Diving in Puerto Rico

[George Fish]

Hola a todos!

I am planning a dive trip for the end of the summer and would like to go somewhere I've never been. I've been seeing a little bit about Puerto Rico and have picked it as my destination, with one problem.. where on this big island do I go? I've never noticed it on the map as a popular tourist destination or diver's paradise (at least not like Cayman or Turks), although I think they are trying to change that. Anyway, I would love to check it out and maybe run some trips down there in the future. Let me know if you have any advice... where to stay, eat, must-sees, and especially where to dive! Before I decide anything, I need to at least have a city picked out so I can start looking at airfare.

Best fishes,
Rachel

 

[jlevine]

Hola a todos!

I am planning a dive trip for the end of the summer and would like to go somewhere I've never been. I've been seeing a little bit about Puerto Rico and have picked it as my destination, with one problem.. where on this big island do I go? I've never noticed it on the map as a popular tourist destination or diver's paradise (at least not like Cayman or Turks), although I think they are trying to change that. Anyway, I would love to check it out and maybe run some trips down there in the future. Let me know if you have any advice... where to stay, eat, must-sees, and especially where to dive! Before I decide anything, I need to at least have a city picked out so I can start looking at airfare.

Best fishes,
Rachel

Hi Rachel,

I suggest you consult the Greater Antilles subforum rather than this main forum. There are plenty of articles about Puerto Rico, including trip reports and other advice from folks who dive Puerto Rico.

In short, you will probably fly into San Juan as it's the largest airport on the island with the most flights. The main dive areas are Fajardo (northeast), Humacao (southeast), La Parguera (southwest), Rincon (West) and Aguadilla (northwest). What you choose will depend on how much driving you are open to doing and what kind of topside life you want. I usually dive in the southwest because I go later in the year when that side is the best for diving.

In terms of topside life, here are my favorites in no particular order:

(1) Old San Juan - two great Spanish forts, architecture, food
(2) Ponce - one of the best art museums in the region
(3) Rincon - sleepy beach town
(4) Cabo Rojo - seafood (particularly in the Joyuda area)
(5) Any mountain town (you'll see a very different lifestyle from the cities)

In terms of food, the island is a gastronomic haven. You can find incredible food ranging from pinchos (skewers of meat) for a few dollars to really pricey restaurants. In terms of chains, you'll find all the standard American chains but my local favorites are El Meson sandwiches, Pollo Tropical, and Taco Maker (good cheap food). For great seafood, I love Tino's in Cabo Rojo. It is steadfastly high quality.

Again, check the Greater Antilles subforum for more articles. Feel free to PM me if you have more specific questions.

jsl

 

[prxtreme]

For Diving the East
Culebra
Culebra Divers
about us

Vieques
Black Beard Sports
Black Beard Sports - Vieques Puerto Rico - PADI Scuba Diving, Biking, Camping

Fajardo (Beguiners) & Humacao (Advance Dive)
Sea Ventures Dive Center
Phone
1 787.863.3483
1 800.739.3483
Website
Scuba Diving Puerto Rico's Caribbean with Sea Ventures Dive Centers- Fajardo, & Humacao, Puerto Rico

For Diving the South
Guanica - the Wall -
Island Scuba
Email
info@sanjuandiver.com
Phone
787-309-6556 or 787-473-7997
Website
Scuba Diving School & Dive Trips in Puerto Rico - Island Scuba

Diving the West
Aguadilla
Puerto Rico Technical divers
Email
prtekdivingcenter@hotmail.com
Phone
787-997-3483
Website
Welcome to Puerto Rico Technical Diving Center

Diving Rincon & Desecheo
Taino Divers
Phone
787-823-6429
Website
http://www.tainodivers.com

Any question please let me know
Joel

 

[gypsyjim]

For Diving the East
Culebra
Culebra Divers
about us

Vieques
Black Beard Sports
Black Beard Sports - Vieques Puerto Rico - PADI Scuba Diving, Biking, Camping

Fajardo (Beguiners) & Humacao (Advance Dive)
Sea Ventures Dive Center
Phone
1 787.863.3483
1 800.739.3483
Website
Scuba Diving Puerto Rico's Caribbean with Sea Ventures Dive Centers- Fajardo, & Humacao, Puerto Rico

For Diving the South
Guanica - the Wall -
Island Scuba
Email
info@sanjuandiver.com
Phone
787-309-6556 or 787-473-7997
Website
Scuba Diving School & Dive Trips in Puerto Rico - Island Scuba

Diving the West
Aguadilla
Puerto Rico Technical divers
Email
prtekdivingcenter@hotmail.com
Phone
787-997-3483
Website
Welcome to Puerto Rico Technical Diving Center

Diving Rincon & Desecheo
Taino Divers
Phone
787-823-6429
Website
http://www.tainodivers.com

Any question please let me know
Joel

Pretty inclusive list. We have enjoyed diving with several of those ops.
Took my kids to Culebra for their first warm water dives after certing, and have some great memories of both diving and snorkeling a less well known dive destination.