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
Full-Day Vieques Snorkeling Charter
Explore Vieques by boat with guided snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and beach time
Private Full-Day Boat & Snorkeling Charter in Fajardo
Private reef snorkeling, beach time, and lunch aboard Manta
70' Luxury Yacht Charter from Fajardo
Explore offshore islands with room to relax on your own private yacht
Luxury Yacht Charter from Fajardo to Culebra or Vieques
Explore Puerto Rico's islands on a yacht reserved for your own group
6-Hour Fajardo Sailing & Snorkeling Charter
Private Caribbean sailing with snorkeling, beach time, and onboard refreshments
6-Hour Fishing & Snorkeling Charter in Fajardo
Private fishing and island snorkeling with your catch to keep
Afternoon Snorkeling Tour in Fajardo
Snorkel Puerto Rico's reefs on an afternoon boat outing
Fajardo 36' Center Console Island Charter
Private boat day for snorkeling, beach time, and island waters
30-Minute Jet Ski Rental at Palomino Island
Take the controls for an island Jet Ski ride with safety instruction included
Culebra Guided Snorkeling Charter
Explore Culebra’s reefs and beaches with guided snorkeling, lunch, and drinks included
Private 47' Boat Charter to Culebra or Vieques from Fajardo
Make an island escape your own with a private boat rental
Private Snorkeling Charter to Icacos & Palomino
Guided reef snorkeling with private island stops
Culebra Guided Snorkeling Charter
Spend a day snorkeling Luis Peña Natural Reserve and relaxing on Culebra’s beaches
5-Hour Yacht Charter From Fajardo
Choose your island escape on a private yacht from Fajardo
Palomino Island 1-Hour Jet Ski Rental
Take the controls for a self-driven Jet Ski ride amid natural beauty
Private Half-Day Icacos Snorkel Charter from Fajardo
Explore Puerto Rico’s reefs and beaches on a charter tailored to your group
Private 65' Yacht Charter in Fajardo
Choose your island escape with a captain and first mate
Fajardo Kayak & Paddleboard Rental
Explore Palomino Island waters by kayak or paddle board
Full-Day Cayo Icacos Private Charter From Fajardo
Private boat day with beach time, snorkeling, and lunch included
Fajardo Snorkeling Cruise With Beach Time
Snorkel offshore islands, swim from the boat, and relax on the beach
Snorkel Gear Rental on Palomino Island in Fajardo
Explore Palomino Island's waters with or without a guide
Private Boat Tour to the Fajardo Cays
Cruise to a local Fajardo key with snorkeling gear, snacks, and water toys included
Full-Day Icacos or Palomino Boat Tour From San Juan
Swim, float, and snorkel around Icacos or Palomino with transportation from San Juan
Fajardo Keys Private Charter
Private island time with snorkeling, drinks, and shaded comfort