Discover Puerto Rico's Best Waters from San Juan

San Juan isn't just a vibrant city with world-class restaurants and historic architecture — it's also the gateway to some of the Caribbean's most spectacular sailing destinations. Whether you're looking for crystal-clear snorkeling, deserted white-sand beaches, or dramatic coastal scenery, a day charter from San Juan puts it all within reach.

Icacos Island — The Snorkeler's Paradise

Just a short sail east from the Fajardo area (about 90 minutes from San Juan by yacht), Icacos Island is an uninhabited cay surrounded by shallow turquoise water and thriving coral reefs. It's part of the La Cordillera Nature Reserve and consistently ranks among the best snorkeling spots in Puerto Rico.

What makes Icacos special:

Calm, protected waters ideal for beginners and families
Vibrant reef life including sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish
Pristine white-sand beach with no development
Shallow sandbars perfect for wading and photos

Most full-day charters anchor here for a few hours, giving guests plenty of time to snorkel, swim, and relax on the beach before continuing the journey.

Palomino Island — Private Island Vibes

Palomino Island sits just off the northeast coast and offers a more secluded experience. While technically a private island associated with a nearby resort, the surrounding waters are public and offer excellent snorkeling and swimming. The approach by yacht reveals lush green hills dropping into electric-blue water — a view that never gets old.

On calmer days, the waters between Palomino and the mainland create a natural pool effect, perfect for floating and taking in the scenery. Many captains know the best anchorage spots here where you can have a stretch of water practically to yourselves.

Culebra — The Crown Jewel

If you're up for a longer day on the water, Culebra is worth every nautical mile. The small island about 17 miles east of Fajardo is home to Flamenco Beach, consistently rated one of the top beaches in the world. The sand is powder-white, the water is impossibly clear, and the pace of life is blissfully slow.

A yacht charter to Culebra typically includes:

Snorkeling at Tamarindo Beach, known for its sea turtle population
Lunch at anchor with views of the Culebra hillside
Time on Flamenco Beach or the quieter Zoni Beach
A scenic sail through the island chain on the return

Note: Culebra charters work best as full-day trips (8+ hours) to allow enough transit and exploration time.

Cayo Santiago — Monkey Island

You can't set foot on Cayo Santiago — it's a research colony home to over 1,000 rhesus monkeys — but sailing past it is a memorable experience. Located off the southeast coast near Humacao, this tiny island has been a primate research station since 1938. You can anchor nearby and watch the monkeys from the boat, a unique experience you won't find anywhere else in the Caribbean.

La Parguera — Bioluminescent Bay

On the southwest coast, La Parguera offers one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays. While a full day charter from San Juan to La Parguera is ambitious, multi-day charters or sunset-focused trips can include a stop here. On moonless nights, the water glows blue-green as microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates light up with every movement.

Planning Your Route

The best destination for your charter depends on the time available, sea conditions, and your priorities. Here's a quick guide:

Half-day (4 hours): Coastal cruise with a snorkel stop near San Juan's eastern beaches
Full day (6–8 hours): Icacos Island, Palomino Island, or a combination
Extended day (8+ hours): Culebra or a multi-stop island tour

Our captains know these waters intimately and will customize the route based on conditions and your preferences. Contact us to start planning your perfect day charter from San Juan.