Best Puerto Rico Kayak & Snorkeling Tour-Eco Adventure
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve, in Fajardo, is home to wonderful ecological diversity and is one of the best places in Puerto Rico for snorkeling and kayaking. This guided tour lets you explore the clear water and colorful reef sensitively and respectfully, while learning all about the marine life that it supports, including a variety of fish, lobsters, sharks and turtles.
- Sustainability-focused snorkel and kayak adventure in Fajardo
- Learn all about the ecosystem and its wildlife as you explore
- Suitable to those with little or no experience of snorkeling or kayaking
- Includes snacks and use of all necessary equipment
What's Included
- Guided kayak * snorkeling experience through Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve
- All necessary snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Kayak, paddles, and life jackets
- Safety orientation and instructions from a professional guide
- Drinks/snacks
- Educational material about the reserve and marine life
- Transportation to/from meeting point
- Towels, water shoes, sunscreen, or extra clothing
- Parking
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pirate Snorkeling ShackReserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan, Carr. 987 Km 5.9 Las Croabas, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico
Pirate Snorkeling Shack – Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve, Ensenada Yegua, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. We recommend: Park at Seven Seas Beach ($5 per car) and walk about 8 minutes to our location. Please arrive early—traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and holidays.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.10:00 am
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Participants must be at least 6 years old to join the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Caitlin_C
Me and my friends really enjoyed our kayak and snorkeling eco-adventure with Joshua as our guide. He was very kind and always made sure we were all doing ok. I really liked this excursion because it had a little of everything. A great kayak trip along the coast over to the nature preserve for an informative walk looking at different parts of the nature preserve. Kayaked back to the starting point and then had a great time snorkeling. Thank you so much Joshua, it was the highlight of our whole trip!
Reviews
4.6
based on 90 reviews
Elizabeth_K, Apr 2026
Our guide was excellent and knowledgeable. Our kids (12 & 14) were able to fully participate and learned quickly how to snorkel and kayak. Things to know:
1) wear reef-safe sunscreen
2) use the bathroom by the parking lot before meeting the group
3) you leave your bags with at the tent while out so you don't need a waterproof bag (though I was glad I brought my phone in a waterproof case)
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your great review and for choosing us for your kayak and snorkeling tour in Puerto Rico.
We’re glad to hear your kids were able to fully participate and quickly learn both snorkeling and kayaking—we take pride in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for families and beginners alike. It’s also wonderful to know our guide made a strong impression with their knowledge and support throughout the tour.
Thank you as well for sharing those helpful tips. Preparing with reef-safe sunscreen, planning ahead before the tour, and knowing what to bring can really enhance the overall experience for future guests.
Our goal is to provide one of the most accessible and enjoyable family-friendly snorkeling and kayaking experiences in Puerto Rico, combining learning, adventure, and time in nature.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you and your family again for another unforgettable experience.
Caitlin_C, Apr 2026
Me and my friends really enjoyed our kayak and snorkeling eco-adventure with Joshua as our guide. He was very kind and always made sure we were all doing ok. I really liked this excursion because it had a little of everything. A great kayak trip along the coast over to the nature preserve for an informative walk looking at different parts of the nature preserve. Kayaked back to the starting point and then had a great time snorkeling. Thank you so much Joshua, it was the highlight of our whole trip!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing us for your adventure. We’re truly happy to hear that you and your friends had such a great time on the kayak and snorkeling eco-tour.
It means a lot to know that Joshua made you feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the experience. We’ll definitely share your message with him—he’ll be thrilled to know he was part of the highlight of your trip.
We’re also glad you enjoyed the variety of the excursion, from kayaking along the coast to exploring the nature preserve and finishing with snorkeling. That balance is exactly what we aim to offer.
Thank you again for joining us. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure in the future.
Natalie_R, Mar 2026
Had a nice time. Would recommend if you want a chill experience. Keep in mind a lot depends on the weather but we were able to see sea turtles above water. If you kayak slowly you’ll be able to see more of the sea life.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review!
We’re happy to hear you enjoyed your kayaking and snorkeling tour in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Our goal is always to provide a relaxing, small-group experience while exploring the beautiful waters near the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve.
You’re absolutely right—weather and ocean conditions can influence each tour, but we always choose the best snorkeling spots to maximize opportunities to see marine life like sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs.
We love your tip about kayaking slowly—that’s one of the best ways to truly enjoy the experience and spot more wildlife in the crystal-clear waters.
Thank you again for recommending our guided kayak and snorkeling tour in Puerto Rico. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Fajardo soon!
Lisa_R, Feb 2026
Calm waters. Informative info on eco portion. Do not have prescription goggles. Snack in
Middle helped
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your review! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the calm waters and found the eco portion informative — we love sharing knowledge about our beautiful environment.
Regarding prescription goggles, we understand that everyone’s vision needs are different. Because eyeglass prescriptions can vary in millions of possible combinations (sphere, cylinder, axis, and more for each eye), it’s very difficult to stock custom prescription goggles that fit every guest perfectly. For that reason, we recommend guests bring their own prescription mask.
We’re glad the mid-trip snack helped and that you had a great experience overall. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Aya_M, Jan 2026
highly recommend and truly appreciate Joshua. He made our experience unforgettable. At the beginning, I was a little nervous because I had a bad snorkeling experience before, but Joshua changed my mind and made everything feel calm and relaxing. We were very far from the beach and still felt safe, which allowed us to truly enjoy the experience and see many colorful fish. Although we did not see sea turtles, that was okay we saw many kinds of fish in different colors. We did many tours and adventures, and we believe this one is at the top of our list, especially with Joshua
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! Joshua is so happy to hear he could turn your snorkeling experience into a calm and relaxing one — that means a lot to us. Feeling safe and comfortable far from shore is exactly what we aim for, so you can truly enjoy the underwater magic.
Even without turtles, those colorful fish definitely make the trip special! We’re honored to be at the top of your adventure list and hope to see you back for many more unforgettable moments with Joshua and the team!
Rosana_P, Nov 2025
Don’t come here, such a scam! There is no turtles save your money and go see the dolphins instead.
Was 12 minutes late the lady said we can proceed but we wouldn’t have a guide smh so unprofessional
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. Your group arrived 15 minutes late and without completing the required safety waivers, which are mandatory for all participants and required for safety, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
You also mentioned having called and texted beforehand, but after carefully reviewing our communication system, we found no record of any prior messages or calls.When we kindly asked you to confirm the phone number used — so we could verify any possible system error — your group chose not to continue the conversation, which limited our ability to assist in real time. For reference, our official contact number is **787-556-0104**, the only number through which all reservations and guest communications are handled.
Even so, our team still provided the equipment so your group could participate, even though assigning a guide was no longer possible due to the delay. Our guides operate on a strict schedule to ensure safety protocols are met and that every guest receives the experience they booked. Late arrivals directly affect the timing, staffing, and the rest of the day’s operations.
Regarding the use of the word *“scam,”* we would like to clarify that a scam refers to **charging for a service that does not exist, is intentionally misrepresented, or is never provided.** That was not the case here. The service, equipment, and access to the experience were provided. The only circumstances that altered the original plan — the late arrival and the incomplete waivers — were completely outside of our control. Additionally, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as they depend entirely on natural conditions, something clearly stated in all our descriptions.
We understand how frustrations can arise when plans don’t unfold as expected, and we genuinely regret that your visit resulted in disappointment. However, **we must operate with transparency, safety, and fairness for every guest who joins us.** Our team works hard every day to deliver a professional, safe, and memorable experience.
If you would like to further discuss your visit or clarify any detail, please feel free to contact us directly at **787-556-0104**. We remain available and happy to assist.
Nicole_J, Jul 2025
Joshua, our tour guide, was great at explaining about the importance of the fauna and animals we would be seeing in: the bays, Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve as well as the two coral sites we visited.
It was one of the best kayaking and snorkeling adventures we've been on. Very professional, very environmentally conscious, very friendly.
We really enjoyed ourselves.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great experience kayaking and snorkeling with us. Joshua is truly passionate about sharing the beauty and importance of the local ecosystem, and we’re glad that came through during your tour.
It means a lot to us that you found the experience professional, environmentally conscious, and enjoyable. We hope to see you again for another adventure soon!
Warm regards
Marla_E, Jun 2025
The kayak and snorkeling experience was wonderful. Joshua was our guide and he was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem and the marine life in the area. The snorkeling was amazing. You can just swim to reefs from the beach and we saw a lot of different types of marine life. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hola!
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Joshua’s knowledge and guidance made your kayaking and snorkeling experience so memorable. It’s great that you enjoyed swimming right from the beach and got to see so much marine life. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back soon for another adventure!
Jocelyn_H, Jun 2025
It was beginner friendly. Joshua, our tour guide, was very patient with us and knowledgeable of island history and nature. We felt safe the entire time since he always checked up on us. He answered our questions throughout our experience! We were able to see fishes but sadly no turtles. I still recommend if you’re in the area.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hola!
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad Joshua made your experience safe and enjoyable with his patience and knowledge. While you didn’t spot any turtles this time, we’re happy you still enjoyed seeing the fish and felt comfortable throughout. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
David_L, Jun 2025
It was nice kayaking experience along with a tour and snorkeling on a beautiful beach. I would do again...and will recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi!
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you enjoyed the kayaking, tour, and snorkeling, and that you’d do it again. Your recommendation means a lot to us! We look forward to welcoming you back for another great experience.
Mason_K, Dec 2024
Amazing guide was very informative and patient with our 4 year old. Don't expect Hawaiian reefs but there were plenty of beautiful fish and other marine life to check out!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Remember Puerto Rico are located in the Caribbean waters and Hawaii in the Pacific waters. They will never be the same. Both have unique characteristics that make them special and unique & I love my Puerto Rico.
Tom_G, Jul 2024
Upon first arriving at the site, which is a little hidden and we needed to ask to find it, my skepticism radar was on alert. There were two people sitting at a table with a pop up tent and a trailer. We soon met Jose our guide and within a few minutes, my skepticism went away. He was extremely friendly and professional and answered all of our questions about the area and the environment. The location was absolutely stunning and the waters were as calm as a bath tub. And warm like it too! We paddled out to a secluded beach and were able to hang out in the water without being rushed. He showed us the bioilluminescent bay and explained all of the science behind it and the nature preserve surrounding it. Fascinating. We paddled back and were soon at the water’s edge for snorkeling. If you are looking for a pleasure cruise and just want to sit back and relax, this is not for you. Kayaking is a skill and takes a little practice. It is a physical activity! Anyone can do it but be prepared to work a little.
Unfortunately there is a little walk from the kayak launch point to the snorkeling beach. Shoes definitely required for the walk. Once in the water, Jose showed those brave enough the coral reefs and the life beneath the surface. Although there are some nice reefs, it isn’t that exciting. If you’re looking for world class reefs with amazing wildlife and bright colors, this is not the tour. That was just our experience and not indicative of the norm. It is a rather long swim from the beach to the reef sites so being comfortable in the water is a must. You can wear a life jacket but it definitely interferes with comfort. Overall we were snorkeling for just under an hour so be sure you are comfortable in the water for that long. I loved it and my daughters loved it but some in our group only lasted a little bit or were too scared to go out that far. Overall, it was a great experience and the highlight was definitely Jose. He was informative and a calming presence. Only suggestion would be to give a short lesson on snorkeling with some coaching tips before heading out.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi!
Thank you, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the trip and appreciate your kind words about Jose service. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Jennifer_R, May 2024
Our guide was fabulous. This was a really chill experience. I’m glad I did this instead of a nighttime tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hi!
Thanks for the review and the support!
Christine_H, Jan 2024
We were unable to take the excursion due to rough seas. I understand weather is unpredictable but my issue was that we drove all the way out there to find this out. There was no attempt made by The Pirate Shack to contact us. Luckily we were only 20 minutes away. Had we been staying in San Juan with an hour drive I would not have been happy.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hi!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. The weather conditions for the day of your experience with us changed drastically when the kayak tour began. We explained the situation and a full refund of his money was given. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Elizabeth_G, Aug 2023
Jose was fabulous! He was top-notch. He was informative, friendly, positive, chill, and was a great kayaking and snorkel guide. He went out of his way for us.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi!
Thanks for the review and the support. For us the connection of nature and adventure is important. That each tour is adapted to the needs of our guests and they have a wonderful time. We hope to see you agin soon!
Florence_M, Jun 2023
My teenage boys and I enjoyed the time we spent kayaking and snorkeling. Our guide was knowledgeable about the surrounding area and attentive to our questions. Overall, it was a great experience with my guys!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hi! Thanks for the review and the support!
Sandy_M, Apr 2023
My family of five took this tour with two small children. Staff was lovely and helpful. On our tour day the weather took a turn and we were unable to complete the second half of the tour. That was disappointing but glad the company was prioritizing safety and the first half of the tour was awesome. Full refund granted, much appreciated.
Response from Host, May 2023
Hi!
Thanks for the review and the support! We are very sorry that you could not finish the second part of the tour. The weather conditions changed drastically and it was not safe to continue with the adventure. We hope you had a wonderful experience in Puerto Rico and we hope to see you again and finish this tour.
Krzysztof_L, Apr 2023
Snorkeling and seeing the fish in reefs. The bay was clam and enjoyable. We had a good time. I recommend it.
Response from Host, May 2023
Hi!
Thanks for the review and the support!
Jenni_T, Apr 2023
Great time, informative and beautiful shore line! We saw quite a bit of aquatic life on the reef, and spend plenty of time in the water!
Response from Host, May 2023
Hi!
Thanks for the review and the support!
Dana_G, Jan 2023
Great tour guide, wonderfully led. Beautiful area. Would recommend to anyone in the area, well worth the money.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi! Thanks for the review and the support. We are very happy that you enjoyed the tour with us. We hope to see you soon.
Yaz, Aug 2022
This was the highlight of our trip! I traveled with my family including kids ranging from 6-18. They loved the kayaking as it was something new for all of us. The snorkeling was amazing. Our guides really took the time explaining history of the islands, etc and ensured that we had a great time. They also provided a snack and drink which you're going to need after the workouts of snorkeling and kayaking. Please arrive an extra 15 minutes early to ensure you can find parking.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Hi! Thanks for the review!It was a pleasure for us to accompany your family on this adventure. It is important for us to share our culture, food and stories of this beautiful island. Our goal is that each person who visits us falls in love with Borinquen and can talk about the beautiful adventure of having visited the island. We hope to see you again.
Emilia_B, Aug 2022
We loved the snorkeling but were caught in traffic from San Juan and arrived 10 mins late. I called from the road and they wouldn’t wait for us so we missed the kayaking part of the experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Hola Emilia. We appreciate that you have chosen Pirate Snorkeling for your adventure at sea. We are sorry that you and your family did not arrive on time for the kayak tour of the bay. In the confirmation emails you received, you have important instructions such as:
1. The importance of arriving at least 30 minutes before starting the activity. This half hour before is used for the security talk.
2. The location of the reservation by GPS.
3. Suggestions for parking near the reserve.
4. The disclosure of responsibility.
It is important to emphasize the importance of arriving on time for tours. Our responsibility as tour operators is to start the activities on time so that all our guests who arrive on time, can carry out all the activities scheduled for that day. Starting a tour 20 minutes late means less quality time for our services, which is not fair to people who followed instructions and arrived on time.
For our future clients. Punctuality is a virtue and we at Pirate Snorkeling are punctual. We know the importance of the value of time and we value the trust that you as a client place in us by fulfilling services for which you as clients paid: in this case with a three-hour tour (starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. ) kayaking and snorkeling in the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve. Read the other reviews on the website that demonstrate our excellence as a company. We are waiting for you in Pirate Snorkeling.
Carin_L, Jul 2022
Great experience. We were traveling with younger kids and the guide was very patient. It is somewhat a good distance kayaking so keep that in mind. It was my 5 year olds' first time snorkeling. We were able to see a lot of fish and even a lobster.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Hi! Thanks for the support and the review!
Cynthia_P, Jun 2022
The staff was very friendly and helpful throughout our experience. It’s a great experience for your family.
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Hi! Thanks for the review and the support!
Matthew_M, Mar 2022
Jose was great. Kind guide, very helpful, very knowledgable. Snorkel and kayak trip was a great activity
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Hi! Thanks for the review! Jose is a excellent tour guide. We are very happy that you enjoyed the activity with us.
Todd_J, Mar 2022
Josie our tour guide was the best. Very knowledgeable of the area and answered every question we had. Snorkeling was a bit cloudy due to the waves but still seen a lot of fish.
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi! Thanks for the review.
Alfredo_A, Jul 2021
I had a terrible experience. This excursion is a scam. My family and I were taken to an area off the beach and we saw about 4 fish that were the size of gold fish. The mini eco adventure was also horrible. A ten minute presentation given by a person who did not speak much English. Their excuse for not showing us plenty of fish was that people in the area are over fishing.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Hola Alfredo! Espero le vaya bien. Thanks you for the feedback. We are really sorry about your experience. We would like to emphasize to all our visitors that they must read before all the information about our tours found on our website and in places on the internet such as TripAdvisor and Aviator. In all our platforms we explain in detail what to expect from each tour and the importance of Pirate Snorkeling Shack practicing sustainable tourism. As part of our policy we do not manipulate the natural life that exists in the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Ensenada Yegua. In other words, Mr. Alfredo, we do NOT feed, deprive freedom of movement, or touch marine life. When your spouse asked about it, we just talked about the problems of overfishing, global warming and reef loss. We do not present an excuse about why there is no diversity of species at the time of the tour. We are sorry that you and your family did not understand our talk about it.
As for your concern about how Puerto Ricans speak the English language, what can I tell you. The most widely spoken language in Puerto Rico is Spanish. We learn English as a second language. Of course, we speak the English language with Puerto Rican ascent. We are very sorry that our way of speaking English has bothered you so much, it is not our intention, it is rather cultural.
We still don't understand why you think this tour is scam. You called us repeatedly looking for the company and at all times you were accompanied by the phone until you found us. Your spouse asked us to have someone help her to paddle and we sent her a tour guide to help, we assisted your family in everything we could and we are proud of.
To all the people who read this review, we want to make the following statement. Pirate Snorkeling Shack has been a tourism company for 9 years. Even more than those 9 years, we have been practicing sustainable tourism for 8 years, being one of the few certified companies in Borinquen. Please, before making any decision read the other comments, and you will realize the excellent work we have done all this time. Pirate Snorkeling Shack is a legitimate company that not only does excellent tours, it has also been in charge of restoring the marine ecosystem. We will gladly assist you of course if you don't mind our Puerto Rican ascent.
I hope I have answered all your concerns. For the new readers we look forward to seeing at Pirate Snorkeling Shack.
Terri_H, Jun 2021
It was our favorite experience on the island. Our guides were amazing. They provided education about the eco system along with easy instructions on snorkeling.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Hola! Thanks for the comment!
Asha_P, Jun 2021
Tour guides were amazing, the water was great and had a great time. The guides took time out to help the people in my group that did not know how to swim. Great package for your money, 100% highly recommended
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Hola! Thanks for the comment!
Johanna_V, Apr 2021
I went with my 17 year old son and his two friends and we all enjoyed that little trip. First the kayaking and then the snorkeling, at a leisurely pace. The boys had never snorkeled before and it was the perfect introduction. Knowledgeable and approachable staff. Snacks were provided too :)
Response from Host, Jun 2021
Thanks for this comment. We designed this adventure so that everyone in the family can safely enjoy the natural beauty of Puerto Rico. Thanks for visiting us.
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