Before You Book
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Puerto Rico?
Private yacht charters in Puerto Rico range from $900 for a 27-foot center console to $3,500+ for a 60-foot luxury yacht on a 4-hour trip. Prices at Boating Puerto Rico include captain, mate, fuel, food, drinks, and floating mat. A 30% deposit reserves your date.
Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in Puerto Rico?
No — you don't need a license to charter a boat with a captain in Puerto Rico. Every charter at Boating Puerto Rico includes a USCG-licensed captain and mate. Licenses are only required if you rent a boat to operate yourself, which we do not offer.
What's the best time of year to charter a yacht in Puerto Rico?
The best months to charter a yacht in Puerto Rico are December through April, with calm seas and dry weather. Mornings are flatter and clearer than afternoons year-round. Summer (June–October) has occasional showers but water stays warm and beaches less crowded.
How far is Palomino Island from Fajardo by boat?
Palomino Island is about 15 minutes by boat from Villa Marina and Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo. It's the closest white-sand beach with clear turquoise water, which is why most private charters head there. Icacos is another 5–10 minutes past Palomino.
What's the difference between Palomino and Icacos?
Palomino Island has a white-sand beach with clear water, ideal for swimming and floating mats. Icacos is a sandbar surrounded by shallow turquoise water, great for beach-hopping and photos. Both are 15–25 minutes from Fajardo. Many 6-hour charters visit both in one day.
Can you drink alcohol on a charter boat in Puerto Rico?
Yes — guests can drink alcohol on private yacht charters in Puerto Rico. Boating Puerto Rico provides beer, ice, cups, and cooler space. You're welcome to bring your own liquor, champagne, or mixers. The captain and mate do not drink on duty. Drinking age is 18.
Where does the Lagoon Catamaran 48 depart from?
Villa Marina · Fajardo. About a 60-minute drive from San Juan. We offer optional roundtrip transportation from San Juan hotels for $40/person.
How many guests can it fit?
Up to 12 guests comfortably. For larger groups, passengers over 12 are $200/person (subject to capacity approval). Message us for bigger groups — we'll suggest the right boat.
What's actually included?
Captain, mate, fuel, bottled water, sodas, ice, beers, ham & cheese or turkey sandwiches/wraps, fresh fruit, snacks, floating mat, Bluetooth sound. You show up with swim gear and we handle the rest.
What's the deposit and cancellation policy?
30% deposit books your date. Full refund with 48+ hours notice. Weather cancellations (captain's call) are fully refundable or reschedule-able — we never go out if conditions aren't safe or fun.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes — bring whatever you want. We provide the basics and you can add premium liquor, champagne, your favorite snacks, anything. Plenty of cooler space onboard.
Can we bring a dog?
Yes — we're pet-friendly. Let us know in advance so the captain plans accordingly.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain makes the call the morning of. If it's not safe or not fun, we reschedule for free or refund in full — no hassle.
Why pick the catamaran over a monohull?
Stability. Catamarans don't rock at anchor — huge advantage for anyone prone to seasickness, and it makes serving food/drinks way easier. You also get a bigger, flatter deck space for the group to spread out.
