Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos)

A white sand beach rings a forested grove at the center of the tiny island, where waves and wind are almost the only sounds. Offshore, schools of colorful tropical fish inhabit a system of coral reefs. Snorkeling cruises to Cayo Icacos are a popular option for mainland visitors, and boat tours typically leave from Fajardo or even San Juan. Motor boat and catamaran cruises allow you to swim from the safety of the ship’s deck, explore the colorful reef below, and go ashore to stroll along the beach and visit the green center of the island. It’s also possible to visit Icacos as part of an island-hopping tour.

• Cayo Icacos is a must-see for nature lovers.

• Aside from palm trees, there is no shade on the island; visitors should bring sun protection.

• Booking a tour ensures you’ll have access to restrooms and water on board the tour boat, as there are no amenities on the island.

• Visitors who book a simple water-taxi excursion will need to bring their own snorkeling gear; on guided tours, gear is typically included.

Cayo Icacos is a 15-minute boat ride from the port at Las Croabas in Fajardo. Catamaran cruises typically depart from Fajardo Marina, which is located roughly 90 minutes by road from San Juan.

Travelers who book a private tour can schedule for earlier in the morning, before other groups arrive. You can visit Cayo Icacos year-round, but weather in this part of Puerto Rico is best from December through April. The hurricane season typically last from June through November.

Walk-in snorkeling is possible off any of the beaches at Cayo Icacos, but the four best spots are off the popular beaches on the west side of the island. The area’s healthy coral reef is home to creatures such as blue tang, parrotfish, snapper, stingrays, and sea turtles.

That depends. If you want more tourist facilities—including restaurants, hotels, and shops, then Culebra is your choice. Icacos, on the other hand, is smaller and more off the beaten path, so it's great for those seeking a more remote island experience. Both have great beaches and offer excellent snorkeling opportunities.

You can get to Icacos Island by boat from either Fajardo or San Juan in Puerto Rico. Choose from a water taxi or an organized day tour. If you travel to the Las Croabas port in Fajardo, you can get a boat that takes you directly to Icacos Island.

Yes, Icacos Island is fantastic for snorkeling. The island can only be reached by boat, and the ocean around it is home to colorful coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, and crustaceans. For ease, lots of travelers choose a snorkeling day trip with equipment provided, as well as lunch on the boat.

It takes around 15–20 minutes to travel by boat from Fajardo to Icacos Island. You can catch a water taxi from Las Croabas in Fajardo, and these are usually scheduled every 30 minutes throughout the day. You can also book a private boat charter or go on an organized tour.

Yes, it’s technically possible to kayak to Icacos Island from Fajardo. However, it’s not recommended due to the distance and the choppy, open water conditions. Instead, it’s best to go on an organized snorkeling tour that involves a boat trip to get to Icacos Island.

Yes, the beautiful Icacos Island is worth visiting. It’s a pristine uninhabited island that’s part of the La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Travelers who come here are interested in snorkeling, due to its abundant marine life and colorful coral reefs. It’s also known for its turquoise waters and unspoiled beaches.