What to Expect on a Private Yacht Charter in Puerto Rico

A private yacht charter in Puerto Rico is completely different from a group boat tour. There are no strangers, no itinerary you didn’t agree to, and no waiting for people you don’t know. It’s your group, your boat, and one of the most beautiful stretches of Caribbean water in the world.

Here’s exactly what to expect — from the moment you arrive at the marina to the moment you step off.

Before You Board

We depart from Villa Marina at Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo — about 45 minutes from San Juan by car, or 55–60 minutes by Uber. We offer transportation from San Juan for $40 per person if you don’t want to drive.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The crew will greet you, help you bring anything aboard, and give you a brief orientation — how the boat is laid out, safety equipment location, and where the cooler is (that one gets asked the most).

The Crew

Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain and a professional mate. You don’t need any boating experience — the crew handles everything. The captain navigates and manages anchoring. The mate helps guests with snorkeling gear, the floating mat, drinks, and anything else needed throughout the day.

Both crew members are bilingual (English and Spanish). They know every reef, anchorage, and sea turtle hangout between Fajardo and the Spanish Virgin Islands.

What’s on the Boat

Every charter includes: cold beer, sodas, water, ice, fresh fruits, snacks, and sandwiches or wraps. A floating mat is deployed at every anchorage. Bluetooth is connected to your phone.

Snorkel gear is available on request at no extra charge. If you want more — jet skis, Seabobs, a BBQ, or a private chef for dinner — those are add-ons you arrange when booking.

Where You’ll Go

The default route for a 4–6 hour charter from Fajardo is Icacos Island — a white sand cay with turquoise water and a reef teeming with sea turtles. It’s 15 minutes by boat. On a 6-hour or 8-hour charter, most groups also visit Palomino Island, an uninhabited cay with calm water on one side and more open ocean on the other.

Tell your captain where you’d like to go and they’ll optimize the route. The itinerary is flexible — you’re not locked in.

What the Day Actually Feels Like

• Board, meet the crew, music starts. First drinks come out. Engines fire.
• 15-minute cruise to Icacos. Sun out, salt air, the island appears on the horizon.
• Anchor drop. Everyone in the water. The floating mat goes out. Snorkel around the reef. Sea turtles surface next to you.
• Food service at anchor. Fruits, snacks, sandwiches. More drinks. Nobody is in a rush.
• Move to the second spot (6hr+). 20-minute cruise to Palomino. Different vibe — a bit wilder, less reef.
• Return to marina. 25–30 minutes back. Sun-tired, very happy.

What to Bring

Short list: reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and a light cover-up. Leave your shoes at the marina — everyone is barefoot on board. Leave your big bag too. Small dry bag or ziplock for your phone.

Bring whatever you want to drink beyond what’s included — harder alcohol, sparkling water, energy drinks. Bring it in a soft cooler since hard coolers take up space.

The Return

At the end of the charter, the crew ties up at the marina and helps you off. Gratuity for the crew is appreciated but never required — the standard is 10–20% if you had a great day, which most people do.

If your group is heading back to San Juan the same day, allow about an hour after docking to get cleaned up and back in the car — sunset from the highway west of Fajardo is genuinely beautiful.