Moving to Puerto Rico as Divemaster. Can anyone help?

[zoomerwit]

Living:

We are looking into living in the Fajardo/Luquillo area. We are looking for a two bedroom. We are looking at September, October, or November of 2010.

1. Are there any rental agencies to contact?
2. What is a good rental rate for the Northeast? Close or on the beach?
3. House or Apartment?
4. Any places to avoid?
5. What could we expect to pay in utilities a month?


Working:

I am looking to work as a Scuba Divemaster. My girlfriend is looking into restaurant work. Both of us are experienced bartenders. I may have to do both part time depending on income.

1. Any suggestions on Dive Shops in the area? Dive Boats?
2. Any suggestions of good restaurants to pursue?
3. What could a Divemaster expect to make a week/month?
4. What could a Bartender/Waiter expect to make a week/month?
5. How difficult will it be to find a job in these fields?

Driving:

1. Any suggestions on where and how to find a used car?
2. Any suggestions on car models? Truck? SUV? Sedan?
3. Car insurance?
4. Gas Prices?

Other Stuff:

1. As far as work and lodging, what time of year would be the best to move?
2. Good surf spots? Where to look for a used surfboard?
3. What to bring? What to buy on the island?
4. Good places to meet people? Divers? 20 somethings?
5. Is food expensive? Grocery store? Restaurant?

Any other input on this move would be greatly appreciated! I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff. Any suggestions, advice, or chit chat here would be a ton of help to me and other people as well!

Thanks in advance,

Charlie

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Don't know about the other stuff but from my checking around if you are not an instructor forget about finding a paying job as a DM.

 

[Luis H]

I haven’t lived in PR in many years, but I still have family there…
From what I hear the unemployment rate is far worse than we can imagine…
I do know that food, cars, and just about everything is also relatively expensive. Basically, everything is shipped in.

Unless you get really lucky and find a place out of the way, anyplace on the water is going to be extremely expensive.

Also, if you are not fluent in Spanish, it is going to be a bit more difficult to get around. A lot of people speak English and as a tourist you can get away without speaking Spanish, but actually living there would not be as easy. In Rincon you will find a large community of Americans (from the mainland), mostly surfers, but a lot are just transients.

I love PR and I can’t wait to get back down there, but moving down there can be tough, but if you are lucky and adapt easily, it can be a great experience.

Good luck.