Palomino Island aerial view — private boat charter from Fajardo Puerto Rico
Palomino Island · Fajardo

Palomino Island Boat Trip

The most popular boat charter destination in Puerto Rico — just 20 minutes from Fajardo. Long white sand beach, calm shallow water, palm tree shade, and vibrant snorkeling reefs. 100% private, all-inclusive.

20 min
From Fajardo
100%
Private Charter
7/10
Guests Book Combos
Up to 12
Guests per Boat
$900+
All-Inclusive
Why we go here

Beach Paradise, 20 Minutes From Shore

Palomino Island (Isla Palominos) is a private 100-acre island off the coast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and the most popular day-trip destination in the La Cordillera Nature Reserve. The water here is crystal clear, the beach is wide and sandy, and the vibe is pure Caribbean paradise.

What makes Palomino special is the combination of a long sandy beach, gentle shallow entry, and vibrant marine life just offshore. You can wade in from the shore, swim with tropical fish, relax under palm tree shade, and snorkel coral formations — all in one of Puerto Rico's most accessible island destinations.

Just 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Puerto del Rey Marina or Villa Marina in Fajardo, Palomino is perfect for bachelorette parties, family getaways, corporate groups, and couples. Often paired with Icacos for the ultimate 6-hour or 8-hour charter — the two islands are only 5 minutes apart.

Palomino Island beach Fajardo Puerto Rico
On the water

What to Expect at Palomino

From the moment we leave the marina, you're on island time. Here's exactly what your day looks like when you charter with us.

🏖️
Long White Sand Beach

Stretches for nearly half a mile. Plenty of room to spread out, set up your own spot, and enjoy the Caribbean without feeling crowded.

🏊
Shallow Calm Water

Perfect for non-swimmers, kids, and first-time snorkelers. Walk in gradually from the shore — the water stays shallow for a long way out.

🤿
Snorkeling Reefs

Coral formations just offshore — rays, parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle. Gear available as an add-on or bring your own.

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Palm Tree Shade

Unlike Icacos, Palomino has natural palm tree shade — perfect for lunch breaks and keeping kids cool between swims.

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Your Music, Your Playlist

Every boat has Bluetooth sound. Connect your phone and set the vibe the second we leave the dock.

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All-Inclusive Food & Drinks

Water, sodas, beer, ice, fresh fruit, and sandwich/wrap lunch are already loaded on board. BBQ, catering, and open bar upgrades available.

Built for your group

Who's Palomino Perfect For?

Whether you're celebrating, escaping with family, or entertaining clients — Palomino delivers. Here's why specific groups consistently rebook with us.

👰

Bachelorette Parties

Palomino is the go-to Puerto Rico bachelorette destination. Here's why:

  • Instagram-worthy photos everywhere
  • Floating mat + Bluetooth for the party vibe
  • Add open bar & private chef for the full VIP experience
  • Roundtrip transport from San Juan — no designated driver needed
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Families With Kids

The shallow calm water and palm tree shade make this the #1 family pick:

  • Kids wade safely from the shore
  • Natural shade for lunch breaks & naps
  • Experienced mate keeps an eye on little swimmers
  • Snacks, fruits & lunch already onboard
💑

Couples & Honeymoons

Private, romantic, and a world away from San Juan's crowds:

  • 100% private charter — no strangers sharing the boat
  • Palm tree shade for quiet moments on the sand
  • Add private chef & open bar for a proposal-worthy day
  • Drone photo & video upgrade available
💼

Corporate & Incentive Groups

We run corporate offsites for teams up to 12 per boat, multiple vessels for larger groups:

  • Invoiced with proper receipts for expense reports
  • BBQ or full catering onboard
  • 70ft Bertram & 82ft Sunseeker for executive groups
  • Pre-trip coordination via WhatsApp or email
Everything is covered

What's Included in Every Palomino Charter

No hidden fees. No surprise add-ons. When you book with Boating Puerto Rico, everything below is already loaded on the boat and included in your quoted price.

🛥️ Boat & Crew

  • Licensed USCG captain
  • Professional mate / deckhand
  • All fuel included
  • Safety gear & life vests
  • Full marine insurance

🍉 Food & Drinks

  • Bottled water
  • Assorted sodas
  • Light beer (Medalla / Corona)
  • Fresh tropical fruits
  • Sandwiches or wraps for lunch
  • Unlimited ice

🎶 Onboard Experience

  • Premium Bluetooth sound system
  • Large floating mat
  • Shaded seating area
  • Freshwater rinse shower

📍 Trip Planning

  • Private charter — no strangers
  • Flexible itinerary (Palomino + Icacos combo)
  • WhatsApp coordination with captain
  • Pre-trip weather briefing
  • Marina parking guidance
Palomino in pictures

See What's Waiting For You

Long sandy beaches. Shallow turquoise water. Palm tree shade. 20 minutes from Fajardo. This is Palomino when you charter with Boating Puerto Rico.

Plan your trip

How Long Should You Go?

Most first-time Palomino guests think they only need 4 hours. By the time they're done snorkeling, swimming, and eating — they wish they'd booked 6 or 8. Here's our honest recommendation:

4
Hour Charter
Quick escape. One anchor spot at Palomino, 2 hours on the beach, quick snorkel, back to the marina. Great for short getaways.
Budget-Friendly
8
Hour Charter
The full experience. Palomino + Icacos + a secret third spot. Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and unforgettable family days.
Ultimate Day
Hop both islands in one day

Palomino vs Icacos — Why Most Guests Visit Both

Palomino and Icacos sit just 5 minutes apart, but they deliver completely different vibes. That's why 7 out of 10 guests upgrade to a 6h or 8h charter and combine them.

 
🏝️ Palomino
🏖️ Icacos
Best For
Long beach day, kids, shade
Photos, sandbar, crystal water
Beach
Long white sand, palm shade
No beach — shallow sandbar you stand on
Water
Calm, shallow, great for snorkeling
Clearest water in PR — turquoise & glass-like
Shade
Natural palm tree shade on shore
No shade — bring sun protection
Distance from Fajardo
20 minutes
25 minutes
Vibe
Relaxed beach day, family-friendly
Wow-factor photos, floating party
The Smart Move: Do Both

Upgrade to a 6h or 8h charter and hit Palomino for beach time + Icacos for the turquoise sandbar shots. Same boat, same crew, two completely different experiences.

Book the Palomino + Icacos Combo
Choose your vessel

Boats Available for Palomino

We operate the largest private charter fleet between Fajardo and San Juan — 10+ boats ranging from budget-friendly center consoles to 82ft superyachts. Every boat below can run Palomino.

27FT · HYDRA SPORTS
Hydra Sports 27ft
Villa Marina · Up to 6 guests
4h · $9006h · $1,200
View Boat & Book →
30FT · WELLCRAFT
Wellcraft 30ft
Fajardo · Up to 7 guests
🌅 Sunset 2h · $7954h · $1,1006h · $1,400
View Boat & Book →
38FT · GRADY WHITE
Grady White 38ft
Puerto del Rey · Up to 10 guests
4h · $1,4006h · $1,800
View Boat & Book →
38FT · AXOPAR
Axopar 38ft
Fajardo · Up to 12 guests
🌅 Sunset 2h · $9954h · $1,5006h · $1,900
View Boat & Book →
42FT · STAMAS
Stamas 42ft
Fajardo · Up to 10 guests
🌅 Sunset 2h · $1,2004h · $1,6006h · $2,200
View Boat & Book →
45FT · SCHAEFER
Schaefer 45ft Yacht
Villa Marina · Up to 10 guests
4h · $2,5006h · $3,000
View Boat & Book →
48FT · LAGOON CAT
Lagoon 48ft Catamaran
Villa Marina · Up to 12 guests
4h · $3,0006h · $3,800
View Boat & Book →
50FT · AZIMUT
Azimut 50ft
Fajardo · Up to 12 guests
🌅 Sunset 2h · $1,9004h · $2,8006h · $3,300
View Boat & Book →
60FT · SUNSEEKER
Sunseeker 60ft
Puerto del Rey · Up to 12 guests
4h · $3,0006h · $3,500
View Boat & Book →
82FT · SUNSEEKER
Sunseeker 82ft Superyacht
Fajardo · Up to 12 guests
Full day · Inquire
View Boat & Book →
View Entire Fleet
Make it unforgettable

Add-Ons & Premium Upgrades

Upgrade any Palomino charter with chef-prepared meals, open bar service, water toys, or roundtrip transportation from San Juan. Add-ons are optional — just tell us what you want when booking.

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BBQ Experience
From $250

Fresh grilled chicken, churrasco steak, sausages, rice, beans, tostones & salad — cooked dockside and delivered hot to the boat.

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Full Catering
$200–$300

Upgrade from sandwiches to a full island-style lunch with protein, sides, and dessert. Perfect for groups of 6+.

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Private Chef Onboard
Quote on request

Your own chef preparing fresh ceviche, grilled seafood, and tropical dishes while you swim. Ideal for special occasions.

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Open Bar
$500

Premium rum, tequila, vodka, mixers, and bartender-level pours. Cocktails, shots, and frozen drinks all day long.

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Jet Skis
Hourly rate

Rent one or multiple jet skis delivered directly to the boat. Rip around Palomino or race over to Icacos.

🌊
Seabob Underwater Scooter
Quote on request

Glide through the reef at speeds the pros use. Next-level snorkeling experience your group will never forget.

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Roundtrip Transportation
$40 / person

Private pickup from your San Juan hotel, Airbnb, or the airport — direct to Fajardo marina and back. No rental car needed.

📸
Drone Photo & Video
Quote on request

Professional drone captures of your group, the boat, and Palomino's turquoise water. Edited reels ready to post.

Getting to the boat

How to Get to the Marina

Most Palomino charters depart from Puerto del Rey Marina or Villa Marina in Fajardo — about 1 hour east of San Juan. You have two options:

Option 1 · Drive yourself

Puerto del Rey & Villa Marina

Puerto del Rey Marina is the largest marina in the Caribbean and our primary departure point. Villa Marina is 5 minutes north and also used for certain charters. Both have ample free parking for charter guests.

Drive time from San Juan is approximately 55–70 minutes via PR-26 East and PR-3. Rental cars, Uber (limited return options), and private taxis are all valid. We send exact directions and parking instructions after you book.

View Puerto del Rey on Google Maps →

⭐ Guest Favorite

Option 2: Let Us Handle It

Skip the rental car, skip the traffic, skip the Uber stress. We arrange private roundtrip transportation from your San Juan hotel, Airbnb, or the airport — directly to the marina and back.

$40 per person · roundtrip Add Transport to My Booking
The real reason guests book Palomino

Why Choose Palomino Over Other Spots

👨‍👩‍👧
Family-Friendly #1

Shallow water, easy beach access, and natural shade make Palomino the top choice for families with kids and first-time charter guests.

💎
Consistent Water Clarity

Because of its location and prevailing Caribbean currents, Palomino's water stays crystal clear even when other spots get busy or murky.

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Perfect Photo Spots

Palm trees, turquoise water, pristine sand — one of the most photographed beaches on the Puerto Rico east coast.

Closest Island to Fajardo

Only 20 minutes out means more beach time and less fuel cost — book a 4-hour and still get a full Caribbean day.

Plan it right

Best Time of Year to Visit Palomino

The honest truth: Puerto Rico is a year-round destination, and Palomino runs almost every day. But some months deliver better water clarity, fewer crowds, or better pricing. Here's the breakdown.

Peak Season

Dry & Sunny

December – April

Best weather window. Near-perfect sun, calm seas, minimal rain. Cruise season in full swing. Book 2–4 weeks ahead — weekends sell out fast. Our busiest period.

Sweet Spot

Spring Shoulder

May – June

Our insider favorite. Warm water, calmer winds, fewer crowds than winter. Prices trend a touch lower than peak. Exceptional snorkeling visibility in June before summer rains kick in.

Locals' Season

Summer & Early Fall

July – October

Warmest water of the year, long daylight for 8h charters, and the most availability. Brief afternoon showers are common but usually pass fast. Watch for Saharan dust haze in July–August.

Quiet Season

Post-Hurricane

November

Transition month — hurricane season winds down, dry season ramps up. Quieter beaches, easy weekend availability, and water clarity returning to peak. An underrated month to book.

Hurricane season officially runs June 1 – November 30. Direct impacts on Palomino charters are rare, but if weather cancels your trip, you get a full refund or reschedule — no questions asked.

Packing checklist

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

We load the boat with everything you need for a comfortable day. Here's what to pack from your end — and what's already covered so you can travel light.

Bring These

  • Swimsuit (wear it to the marina — there's no changing area)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen — required to protect the reefs
  • Sunglasses with strap (you will lose them otherwise)
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Waterproof phone case or GoPro for photos
  • Cash for balance payment + crew tip if desired
  • Your own snorkel gear (or add it as an upgrade)
  • Light jacket for winter months (Dec–Feb mornings can be breezy)

Pro tip from the captain: leave expensive valuables (jewelry, big cameras, laptops) in your hotel safe. Salt water and sand are tough on everything. Bring what you're comfortable getting wet and sandy.

What our guests say

Real Reviews from Palomino Charters

Hundreds of families, bachelorette parties, and couples have chartered with us to Palomino. Here's what a few of them had to say.

★★★★★

"Absolute best day of our Puerto Rico trip. Captain was on time, boat was immaculate, and the water at Palomino was unreal. The floating mat and music made it feel like a private island resort."

Ashley M.
Bachelorette Party · 6-hour charter
★★★★★

"Traveling with 3 kids under 10 — this was perfect. Shallow water, shade from the palm trees, and the crew made our kids feel safe. Worth every dollar. Already booked for next year."

The Rodriguez Family
Family Getaway · 6-hour charter
★★★★★

"Did the 8-hour combo to Palomino and Icacos. Two completely different vibes in one day. The BBQ upgrade was fire and the open bar kept the party going. 10/10."

Marcus T.
Birthday Trip · 8-hour charter
★★★★★

"Booked last minute through WhatsApp and Reinaldo had us on the water the next day. Super smooth communication, fair pricing, and the boat exceeded expectations. Best charter company in PR."

Jessica K.
Couples Trip · 4-hour charter
Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about Palomino boat trips. Need more info? Message us on WhatsApp — we reply within minutes.

How long does it take to get to Palomino from Fajardo?
Palomino Island is just 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Puerto del Rey Marina or Villa Marina in Fajardo — one of the quickest and most convenient island escapes in Puerto Rico. That means more beach time and less fuel cost compared to farther destinations like Culebra.
What's the best trip duration for Palomino?
We recommend 6-hour or 8-hour private charters to fully enjoy Palomino. Longer trips allow you to swim, snorkel, eat lunch onboard, and combine Palomino with Icacos for the ultimate island-hopping experience. 4-hour trips work for quick getaways but most guests wish they'd booked longer.
Is Palomino Island good for families with kids?
Yes — Palomino has the shallowest and calmest water in the La Cordillera area, making it the top choice for families. Kids can wade safely from the shore, the beach has natural palm tree shade for lunch breaks, and the crew is experienced with young guests.
What's included in a Palomino boat charter?
All charters include captain, mate, fuel, water, sodas, ice, beer, floating mat, Bluetooth music, fresh fruits, and light lunch (sandwiches or wraps). No hidden fees. Add-ons like BBQ, catering, open bar, jet skis, Seabobs, and transportation from San Juan are optional upgrades.
How many guests can the boats carry?
Our fleet ranges from 6 to 12 guests per boat. For groups over a vessel's base capacity, boats with sub-12 licensing can accommodate up to 12 guests for an additional $200 per person over base. For larger groups, our 70ft Bertram and 82ft Sunseeker handle up to 12 comfortably with plenty of space.
Do you provide snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is available as an add-on or you're welcome to bring your own. Palomino's offshore reefs are home to parrotfish, angelfish, rays, and the occasional sea turtle — it's one of the best spots in the La Cordillera for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 30% deposit is required to secure your date. Full refund is guaranteed if we cancel for weather or sea conditions. Guest-initiated cancellations receive a full refund with 48+ hours notice. Final balance is due on the day of the charter.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, cash, Zelle, CashApp, and Venmo. Payment links can be sent directly via WhatsApp for your convenience.
Can we bring our own food, alcohol, or coolers?
Yes, you're welcome to bring additional food, drinks, or a personal cooler. We already provide a full stocked setup, but many guests bring favorites like champagne for celebrations or specific dietary items. Just let us know ahead of time so we plan space accordingly.
Where do we meet the boat?
Most Palomino charters depart from Puerto del Rey Marina or Villa Marina, both in Fajardo (about 1 hour drive east of San Juan). We send detailed directions and parking instructions after booking. If you prefer not to drive, ask about our roundtrip transportation from San Juan at $40 per person.
Can I bring my dog or small pet on the charter?
Yes — we welcome well-behaved pets on most of our vessels. Just mention your pet when booking so we can assign the right boat and make sure we have fresh water and a shaded spot for them. Many of our guests have had some of their best days with their dog onboard.
When is the best month to book a Palomino charter?
Peak weather runs December through April — dry, sunny, and calm. But some of our most underrated weeks are May–June and November: warm water, fewer crowds, and excellent visibility. July through October has the warmest water of the year with occasional brief showers. We run charters year-round and monitor conditions daily.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?
Your safety is non-negotiable. If the captain determines weather or sea conditions are unsafe, we cancel and you receive a full refund or free reschedule — your choice. We monitor forecasts daily and reach out 24–48 hours before your trip if there's any concern.
Should I book the 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour charter?
Be honest with yourself: if it's your first time on a Puerto Rico boat trip, book the 6-hour. Four hours goes by in a blur once you factor in the ride out, anchoring, and getting set up. The 6-hour lets you relax, snorkel, eat, and hit both Palomino and Icacos. The 8-hour is the ultimate for bachelorettes, birthdays, and special occasions — add a third stop, a sunset, or extended beach time.
Booking made simple

How to Book Your Palomino Charter

From first message to setting sail, the whole process takes less than 10 minutes. Here's exactly how it works.

Message Us

WhatsApp us at 787-717-3779 with your preferred date, group size, and trip duration. We typically reply within minutes.

Get Your Quote

We'll recommend the best boat for your group and send a clear quote with any add-ons you want. No pushy sales — just options.

Secure With Deposit

Pay a 30% deposit via card, Zelle, CashApp, or Venmo to lock in your date. You'll receive confirmation and captain contact info.

Show Up & Set Sail

Arrive at the marina 15 minutes before departure. Pay the balance, meet your crew, and get ready for the best day of your Puerto Rico trip.

Ready to Book Your Palomino Day?

30% deposit secures your date. Full refund if we cancel for weather. Every charter is 100% private — just you and your group.

WhatsApp Us Now See All Boats
Keep exploring

Other Puerto Rico Boat Destinations

Palomino pairs beautifully with nearby islands. Ask about combo routes on your 6h or 8h charter.

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