Ever dream about sailing off into the vast ocean? Well here in Puerto Rico that can be a reality (well at least for a few hours) with several sail boat operators offering snorkeling and sailing tours.
Snorkeling and sailing tours in Puerto Rico tend to depart mainly from Fajardo on the east coast with a couple of options departing from Rincon and Cabo Rojo on the west coast.
Tours will usually begin in the morning, returning mid afternoon after making a beach stop for snorkeling, swimming or beach combing, lunch and more than likely an open water snorkel stop at a nearby reef.
Snorkeling gear and instructions are provided; just remember your sunscreen and camera (waterproof if you plan on snorkeling).
Fajardo tour operators offer similar day sails, taking in one of the smaller islands off the north east coast of Puerto Rico such as; Icacos, Palominito, Cayo Lobo or Palominos. The captain will determine your destination depending on prevailing weather conditions.
You will also find some tour operators offering sunset cruises, moonlight cruises and day sails to Culebra.
On the west coast, you will find snorkeling tours, as well as sunset and moonlight cruises being offered.
If you are a non swimmer or prefer not to snorkel, no problem; you can hit the beach or just relax on the boat and soak up the sun and the cool sea breeze.
Note: Most tour operators offer complimentary drinks, you should contact them directly to see what drinks are included with their tours.
Check out the list of tours available:
Fajardo Snorkeling and Day Sailing Tour Operators
Erin Go Bragh
Set sail on board the Erin Go Bragh III a 50-foot Gulfstar Ketch for day sails, over night sails or longer charters.
Day Sails
Depart around 10am and return at 5pm and include beach stop with time to snorkel, beach comb or just relax, lunch and offshore reef stop
Sunset Cruise
Depart late afternoon and returns once the sun has set.
The cruise includes appetizers, a full-course meal cooked on board, wine and dessert
Note: 4 passenger minimum for these tours
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
For more information see their website
Tel: 787-860-4401
Castillo Tours
Castillo Tours operates the 46 foot Catamaran, Barefoot IV.
Tours usually visit Icacos island with a beach stop, buffet lunch followed by an offshore stop for a nearby reef.
Transport from San Juan Hotels can be provided with an additional charge
Typical costs per person are $95 including transport from San Juan or $74 if no transportation is needed
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
For more information see their website
Tel: 787-791-6193
East Wind Cats
East Wind Cats provides snorkeling and day sails for individuals, small and large party’s as well as corporate groups on either their sailing catamaran’s or powered catamaran’s
Icacos Island
Usually operates with the 62 foot sailing catamaran ‘East Wind’ departing Puerto del Rey Marina around 10am and returning around 3:30pm.
The trip will include one beach stop, lunch and the off-shore anchor over a nearby reef
Cost $69 adults, $49 Children (aged 2 – 9) plus tax
Culebra Day Trip
Head to Culebra on board the powered catamaran either Island Flyer or Eco Isleno for a quick 1 hour sail. Trips usually depart around 9:30am and return around 3:45pm
The tour usually visits the ‘carlos Rosario’ reef or ‘Luis Pena underwater nature preserve’ before heading to Flamenco Beach or Culebrita for some beach time, more snorkeling and lunch.
$89.00 per adults $69.00 per child (2-9 yrs) plus applicable taxes and fees
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
More info about the trips at their website
Tel: 787-860-3434
Sail Dive Party
Sailing trips are onboard the 51 ft sailing catamaran The Fun Cat designed and built by its skipper Capt. Greg Korwek. The Fun Cat sails from Villa Marina
Tours visit one of the nearby islands, include lunch and drinks (beer provided at an extra cost) and snorkeling at one of the local reefs.
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Website
Tel: 787-728-6606
SnorkelPR
Snorkelpr offers day sails, sunset sails and moonlight cruises on board their catamaran ‘Spread Eagle II’
Day Sails
Spread Eagle II sets sail from J Dock at Villa Marina in Fajrado at around 10am, heading for one of the smaller islands off the north east coast, returning mid afternoon.
Sunset Cruise
Watch the sunset during this 2 hour cruise from 5pm – 7:00pm including dinner and complimentary drinks
Moonlight Cruise
Sail by moonlight during this evening cruise that includes Hors D’Oeuvres and complimentary drinks
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
More info about the trips at their website
Tel: 787-887-8821
Salty Dog Catamaran (Salty Dreams)
Day Sailing
Tours usually head to Cayo Icacos or one of the other nearby islands departing from Fajardo around 10am and returning around 3:30pm.
The trip will include one beach stop, lunch and the off-shore anchor over a nearby reef
Cost $59.00 per person
Sunset Cruise
2 hour cruise from 5pm – 7pm including cocktails and light snacks.
Cost: $45 per person + tax
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
More information about their tours at their website
Tel: 787-717-6378
TravelerPR
Day sails from Villa Marina, Fajardo departing 10am and returning around 3:30pm
Tours usually head to Icacos Beach for the first stop that includes lunch, followed by an offshore anchore over a nearby reef
Cost: Adults $69.55 and Children (12 and under) $53.50
Endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Comapny
More info at their website
Tel. 787-863-2821
VIP Snorkeling – Serenity Sea Tours
Offer tours on board motor boats rather than catamarans.
The Cordillera de Fajardo Tour
The tour takes in Palominito, Lobos and Icacos for swimming, snorkeling and beach exploring and includes lunch and complimentary drinks.
Tour departs two times per day:
Morning Tour – 8:30am-1pm
Sunset Tour – 1:30pm-Sunset at 6pm
The tour will be with a 22 Bowrider by Cobalt, or a 27 yacht Sea Ray Sundancer that has an extended swim platform
Costs from $85 – $150 per person depending on number of people and boat
More information at their website
Tel: 787-435-1358
Cabo Rojo Snorkeling and Day Sailing Tour Operators
Adventures Tourmarine
Offer a two hours snorkeling trip that will visit Cayo Ron or Cayo El Negro as well as a Sunset Cruise
There is a minium of 4 persons per tour
They also offer Kayak Rentals, for short trips to Isla Ratones
Adventures Tourmarine Are located at Road 102 KM 14.1, Joyuda Beach, Cabo Rojo
More information at their website
Tel: 787-255-2525
Rincon Snorkeling and Day Sailing Tour Operators
Katrina sail Charters
Tours are on board the 32ft catamaran ‘Katrina’
Day Sails
Depart around 10am and head west for an off-shore snorkel spot, lunch on board the ‘Katrina’ before returning around 1pm.
During January to March you also have the possibility of spotting humpback whales during their annual migration.
$75 per person, children under 12: $37.50
Sunset Sail
Depart around 4- 5 pm and sail the Mona Passage as far north as the surf spot Rivermouth on the north coast of Rincon/Aguada border and as far south as Tres Hermanos beach in the Anasco Bay.
The tour includes like snacks and ‘all you can drink’ beverages
The trip returns just after sunset.
$55 per person, children under 12: $27.50
Full Moon Sail
Departs around 8pm and includes the chance to swim by moonlight. The tour includes ‘all you can drink’ beverages and light hors d’oeuvres. This is a party trip.
$55 per person, not recommended for children.
More information about the various tours at their website
Tel: 787-823-SAIL
Resources: Reef photograph by Joe King Creative Commons
