Escambron Beach Snorkel
Walk-in snorkel from the city, guided. Reef and fish 30 feet from shore.
From $49
See beach snorkel
San Juan · Puerto Rico · Top snorkel spot
Snorkel with Turtles, Manatees and Reef Fish in San Juan
Crystal clear water, protected marine reserves, turtle and manatee sightings within 10 minutes of Old San Juan.
⭐ 4.8 rating · 2,000+ snorkel reviews
✓ Free cancellation 24h
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Pick your snorkel experience
Three popular ways to snorkel in San Juan.
Guided Boat Snorkel
Small boat, two reef stops, gear included. Turtle and ray sightings common.
From $95
Book this tourCatamaran to Icacos Cays
Full day catamaran, snorkel two cays, open bar, lunch on board.
From $129
See catamaran toursSnorkel spots and tours in San Juan
San Juan has three reef ecosystems within a 30 minute drive of the cruise port: Escambron beach with shore access and protected coral, the Condado Lagoon with manatee and tarpon sightings, and the Icacos cays off Fajardo for catamaran day trips. This page lists verified snorkel tours sorted by traveler reviews, with free cancellation on every booking.
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Pick the spot and format that fit your trip.
Best Snorkel Spots
Escambron, Condado, Isla Verde reef and Icacos cays. Where, when and how to access each.
→Manatee Tours
Guided kayak and snorkel tours that look for manatees in lagoons and mangroves.
→Catamaran Snorkel Tours
Full day catamarans from Fajardo and San Juan to the Icacos cays with two snorkel stops.
→Escambron Beach Snorkel
Walk in shore snorkel at the protected marine reserve five minutes from Old San Juan.
→Gear Rental and Tips
Reef safe sunscreen, mask and fin rental shops, water temperature and reef etiquette.
→Top snorkel tours in San Juan
Sorted by traveler reviews. Free cancellation on every booking.
Guided Snorkel Tour San Juan Puerto Rico
From $95 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Private All Inclusive East Coast Keys Tour and Snorkel Experience
From $715 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Self-Drive Mini Boat Snorkeling Tour to Icacos Island
From $250 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran, Snorkel, and Picnic Cruise
From $138.50 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
All Inclusive Snorkel and Slide Boat Tour: Icacos or Vieques
From $135 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Icacos Island Catamaran Day Sail from Fajardo
From $140 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel Boat Tour to Icacos Island
From $150 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Sailing and Snorkeling Day Charter in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
From $299 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
About snorkeling in San Juan
San Juan sits on the Atlantic coast of Puerto Rico, right on a reef line that extends from Old San Juan east toward Fajardo and the Icacos cays. Water temperature stays between 78 and 82 Fahrenheit year round. The best shore snorkel is Escambron, a protected marine reserve five minutes from the cruise port, with elkhorn coral, parrotfish, sergeant majors and resident green turtles. Boat tours from San Juan run two formats: short half day snorkel reef tours, and full day catamarans to Icacos cays. Manatees sightings are rare but possible in the Condado Lagoon and the mangrove channels behind Isla Verde.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best snorkeling in San Juan Puerto Rico?
Escambron beach is the best shore snorkel in San Juan. The reef starts 30 feet from the beach, the water is calm because the bay is protected, and you can see elkhorn coral, parrotfish, sergeant majors, sea urchins and resident green sea turtles. It is five minutes from the cruise port and Old San Juan.
Can you snorkel with manatees in San Juan?
Manatee sightings are possible but rare in San Juan. The most reliable place is the Condado Lagoon and the mangrove channels behind Isla Verde at sunrise. Some guided kayak and snorkel combo tours go out specifically looking for manatees but never guarantee a sighting. They are protected wildlife, you must stay 50 feet away.
What time of year is best to snorkel in San Juan?
April through August has the calmest water and best visibility in San Juan, often 50 feet or more. December to March can have north swell that stirs the reef. Water stays warm year round. The dry season is December to April.
How much does a snorkel tour in San Juan cost?
Escambron guided shore snorkel tours start at 49 USD and include gear. Half day boat snorkel tours run 75 to 95 USD. Full day catamaran tours to Icacos cays with lunch and open bar are 110 to 150 USD per person. Kids pricing usually 30 percent less.
Can I snorkel in San Juan from the cruise port?
Yes. Escambron beach is a five minute drive or 20 minute walk from the San Juan cruise port. You can also book a half day reef snorkel tour with hotel and cruise port pickup. Always check the return time against your ship departure.
More Puerto Rico water adventures
Looking for more water trips beyond San Juan reefs? Check our sister site for catamaran trips to the Cordillera reserve cays off Fajardo.
Visit our Fajardo cays site