- Duration: 45 to 90 minutes actually in the water on a typical full day boat
- Included: mask, snorkel, fins and a vest on almost every listing. Underwater cameras are not included
- Best for: beginners, because the water is shallow, sheltered and warm year round
- Book ahead: three to five days, and pick a morning slot when the wind is lowest
- Practical warning: visibility drops sharply for a day or two after heavy rain, so check the forecast before you commit
The most reviewed snorkel day on this coast, with gear included and a slide off the back of the boat.
Check Availability →Beach and snorkel weighted towards the water, for people who came for the mask and not the sunbathing.
Check Availability →You drive your own mini boat to the snorkel spot. The most hands on versión of the same reef.
Check Availability →Prices are indicative starting prices and can change.
The Cayo Icacos reef
The reef sits about 100 meters off the cay's beach in shallow, calm water. It is healthy and accessible, which makes Icacos a reliable snorkel stop on a day trip.
What you will see
- Parrotfish, sergeant majors, and wrasses in good numbers
- Rays gliding over the sandy patches
- The occasional green turtle in the seagrass
- Coral heads and reef structure in clear daylight
Gear and guides
Most catamaran and boat tours include mask, snorkel, and fins plus a guided stop. Bring your own mask if you have one for a better fit, and a defog solution.
Best tours for snorkel time
Snorkel focused boat tours and small group catamarans give more reef time than party boats. If snorkeling is the priority, pick a tour that names a guided reef stop.
Tips
Go on a calm, sunny day for the best visibility, use reef safe sunscreen, and snorkel in the morning before afternoon winds pick up.
Frequently asked questions
Sea grass beds, sergeant majors, parrotfish, occasional rays and a patch reef with elkhorn coral offshore. Turtles show up now and then but are not the reason to book.
On almost every organised boat, yes. Mask, snorkel, fins and a flotation vest are standard. Bring your own mask if you wear a prescription or have had fit problems before.
No. The water at the anchorage is shallow and calm, guides supervise, and flotation vests are provided. Tell the crew at the briefing if you are not confident.
Late morning, once the sun is high enough to light the bottom but before the afternoon wind picks up and stirs the sand.
