I just completed another dive trip to La Parguera and want to provide an overview with the hope of getting some of you to consider La Parguera as a dive destination. I was part of a group of five that has been doing this same trip for years at the same time.
We used West Divers (West Divers, Inc.) for the trip. They know us and have handled our group well in the past. We made our reservations around August/September. West Divers needs a minimum of three people to go out. If there are two, they will go out if each diver pays more. With five we were fine. We also were able to get our preferred divemaster who goes by Bam Bam. A week or so before I came to the island, I received a call asking me to reconfirm the dives and to have all of my friends reconfirm as well. A few days before the trip, they called me again to see if I needed equipment. I brought all my own gear but the shop has rental equipment. We scheduled four days of 2-tank trips. Each day costs $100 (without equipment, only tanks and weights).
We were asked to arrive at the dock on the first day at 7am due to the potential for wind. Thats a bit tough when youre on vacation but we made it. Our departure time on subsequent days was 7:30am or 8am. We were given a safety briefing and also signed the standard liability releases. The name of our boat captain for the week was Angel. Each trip out takes 25-40 minutes depending on the site. We went to several sites I have seen before (e.g. Fallen Rock, Chiminea, Andreas Reef) as well as some that I hadnt seen (Bellas Reef). Entry was via giant stride off the back of the boat. We were asked to wait at the surface until everyone was in the water. Upon return, we were required to do a three minute safety stop. There was an ascent/descent line in the water if you needed it. You do need to be a little careful when approaching the ladder to the boat as it does swing a fair bit. Our total dive times were about 50 minutes with some going up to almost an hour. The water temperature was 82F. I was fine in a 3mm shorty but if I were diving a third dive in a given day I might have opted for a full suit. One guy in our group just used his swimsuit and a rash guard. Everyone is different.
When we got back on board, West Divers had sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and beverages. We then spent about an hour on board before beginning the second dive. We made it back to the shore around 12:30-1pm.
We saw a good amount of fish life. In some places there were large schools of fish moving around the reef. I did not notice as many lionfish as I saw in years past. We saw a few nurse sharks. One of my friends saw a black tip shark. Im not as good at fish identification so Ill just say we saw the usual Caribbean stuff.
The only glitch that I had with West Divers was paying. Both of my main credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) have the smart chips. West Divers machine wasnt able to process them. They do not take American Express. They also rejected my ATM card. So, I had to walk next door to use the ATM and withdraw the money (using the same ATM card that was rejected). They really need to get that fixed because these chips are becoming more popular in the US. Europeans have been using them for a few years now.
Now for some non-diving stuff.
Our group stayed at Villa Parguera (Parador Villa Parguera - Portada) which is located on the shore right next to the town plaza. It is the largest hotel on the island. Villa Parguera is known as a parador, one of several inns that you will find around the island. The rooms are simple, but clean. Each room has a private bathroom and has air conditioning, television, and a phone. There is a nice garden area, a large pool, a restaurant, and some conference rooms. Its really a great place to relax.
With regard to food, the two best places for dinner are Moons Bar & Tapas in town near the bottom of Route 304. We had dinner there twice. This place is a hit every time! We also went to Restaurante Turromote which is down by the marina. You might be able to walk there but its easier to drive. They have incredible steaks and seafood. I suggest you make a reservation. Our group sat at the bar. I had the churrasco steak. Fantastic! We also ate at Yolandas Bar & Grill (good food, but the service could vary) and the Puerto Parguera restaurant which serves Puerto Rican food (good food and service). Los Balcones is also a good lunch spot with daily specials. For breakfast, I recommend M&M Café at Supermercado Perez to the right of West Divers. They open at 6:30am. There is also a bakery to the left of West Divers.
There were some real surprises of new life in the town. They had live music in the town square for most of the nights we were there and the music was great! Also, a small café (Friends Café) and Aguaviva (a wine bar) were new additions. The café usually had long lines. These are all great additions to the life of the town. I was told that the leaders of the town are trying to bring in new activities. So far its a great start!
Now for some logistics.
La Parguera is in the southwest part of the island. It takes about 2.5 hours to get from San Juan to La Parguera via the 52 toll road (autopista) or about 1.5 hours from Rincon. If youre renting a car, it probably has the toll tag which allows you to use the Autoexpreso lanes for a daily fee (only on the days you use the toll system) plus the actual toll cost. On the 52 toll road, I believe they did away with the toll attendants so you will have to pay the tolls. There is a gas station in La Parguera as well as two ATMs (one outside of Villa Parguera and one in Supermercado Perez).
In conclusion, I have been coming to La Parguera for years. Each time I return I always have a great time. I highly suggest you consider adding La Parguera (and the whole island of Puerto Rico) to your plans for future dive travel.
We used West Divers (West Divers, Inc.) for the trip. They know us and have handled our group well in the past. We made our reservations around August/September. West Divers needs a minimum of three people to go out. If there are two, they will go out if each diver pays more. With five we were fine. We also were able to get our preferred divemaster who goes by Bam Bam. A week or so before I came to the island, I received a call asking me to reconfirm the dives and to have all of my friends reconfirm as well. A few days before the trip, they called me again to see if I needed equipment. I brought all my own gear but the shop has rental equipment. We scheduled four days of 2-tank trips. Each day costs $100 (without equipment, only tanks and weights).
We were asked to arrive at the dock on the first day at 7am due to the potential for wind. Thats a bit tough when youre on vacation but we made it. Our departure time on subsequent days was 7:30am or 8am. We were given a safety briefing and also signed the standard liability releases. The name of our boat captain for the week was Angel. Each trip out takes 25-40 minutes depending on the site. We went to several sites I have seen before (e.g. Fallen Rock, Chiminea, Andreas Reef) as well as some that I hadnt seen (Bellas Reef). Entry was via giant stride off the back of the boat. We were asked to wait at the surface until everyone was in the water. Upon return, we were required to do a three minute safety stop. There was an ascent/descent line in the water if you needed it. You do need to be a little careful when approaching the ladder to the boat as it does swing a fair bit. Our total dive times were about 50 minutes with some going up to almost an hour. The water temperature was 82F. I was fine in a 3mm shorty but if I were diving a third dive in a given day I might have opted for a full suit. One guy in our group just used his swimsuit and a rash guard. Everyone is different.
When we got back on board, West Divers had sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and beverages. We then spent about an hour on board before beginning the second dive. We made it back to the shore around 12:30-1pm.
We saw a good amount of fish life. In some places there were large schools of fish moving around the reef. I did not notice as many lionfish as I saw in years past. We saw a few nurse sharks. One of my friends saw a black tip shark. Im not as good at fish identification so Ill just say we saw the usual Caribbean stuff.
The only glitch that I had with West Divers was paying. Both of my main credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) have the smart chips. West Divers machine wasnt able to process them. They do not take American Express. They also rejected my ATM card. So, I had to walk next door to use the ATM and withdraw the money (using the same ATM card that was rejected). They really need to get that fixed because these chips are becoming more popular in the US. Europeans have been using them for a few years now.
Now for some non-diving stuff.
Our group stayed at Villa Parguera (Parador Villa Parguera - Portada) which is located on the shore right next to the town plaza. It is the largest hotel on the island. Villa Parguera is known as a parador, one of several inns that you will find around the island. The rooms are simple, but clean. Each room has a private bathroom and has air conditioning, television, and a phone. There is a nice garden area, a large pool, a restaurant, and some conference rooms. Its really a great place to relax.
With regard to food, the two best places for dinner are Moons Bar & Tapas in town near the bottom of Route 304. We had dinner there twice. This place is a hit every time! We also went to Restaurante Turromote which is down by the marina. You might be able to walk there but its easier to drive. They have incredible steaks and seafood. I suggest you make a reservation. Our group sat at the bar. I had the churrasco steak. Fantastic! We also ate at Yolandas Bar & Grill (good food, but the service could vary) and the Puerto Parguera restaurant which serves Puerto Rican food (good food and service). Los Balcones is also a good lunch spot with daily specials. For breakfast, I recommend M&M Café at Supermercado Perez to the right of West Divers. They open at 6:30am. There is also a bakery to the left of West Divers.
There were some real surprises of new life in the town. They had live music in the town square for most of the nights we were there and the music was great! Also, a small café (Friends Café) and Aguaviva (a wine bar) were new additions. The café usually had long lines. These are all great additions to the life of the town. I was told that the leaders of the town are trying to bring in new activities. So far its a great start!
Now for some logistics.
La Parguera is in the southwest part of the island. It takes about 2.5 hours to get from San Juan to La Parguera via the 52 toll road (autopista) or about 1.5 hours from Rincon. If youre renting a car, it probably has the toll tag which allows you to use the Autoexpreso lanes for a daily fee (only on the days you use the toll system) plus the actual toll cost. On the 52 toll road, I believe they did away with the toll attendants so you will have to pay the tolls. There is a gas station in La Parguera as well as two ATMs (one outside of Villa Parguera and one in Supermercado Perez).
In conclusion, I have been coming to La Parguera for years. Each time I return I always have a great time. I highly suggest you consider adding La Parguera (and the whole island of Puerto Rico) to your plans for future dive travel.
