What is Cayo Icacos?
Cayo Icacos is an uninhabited tropical cay inside the protected La Cordillera Marine Reserve, just off the east coast of Puerto Rico. The largest of the public cays in the chain, it offers a long crescent of white sand, palm shade, calm shallow water and a healthy reef 100 meters offshore. There are no buildings, no facilities and no overnight stays.
You reach Icacos only by boat from Villa Marina Fajardo or Puerto del Rey Marina, both 50 minutes east of San Juan along PR-3 and PR-26. Catamaran tours anchor in the bay and you wade ashore or take a small dinghy. Most spend 4 to 5 hours at the cay before sailing back.
Tour types and prices
| Tour Type | Price (adult) | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Group Catamaran | From $115 | Sail, snorkel gear, lunch on board, open bar, under 25 passengers | Couples and families |
| Large Party Catamaran | From $80 | Same itinerary, 50+ passengers, louder music | Friend groups on a budget |
| Speedboat Tour | From $120 | 15 min crossing, more beach time, smaller group | Travelers short on time |
| Private Charter | From $700 per boat | Whole catamaran, custom stops, your own crew | Special occasions and small groups |
What to bring
- Reef safe sunscreen, the cay is in a marine reserve and oxybenzone sunscreens are discouraged
- Swimsuit and a beach towel, none provided by most operators
- Water shoes, the beach entry has scattered rocks and coral fragments
- Hat, sunglasses and a long sleeve rash guard for the open deck
- Cash for tips, 15 to 20 percent of tour price is standard for the crew
- Waterproof phone case, you will want photos in the water
Best time to visit
December through April is the dry season with sunny days, calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling. May, June and November are also great with fewer crowds. Avoid August through October if you can since this is peak Atlantic hurricane season and tours may be cancelled at short notice.
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Frequently asked questions
Cayo Icacos is an uninhabited tropical cay inside La Cordillera Marine Reserve off the east coast of Puerto Rico. White sand beach, palm shade and a healthy reef 100 meters offshore. Reached only by boat from Villa Marina Fajardo, 50 minutes east of San Juan.
A standard catamaran day trip lasts about six hours: 30 minutes sail each way, 4 to 5 hours of beach and snorkel time at Icacos and lunch on board. Plus the drive from your hotel to Fajardo (1 hour from San Juan).
All catamaran tours depart from Villa Marina Fajardo or Puerto del Rey Marina, both in Fajardo on the east coast of Puerto Rico, 50 minutes by car from San Juan along PR-3 and PR-26.
