Puerto Rico diving?

[iccohen]

Hello All-

Call me a "vacation diver". I will be in San Juan & Aguadilla the 2nd & 3rd weeks of May on business (could be worse places to visit), and I will have a weekend to dive. I have a car so I'll be able to drive, if need be.

1. What sites do you recommend (I understand San Juan diving is mediocre, but Vieques is good)?

2. What dive shops do you recommend?

3. I'd like to take some photos (thereby reducing my underwater time drastically); are any sites worth "snapping away"?

Thanks for everyone's help ahead of time,

Steve C

[WaterWayne]

Steve, here's my input, and a link to detailed information.

Bear in mind that Aguadilla is on the west coast, whereas Vieques is off the east coast. San Juan is roughly in the middle, on the north coast. So you may be able to enjoy the best of both coasts.

1. On the west coast, Rincon is THE place to go. I did my original check-out dives from there, specifically off Desecheo Island. Accessible on a day trip (60 minutes each way?), Desecheo Island is ranked by Carlson Travel as one of the top-10 Caribbean dive sites. (Although top-10 lists come and go, that's the one that I chose.) Rincon is south of Aguadilla.

2. In Rincon: Taino Divers (http://www.tainodivers.com/). Here's a warning, though: When you click the Scubaboard thread that I posted below, the first message is very critical of Taino Divers. However, that poster was exposed convincingly as a mean-spirited competitor, so just keep reading. The last message in that thread tells you more about west coast PR diving than any other single message on Scubaboard. Carson and the rest of Taino will treat you quite well. Ask about Mona Island trips for a future visit.

3. Desecheo Island. On my very first post-cert dive, I saw a Flying Gunard spreading its irridescent wings on the bottom in the dappled light, sparkling down crystal clear from 60 feet above, and that single image validated all the dollars I spent getting certified.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=125565&highlight=taino+divers

BTW, I found that by using the "search this forum" option in the "Greater Caribbean" forum. There are other opinions there, of course.

Enjoy!

--Wayne

p.s. Don't bother with the Mayaguez casino, between Aguadilla and Rincon. It's tired, way past its glory, and caters to amateurish locals gambling away the milk money.

[webediving]

Hi,

I just recently came from PR. Spent the last two years in Aguadilla working for the USCG. The place to go for some outstanding diving is Desecheo Island. Taino Diver is your best connection! They are a great group of people. Very profesional and great to be around. Yari & Carson (owners) and Painter are your contact there.

If you are interested in doing some awsome wall dives you need to contact West Diver in Parguera. The owner Pilar Mendes is an owner operator and she can set up any kind of wall dives for you. Check www.technicaldivepr.com site and contact my friend Rafi Rodriguez (a good IT friend of mine) and he will help you set up some dives. Tell him Tony sent you!

You can PM me and I will give you some phone #

Have a great trip!

Tony

[Wally1716]

..
Tony's advice is good. The west coast of PR is more challenging and enchanted than
the east coast, which is pretty good by itself. You can find good guidance on where
to dive, many times right off the beach at minimum or no cost, by searching for
instructors in the area. They are constantly doing great dives !

Visit our page at the address below where there is a list of instructors, facilities
and Divemasters who can help you with gear, dive sites and buddies.
..