Quick answer
- What: Icacos Cay (Cayo Icacos) is the largest uninhabited cay in a chain off Cabezas, Fajardo, northeast Puerto Rico.
- Reserve: part of La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve with nearby Palominos.
- Access: by boat or guided tour from the Fajardo area — no bridge, no hotels on the cay.
What is Cayo Icacos?
Icacos Cay is a small, uninhabited island of sand and reef off Fajardo’s Cabezas barrio. Together with nearby cays it sits inside La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve. A limestone quarry once operated on the southern part of the cay; today visitors come for swimming and snorkeling, not overnight stays.
How to get there
There is no ferry schedule like Vieques or Culebra. Most people book a small-boat or catamaran day trip from marinas around Fajardo / Las Croabas. Weather and swell cancel trips — confirm with the operator the morning of. Browse Fajardo tours in our directory, and compare with east-island trips toward Culebra.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks (limited or no services on the cay).
- Cash for operator fees if required; waterproof bag for phone.
- Respect the reserve: pack out trash, do not walk on live coral.
Operators
Run a boat trip to Icacos or another Cordillera cay? Add or claim your business so travelers find you next to these guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight on Cayo Icacos?
No hotels or camping services are offered on the uninhabited cay; it is a day trip.
Do I need a reservation?
Boat space is limited and weather-dependent — book a reputable Fajardo operator ahead.
Is Icacos the same as Culebra?
No. Icacos is a small cay off Fajardo; Culebra is a separate municipality farther east.
Sources we checked
Checked in October 2026. Where a fact could not be confirmed against a primary source, we removed it or said so.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2026-10-28). Reviewed and updated October 2026: facts were checked against the sources above.