The Best Boat Rentals in Fajardo

Expect a wide range based on boat size and trip length. Private center consoles for small groups often run about $100–$200 per hour, mid-size cruisers and power catamarans are commonly $250–$400 per hour, and larger luxury yachts with more deck space typically range from $500 to $900+ per hour. Per-person group trips to nearby islands generally fall around $100–$150 per guest. Most charters include a licensed captain, fuel for standard routes, coolers with ice and water or soft drinks, snorkel gear and floatation, and basic safety equipment; many premium trips add snacks or an open bar. Taxes, gratuity, and add‑ons like premium catering or specialty beverages are usually extra. (getmyboat.com, snorkelingpuertorico.com, getyourguide.com)

You’ll find fast center consoles for island-hopping and snorkeling, comfortable power catamarans with wide, stable decks, classic sailboats for a relaxed cruise, sailing catamarans for mixed sailing-and-swim days, and motor yachts for celebrations with more shade and seating. Availability spans half-day, full-day, and sunset outings so you can match the boat style to your group and itinerary.

Most visitors choose a captained trip because local captains know the reefs, moorings, and daily wind patterns, and they handle anchoring, gear, and safety so you can focus on your group. Self-operated (bareboat) options are limited; if you plan to operate a boat yourself, Puerto Rico law requires residents born after July 1, 1972 to hold a boating license based on an approved safety course, and visiting operators are generally expected to carry a NASBLA‑recognized boater card. Final approval to self-operate is at the owner’s and insurer’s discretion. (law.justia.com, drna.pr.gov)

The busiest boarding points are Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey on PR‑3 (the Caribbean’s largest marina) and nearby Marina Puerto Chico off PR‑987. You’ll also see departures from Villa Marina Yacht Harbour and Sunbay Marina in Barrio Sardinera. For water taxis to the offshore cays and the nighttime bio bay meeting point, Las Croabas Passive Park is a familiar landmark at the end of PR‑987. (shmarinas.com, todosbiz.com, en.infopaginas.com, sunbaymarina.com, discoverpuertorico.com)

Most day trips explore the La Cordillera Nature Reserve—an arc of cays and reefs that includes Cayo Icacos, Palomino, Lobos, La Blanquilla, Diablo and more—known for clear water, sandy shallows, and reef life. You’ll cruise past the Las Cabezas de San Juan headland and its historic lighthouse and, on clear days, you can spot El Yunque’s green ridgeline inland. At night, Laguna Grande’s famed bioluminescence glows nearby, but motorboats are restricted there to protect the ecosystem. (en.wikipedia.org, backup.discoverpuertorico.com)

For captained charters, you don’t need a license—your crew handles operations. To operate a motorboat yourself, Puerto Rico’s law requires that residents born after July 1, 1972 be licensed via a DRNA/USCG/NASBLA‑approved course; Puerto Rico recognizes NASBLA training, and many owners require visiting operators to show a boater card and solid experience before approving a bareboat. When in doubt, book with a captain to keep things simple. (law.justia.com, drna.pr.gov)

Yes—most Fajardo charters are family‑friendly and supply Coast Guard–approved life jackets in a range of sizes, snorkel gear, and a safety briefing. By Puerto Rico law, children under 12 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway, and operators maintain the rest of the required safety equipment on board. Ask your captain about infant‑sized PFDs if you’re bringing little ones.

On private charters, BYO is common—most boats stock coolers with ice and provide water and sodas; some include snacks or full charcuterie and an open bar. Many captains allow beer, seltzers, or white and sparkling wine, while discouraging glass and red wine to keep decks safe and stain‑free. If you want a catered menu, ask when booking so your crew can plan service and storage. (leisureboatexperience.com, getyourguide.com)

Some private boats will consider well‑behaved pets with prior approval, but note that the offshore cays inside the La Cordillera Nature Reserve are protected—pets are not permitted ashore there to safeguard wildlife and nesting areas. If your listing allows a pet aboard, plan for your companion to remain on the vessel and confirm details with your captain.

Captains monitor the National Weather Service marine forecast and will reroute to more sheltered cays or reschedule if seas or storms make the original plan unsafe. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most activity typically August–October; morning departures are often calmer when trade winds are lighter. If your captain cancels for weather at the dock, reputable operators typically offer a refund or a new date. (ndbc.noaa.gov, cpc.ncep.noaa.gov)

Boating runs year‑round. Winter and early spring bring steady trade winds and great visibility; humpback whales sometimes pass offshore December–February. Summer mornings are often the smoothest for island‑hopping, but it’s hurricane season, so plans stay flexible. Weekdays and early starts are ideal to beat crowds at Icacos and Palomino. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day book up early, and June 23’s Noche de San Juan brings big beach turnouts across the northeast coast. (en.wikipedia.org, cpc.ncep.noaa.gov, discoverpuertorico.com)

Absolutely. Many boats in Fajardo are set up for special occasions with shaded lounge areas, Bluetooth sound, floating mats, and upgraded food and beverage service. Tell your captain the occasion, group size, and vibe you want—chill sandbar day, snorkel‑heavy adventure, or luxe yacht picnic—so they can match a route and menu to your plan. Popular celebration slots on weekends and holidays should be reserved well in advance.

The go‑to half‑day is a quick 15–30 minute run to the cays of Icacos or Palomino for sandbar swimming and reef snorkeling. Full‑day adventures may stretch farther to Culebra or Vieques for postcard beaches and turtle sites when conditions allow, which means earlier departures, longer ride times, and flexible routing. Your captain will pick the day’s best spots based on wind and swell. (rome2rio.com, getyourguide.com)

Laguna Grande is one of Puerto Rico’s three bio bays and sits next to Fajardo at Las Cabezas de San Juan. To protect the glowing organisms, motorboats are not allowed inside the lagoon, swimming is prohibited, and tours plan around moonlight for darker skies. If you’re chartering a boat, plan your bio bay experience as a separate, non‑motorized night activity before or after your day on the water.