We went to Icacos for a day of quiet beach time and snorkeling. Icacos is a small island off of Fajardo. The boat ride took us only about 10 minutes from the boat launch in Las Croabas. It was a bit windy, but the trip was not bad at all - very few hard bumps or splashes.

As we pull up to the island, the Captain explained how to navigate the snorkeling reef and then dropped us off.

There were only 2 other families on the island that day, but we all picked a different stretch of beach, and we all had our privacy. The sand is white (bits of coral and shells), the water is clear and blue, and just little waves lapping the sand.

The snorkel catamarans all stop at this snorkel spot, so at about 10:45am the invasion began — 2 boats pulled up and the snorkelers went to the reef. They all seem to paddle about the same area, stopping and standing every so often. But by 12 noon, the snorkelers were done and all back on the boat for lunch and away they went.

We then tried the reef - where the snorkel boat people all “snorkeled”, the reef is in poor shape and not many fish. Once we got to the outside reef, it was really nice. We saw sting rays and octopus, and lots of little fishes and a number of large schools of fishes. The coral was alive and there were many different varieties.

We took a break to eat the lunches that we had packed, then went exploring the island. It has a nice sandy beach area. Stay on the sand - if you go into the foliage, you will step on lots on sand burrs. We found an area of water grass were conch hang out- we were able to find some live ones and many neat shells of dead ones. I love shells, so we took a few for souvenirs. There was also an area with tidal pools that I know kids would love to splash around in.

We got in another nice snorkel, then our boat showed up to take us back home in time for dinner. All in all a great day!

We went with Capt. Mingo, though there are other guys that will take you to the island. We called to make reservations (though they probably aren’t necessary - unless you want a specific pick-up time). He was very good - he called to reconfirm our reservation, and was very flexible about dates and times of pick-up and drop-off. I highly recommend him. He quoted us $100 for the boat (we had 4 people in our group). He says his prices vary according to the number of people in the group. He will also go to other islands if you request it - Palominitos or another Cay. Captain Mingo’s boat is bright yellow!

I have the number for another boat captain — Captain Reynaldo 787-562-4226 — who also does this route. If you don’t want to make reservations, you can just show up at Las Croabas and take you chances - the boat captains usually hang out by the boat dock. Look for signs, or ask the men sitting around the dock - they are probably waiting to take you to an island of your choice!

If you go, take plenty of waterproof sunscreen and apply often! It is a white coral beach and the sun reflects off the sand. Bring a beach umbrella if you have one! You will need to bring everything you may need for a day - food, drinks - there are no facilities on this little island. And bring footwear to avoid the sand burrs. And bring a trash bag to take your garbage back with you. The beach was relatively clean, but it could use a cleanup - some trash washes in with the tides, and some people don’t care and leave their trash behind after their visit. At least some people care - Capt. Mingo made an extra stop to pickup trash from one of the groups that left with a different boat captain.

Captain Mingo’s prices start at $100 roundtrip. Prices vary by the number of people in the group, where he takes you, etc. Captain Mingo will also take you to reefs for snorkeling or to other out-islands. He takes payment at the end of the trip - so you know he will be back to pick you up at the end of the day!

7 days/week. Call to set up your times.

Allow 5 hours minimum.

phone: Captain Mingo 787-383-6509. Tell him Gwenn and Ray sent you!

From Route 3 take Ave. El Conquistador (follow the signs to El Conquistador resort). When you get to the “tee” in front the of the resort, turn left onto Road 987 and follow it to Las Croabas. When you get to the end of road, you’ll find a parking lot and the boat ramps.

It takes about 45 minutes to drive there from our house in Ri­o Grande.

You can locate Icacos Island on our Interactive Island Map