How to Get to Icacos Island: Water Taxi vs. Catamaran
Updated: 3 days ago
Cayo Icacos is the small island with white sand and clear water that you see in every Fajardo photo. It's uninhabited, about a mile and a half off the coast, and you can only get there by boat. There are two main ways to go, and they're very different days.
Option 1: Water taxi (the budget way)
Local water taxis leave from Kayak Village in Las Croabas, the fishing village in Fajardo. The boat takes you to Icacos, drops you off and picks you up later.
Cheaper than a catamaran tour.
Simple: it's a ride, not a tour. No lunch, no drinks, no crew on the beach.
Flexible: you pick your own spot and your own pace.
Bring everything: water, food, sunscreen, shade and your snorkel gear. There's nothing to buy on Icacos.
Free parking: both water taxis have free parking for their passengers.
Mandibula Water Taxi
Departs from Kayak Village, PR-987 Km 6.9, Las Croabas, Fajardo
Call to book: 787-909-0226 or 787-556-6091
$50 per person, round trip. Runs 7 days a week, weather permitting.
You usually stay on Icacos until about 4 or 5 PM. Confirm departure and pickup times when you call.
Cariduro Water Taxi
Carr. Cabezas de San Juan, Las Croabas, Fajardo
Call to book: 787-562-4226
Opens at 8:30 AM. Ask for departure and pickup times when you call.
Option 2: Catamaran (the full day)
A catamaran day is the most popular tour in Fajardo. You sail from the marina, snorkel with the crew and relax on deck.
More comfortable: shade on deck and room to stretch out.
Usually included: snorkel gear, drinks and lunch. Every tour is different, so check before booking.
Easy for families and first-time snorkelers, with a crew watching the group.
Costs more than a water taxi, but it's a full day out.
Which one is for you?
Choose the water taxi if you're on a budget, you like to do your own thing, and you don't mind carrying a cooler.
Choose the catamaran if you want an easy, all-included day, you have kids, or it's your first time snorkeling.
Stay safe on Icacos
There are no lifeguards on Icacos. Never swim or snorkel alone, and use a flotation vest if you're not a strong swimmer.
Check the sea before you go. Look at swimsafepr.com. If the water is rough, boats may not go out.
There's no shade or water on the island. Bring more water than you think you need.
Look, don't touch the coral or the turtles, and take all your trash back with you.
Agree on the pickup time with your water taxi before they leave you on the island.
Make it a Fajardo weekend
Stay the night before so you're close to the docks: find a place to stay. Eat seafood in Las Croabas after the beach: see where to eat. And at night, paddle the glowing water of the bio bay.
Booking a catamaran through our links supports Enjoy Fajardo at no extra cost to you. Every dollar goes back into promoting Fajardo.
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