Alternatives to La Parguera Divers in Puerto Rico?

[socialist77]

Two years ago, I was set to do some great wall diving on the southern coast of PR with La Parguera Divers. I chose them based on the recommendations and rave reviews they receive here. Unfortunately, a family illness prevented me from completing this trip.

I'll be in PR again this summer for work so looks like I'll finally get to do some diving on la isla del encanto. But I see that La Parguera Divers has ceased operations. Hence two questions:

1. What part of the island has the best diving?
2. What operators would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your response!

 

[ronbeau]

Two years ago, I was set to do some great wall diving on the southern coast of PR with La Parguera Divers. I chose them based on the recommendations and rave reviews they receive here. Unfortunately, a family illness prevented me from completing this trip.

I'll be in PR again this summer for work so looks like I'll finally get to do some diving on la isla del encanto. But I see that La Parguera Divers has ceased operations. Hence two questions:

1. What part of the island has the best diving?
2. What operators would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your response!

When my family and I were in Puerto Rico 3 years ago we dove with Oceans Unlimited. They were excellent.

It appears as though they are now the water sports operation for Rincon Beach Resort.

There boat was very spacious and well equipped with safety equipment. They made a point during the initial briefing to go over where all of the safety equipment (including the marine radio) were located in the highly unlikely event that all three crew members became incapacitated.

I have pasted the link below. The boat at the bottom of that page is the same boat we went on three years ago.

The food provided during the surface interval was good and plentiful.

They run tours to Mona and Desecheo islands.

Avoid Captain Greg Korwek at all cost. He performed a bait and switch on my family that I will never forgive him for. The tour operator we booked him through gave us back the commission he made on the three bookings after he found what we went through.

Hopefully this is helpful to you.

 

[Fishy Ariel]

Two years ago, I was set to do some great wall diving on the southern coast of PR with La Parguera Divers. I chose them based on the recommendations and rave reviews they receive here. Unfortunately, a family illness prevented me from completing this trip.

I'll be in PR again this summer for work so looks like I'll finally get to do some diving on la isla del encanto. But I see that La Parguera Divers has ceased operations. Hence two questions:

1. What part of the island has the best diving?
2. What operators would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your response!

Hi
I will recommend to use West Divers in La Parguera, they use the same safety procedures as we the operation Parguera Divers that closed business. Although their dock is more comfortable and it has showers in it for after diving you can rinse yourself and there are buckets for the equipment. In addition they also do a briefing at the beggining so that you can know where everything is located. They also have teh descend/ascend line with the basket at the end with weights, so if you need more just take them. The other thing that I liked really much, is that they do not charge for rental per piece, it is a set price for everything that you need. Victor, his wife and teh staff were very friendly and accomodating, she even took care of the hotel reservation for me.
Security, nice staff, really nice store and boat. What mroe can you ask for!!!!!
Scuba Diving in La Parguera, Puerto Rico

 

[Luis H]

I also highly recommend West Divers for the same reasons mentioned above.
Tell Victor I said hi.

You may also want to read my trip report in this thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...ort-puerto-rico-1st-week-november-2007-a.html


Another good thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/219789-puerto-rico.html


Have fun
Some of the diving is just fantastic.

 

[Tollie]

Hi,

I'll second the recomendation for West Divers. Victor is a great dive leader and the operation is first rate.

Oceans Unlimited has been out of business for at least two years. The best ticket out to desecheo Island is Taino Divers in Rincon.

(truth in posting) From time to time I run the taino boat.

Let us know how your trip went.

 

[Pellin]

Try Island Scuba its the nearest to the Parguera's Wall just 10 minutes boat ride. Exellent service, security and friendly crew.

Scuba Diving School & Dive Trips in Puerto Rico - Island Scuba

Scuba Diving School & Dive Trips in Puerto Rico - Island Scuba

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I can't say about the southern part but if on the east side then Palmas is who you want to use. If you are comfortable in the water and they see it they will let you dive your own plan and not have to follow the DM.

 

[ffdiver]

Taino Divers get my vote.