Aerial view of Palomino Island, Puerto Rico — turquoise water and seagrass beds where sea turtles are seen
🐢 Snorkel Experience

Swim With Sea Turtles
at Palomino Island

A protected cove off Fajardo where green sea turtles graze on seagrass year-round. Snorkel with them in crystal-clear water just 20 minutes from Villa Marina — included with every Palomino charter.

View Palomino Charter → WhatsApp Us
🐢 Green sea turtles 🌊 Year-round sightings 👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly 🎁 Included in charter
Year-round
Sightings
3-15 ft
Snorkel Depth
All Ages
Beginner Friendly
20 min
From Villa Marina
Included
No Extra Fee
A Magical Encounter

Meet the Locals of Palomino

Palomino Island sits 20 minutes east of Fajardo, surrounded by shallow seagrass meadows that are home to a healthy population of green sea turtles (and occasionally hawksbills). They graze peacefully in the same coves where our boats anchor — and you can snorkel right next to them.

This isn't a contrived "turtle tour" with promises and disappointments. The turtles live here. Our captains know exactly where they feed and at what times. Most charters see 2-5 turtles per visit, often within a few minutes of getting in the water.

  • Wild green sea turtles in their natural habitat
  • Snorkel gear, masks & floating mat included
  • Shallow protected water — kids and non-swimmers welcome
  • Mate guides you in the water while captain stays on board
  • Ethical, hands-off encounter — never touch or chase
Plan Your Palomino Day →
Drone view of Palomino Island with anchored yachts — sea turtle snorkel location in Puerto Rico
Step by step

What the Day Looks Like

A typical 6-hour Palomino charter includes the turtle snorkel as one of the day's highlights. Here's how it usually flows.

1

Depart Villa Marina

Captain meets you at the dock, briefs the day, and we cast off. About 20 minutes to Palomino in calm water.

2

Anchor at the cove

Captain finds the day's best spot — usually a sheltered cove with seagrass meadows where turtles feed.

3

Gear up & jump in

We hand out masks, fins, and floating mats. Kids and first-timers stay with the mate in the shallow area.

4

Spot & swim with turtles

Most groups see 2-5 turtles within minutes. Stay 10+ feet away — they'll often swim right past curious snorkelers.

5

Relax & refuel

Back on board for drinks, snacks, lunch and shade. Floating mat deployed for a sandbar break.

6

Continue the day

Add Icacos, more snorkel spots, or relax in the cove. 6-hour charters fit it all comfortably.

Palomino · Sea Turtle Habitat

Real charter photos from Palomino Island — the protected cove where turtles graze and our boats anchor.

Aerial drone view of Palomino Island with anchored boats in turquoise water Palomino · aerial
Yachts anchored at Palomino seagrass beds where sea turtles feed The cove · seagrass meadow
Center console yacht with guests on bow at Palomino sandbar near turtle snorkel area Anchored at the spot
Snorkelers on a floating Calobana mat in clear turquoise water at Palomino Calobana mat · between dives
Couple in shallow turquoise water with drinks — sandbar relaxation between turtle snorkel Shallow turquoise water
Aerial of yacht anchored at Caribbean cove — sea turtle snorkel location Puerto Rico Drone view · perfect water

📸 Underwater turtle photos coming soon — share yours with us on Instagram @boatingpuertorico

🗓️ Best Time of Year

Sea turtles are seen at Palomino year-round. Sightings depend more on water clarity than season.

  • Peak clarity: February – July (calmest seas)
  • Best time of day: 8am – 12pm (clearest water, active feeding)
  • Avoid: Right after heavy rain (sediment reduces visibility)
  • Honorable mention: Mating season (May – August) brings more turtles to the cove

🛡️ Ethical Wildlife Encounter

Sea turtles in Puerto Rico are federally protected. We follow strict rules — no touching, chasing, feeding or flash photography.

  • Stay 10+ feet from any turtle at all times
  • Never block their path to the surface
  • Reef-safe sunscreen required (we provide if you forgot)
  • No flash photography underwater
  • Captains trained in marine wildlife protocols

Included in Every Palomino Charter

No extra fee. The turtle snorkel comes standard with every 4-hour or 6-hour Palomino charter. Just tell us when you book and we'll plan the day to maximize your chances of seeing them.

See Palomino Charter → WhatsApp Us

Turtle Snorkel FAQ

Everything you need to know about the experience.

Can you actually see sea turtles at Palomino Island?
Yes. Green sea turtles (and occasionally hawksbills) are seen year-round in the shallow grass beds and seagrass meadows around Palomino Island. Visibility is best on calm days when the water is clear.
What's the best time of year for turtle sightings in Puerto Rico?
Year-round, but peak visibility is February through July when the water is calmest. Mornings (8am-12pm) have the clearest water and most active turtles feeding on seagrass.
Is the turtle snorkel beginner-friendly?
Yes. The water around Palomino is shallow (3-15 ft) and protected, perfect for first-time snorkelers, kids and non-swimmers. We provide masks, fins and floating mats. The captain stays with the boat while a mate guides snorkelers.
How do I add the turtle experience to my charter?
Every 4-hour and 6-hour Palomino charter includes a turtle-spotting stop. Just tell us when you book and we'll plan the day to maximize your chances. No extra fee — included in the charter.
Can we touch the sea turtles?
No. Sea turtles are protected by federal law in Puerto Rico. We give them space (10+ feet) and never touch, chase or feed them. Our captains know exactly where to anchor for the best viewing without disturbing the turtles.
What should I bring for the turtle snorkel?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, towel, and your phone for photos. We provide everything else: masks, fins, snorkel gear, floating mat, drinks, snacks, captain and mate.