My first post! Thanks to everyone here, especially Luis H, for the great info!
Mrs. DivingPanda and I are planning a long weekend in Puerto Rico in June. We've never been to PR before, but have gotten excited about diving Parguera and Desecheo based on the comments here. We'll be able to dive 3 days, so I'm thinking 1-2 days with West Divers and 1-2 days with Taino Divers, depending on conditions at Desecheo. It looks like Mayaguez is about equidistant (25-35 min on Google Maps) between Rincon and Parguera and we're planning on renting a car. I'm wondering if anyone's stayed there before and if this sounds like a good plan? In the past, we've always dived with one shop for 2-8 days on our trips, but I know that others have no trouble hitting multiple shops during a given trip.
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!
Personally I would not be staying in Mayagüez. The distances are not large, but the morning traffic can be bad. Mayagüez is not a tourist town and IMO you would have to get up very early to avoid the morning commute and make in time to the boats.
Driving into Parguera is not difficult, but it can be a bit confusing. IMO it is better to drive the night/ day before. In Parguera there are some very reasonably priced guest houses or if you want to treat yourself I would recommend the Hotel Villa Parguera. It is about $100 a night but it is right on the water and a very nice relaxing place.
There is a guest house almost across the street from Hotel Villa Parguera that is very reasonable. Roxanna from West Divers (Victors wife) can help you with the lodging reservations.
As I have mentioned, Desecheo is a most do dive, but if your time is very limited and you want a relaxed mini vacation you may want to consider just staying in Parguera and doing three great days of diving locally. The local diving is fantastic and the small town is relaxing and most everything is in walking distance.
Last November we did stay two days in Parguera (for two days of diving) and then one night in Rincon to dive the next morning with Tainos. This is not difficult and gives you all the best diving (weather permitting), but it may not be for everyone if you are looking for a totally relaxed vacation.
In any case have a great time