Definitely the East Cays (Icacos, Palomino and Palominito) are one of the natural attractions that all tourists or locals should enjoy someday. In them, you can enjoy crystal clear waters, areas for snorkeling, a wide variety of marine life, and have the opportunity to practice water sports such as kayaking among others.
Due to the lack of information about how to get to these Cays, we receive many questions every day. Therefore, we have decided to make this short guide, with our recommendations and options to visit the same ones of you, a relative or friend not to own a private boat.
Remember to take back all your trash and leave the place clean.
Icacos Island, Fajardo
Palomino Island, Fajardo
Palominito Island, Fajardo
There are 3 main options to get to the Cays, and these are: Water Taxi, Catamarans and Private Boat Services.
1. Water Taxi: There is a wide variety of "Water Taxis" in the area of Las Croabas in Fajardo. For a small fee, these captains take groups of people daily to the Cays, and bring them back at the time you indicate, or in the afternoon at the time they stop operating. This is definitely the simplest and most economical option.
Pros:
1- It is the most economic method. (Approx $ 20 @ $ 30 per person round trip).
2- Most of the time you do not have to make a reservation, since they make multiple trips to the Cays daily.
3- You have the flexibility to go and return at the time you like.
Cons:
1- You have to bring everything you need for your trip, including food and drinks, umbrellas and beach chairs if you wish.
2- If you have a large groups, yoy are likely have to make individual trips for small amounts of the group.
3- You are limited to visiting only one Cay per day, since to visit another Cay you must schedule it with the captain and you will have additional charges.
Our recommendation for this service:
Lucas Water Taxi
Facebook:
Tel: (787) 518-8337
Las Croabas, Fajardo
Mingo Water Taxi
Tel: (787) 383-6509
Las Croabas, Fajardo
2. Catamarans: Another option for visiting the East Cays, are Catamaran companies. To be able to enjoy one of its tours, it is necessary that you reserve your space in advance. These companies depart from the main marinas in Fajardo at approximately 9:00 am @ 9:30 am and the tour ends at approximately 3:00 pm.
The prices of these companies for this tour fluctuate between $ 80 - $ 100 per person, depending on the company, and can also get offers with these companies on the platforms of Gustazo or Gruprón valued at approximately $ 50 per person.
Pros:
1- You can buy your space on the tour in advance online or by phone.
2- The tour includes food of cold cuts, and drinks.
3- The tour includes snorkeling equipment.
Cons:
1- It is not the most economical method.
2- The time of visit to the sites and return is determined by the company.
4- Many of these Catamarans do not visit the Cayos de Palomino or Palominito, however, they go to places to do "Snorkeling" where small boats do not usually anchor.
1. Private Boat Service: Our third recommendation is to visit the cays by renting a private boat. Most leave from different points of Fajardo. For this it is necessary to communicate in advance with the company, or captain who provides the service, and plan your trip in advance. As a benefit, you will have the opportunity to enjoy with your family or friends privately, and you will have the boat at your disposal during the time of your rental. The prices of these services vary according to the rates stipulated by these companies, but some of the factors that intervene in the price are: the size of the vessel that is rented, and the different services offered by the operator. Some of these companies offer food in their packages, and snorkeling equipment among others.
Pros
1- It is a private service, and the visit time to each cay is mostly stipulated by the client within the time of rental of the boat.
2- Most of these boats offer food and beverages (non-alcoholic) in their daily packages, so you do not have to worry about carrying your food.
3- You have the flexibility to visit the three cays on the same day.
Cons:
1- It is not the most economical service.
2- Being private, you have to separate the desired date in advance to ensure it.
3- Bad maritime conditions can cause cancellation of the tour.
Our recommendation for this service is:
Culebra VIP and East
https://www.facebook.com/culebravip
Tel: (787) 637-2730
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Remember to take back all your trash and leave the place clean.
Buenas tardes estoy pensando en viajar a Puerto Rico y cómo podría llegar a este lugar gracias