Private All Inclusive East Coast Keys Tour and Snorkel Experience

A private boat carries you from Fajardo to the clear waters around Cayo Icacos, then on to Palomino’s beaches and turtle-viewing spots. I like the freedom to set the pace, and I like that the boat comes stocked with sandwiches, chips, soda, water, local beer, snorkel gear, and floats. The main catch is simple: there is no restroom onboard, so plan ahead.

I also like the value for a full group. At $715 for up to six people, the cost works out to about $119 per person when the boat is full. The four-hour schedule gives you a solid half-day on the water without taking over your whole Puerto Rico visit, though families who want a slow beach day may wish the trip lasted longer.

Key things to know before you book

• Cayo Icacos gets the longest stop: Plan on about two and a half hours for snorkeling and beach time.
• The boat is private: Only your group participates, with room for up to six people.
• Food and drinks are included: You receive sandwiches, chips, Coca-Cola, Sprite, bottled water, and local beer.
• Captain quality matters: Carlos and Jamil are frequently named by past customers, while Derek has also led well-liked trips.
• Palomino adds wildlife and beach time: You may see sea turtles, then relax on Isla Palominos.
• There is no onboard bathroom: Use the facilities before leaving Marina Puerto Chico.

Leaving Fajardo for a private half-day at sea

This outing is built around a simple idea: give your group its own boat, then let the captain shape the day around the sea conditions and your interests. You are not waiting for a large crowd to board, and you are not tied to the wishes of strangers who want a different mix of swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.

The boat leaves from Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo, a useful base for reaching the small islands off Puerto Rico’s northeast coast. Pickup is offered from a designated hotel or port location, but the stated meeting point is the marina at PR-987. Confirm the pickup arrangement when you book, especially if you are staying outside Fajardo.

The ride itself is part of the experience. You get open views toward the islands, and the route can include an ocean view of El Faro de San Juan. The boat has a sun shade, Bluetooth sound system, and space for a cooler, so you can bring additional drinks or food if you wish. The included supplies cover the basics, but the option to add your own favorites makes the trip feel less packaged.

The boat used for these outings has been described as clean, roomy, and powerful enough to handle a relatively choppy day comfortably. That matters if you are bringing children or older family members. Still, this is a boat trip on open water, not a calm pool outing. If someone in your group is prone to seasickness, tell the captain early and use the available time wisely.

Cayo Icacos: snorkeling first, then white sand

Cayo Icacos is the main event. The boat heads to the reef area for snorkeling, then continues to the beach for swimming and relaxation. You get about two hours and 30 minutes here, which is enough time to do both without treating either activity as a quick photo stop.

The reef can bring clear water, colorful fish, and a good first look at Puerto Rico’s coastal sea life. Snorkeling gear is supplied, so you do not need to pack a mask and fins unless you prefer your own equipment. The crew can help point out suitable areas, but the exact quality of the water depends on weather, visibility, and sea conditions on the day you go.

I like the way this stop combines activity with downtime. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can stay near the boat or head to the beach. The floating jumbo noodles and large floating mat are especially useful for families and mixed-age groups. A child or less confident swimmer may enjoy the water more with a float nearby, though you remain responsible for supervising anyone who needs help.

The beach portion is less structured. You can swim, sit on the sand, use the floats, or simply enjoy the view. The captain may adjust the timing if your group wants more beach time and less snorkeling, one of the clearest advantages of having a private charter.

The water and sand are the stars here, but do not expect extensive facilities. This is an island stop, not a developed resort beach. Bring only what you need, protect your phone from water, and remember that the lack of a bathroom continues throughout the trip.

Isla Palominos brings turtle sightings and another beach

After Icacos, the boat heads toward Isla Palominos. The plan includes a short turtle-viewing stop, listed at about 10 minutes, followed by roughly one hour at the relaxing beach of Palomino.

The turtle stop is a viewing opportunity, not another snorkeling session. A protected area means you may pass by and watch the animals from the boat rather than enter the water with them. The best moments can be brief, so keep your eyes on the water and listen to the captain’s instructions. Sightings are wildlife encounters, not a guaranteed show, but past trips have included several turtles as well as other marine life.

This is also where responsible behavior matters. Keep your distance, do not chase the turtles, and let the captain position the boat. You will get a better experience by watching quietly than by trying to crowd the animals.

The beach at Isla Palominos gives the afternoon a slower second act. After snorkeling and swimming at Icacos, you can stretch out on the sand, use the water mat, or take another swim. One hour is enough for a pleasant stop, though it can feel short if your group wants a long, lazy beach session.

The route also includes a brief visit or pass by Palominito Island, an area associated with scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean. The stop is only about 10 minutes, so think of it as a quick look and photo opportunity rather than a full island visit. It adds variety to the route without taking much time from the beaches.

What comes with the $715 private charter

The price is $715 per group, with a maximum of six people. That makes the math important:

• Six people: about $119 per person
• Four people: about $179 per person
• Two people: about $358 per person

For six people, this is a strong value because you are paying for the whole boat rather than buying six separate seats. You also receive more than transportation. The package includes the captain, private boat, snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, shade, music, and floating equipment.

The included meal is straightforward rather than fancy. Expect sandwiches and chips, plus Coca-Cola, Sprite, bottled water, and local beers. That is enough to keep a half-day outing easy, especially with children, but anyone with dietary restrictions should confirm what sandwich options are available. You can also bring additional food and beverages, and the cooler can hold your own drinks.

Alcohol is provided, but remember that the boat is moving between islands and the sun can be strong. Drink water, use the shaded area, and keep your swimming ability and the sea conditions in mind. The captain remains responsible for the boat, so follow instructions about where and when you can move around.

The Bluetooth sound system is a pleasant private-tour perk. You can play your own music instead of listening to a shared boat playlist, though it is worth keeping the volume low enough to hear the captain and enjoy the natural setting.

Captains who shape the day

The captain can make a big difference on a private charter. Carlos is frequently singled out for being attentive, calm, and well informed about the islands. Jamil is also praised for sharing Puerto Rico’s history and for making the trip feel personal. Derek has been described as relaxed, friendly, and good at making the route feel tailored to the group.

You cannot necessarily request a particular captain unless Encanto Boat Tours confirms it. Still, you can tell the company what your group needs. If you have young children, an older family member, a nervous swimmer, or someone who gets seasick, mention it before departure.

A good captain does more than drive. The captain handles the route, watches the weather, explains the stops, helps with the snorkel setup, and decides how to approach wildlife. Several people have also appreciated captains who adjusted the timing rather than treating the schedule as fixed.

The private format gives the captain room to respond to your group. If everyone loves snorkeling, you can focus there. If the beach is the favorite part, you can spend more time relaxing. The exact flexibility depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment, but it is still a major advantage over a large shared excursion.

Is four hours enough?

For most groups, yes. The schedule is well packed:

• Travel from Fajardo toward the islands
• Snorkeling and beach time at Cayo Icacos
• Turtle viewing near Isla Palominos
• Beach time at Palomino
• A short look at Palominito
• Return to the marina

The four-hour length works well if you want a strong taste of the northeast coast without giving up an entire day. It also suits cruise passengers and families who need a clear time limit.

You may want more time if your ideal day means lingering on one beach, snorkeling for hours, or taking a long lunch. The private boat makes a longer charter appealing, and some people have wished they had booked a full day. For a first visit, though, four hours gives you several different experiences in one outing.

Keep in mind that the timetable includes movement between islands. You are not spending all four hours standing on a beach. The reward is variety: reef, beach, turtles, another beach, and an island connected with film history.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

This is a strong choice for a family group, a birthday outing, couples traveling with friends, or anyone who values privacy. The boat can accommodate a group ranging from young children to older adults, and the floats make the water more approachable for people who do not want to snorkel the whole time.

It also works well for a group with mixed interests. One person can snorkel while another relaxes on the mat. Some can swim, while others stay under the sun shade with a cold drink. That flexibility is hard to get on a crowded boat.

You should think twice if you need a restroom onboard, dislike open-water travel, or want a fully scheduled cultural tour. The captain may share local history and information about the islands, but the focus is sea time, wildlife, beaches, and relaxation.

The tour is also not ideal for anyone expecting guaranteed turtle sightings or perfect snorkeling conditions. Wildlife and visibility depend on nature. Bad weather can cancel the trip, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. A waterproof phone pouch is useful, since your phone may spend much of the day near spray, sand, and swimming water.

Use the restroom before boarding. There is no bathroom on the boat, and the trip lasts about four hours. That small detail matters more than it sounds, especially with children.

Arrive on time. One group once underestimated Puerto Rico traffic and arrived about an hour late, creating a difficult start even though the captain waited. Fajardo roads can take longer than expected, so build in extra travel time.

The experience accepts service animals, is near public transportation, and is suitable for most people. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the ticket is mobile. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted unless the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Should you book the Encanto boat tour?

I would book this for a group of four to six people that wants a private day on the water without arranging food, drinks, or snorkeling gear separately. The best value comes when you fill the boat, and the combination of Cayo Icacos, Palomino, turtle viewing, beaches, floats, and lunch gives you plenty to do in four hours.

I would be more cautious for a couple, since the per-person price rises sharply. I would also look elsewhere if your top priority is a bathroom, a long beach stay, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

For the right group, this is a practical and easygoing way to see Fajardo’s offshore islands. Book it for the privacy, the flexible pace, and the chance to let a good captain handle the route while you enjoy the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Marina Puerto Chico, located at 89X7+699, PR-987, Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Does the tour offer pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered from a designated hotel or port location. Confirm the exact pickup details when booking because the listed meeting point is Marina Puerto Chico.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

The boat provides sandwiches, chips, Coca-Cola, Sprite, bottled water, and local beers.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?

Yes. You can bring additional drinks and food, and the boat has a cooler for them.

Is there a restroom onboard?

No. There is no restroom onboard.

Will the tour visit Cayo Icacos and Isla Palominos?

Yes. The route includes snorkeling and beach time at Cayo Icacos, turtle sightseeing near Isla Palominos, and time at the Palomino beach.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.