Icacos Island, actually a deserted paradise off the coast of Puerto Rico, offers precisely that. I had a chance, very recently, to take the 2025 “Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran Snorkel and Picnic Cruise,” and here’s my detailed take on what you can expect. I’m covering everything, apparently, from the boat ride to the snorkeling conditions and that picnic lunch.

Setting Sail for Paradise: The Catamaran Experience

The adventure kicks off, actually, at a marina in Fajardo, which is a town on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. Check-in’s usually quite straightforward, seemingly, and after that, you’re boarding that catamaran. Now, it’s typically not just any catamaran; most tours use comfortable vessels with plenty of deck space, that could be for sunbathing, plus shaded areas if you like that idea. Many boats feature, arguably, nets at the front where you could sit right over the water, a great way to start your adventure, which, of course, it will be.

The boat ride itself to Icacos Island runs, say, about 30-45 minutes, yet depending on conditions. The crew commonly provides, seemingly, drinks, that, you know, including sodas, water, and maybe even rum punch for those feeling a little festive, might you not think? The music playing creates, very apparently, a party vibe, with many people dancing and chatting as the coastline fades into that background.

However, the seas actually could be a bit choppy sometimes, which, to be honest, is not unheard of. So, if you’re someone that suffers from motion sickness, seemingly, taking some preventative measures like medication is, very basically, probably not a bad idea.

Snorkeling in Turquoise Waters

Arriving at Icacos, finally, the water’s remarkable— crystal-clear and, just a little, turquoise. You’ll grab snorkeling gear provided by the crew. The visibility often can be quite good, seemingly, allowing you to see a good bit of underwater life. The reef around Icacos is, basically, a home for a lot of colorful fish. You should know that things might include parrotfish, angelfish, and even the occasional sea turtle.

That, actually, coral around that island has suffered a bit of damage over time from, say, boats and people, might that not be true? You are usually asked to avoid touching or standing on those coral formations. The depth is relatively shallow, mostly, and makes it suitable even for beginners. In my opinion, it is usually still a great experience, still.

The crew usually points out, arguably, interesting marine life and help anyone new or needing a bit of help, doesn’t that sound good? Just, the amount of time for snorkeling can, commonly, feel a tad short. It would be good to, actually, enjoy the beauty for just a little longer. However, obviously, that’s just one person’s view.

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The Beach Picnic: Sun, Sand, and Sustenance

Following snorkeling, finally, the cruise often includes a picnic on that beach. I suppose, many tour operators set up, basically, tables right on the sand, that is that the lunch is usually in buffet style. What I am telling you about normally are, say, things like sandwiches, salads, fruit, and maybe some local pastries, you know. The food is, you know, typically fresh and enjoyable. After all, enjoying a meal while taking in those ocean views is something else entirely.

Icacos is, very basically, an uninhabited island. What I am talking about usually is zero facilities other than what that tour operators bring. Which means, I should point out, that, you could consider bringing some sunscreen, towels, and a hat. And after that, don’t forget your camera for, in reality, a way to capture that experience. Shade also is, actually, very limited on the island, arguably making it vital to bring sun protection.

I did have a chance to take a stroll along that beach, in truth, that is. That sands are soft and the water’s, might I add, just inviting. The photo opportunities abound in truth. But, the island really could get crowded, especially, with lots of other tour groups, you know. That does somewhat diminish that sense of solitude and feeling a little bit more personal. I, sort of, think anyway.

What to Bring and Consider

Planning properly actually is, very basically, what I think. Ensure that you take enough sunscreen that probably has a high SPF rating to take, too, for some sun protection all that time out, it’s what you should do. A wide-brimmed hat also and, arguably, sunglasses aren’t a bad idea either, which actually can shield your face and eyes, right? Bring a towel also to dry off following the snorkeling and that swimming, as I would, really.

Reef-safe sunscreen does a lot to preserve, basically, those coral reefs. You might know they are quite fragile. Think about that to preserve the sea, will you? If susceptible to motion sickness, seemingly, bring appropriate medicine, what is right? Cash does a lot when wanting to get something like drinks from a vendor on the beach there, doesn’t it. Having water shoes helps to protect you with going on and getting off the boat when touching down there.

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Final Verdict: Is the Icacos Island Cruise Worth It?

All that actually I am sure means a catamaran snorkel and picnic cruise to Icacos Island remains, usually, a worthwhile day trip mostly. Beautiful turquoise waters and that active marine life make snorkeling worthwhile. What makes all that, so extremely, very great is, for example, is being on the sand beach with nice food. So just relax in truth. It remains extremely nice to enjoy.

The overcrowding sometimes, probably, and limited shade on those islands remains something which you must note for the perfect day. Generally prepared actually helps to optimize and provide lots of happiness. Remember things as sunscreen. It probably may also feel not long if that’s something you do in one whole day. Those do enhance the whole satisfaction with your Icacos trip.

Read our full review: Best Beach Excursions in Puerto Rico Full Review and Details