Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos)

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Snorkeling at Cayo Icacos

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.

Is Culebra or Icacos better?

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.

How do you get to Icacos Island?

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.

Is Icacos good for snorkeling?

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.

How long is the boat ride from Fajardo to Icacos?

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.

Can you kayak to Icacos Island?

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.

Is Icacos Island worth visiting?

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.

Ways to explore

Icacos Island is only reachable by boat, so hop aboard a catamaran for a full-day cruise, charter a private boat, or take a water taxi out to the island to swim and snorkel. Island-hopping cruises often combine Icacos Island with Palominos Island, Vieques Island, or the surrounding Cordillera Cays.

Head ashore to walk along the island’s forested trails, relax on the sandy shores, or dive in to swim and snorkel, while looking out for stingrays, sea turtles, parrotfish, and a variety of tropical fish and marine life.

Accessibility

The island is undeveloped and not easily accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility; some boat tours may be accessible.

Age limits

Some boat tours have a minimum age for children.

What to pack

Swimsuit, towel, underwater camera or GoPro, reusable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes

What to wear

Light layers, flip-flops or sandals for the boat ride and beach, hiking shoes or sneakers if you plan to hike

Not allowed

Make sure you take all trash with you when you leave the island.

Amenities

There are no amenities on the island, so bring everything you need; most boats have on-board restrooms; tours may include snorkel equipment, a cooler, beach umbrellas, and sun loungers.

Address

Icacos Island is located off the east coast of Puerto Rico, about a 15- to 20-minute boat ride from Fajardo Marina. The island can only be accessed by boat.

Driving

The port of Fajardo is about a 1.5-hour drive east of San Juan along Route 3. Some tours include round-trip transport from San Juan.

Public transportation

There’s no public transport to the island, but water taxis are available from the marina at Las Croabas in Fajardo.

Best times to visit

Set out early if you want to have the island’s beaches to yourself, or visit in the afternoon and stick around to watch the sunset over the cays.

Best days to visit

Boat tours and water taxis run to Icacos Island daily, year-round. Weekdays are usually quieter, especially during peak season.

Best months to visit

Puerto Rico’s best beach weather is during the dry season (December through April), and it’s best to avoid hurricane season from June through November.