Eastern Puerto Rico · U.S. Caribbean
- Position
- 18.3°N · 65.7°W
- Region
- Puerto Rico
Overview
Puerto Rico's boating hub
Fajardo is a town and municipality on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory where the currency is the U.S. dollar. It has long been the launching point for recreational boating to the offshore cays, to the islands of Culebra and Vieques, and on to the Virgin Islands.
Its best-known marina, Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, bills itself as the Caribbean's largest marina, with more than 900 wet slips. Charter boats are based here and at other marinas around Fajardo, and the departure point is confirmed for the vessel you choose.
Just offshore runs La Cordillera, a chain of small cays and reefs protected as a nature reserve. Icacos, an uninhabited cay with bright white beaches, is the classic first stop. Further east, Culebra, about 27 km from the main island, rewards a full-day charter with the famous Flamenco Beach.
Public ferries to Culebra and Vieques now run from Ceiba rather than Fajardo, so a private charter is a different, more flexible way to make the trip.
Where you'll cruise
Cays, reefs and Culebra
A Fajardo day can be a short hop to the cays or a full day to Culebra, depending on the weather and the vessel.
Icacos
An uninhabited former limestone-mining cay, now loved for its beaches and part of the La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve. Reserve rules apply, and we check the current arrangements before your trip.
Palomino & Lobos
Both cays are privately owned; Palomino is largely used by a resort. Landing is not assumed, but the surrounding reefs can still form part of a cruise.
Culebra & Flamenco Beach
A horseshoe bay on Culebra's northwest shore, protected as a marine reserve, with swimming in buoyed areas. A weather-dependent full-day charter.
Culebrita
A small island within the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, with a 19th-century lighthouse and Tortuga Beach.
Laguna Grande bio bay
Fajardo's bioluminescent lagoon is explored by kayak on night tours rather than by yacht, so we treat it as a separate excursion.
Group size
U.S. rules shape the boat
Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. Coast Guard rules apply. A smaller uninspected vessel may carry no more than six paying passengers; larger groups need a vessel inspected and certificated for that number. Tell us your exact guest count and we will only suggest suitable boats.
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. visitors arriving from the mainland travel domestically. Check identification requirements with your airline.
Seasons
Dry season: roughly December to March. The wetter months run from about April to November.
Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30. Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Fiona in 2022 were reminders to keep plans flexible in late summer.
Current fleet & availability
Ask about boats in Fajardo
Tell us your date, your exact group size and whether you would like Icacos, Culebra or a sunset sail. We will check the vessels available.
Related destinations
More of the Caribbean
Fajardo FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Fajardo. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Where do Fajardo charters leave from?
From the marinas around Fajardo, including Puerto del Rey. We confirm the departure point for the vessel you choose.
Is Puerto del Rey really the Caribbean's largest marina?
That is how the marina describes itself, with more than 900 wet slips.
Can we visit Icacos?
Yes, Icacos is a popular uninhabited cay within the La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve. We check the reserve's current rules before your trip.
Can we land on Palomino?
Palomino is privately owned and largely used by a resort, so landing is not assumed.
Can we reach Culebra and Flamenco Beach by private boat?
Yes, as a full-day, weather-dependent charter. Culebra lies about 27 km east of the main island.
Can we see Fajardo's bioluminescent bay from a yacht?
Fajardo's Laguna Grande is explored on night kayak tours, so we plan it as a separate excursion.
How many people can come on a Fajardo charter?
It depends on the vessel's U.S. Coast Guard status. Smaller uninspected vessels may carry up to six paying passengers; larger groups need an inspected vessel.
Where does the Culebra ferry leave from?
Public ferries to Culebra and Vieques run from Ceiba, south of Fajardo.
When is hurricane season in Puerto Rico?
June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.
Can we snorkel the reefs of La Cordillera?
Yes. La Cordillera is protected as a reef reserve, and snorkeling around its cays is a natural part of a day from Fajardo, including the reefs around Palomino and Lobos even when landing is not possible. Sea conditions on the day guide where you stop.
Can we visit Vieques on a charter from Fajardo?
Yes, Fajardo has long been a launching point for boat trips to Vieques, about 13 km east of the main island. Plan on a full, weather-dependent day, and note that the island's bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is explored on kayak tours run by local vendors.