Things to do nearIsla Palominos
Isla Palominos is an unspoiled island off Fajardo, Puerto Rico, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and secluded white-sand beaches.
Isla Palominos sits within the string of small cays scattered across the waters east of Fajardo, a region long regarded as Puerto Rico's gateway to the Caribbean Sea. The island has historically been part of the Las Croabas area, a fishing community whose traditions of working these coastal waters stretch back generations.
Above the waterline, shaded palm groves and low coastal scrub frame a beach that stays remarkably calm thanks to natural reef protection. Snorkeling here puts you face to face with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional sea turtle drifting through staghorn coral. Visitors who prefer to stay dry can walk the shoreline, watch pelicans dive beyond the breakers, or simply settle into the shade.
Boat tours departing from Fajardo regularly include Isla Palominos on their routes, often pairing it with a visit to Cayo Icacos, another beloved cay a short distance away. The broader region also draws visitors heading inland to El Yunque National Forest, making Fajardo a natural base for both sea and rainforest adventures.
Isla Palominos offers the rare combination of easy accessibility and genuine seclusion, making it one of eastern Puerto Rico's most rewarding day-trip destinations.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Isla Palominos
Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the beach before day-trippers arrive and the anchorage fills with boats.
Bring water shoes, as the entry points near the reef can have scattered rocks and sea urchins close to shore.
Pack your own snacks and plenty of water, since food and drink options on the island are limited.
Try snorkeling along the eastern edge of the island, where coral formations and tropical fish are most abundant.
Combine your trip with a stop at nearby Cayo Icacos for a full day exploring the islands off Fajardo.
Top tours & experiences near Isla Palominos
Vieques Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Charter
Spend a catered beach day snorkeling off Vieques
Private 45' Yacht Charter from Fajardo to Icacos or Palomino
Open the side platforms for a roomy private island cruise
Fajardo Private Catamaran Charter to Icacos or Palomino
Sail privately to Icacos or Palomino with snorkeling, food, and drinks included
Private 43' Boat Charter to Icacos or Palomino from Fajardo
Make the day your own with a private boat, water activities, and your favorite music
Private Snorkel Charter to Icacos & Palomino from Fajardo
A private island escape with snorkeling, beach time, and your own pace
Private Island Snorkel & Beach Catamaran Tour in Fajardo
Escape to Puerto Rico's offshore islands for snorkeling and beach time
Private Catamaran Snorkel & Beach Charter from Fajardo
Set sail for snorkeling, swimming, and beach time in Puerto Rico
Fajardo 6-Hour Catamaran Beach Cruise
Sail the Cordillera Cays with beach time and reef snorkeling
Private Night Snorkeling Boat Tour in Fajardo
Explore Puerto Rico's reef life after dark on a private guided snorkel
Private Half-Day Icacos Snorkel Boat Tour from Fajardo
A private beach day across Icacos, Palomino, and Palominito
Private Fajardo Snorkeling Boat Tour to Icacos Beach
Cruise Fajardo Bay with optional snorkeling, beach time, and onboard snacks
Private Icacos Island Snorkeling Boat Tour From Fajardo
Enjoy a private boat outing with snorkeling gear, a floating mat, and a crew included
Full-Day Culebrita Snorkeling Charter From Fajardo
Snorkel, relax, and enjoy lunch on a full-day Culebrita escape
Fajardo 30' Yacht Charter to Icacos or Palomino Island
Cruise to an island with a captain and mate on board
Private Island Snorkeling Charter in Fajardo
Snorkel, swim, and unwind on a private island escape
Private Full-Day Island Catamaran Charter in Fajardo
Choose your island escape, with snorkeling gear and a paddleboard on board
Private Full-Day Boat Charter to Cayo Icacos from Fajardo
Pair island beach time with snorkeling and included food and drinks
Private 27' Catamaran Snorkel Charter from Fajardo
Pair island beach time with snorkeling off Puerto Rico's east coast
Private Snorkeling Charter in Fajardo
Swim, snorkel, and beachcomb on a private Puerto Rico catamaran
Private Catamaran Snorkel Trip to Icacos Island from Fajardo
Private sailing day with lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear
Private Palomino Island Snorkeling Boat Trip from Fajardo
Explore Puerto Rico’s eastern coast by private boat with guided reef snorkeling
Private Full-Day Icacos & Palomino Snorkel Tour from Fajardo
Explore three cays by private boat and snorkel in the waters around Fajardo
Fajardo BBQ Island Charter
Cruise Fajardo Bay with optional snorkeling, island stops and a BBQ meal
Private Icacos or Palomino Island Boat Charter in Fajardo
Enjoy more room to relax, plus a private restroom on board