Culebra, PR - Day trip out of Fajardo, or ferry to Culebra first.

[bkopec]

Seems like the consensus on the forum is that the diving isn't all that great out of Fajardo, but Culebra and Vieques are decent. I've also seen a lot of mixed reviews on Casa Del Mar which does a day trip to Culebra (the schedule on the website says 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 2 tanks...seems like a long time and perhaps a conservative estimate since some of the reviews have complained about their disorganization). Is it really worth it to dedicate a whole day to be able to dive Culebra vs. just a few hours to dive Fajardo? Also, if we have to make a day out if it, is it better to take the ferry over in the morning and use one of the dive ops there and explore the island a little? Is there a more convenient ferry than going through El Conquistador (we'll be staying in Luquillo and driving a rental to wherever we need to get to start the trip)?
Thanks for your help!
Brian
Raleigh, NC

 

[Angry Turtle]

This is a quick write up in English about the ferry service

Catch the Ferry from Fajardo to Culebra or Vieques | Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

This is the PR DOT website with the schedule and prices in Spanish

:: DTOP ::

 

[irmo]

Read the thread about catching the ferry. The ferry ride is about an hour and a half each way. That's also why it's a full day for a 2 tank dive out of Fajardo (although the dive boat probably makes it there in less than an hour and a half). I believe the Casa trip includes lunch on a beach and some snorkeling time there too.

If you want to spend more time diving and kicking around Culebra take the ferry and spend a day or two out there. It's beautiful, but sleepy. No casinos or zip lines or stuff like that. Guest houses, restaurants and bars, and awesome beaches.

I’ve been out with Casa del Mar twice. I thought they were anything but disorganized. They did everything they could to make everyone comfortable, and the staff was knowledgeable, efficient and very friendly. I had a great time with them and will dive with them again. I did not do the Culebra trip though it looks really nice. I thought the diving was pretty good out of Fajardo, but I’m relative inexperienced compared to most of the folks here. So I don’t have the extensive comparative knowledge. That probably makes me easier to please.

By the way, the ferry leaves from the pier in the town of Fajardo, not from the Conquistador. Casa del Mar leaves from the Conquistador pier, but don’t park at the hotel. Drive down to the marina, the Casa web site has directions.

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By the way, try this for Ferry info in english: http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/fajardo-ferry/

 

[jlevine]

If you opt to take the ferry to Culebra, I suggest having a back up plan in case for whatever reason the ferry doesn't come back to Fajardo that night due to weather, mechanical or other problems. Yes, dive shop boats can break down but I would put more trust in Casa del Mar. I only went out with them once (and the dive was scrubbed) but I found them to be very well organized.

 

[bkopec]

Thanks for all the info. I emailed Casa Del Mar a few days ago to check on their schedule (the schedule on the website only shows daily dives to Diablo for the next few months) and still haven't heard back. Not a good start.