If you are planning a boat day from Fajardo, you will hear two names over and over: Icacos and Palomino. Both sit just off Puerto Rico's east coast, both have white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water, and both are about 20 minutes from the marina. So which one should you choose?
After nearly 10 years of running private charters out of Fajardo, here is our honest comparison.
The quick answer
- Choose Icacos if you want an untouched, natural island with shallow, calm water and the feeling of being far from everything.
- Choose Palomino if you want postcard views of Puerto Rico's coastline and the El Yunque mountains, with a little more going on around you.
- Not sure? Let the weather decide. On our private charters, your captain checks the wind and ocean swells that morning and picks whichever island has the calmest, clearest water that day.
Icacos Island: the wild, natural choice
Cayo Icacos is one of the larger islands in the La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve, a chain of small cays and coral reefs off Fajardo that has been protected since 1980. Nobody lives on Icacos and there is nothing built on it, which is exactly why people love it: just sand, sea grape, and water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat.
The water near the beach is shallow and usually calm, which makes Icacos a favorite for families and first-time snorkelers. The surrounding reef area is home to coral and tropical fish, so bring your mask.
Good to know: Icacos has no restaurants, shops or restrooms, and it can only be reached by boat. On a private yacht, everything you need, including a full-size restroom, drinks and snacks, is right there on board. Learn more about Icacos Island.
Palomino Island: the scenic classic
Palomino is a privately owned island, and most of it is leased to the El Conquistador Resort for its guests' beach activities. That gives Palomino a different feel from Icacos: you will often see resort guests on the sand and more activity on the water.
What Palomino does best is the view. Anchored off the island, you look straight back at Puerto Rico's green coastline and the mountains of El Yunque, one of the best backdrops on the east coast. The water is clear and beautiful for swimming and floating. Just south of Palomino sits Palominito, a tiny islet that has nearly disappeared from erosion over the years.
Learn more about Palomino Island.
Icacos vs. Palomino at a glance
| Icacos | Palomino | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Untouched, natural | Scenic, livelier |
| Ownership | Part of a protected nature reserve | Private, mostly leased to a resort |
| Water | Shallow, calm, very clear | Clear, great for swimming |
| Best for | Families, snorkeling, quiet days | Views, photos, celebrations |
| Facilities | None on the island | Resort facilities for resort guests |
| Time from the marina | About 20 minutes | About 20 minutes |
Which island is better for your group?
- Families with kids: Icacos, for the shallow, calm water.
- Snorkelers: Icacos, for its reef. See our private snorkeling trips.
- Bachelorette parties and celebrations: either works. Many groups love Palomino's views for photos. See our bachelorette charters.
- Couples: Icacos for privacy, or end the day with a sunset cruise.
- Want to go farther? On calm days, consider a Culebra yacht charter.
Help keep these islands beautiful
The reefs around Icacos and Palomino are fragile. Please never stand on or touch coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, keep a respectful distance from sea turtles and other wildlife, and take every piece of trash back with you. We also ask guests not to bring loose decorations, because the wind can carry them into the ocean.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit both islands in one day?
They are close to each other, so ask us. Your captain will tell you what makes sense based on that day's conditions.
How do you get to Icacos or Palomino?
Both are reached by boat from Fajardo. A private charter is the most comfortable way to go: your group only, your schedule, and a licensed captain who knows these waters.
How far is Fajardo from San Juan?
About an hour by car. We also offer private VIP transportation from anywhere in Puerto Rico. Read more on our charters from San Juan page.
Plan your island day
Browse our private yachts, check availability online, or call or text us at (787) 215-5303. We will help you pick the right boat and the right island for your group.
