Cayo Icacos Island in Puerto Rico – Everything You Should Know
Puerto Rico is the gift that keeps on giving. With so many islands, beaches, nature reserves, coral reefs, white-sand shores, restaurants, and historical centers, there is something for everyone on this enchanted island. One of Puerto Rico’s hidden gems is Cayo Icacos island, located off the eastern coast of this Caribbean Island. This small and uninhabited island is a popular destination for locals and tourists, thanks to its unique blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and adventure.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you should know about Cayo Icacos, including why you should consider visiting this stunning island on your next trip to Puerto Rico.
Geography and Location
Cayo Icacos is a small uninhabited island located off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It’s a part of the Atlantic Ocean and the La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Cayo Icacos, also known as Icacos Island, is approximately 0.5 miles wide and around 2 miles long. White sandy beaches, colorful reefs, and clear turquoise waters surround the island. You can only get to Icacos Island by boat. The ride will take around 40 minutes from the mainland of Fajardo. Catamaran cruises are also popular among local and international tourists because they allow them to swim from the safety of the vessel’s deck. You can also pass by Icacos during your island-hopping tour.
Cayo Icacos Island Popular Activities
Cayo Icacos Island is frequented by thousands of local and international tourists daily due to all it has to offer. Whether you want to sunbathe on one of the pristine beaches or engage in adventurous sports, there are a variety of activities available on this uninhabited island. Let’s discuss some of these activities in detail below:
?Snorkeling and Diving
The clear and calm waters surrounding Icacos Island are home to an array of marine life, making it the perfect destination for diving and snorkeling. You can expect to swim amongst schools of colorful fish, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and many others. You will also see large coral formations, turtles, and other marine life. The good news is that snorkeling in Cayo Icacos is ideal for all skill levels. Your operators may provide snorkeling gear, but you can still bring your own.
Experienced and certified divers looking for a more adventurous excursion will be happy to know that Cayo Icacos offers some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Puerto Rico. They can explore a variety of walls, wrecks, coral reefs, eels, sharks, and sea turtles. Remember to carry plenty of sunscreen and fluids to stay hydrated.
?Beach Activities
Cayo Icacos is also the ultimate destination for a beach vacation. This small uninhabited island is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Whether you want to sunbathe, make sand castles with your loved ones, swim, or engage in other beach activities, there are several beaches on the island, including Playa Tortuga and Playa Pelicano.
?Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Cayo Icacos provides calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. If you don’t have your kayaks and paddleboards, you can always rent them from one of the local vendors.
?Wildlife Watching
As mentioned earlier, Cayo Icacos is part of the La Cordillera Nature Reserve. That means you will find a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys, bird species, iguanas, and more. Taking a guided wildlife tour is highly recommended to ensure your safety and the best possible experience.
?Hiking
The island is home to a network of nature trails and lush vegetation, making it an ideal spot for hiking and exploring. Take a guided tour to explore the island’s hidden coves, waterfalls, nature trails, and other natural wonders.
?Fishing
Another popular fun activity in Cayo Icacos is fishing. Although you can go fishing using your equipment, arranging a guided fishing trip is the best way to experience fishing in Cayo Icacos. Local fishing charters will provide all the equipment and gear you need, such as tackle, bait, rods, and reels, to give you the best experience. If you are new to fishing, the local tour guides also offer introductory fishing trips to teach you the basics of fishing.
?Spa Services
After exploring the outdoors, you can retreat to your hotel or resort for a relaxing massage, body treatment, and facials.
Cayo Icacos Climate
Cayo Icacos has a warm and tropical climate. Temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. The hottest months on this island are August and July, with the coldest being January and February. The rainy season in Cayo Icacos starts in May and runs to November. However, short showers are a common occurrence in the late afternoon.
Carry light and comfortable clothing during your visit to the island. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself against the sun’s intense rays. Also, pack a light jacket or sweater for the cool evenings. Above all, always check the weather forecast before booking your flight.
Cayo Icacos Accommodation
You can never run out of options when it comes to accommodation. There are plenty of options, including camping grounds, beachfront hotels, vacation rentals, and more. Ultimately, the accommodation you choose will depend on your preferences and budget. Moreover, the island has plenty of dining options, including food trucks, bars, and restaurants.
Regarding the nightlife, the nights are more focused on relaxing and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. As such, you may not find loud clubs or bars on the island. But that does not mean you can’t have a good time after the sun goes down. You can still gather around the fire, socialize with the locals, and enjoy a few drinks as you experience the peaceful and serene atmosphere in Cayo Icacos.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Cayo Icacos has something to offer to everyone. Whether you prefer a more laid-back and relaxed tour or an adventurous excursion, Cayo Icacos is precisely what you are looking for. Are you planning a trip to Cayo Icacos Island? Let our knowledgeable local crew help you explore Cayo Icacos like never before.