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.
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.
Take the controls for an island Jet Ski ride with safety instruction included
Take the controls for a self-driven Jet Ski ride amid natural beauty
Explore Palomino Island waters by kayak or paddle board
Explore Puerto Rico's reef life after dark on a private guided snorkel
Sail the Cordillera Cays with beach time and reef snorkeling
Private island time with snorkeling, drinks, and shaded comfort
Explore Puerto Rico’s eastern coast by private boat with guided reef snorkeling
Private sunset sailing with music, snacks, and coastal views
Sail privately to Icacos or Palomino with snorkeling, food, and drinks included
Private sailing day with lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear
Snorkel coral reefs and relax on an island beach off Fajardo
Spend a catered beach day snorkeling off Vieques
Snorkel, relax, and enjoy lunch on a full-day Culebrita escape
Guided reef snorkeling, beach time, lunch and drinks on a 27-foot charter
Spend the day snorkeling Tortuga Reef and relaxing at Icacos and Palomino
Cruise Fajardo Bay with optional snorkeling, beach time, and onboard snacks
Cruise Fajardo Bay with optional snorkeling, island stops and a BBQ meal
Private Caribbean sailing, snorkeling, and beach time aboard a restored yacht
Private Caribbean sailing with snorkeling, beach time, and onboard refreshments
Snorkel Puerto Rico's reefs on an afternoon boat outing
A full day of guided snorkeling, beach time, lunch and drinks
Explore Vieques by boat with guided snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and beach time
Explore Fajardo’s local keys by private boat, with time to swim, snorkel, and unwind
Explore Culebra’s reefs and beaches with guided snorkeling, lunch, and drinks included
Cruise to Culebra for reef time, beach time, and onboard refreshments
Set sail for snorkeling, swimming, and beach time in Puerto Rico
Island-hop, snorkel, and relax aboard a private 36-foot catamaran
Guided reef snorkeling with private island stops
Private fishing and island snorkeling with your catch to keep
Spend a day snorkeling Luis Peña Natural Reserve and relaxing on Culebra’s beaches
Swim, snorkel, and beachcomb on a private Puerto Rico catamaran
Swim, float, and snorkel around Icacos or Palomino with transportation from San Juan
Sail Fajardo Bay to Playa Tortuga and Icacos Beach with optional snorkeling
Private island cruising with sun decks, a wet bar, and snorkeling gear
Snorkel and float around Icacos or Palomino with lunch included
Explore Icacos and/or Palomino with lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear
A private island escape with snorkeling, beach time, and your own pace
Private island beach time with snorkeling and onboard refreshments
A private beach day across Icacos, Palomino, and Palominito
Cruise to Icacos, Palomino, or Culebra aboard a private Sea Ray
Private boat day for snorkeling, beach time, and island waters
Choose your island escape on a private yacht from Fajardo
Choose your island escape with a captain and first mate
Private boat day with beach time, snorkeling, and lunch included
Snorkel offshore islands, swim from the boat, and relax on the beach
Snorkel, swim, and unwind on a private island escape
Explore three cays by private boat and snorkel in the waters around Fajardo
Private beach day exploring Icacos, Palomino & Palominito
Cruise to a local Fajardo key with snorkeling gear, snacks, and water toys included
Open the side platforms for a roomy private island cruise
Private 30-foot boat day with lunch, snorkeling gear, and a local key stop
Guided reef snorkeling and beach time along Puerto Rico's eastern coast
Private reef snorkeling, beach time, and lunch aboard Manta
Explore reefs, beaches, and island waters on a private Fajardo charter
Ride a high-speed powerboat to snorkel reefs and relax on Culebra beaches
Snorkel Cordillera Cays reefs and relax at an island beach