I just completed a trip to La Parguera (December 26-30, 2008) and dove with West Divers (Scuba Diving in La Parguera, Puerto Rico) for the first time. I had a great time and wanted to share my findings.
This was my fourth trip to La Parguera. My previous three times I dove with Parguera Divers which has since closed. Victor La Santa, who assisted at Parguera Divers now (along with his wife Roxanna) runs West Divers. I mention this because those who have dove with Parguera Divers will recognize some of the same safety features.
West Divers has its dock just off the main plaza in town. Victor takes out six people each day along with himself, the captain (Jose or Manuel), and in our case a divemaster trainee (Carlos). We were given a safety briefing at departure in which the location and operation of all safety equipment was explained. The safety equipment included radios, GPS, emergency locating system, raft, cell phone, life jackets, and fire extinguishers. There is also a camera bucket on board as well as a fresh water hose.
At each dive site, the crew releases a line with two buoys. The closest buoy holds the ascent/descent line which has a colored zone and knots to indicate the depth for your safety stop. There is also a watch tied to the line so you can time your safety stop. At the bottom of the line there is also a bucket with extra weights in case you need them toward the end of the dive. The second buoy at the end of the surface line is used to reveal the direction of the current. They also suspend two regulators into the water with air supplied from the surface that can be used in the event of an air emergency.
After receiving a briefing on the local site, everyone jumps in via a giant stride off the back platform. The first dive is usually a wall dive at 90-120 feet and lasts about forty minutes or 900psi. The second dive is usually a wall dive at 60-80 feet and lasts about thirty minutes. My dive buddy and I were diving Nitrox and we asked Victor if we could extend our time and he gave us an extra ten minutes or so with no questions so each dive was approximately 45-50 minutes for the Nitrox folks. As far as Nitrox, Victor has a discount if you get two tanks of EAN-30. I believe he also offers EAN-32 and EAN-36 at a slightly higher price.
In general, currents were relatively mild. The dive sites are approximately 30 minutes from the shore. On one day, the swells were a bit large and, well, some of our stomachs couldn't handle it. I suggest taking seasickness meds as a precaution. Between dives and on the way back, Victor provided sandwiches, cookies and drink..
In terms of the diving, visibility was easily 80-100 ft most days. We saw lots of the standard Caribbean sea life including rays, a nurse shark, eels, lobster, crab, and so forth. Overall the sites looked pretty healthy. Good reefs and wall formations.
Also, Victor provides overnight storage for gear at the dock and a dry area on board the boat during dives.
West Divers arranged a package for me at Villa Parguera which is right next to the dock (but not connected to it). Villa Parguera is quite comfortable. The rooms are basic, but clean. The service is quite good. I received vouchers for breakfast as part of the package. At first, the restaurant wasn't serving breakfast early enough but Roxanna took care of that and they opened 15 minutes earlier. The hotel has a small swimming pool and some beautiful garden areas overlooking the Caribbean. My room did not have a view, but I am sure the rate was lower because of it. It was also on the first floor which for me was nice because I didn't have to carry my dive gear upstairs upon arrival. If you want a nicer view, you can request an upgrade.
There's a variety of restaurants in town from inexpensive to very expensive. I like Puerto Pargera, El Mexicano, and a few others. There are two small grocery stores in town and nicer ones a half hour or so away. There are three ATMs in town in case you need cash. There are nice beaches in Guanica and El Combate. It's a great place to unwind. Don't expect luxury, but do expect warmth and hospitality.
A few other details. Divers are asked to be at the dock at 7:15am so bring an alarm clock! The boat returns at about 11:30am. You settle your bill at the store just up the hill. You can pay by credit card. If you reserve a package, you pay for the whole thing at the shop. You don't pay the hotel unless you have incidental room charges. Also, remember that Victor only takes out six people so I encourage you to make your reservations a few months in advance. I would not wait till the last minute.
I also think Puerto Rico is a great location for topside activities as well. There is a lot to do on land in terms of mountain trails/rainforests (El Yunque), beaches (Guanica, El Combate, Luquillo), nature trips, historical sites (e.g. Tibes), Spanish architecture (e.g. Ponce, Old San Juan), science (the Arecibo Observatory), and other stuff. It's a big island so plan accordingly.
I had a wonderful time and will be back!
This was my fourth trip to La Parguera. My previous three times I dove with Parguera Divers which has since closed. Victor La Santa, who assisted at Parguera Divers now (along with his wife Roxanna) runs West Divers. I mention this because those who have dove with Parguera Divers will recognize some of the same safety features.
West Divers has its dock just off the main plaza in town. Victor takes out six people each day along with himself, the captain (Jose or Manuel), and in our case a divemaster trainee (Carlos). We were given a safety briefing at departure in which the location and operation of all safety equipment was explained. The safety equipment included radios, GPS, emergency locating system, raft, cell phone, life jackets, and fire extinguishers. There is also a camera bucket on board as well as a fresh water hose.
At each dive site, the crew releases a line with two buoys. The closest buoy holds the ascent/descent line which has a colored zone and knots to indicate the depth for your safety stop. There is also a watch tied to the line so you can time your safety stop. At the bottom of the line there is also a bucket with extra weights in case you need them toward the end of the dive. The second buoy at the end of the surface line is used to reveal the direction of the current. They also suspend two regulators into the water with air supplied from the surface that can be used in the event of an air emergency.
After receiving a briefing on the local site, everyone jumps in via a giant stride off the back platform. The first dive is usually a wall dive at 90-120 feet and lasts about forty minutes or 900psi. The second dive is usually a wall dive at 60-80 feet and lasts about thirty minutes. My dive buddy and I were diving Nitrox and we asked Victor if we could extend our time and he gave us an extra ten minutes or so with no questions so each dive was approximately 45-50 minutes for the Nitrox folks. As far as Nitrox, Victor has a discount if you get two tanks of EAN-30. I believe he also offers EAN-32 and EAN-36 at a slightly higher price.
In general, currents were relatively mild. The dive sites are approximately 30 minutes from the shore. On one day, the swells were a bit large and, well, some of our stomachs couldn't handle it. I suggest taking seasickness meds as a precaution. Between dives and on the way back, Victor provided sandwiches, cookies and drink..
In terms of the diving, visibility was easily 80-100 ft most days. We saw lots of the standard Caribbean sea life including rays, a nurse shark, eels, lobster, crab, and so forth. Overall the sites looked pretty healthy. Good reefs and wall formations.
Also, Victor provides overnight storage for gear at the dock and a dry area on board the boat during dives.
West Divers arranged a package for me at Villa Parguera which is right next to the dock (but not connected to it). Villa Parguera is quite comfortable. The rooms are basic, but clean. The service is quite good. I received vouchers for breakfast as part of the package. At first, the restaurant wasn't serving breakfast early enough but Roxanna took care of that and they opened 15 minutes earlier. The hotel has a small swimming pool and some beautiful garden areas overlooking the Caribbean. My room did not have a view, but I am sure the rate was lower because of it. It was also on the first floor which for me was nice because I didn't have to carry my dive gear upstairs upon arrival. If you want a nicer view, you can request an upgrade.
There's a variety of restaurants in town from inexpensive to very expensive. I like Puerto Pargera, El Mexicano, and a few others. There are two small grocery stores in town and nicer ones a half hour or so away. There are three ATMs in town in case you need cash. There are nice beaches in Guanica and El Combate. It's a great place to unwind. Don't expect luxury, but do expect warmth and hospitality.
A few other details. Divers are asked to be at the dock at 7:15am so bring an alarm clock! The boat returns at about 11:30am. You settle your bill at the store just up the hill. You can pay by credit card. If you reserve a package, you pay for the whole thing at the shop. You don't pay the hotel unless you have incidental room charges. Also, remember that Victor only takes out six people so I encourage you to make your reservations a few months in advance. I would not wait till the last minute.
I also think Puerto Rico is a great location for topside activities as well. There is a lot to do on land in terms of mountain trails/rainforests (El Yunque), beaches (Guanica, El Combate, Luquillo), nature trips, historical sites (e.g. Tibes), Spanish architecture (e.g. Ponce, Old San Juan), science (the Arecibo Observatory), and other stuff. It's a big island so plan accordingly.
I had a wonderful time and will be back!
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