Reviewed · SAILING
Puerto Rico Private Catamaran Sail from Fajardo
A private catamaran day off Fajardo feels like you rented your own slice of Puerto Rico. You get your own boat for up to six people, plus a captain and crew who handle the important stuff while you focus on clear-water views and easy snorkeling.
Two highlights I’d bet you will care about: first, the experience is truly private for your group, so the day feels calm, not rushed. Second, the plan centers on nearby island water like Cayo Icacos, with options for other spots such as Pineros, Lobos, or Palominos depending on conditions.
One consideration before you book: this is a weather-dependent outing. If conditions are not right, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund, so build flexibility into your trip schedule.
Key things that make this charter worth it
- Private for up to 6: pay per group, not per seat, so it works best with a full party
- Cayo Icacos area time: sun, swimming, and snorkeling in close reach of Fajardo
- Snorkeling equipment included: loaner gear is part of the deal
- Captain and crew onboard: you are not figuring out logistics all day
- Optional lunch packages: plan your food the way you want, with BYO lunch allowed in some cases
- Small-marina approach: arrive at Marina Puerto del Rey and go from there, with parking included
Fajardo Is The Shortcut To Island Water

I like Fajardo for one simple reason: it gives you quick access to offshore scenery without a long drive or a complicated day. This charter starts at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, and you’re already positioned for a coastal island outing.
The payoff is that your day stays easy. You arrive, meet your captain near the marina’s main building, and then you’re out on the water. Because you’re not traveling far by land, more of your time stays focused on what you booked: sailing, relaxing, and getting your snorkel on.
Also, Fajardo itself is less of a grind than some other parts of the island. For a lot of groups, that means fewer crowds and less time spent navigating busy tourist zones before you even step aboard.
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Price, Group Size, And When It’s Good Value

The price is $2,000 per group, for up to six passengers. That sounds big until you do the math for the kind of day you’re getting: your own private catamaran for about six hours, with a captain and crew plus snorkeling gear included.
Here’s how I’d think about value:
- If you can fill the boat (close to six), your per-person cost drops a lot and it starts to feel like a smarter splurge than paying separate prices for crowded boat tours.
- If you only have two or three people, you’ll still get the private feel, but the cost per person rises. In that case, it’s less a bargain and more a “this is our special day” decision.
- Snorkeling gear being included matters. If you’re renting gear elsewhere, it adds up fast, and it’s one more step you avoid.
One more note that’s useful: this is typically booked about 34 days in advance on average. If you have a specific date in mind, I’d plan ahead rather than assuming you can grab last-minute availability.
Marina Puerto del Rey: How The Day Starts (And What You Should Bring)

Your start point is Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey at 4900 State Rd 3 Km. 51.4 in Fajardo, and the activity begins at 10:00 am. You’ll want to arrive 30 minutes early to meet the captain near the marina’s main building.
Parking is available at no extra charge. That’s a small detail, but it matters in real life. The less time you spend hunting for a spot, the faster you transition into vacation mode.
You’ll likely board at the marina area first, and some groups get shuttled by a golf cart from the reservation desk area to the boat. I’d treat that as a “might happen” detail, but it lines up with how these marinas handle passenger movement.
What to bring:
- Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes for after
- Sunscreen (and a rash guard if you burn easily)
- A hat and sunglasses
- Your preferred beach bag and a waterproof option for valuables
- Towels if you have them, since the plan does not say towels are provided
- If you choose the package without lunch, you may bring your own lunch and beverages
And do plan for comfort. A catamaran day is physical in a good way, but you still want to feel relaxed while sailing and snorkeling.
The Six-Hour Flow: From Sail Time To Island Time
Even though the day lasts about six hours, the experience is built around a simple rhythm: sail, relax, swim or snorkel, then return.
A first stop is at Marina Puerto del Rey, where you meet your captain. That’s also where the time is spent getting oriented, boarding smoothly, and settling in.
Then the day’s main movement kicks in toward island water. The plan is flexible on timing and location during the day, but the core idea is consistent: you spend a major chunk enjoying the coastline and the quiet feel of island sand and shallow water.
Because the schedule has a built-in “island day” feel, I suggest you keep your expectations realistic. This is not a nonstop sightseeing sprint. It’s a slow, good-life boat day where the best moments are sunning, watching fish, and chilling with your group while the crew manages the rest.
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Cayo Icacos And The Nearby Options: What The Water Time Really Feels Like

The main destination is Cayo Icacos, one of the nearby deserted islands in the Fajardo area. Expect a few hours in clear water and over white sand, with the option to:
- sunbathe on the catamaran
- swim and snorkel
- take your time, since the crew and captain assist during the day
The plan is also described as location-flexible. Depending on conditions, you might stop at places like Pineros, or snorkel near Lobos or Palominos. That flexibility can be a real advantage. It means the crew can aim for the best water and visibility instead of forcing one exact spot no matter what.
What makes this kind of outing special is that the island time feels like a reset. You’re not juggling multiple stops on land. You’re simply anchored or moving slowly in the water and enjoying that “we’re far enough away from everything” feeling.
And if you want something beyond snorkeling, you may get time for paddle boarding as part of the experience. Some groups describe it as a perfect add-on to the day’s water activities, especially for kids who want a different way to enjoy the sea.
Snorkeling Gear Included, And How To Use It Well

The big practical win: snorkeling equipment is included, and it’s provided as loaner gear. That removes a lot of friction. You don’t have to pack gear, and you don’t have to worry about whether it fits right or where you’ll rent it last-minute.
In the water, the crew’s job matters. You’re not alone figuring things out. If you’re new to snorkeling, I’d focus on simple success:
- Test the mask fit on deck first
- Take slow breaths and keep your movements calm
- Start in shallow areas and work up from there
- Let fish watching be your main goal, not speed
You’ll likely see a decent variety of fish in the reef area since the plan includes snorkeling around coral reefs in the region. Still, the best part is often the calm. The catamaran day tends to give you time to settle in, not just a quick in-and-out swim.
If you are sensitive to sun, bring a rash guard. The longer you linger on a bright day, the more you’ll appreciate extra sun protection.
Food Choices: Lunch Packages Or Bring-Your-Own

Lunch is not automatically included, but you have options. There are packages that include lunch and packages without lunch service.
If your package does include lunch, you can expect a proper meal during the day. Some groups also mention extra touches like coquitos made for them, which is a fun Puerto Rico detail that adds warmth to an otherwise sea-and-snorkel day.
If your package does not include lunch, you can bring your own. The guidance is to bring lunch that’s pre-cooked or deli-style, and you can bring beverages as well. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you plan to have alcohol, you’ll want to follow whatever rules the day allows and confirm what’s permitted before you show up.
My practical advice: if you bring food, keep it simple and portable. You’re eating on a boat, and you want food that does not require complicated prep.
The Captain And Crew: What Actually Makes It Feel Special

A private charter can be fancy on paper, but what makes it feel like a great day is how the crew runs it. In the details you’ll likely notice, the staff tends to do two things well:
1) They help you relax by handling the flow of the day.
2) They keep the experience comfortable and personal for your group.
Names you may hear include Captain Carlos González with crew members like Ari, and you might also meet Captain Leo and Hiram, or hosts like Kalani. The common thread is that groups describe the crew as caring, accommodating, and attentive.
That attention shows up in small ways:
- Making sure everyone feels comfortable during boarding
- Offering guidance during snorkeling
- Keeping the day paced so you can enjoy it, not just endure it
For families, that personal touch can matter a lot. Some groups mention the crew giving a child extra attention so everyone can enjoy the day at the same time.
If you’re going with friends or family, this is where private really pays off. You’re not one voice in a crowd. Your crew can read the mood of your group and adjust.
Who This Charter Fits Best

This is best for people who want a calm, high-comfort day on the water with their own group.
It tends to fit well if you’re:
- Planning a family day and want a captain and crew to handle the hard parts
- Celebrating something, like a birthday or a special vacation moment
- A small group of friends who can split the cost closer to six people
- People who want snorkeling without the stress of packing gear and figuring out logistics
It may not be ideal if:
- You are traveling with a very large group and would need multiple boats
- Your trip schedule is too tight to handle weather-related changes
- You want a packed schedule of many different land stops
Also, note that the tour description says most people can participate. That doesn’t mean it’s a tailor-made accessibility plan, but it suggests the general activity level is friendly for a wide range of visitors.
Weather, Timing, And How To Plan Your Day
This experience runs for about six hours and begins at 10:00 am. Since it requires good weather, you should plan your broader trip with some slack. Coastal Puerto Rico weather can change, and the operator may adjust or reschedule if conditions are not suitable.
To make the day go smoothly:
- Arrive early so you’re not stressed at the marina
- Have sun protection ready, because island water time can be longer than you expect
- Keep valuables minimal or well-secured
- Think about your lunch option before the day, so you’re not scrambling
If you’re pairing this with other activities, I’d treat it like a main event. It’s a water-and-relaxation day, so schedule something light before and after.
Should You Book This Private Catamaran From Fajardo?
Here’s my straight answer. If you can fill the boat with your group close to six, and you want a true private experience with snorkeling equipment included, this charter is a strong value for a Puerto Rico splurge. You’re paying for comfort, time on island water, and a crew that keeps everything running smoothly.
If you’re a small party and the price per person feels steep, I’d still consider it if you really want the privacy and the “captain and crew handle it” convenience. Just be honest about it being a special-day purchase, not a budget day.
If you want an easy way to enjoy the coast without busloads of people, and you’re flexible enough for the weather, this is the kind of outing that turns into a trip highlight.
FAQ
Where does the catamaran charter start?
The tour starts at Safe Harbor Puerto Del Rey, 4900 State Rd 3 Km. 51.4, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What time does the tour begin?
The start time is 10:00 am.
How many people can go on this private charter?
It’s a private tour for up to 6 passengers per group.
How long is the experience?
The duration is approximately 6 hours.
What destinations do you sail to?
The plan includes a main island stop at Cayo Icacos. Depending on the day, the captain may also stop at or near other locations such as Pineros, Lobos, or Palominos.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Loaner snorkeling equipment is included.
Is lunch included?
Lunch depends on the package you choose. Lunch service is available in some packages, and in others it is not included.
Can I bring my own lunch and drinks?
Yes. You may bring your own lunch and beverages if your package does not include lunch. Lunch should be pre-cooked or deli-style. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Is there free parking at the marina?
Yes. Parking is available at no extra charge.
What happens if weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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