Puerto Rico or BUST in October

[fizzle]

So, I am getting some R&R time from Iraq come October. I really want to get some bubble time in Puerto Rico during my little vacation. Any advise on where to stay, dive, party and relaxe? Will be on a little bit of a budget, we troops don't exactly make a handfull of money! Ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Please PM me or send to sxz350@yahoo.com Thanks!

 

[RTRski]

I haven't done the diving myself, but Scuba Diving mag had an article recently about the diving off the west coast toward Desecho Island. Taino Divers in Rincon I believe was the operator, not sure if there are more. Sounded like a sleepy little fishing village, e.g. probably cheap eats and beds (and suds). Diving was a bit further out so 2 tank boat trips, usually, but from what the article said sounded like it was very much worth it (virgin reef, deep channel with high likelihood of large game fish and pelagics, etc.). It's certainly on my list of places to try!

 

[ScubaSteve]

I was in San Juan about 5 years ago and did 8 or so dives. We wound up having to trek all the way East to Fajardo for every dive (that is where the operator was actually out of). This was an hour each way (included in our cost but still long). I can look up the name if you want....I am told that the best diving is off Catalina island but I have no first hand experience on it. I thoroughly enjoyed out dives in Fajardo. PM me if you would like the name of the operator or to see some of my photos from the dives.

 

[TeqP]

I dove with Taino Divers on May 18, 2008. We had a nice 40-45 minute boat ride to Desecheo Island. Water was 81-82F and viz was well over 100'. There are some nice reef structure and some animals. I was surprised that there weren't more life out there then I had expected, especially since it is supposed to be a protected area. We did see some decent sized cudas. I would recommend Taino Divers. I stayed at the Rincon Beach Resort and it was $131.68 per night including tax and resort fee and included a $9 discount on the continental b-fast. The Rincon Beach Resort is about 15 minute drive to Taino Divers, so you can sleep in.
I also dove with Sea Ventures in Farjado, also a 40 minute boat ride. Conditions were 81-82F and 3-40' viz. I was surprised when the DM said that we had a 40 minute bottom time allowance instead of at least 60 minutes. I wasn't the only one on the boat that was a little upset with this. They seemed like they were in a hurry to get the dives over so they could head back for the afternoon dive trip. I would recommend diving in the southern part of the Island or a different dive op if you choose Farjado. We stayed at the Caribe Hilton for about $152 + tax. The trek to Farjado is about 45-60 minutes depending on the time you leave. San Juan.

Have a good trip.

 

[DivingPanda]

So, I am getting some R&R time from Iraq come October. I really want to get some bubble time in Puerto Rico during my little vacation. Any advise on where to stay, dive, party and relaxe? Will be on a little bit of a budget, we troops don't exactly make a handfull of money! Ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Please PM me or send to sxz350@yahoo.com Thanks!

Welcome! I noticed that your thread was originally in another forum. The mods have moved it to the Greater Antilles forum, which includes PR. There are a number of active threads in this forum where you'll find some great info on diving in PR. Stay safe and have a great trip!

Puerto Rico
Dive shops in west Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico diving; Vieque vs La Parquera vs Rincon?
Puerto Rico?

Excellent report covering many shops and dive areas by Luis H:
Dive trip report to Puerto Rico (1st week November 2007)

 

[fizzle]

Thank you to all who have shared your stories and advice! Keep 'em coming!

 

[scuba_diver1982]

Puerto Rico diving really depends on how long you are staying and where you want to go.
Also depends on your skill level and your stomach.
One of my favorite dives is Isla Mona its a beautiful dive the only thing is that its a 3hr boat ride usually through choppy water, its a pretty advanced dive due to the high current i dove there once and one of the divers never came back with us. But other than that its a great spot
If you have a chance check out Culebra island i think the dive shop there has a website their name is Culebra Divers it is one of the other great places of PR.
South western part of the island has great spots in La Parguera there is a dive there called the Black Wall which is just one of the most amazing dives you can do.
Other than that PR is the best place to dive in the Caribbean due to it many dive spots you can do anything from awesome wall dives, take a night dive in a bioluminecent bay, or very technical dives.

 

[JPatrick]

Thank you to all who have shared your stories and advice! Keep 'em coming!

I have to tell that I was there a couple of weeks ago, and I did not get a chance to go out with Taino Divers, but I have dove with them in the past and Desecheo is beautiful, it almost makes you forget that you have to carry the equipment and tanks on board.
I also dove la parguera wall with West Divers. Beautiful corals and marine life.
Since I was not able to go to desecheo I ended up diving with WD for three days and they were very accommodating. You should call them and check out for yourself.
Happy and safe diving!!!

 

[Radnewt]

If you really want a wild experience go to Vieques, an island just off of Puerto Rico. The saying is "If you are here, you ain't all there". A number of mainland Us residents live there and there is only 1-2 dive operators but you will see some of the most unspoiled marine life you can imagine since we used to use that island as a bombing range but apparently did no damage to the reefs that are visible. Old San Juan is a party area and toruing the fort is a must. Enjoy your time and thanks for your service.