Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLAN YOUR UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
Most Caribbean islands boast a formidable diving scene and Puerto Rico can compete with
the best of them with an exciting selection of walls, drop-offs, reefs and underwater caves.
Where to Dive
»
PargueraWall
(
Click here
) The first of Puerto Rico's truly world-class dive areas is near
La Parguera in the south. The underwater wall falls from 60ft to over 1500ft due to a huge
drop in the continental shelf below the sea bed. With more than 25 named dive sites, the area
is awash with trenches, valleys, coral gardens and colorful fish.
»
IslaDesecheo
(
Click here
) Thirteen miles northwest of Aguadilla, Desecheo has a number
of spectacular dive sites and visibility that is often at least 100ft.
»
Isla Mona
(
Click here
) This is where real adventurers head for diving. It's expensive to
charter a trip, but the unblemished waters are frequented by turtles and seals.
Dive Planning Basics
Generally speaking, the waters off the north and west coasts of Puerto Rico are rough and
better suited to surfing. You may, however, get some luck on calm days snorkeling the fringe
reefs off Condado (
Click here
) and Playa Isla Verde (
Click here
) in San Juan or at either
Playa Shacks or Playa Steps in Rincón (
Click here
). Even though west-coast waters are
calmer in summer, snorkeling still isn't great there.
Top Dive Operators
Dive operators run day trips out of the major ports and resort hotels around the island (see
the On the Road chapters for more details). If you are in the San Juan area, consider a dive
trip to the caves and overhangs at Horseshoe Reef, Figure Eight or the Molar. There's decent
diving along the chain of islands called 'La Cordillera,' east of Las Cabezas de San Juan (in
the Fajardo area), with about 60ft to 70ft visibility. Catch the Drift or the Canyon off Huma-
cao.
»
Taíno Divers
(
Click here
) In Rincón, this reliable, environmentally sensitive company
runs daily trips to Isla Desecheo.
»
West Divers
(
Click here
) The best outfit in La Parguera is in the heart of this fishing vil-
lage, with regular trips to the famous Wall.
