When hanging out in a tropical paradise, there’s quite a lot to do and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. How do you know which activities to book, and if they’re going to be worth it?

Well, we’ve made sure to solve that problem for you! Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, snorkeling is a must-do when you’re in Puerto Rico.

We’ve compiled the best Puerto Rico snorkeling tours for you, to ensure you have a blast, are safe, and see a lot of interesting sea life under the water while learning from professionals. Let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Bio-luminescent Kayaking Tours, Puerto Rico ATV Tours and Puerto Rico Ziplining Adventures.

Best Puerto Rico Snorkeling Tours

	Snorkel Icacos Island aboard The Innovation	Private Snorkeling Adventure in Icacos Island with Lunch	All-Inclusive Culebra Snorkeling Trip
Departure:	Carr#987, Km 2.5 Bo, Fajardo, 00738	Carr#987, Km 2.5 Bo, Fajardo, 00738	4900 State Road 3 Km. 51.4, Fajardo, 00738
Start:	8:00 AM	Morning (call for exact time)	9:00 AM
Duration:	6 hours	6 hours	6 hours
Includes:	Beverages, lunch buffet, snorkeling equipment, safety belts, free parking, showers at marina, bathroom in vessel	Lunch, local rum and non-alcoholic beverages, snorkeling gear, bathrooms, safety belts	Alcoholic beverages, lunch, bottled water, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, transportation
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Puerto Rico Snorkeling Tours For 2024

1. Snorkel Icacos Island aboard The Innovation
2. Private Snorkeling Adventure in Icacos Island with Lunch
3. Jet Snorkel-Snorkeling with Turtles From San Juan
4. Private Snorkel & Island Hopping on the East Coast of Puerto Rico
5. All-Inclusive Culebra Snorkeling Trip
6. Half Day Private Snorkeling Charter with Lunch from Fajardo
7. Sailing and Snorkeling Day Charter in Demajagua, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Snorkeling Tour Reviews

1. Snorkel Icacos Island aboard The Innovation

Next up, we have the Snorkel Icacos Island Aboard The Innovation. This one is slightly longer than the first tour, at 6 hours. However, it’s just 30 minutes or so from Fajardo, taking place at Cayo Icacos, which is part of the Cordillera Keys Nature Reserve. With pristine turquoise waters, it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling around!

When you meet up with the captain and crew, you’ll know that right away you’re in for a great time. They’re clean, professional, friendly, knowledgeable and will ensure you have an excellent experience! They will offer you a complete introduction of the day’s itinerary so you know what to expect, as you sail to La Cordillera Cays.

Once you arrive at Icacos Island, the staff will then help guide you in snorkeling depending on your experience level and what you want to see. They will also tell you all about the marine species you come across, and help get the best views of the underwater environment.

This snorkeling session can be as relaxed or as intense as you want to make it, but being in the sun may make you a bit hungry! Once you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, The Innovation Bar opens up! Here, you’ll have a deli-style lunch buffet with an array of options, along with soft drinks or local rums to wash it all down.

As this is a longer tour, you’ll also be able to hike, hang out on the white sand beaches, or simply soak in the sun. The guides are there to offer history lessons about the area, along with the flora and fauna that reside here.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Puerto Rico Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Private Snorkeling Adventure in Icacos Island with Lunch

The Private Snorkeling Adventure in Icacos Island has a maximum 20-person capacity so you have a personalized snorkeling experience that is perfect for the complete newbie to professional.

This is yet again another 6-hour tour, so you have plenty of time to explore the island’s azure waters and white sand beaches. Not only that, but you’ll partake in many more nature activities and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet!

If you want a tour that’s entertaining, educational, and genuinely beautiful, look no further. The guides and captain take their jobs seriously, and that’s evident with how well they instruct people on how to snorkel, as well as offer commentary on the historical facts about the area and identifying all kinds of sea creatures.

We found the boat to be nicely-sized and comfortable enough for everyone to move around or relax. You’ll sail from the marina about 35 minutes to La Cordillera Cays, where you’ll stop to explore.

Offering a thorough guided snorkeling and interpretation of ecosystems, sea life, and notable landmarks, you’ll get to learn all about Puerto Rico and its cays. After you’re done snorkeling, the bar and buffet will open!

If you weren’t already hungry, you definitely will be as soon as you see this scrumptious deli-style lunch! Quench your thirst with a variety of soft drinks, water, or even some Puerto Rican rum!

Overall, you can expect to get in a nice little workout, some sun, and lots of fresh air on this tour. The staff make sure that you’re comfortable, from sailing to snorkeling, and their positive personalities really set the mood from the very beginning.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Search For San Juan Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. Jet Snorkel-Snorkeling with Turtles From San Juan

Are you looking for a snorkeling tour that’s easier to fit into a busy day, or simply a more “modern” take on classic snorkeling? If so, then do yourself a favor and check out Jet Snorkel-Snorkeling with Turtles!

This 1.5-hour excursion is a fun-filled way of exploring underwater, zooming through the seas and covering more ground than you would by just a normal snorkel setup.

You’ll meet up with your guides, where you’ll be provided with a place to securely leave your belongings. Just make sure that you aren’t bringing large items. Next up, they’ll make sure you’re properly fitted for your snorkeling gear so you can spend as much time as possible speeding around the bay!

Snorkeling typically requires a good amount of effort, as you’re paddling around, propelling yourself. With jet-powered snorkels, things just got easier, especially if you’re already tired out from traveling!

These handheld devices will power you through the water, with you only having to come up for air (unless you stay near the surface as with most traditional snorkeling).

First, you’ll tour around the bay where many sea turtles live and hang out. It’s almost a certainty that you’ll see some, which is always exciting! Then, you’ll head over to a gorgeous reef for a guided jet snorkel tour.

With a maximum group size of just 6 people, it’s easy to move around and get a more “custom” experience. The guides are great at answering any questions, and are also very knowledgeable about the area.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Private Snorkel & Island Hopping on the East Coast of Puerto Rico

Are you looking for a private group tour around the islands as well as an awesome snorkeling experience? Then we highly recommend the Private Snorkel & Island Hopping on the East Coast of Puerto Rico tour! This 6-hour tour is comprehensive, and comes with various schedule options to ensure it fits perfectly into your day!

On this excursion, you and the rest of your group will be taking a private, 47-foot Beneteau sailboat out onto the water, for the most luxurious experience! Not only that, but you’re able to customize your tour to suit the needs of your group.

Pick the destination, as well as the activities you’re going to partake in to make sure you get to do everything you want. Start off by sailing from Fajardo to the little islands located off the eastern shore of PR. Here, you’ll find some of the most pristine, white sand beaches in the world.

As you can imagine, the equally-as-beautiful waters make for incredible snorkeling and swimming! Sail approximately 35-45 minutes out to your destination while you discuss with the captain and crew what you would like to do.

Of course, the captain will adjust plans according to the ocean conditions. For example, instead of Icacos, you may end up going to Lobos or Palomino Islands instead.

No matter where you go though, you’ll get in a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Quench your thirst with complimentary drinks, and upgrade to lunch prepared on board or use the full ship bar if you’d like.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. All-Inclusive Culebra Snorkeling Trip

As you just read, our fifth tour does tour various islands, but one that they don’t sail to is Culebra. With diamond-dust sand beaches, an active reef, and turquoise water filled with various sea critters, it’s easy to see why this island was named as the “best escape beach” by the Travel Channel.

If you want to go, then check out the 6 Hour Culebra Snorkeling Tour with Sea Ventures. Lasting from 9am to 3pm, you don’t have to wake up too early but still have time to do other things in the evening.

Not only that, but if you’re looking for one of the most affordable Puerto Rico snorkeling tours, this is an excellent choice!

Once you check in with the crew, you’ll get your snorkeling gear and board the boat. You’ll then sail for about an hour to Culebra. Once you arrive, you’ll waste no time and get to snorkeling after receiving a brief and some guidance if you’d like.

We really appreciated how helpful the crew was in answering any questions we had – especially those related to snorkeling and the history of the area.

After you get your fill of snorkeling in, you and the rest of your group will stop at the beach. Here, you can choose to relax and soak up the sun, or have some fun in the sand! This tour does include lunch, along with an array of different alcoholic beverages.

This makes the whole experience that much more pleasant, as you won’t be parched or distracted by a rumbling stomach!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

6. Half Day Private Snorkeling Charter with Lunch from Fajardo

Next, is a slightly shorter tour: the Half Day Private Snorkeling Charter with Lunch from Fajardo. Clocking in at 4 hours, you’ll board the Dragon Fruit, which is a multi-faceted boat that’s fun and comfortable to ride on!

No matter what your experience level is, you can rest assured you’ll have a great time snorkeling with these guys! We’re sure you’ll appreciate how smooth and sturdy the Dragon Fruit is, just as much as we do.

Seating up to just 6 guests, it’s a private tour that allows you to get one-on-one experience, briefings, and can ask the captain and crew just about any questions you may have. They are absolutely wonderful hosts, and do their best to keep everything seamless and fun!

Before you start snorkeling, you’ll get detailed and helpful instructions to plan for success. You’ll almost certainly see sea turtles, along with the possibility of spotting stingrays, massive squid, and plenty of colorful fish in these blue waters!

They know all the best spots for sea creature sightings. Getting in and out of the boat is a breeze, thanks to the handy ladder on the side, too.

While you and your group are out in the water, the captain will stay on board and grill up a delicious lunch for you! Sit down, put your feet up, and fuel up on the boat.

Make sure you try their signature Dragon Fruit punch – it’s seriously one of the tastiest beverages we’ve tried! Overall, we’re sure you’re going to love this family-friendly, private snorkeling tour!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

7. Sailing and Snorkeling Day Charter in Demajagua, Puerto Rico

Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Janise Sailing and Snorkeling Day Charter. This 5-hour adventure involves ocean fun, amazing views, delicious food, and all-around good vibes. Here, you’ll be able to see parts of Puerto Rico few others have the opportunity to, making for a tour you’re sure to take again.

Your excursion starts at 8:30 am, so you’ll still have time for some evening activities if you really want to fit in a lot. Meet up with the ultra-chill captain and crew who are evidently very professional and experienced. Board the comfy Janise Lagoon 380 and set sail on the beautiful Caribbean seas.

Piñeros Island is the destination, which is just 35 minutes from the marina. During your journey, you’ll have all kinds of seating options. When you get to the island, you can hang out on their trampoline, snorkel in the incredible reefs in the water, take a dip, let stress melt away on the white, sandy beaches!

As we’re speaking specifically about snorkeling tours, you may very well want to take advantage of that part of the excursion.

Something else you’re sure to love is the captain’s grilling skills! That’s right, he’s going to cook you and your group up a mouthwatering barbecue lunch on board with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients!

Trust us when we say this will be one of the most delicious BBQ meals you’ve ever eaten, complete with chicken and rice.  Not only that, but you’ll get different snacks and drinks like sangria, beer, and wine to accompany your meal.

Ultimately, if you want a snorkeling tour that feels like you’re being welcomed into the captain and crew’s home, this is it!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Getting There –

By far the easiest way to get to Puerto Rico is to fly, as it’s an island (rather, comprised of various). However, if you’re coming from the Dominican Republic or Virgin Islands, you can head over by ferry. PR’s main airport is Luis Muñoz International Airport/San Juan Airport (SJU), located in Carolina.

With various nonstop flights from the US every day, you’ll find the most affordable ones are those departing from gateway cities located in the south and east of the US. This makes sense, as it’s closer to the island. Miami and New York are the most common departure airports, though you’ll find flights through all major US carriers such as US Airways, JetBlue, and Continental.

Getting Around –

San Juan is a very easy city to move around in. The most “touristy” areas are perfect for walking, and we found it overall quite a safe city to do so in. In fact, you could realistically walk for the entirety of your stay in the city, depending on what you want to see.

Walking – If you really want to get to know the city, walking is the best way to do it. If you’re in Old San Juan, you’ll find the hottest attractions all within 5 or so blocks. Condado, Isla Verde, and Ocean Park are all great options as well, and here you can walk to beaches, restaurants, and some of the best shopping spots.

Rental Car – We personally recommend renting a car for at least a day, so you can check out beaches and other parts of the island not within walking distance. However, as you can see by the tours on our guide, there are many situations where transportation comes included in the tour price. Driving here is pretty intuitive and not much different from driving in most cities in the US.

Trolley – Another plus goes to Old San Juan, for having their free trolley service. This service will transport you with style, to and from the top attractions in this part of the city. Running from 7am to 7pm during the week and 9am to 7pm on the weekend, it’s a nice alternative if you don’t feel like walking.

Taxi – Taxis are of course an option, and a more convenient one if you don’t want to hassle with having to find parking with a rental car. You’ll find these taxis lined up outside the airport, near hotels, and most main tourist attractions.

Bike – With the amazing weather San Juan has the vast majority of the year, why not get some fresh air and bike? The city has created designated bike lanes which are really fun to use along the beach.

Where to Stay –

With so many great neighborhoods to stay in, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Old San Juan – Old San Juan is our personal favorite, and is the top in terms of sightseeing. Almost all of the top tourist attractions are located here, such as the San Juan Bautista Catedral, Puerta de San Juan, La Fortaleza, Castillo de San Cristobal, El Morro, Paseo De La Princesa, and much more. Not only that, but you have one of the best beaches, upscale dining spots, and fun bars. Nightlife here is practically incomparable to anywhere else on the island.

Condado – If you’re going with the entire family, Condado is probably the best spot. It’s very close to some of the best beaches in the country, with plenty of outdoor activities, restaurants, and more. A good portion of the hotels found here are more “luxurious” with rooftop terraces, pools, spas, and an ocean view from your room.

Ocean Park – If your main reason for going to San Juan is the tropical vibes and beaches, then Ocean Park may be where you want to stay. The beach is within walking distance and very close to Condado and Isla Verde. However, you’ll definitely need to get a taxi or other form of transporation to get to Old San Juan. This is a “younger” area with plenty of nightlife and exciting bars to explore.

Isla Verde – Are you looking to get away to San Juan for a romantic vacation? If so, then Isla Verde is a great option. There are plenty of charming hotels, fine dining restaurants, bustling nightclubs, and more. We recommend starting off the morning with a romantic stroll down the beach!

Restaurants and Eating Out –

You can find just about any type of cuisine in San Juan, as it is a cosmopolitan city. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

Fine Dining – Marmalade is a top option if you want to go upscale. French, Caribbean, and Spanish flavors are all combined here. With modern trends and interesting visions, you’re sure to try something new here. 1919 is sophisticated seafood, from passionfruit curd to coconut ganache, this beachfront restaurant is supremely romantic and high-class.

Local – You simply can’t visit San Juan without trying the local cuisine. Hecho en Casa or “homemade” is definitely aptly-named. The family-owned spot prides themselves on their comida criolla that the country is known for. As everything is sourced locally, the flavors are rich and pure.

La Casita Blanca is another authentic, traditional restaurant that has a menu which changes every day with 10-12 dishes posted on a whiteboard. However, you can’t get more authentic than a chinchorro. These are little food “kiosks” that simply offer the best-tasting, traditional dishes in the city.

International – We love the way they’ve managed to combine Asian and Creole flavors in the restaurant, Shibo. We love their sushi bar as well, with ultra-fresh fish and fusion cocktails like the sake sangria! If you’re in the mood for some tacos, head on over to Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana. The tacos de pollo al pastor and the chilaquiles are our favorites!

Nightlife and Entertainment –

The vibrant nightlife found here is never-ending, between casinos, nightclubs, lounges, and more.

Old San Juan – As we mentioned previously, Old San Juan is an idyllic spot for nightlife. Just walking around at night is full of music, smiling faces, and a general liveliness. The wrought iron lanterns illuminate the cobblestone streets, offering a more romantic vibe. Salsa, flamenco, and the smells of delicious food fill the air.

Try heading to South Fortaleza, San Sebastian, or Calle del Cristo for the best bar and food options. However, you’ll also find local artists, live music, and kiosks dotting this area.

New City – This area consists of Condado, Ocean Park, and Isla Verde/Carolina. While Old San Juan tends to be a bit more “old-school” and laidback with their nightlife, these districts are filled with trendy hotspots, casinos, nightclubs, and generally more flashiness. Isla Verde Avenue is lined with fun places, such as the upbeat Brava nightclub or Chico Cabaret at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel.

West Coast – Perhaps you’re the kind of person who wants to keep their swimsuit and flipflops on the entire trip. If so, then the west coast is the place for you. Rincon features some of the best beachfront bars in the country. Tamboo Bar offers unmatched beach views and everyone is so nice here.

Bonus – Try out kayaking at night in the Laguna del Condado! If you prefer you can also paddleboard! With LED lights attached, you’ll have fun with the rest of your small group and see the bright city lights reflecting off the blue waters as you paddle the night away.

Weather –

San Juan’s climate really doesn’t vary a whole lot throughout the year. For example, the temperatures tend to always stay between 72 degrees and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t often find it hotter or colder than that.

As they are a bunch of islands, it can be pretty humid throughout almost the entire year. From the beginning of June to the end of August, it can also get relatively windy, too. The wetter season is from April 24^th to December 2^nd, which isn’t really the best time to go. In fact, the best time to visit San Juan is from early December to mid-April. The weather during this time of year is sunny, warm, and not windy or rainy.

Attractions –

San Juan has a very interesting history, and it’s something that we highly recommend exploring. There are various castles and forts that are not only impressive visually, but inside as well. Castillo San Cristobal is over 500 years old, and is actually the biggest Spanish fort in the “New World”. Castillo San Felipe del Morro or “El Morro” is a whopping 6 levels tall!

Make sure to check out El Cuartel de Ballaja, after trekking through El Morro. Built between 1854 and 1864 as a way to house Spanish soldiers and their families, it’s a museum, café, restaurant, dance school, and offices today.

If you happen to be staying in Condado, stop by Fortin Geronimo which is a small yet very interesting fort located inside of Caribe Hilton. Built in the 17^th century, it now risks falling into the ocean so this may be the only chance you get to see it.

Other Notable Pieces of Architecture – La Fortaleza/Palacio Santa Catalina and Casa Blanca were the first buildings built in the city, which are obviously very important and very beautiful. Today, the country’s governor resides in the Palacio Santa Catalina. Casa Blanca was originally created to be the home of Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico. Today, we recommend taking a self-guided tour of the gorgeous gardens and inside the mansion.

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate Cathedral San Juan Bautista. As the second-oldest church in all of the Americas, it’s quite the sight to see. Not only that, but the remains of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon rest inside the cathedral.

Paseo de La Princesa – If you have some time and are looking to take a low-key stroll by yourself or with your significant other, this is an excellent option. The 19^th-century promenade goes all throughout Old San Juan, with colonial architecture, fountains, street food, and cobblestone streets and trees with views of the bay in the background.

Hang Out on The Beach – There are various beaches to choose from, and no matter where you stay, you’ll likely have a beach within walking distance. Condado Beach is very popular with families, and draws some parallels with Miami with its luxury high-rise resorts surrounding it.

Balneario del Escambron is another solid option, with clean sand, relatively calm waters, and is oftentimes easy to find a spot on the beach.

Museums – San Juan is a very artistic city, and their museums are some of the best places to see some of it firsthand! The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is the most popular, with a massive 24 exhibition galleries to see. The Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art is a fine alternative, though is much newer than the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.

For more of a history lesson, you need to see the Museo de Las Americas. Here, you’ll learn all about the history of the Americas, with 4 galleries. It’s obviously a smaller museum, but is definitely worth checking out their Indigenous America section.

Tips –

1. Make sure you keep mosquito repellent handy. You’re going to be on a tropical island in the Caribbean. As you can probably imagine, there are going to be quite a few mosquitos flying around.
2. If you’re only going to San Juan for a short period of time (like a weekend), we recommend hanging out mainly in Old San Juan. You can get around by walking everywhere in this zone, and is home to most of the notable tourist spots and general points of interest.
3. If you can leave San Juan, do check out the surrounding areas like the El Yunque rainforest! A great way to see it is by horseback. There are a number of tours by horseback in Puerto Rico. Be sure to see Puerto Rico from the water and take a sunset cruise at sunset. See old San Juan Bay from the water. Speaking of water, be sure to check out the coral reefs with a snorkeling tour.

4. Try to keep an umbrella with you when in the city. While almost every month is sunny, it tends to rain quite frequently. From April to November is the rainy season, and from June to November there is a hurricane season.

5. Puerto Rico uses the US dollar, and you don’t need your US passport. That’s right, with PR’s political status, if you’re a US citizen you can travel to and from PR with just your license! If you’re not a US citizen, it’ll be just like you’re traveling to the US – whatever you need to enter the United States is what you’ll need in Puerto Rico.