Diving in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
has long been a hub to pass through when on your way to another dive destination in the Caribbean. Next time get off the plane. This large island is surrounded by dive regions.
About 30-minutes off the west coast and the town of Rincon, island of Desecheo should kick off your Puerto Rico adventure nicely. Literally surrounded by dive sites, this uninhabited island, which was once a bombing range for the Navy, attracts all kids of passing marinelife including frequent spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles. Sea fans, sponges and encrusting corals have transformed the tumble of rocks and boulders underwater into a vibrant sea vista. Top dives include Candyland, Ladder Reef and the Caves, which has some nice swim-throughs. A couple of sites are best done as drifts, but most are less than 100 feet in calm water with an average visibility of about 80-feet. Nearer to shore, you’ll find some great night dives in spur and groove reefs. Snake eels and other rare and macro critters are found in abundance.
Mona Island, which is about an 2-5 hour ride, 45-miles off the west coast town of Mayaguez, has some stunning, infrequently dived sites, true adventure diving. You even have to camp if you’re overnighting on the island. The island has been called the Galapagos of the Caribbean, and the walls and massive caverns are unforgettable with lots of pelagic marinelife and oversized permanent residents, such as giant green moray eels, family-sized lobster and lots in between. Truly a special corner of the Caribbean.
Off the southwest coast, lies one of the top walls in the Caribbean, La Parguera. The 20-mile long wall parallels the coastline and has a healthy variety of marinelife, from big sponges and black coral, to passing sharks, barracuda, and for the observant, a lively macro world. The wall has plenty of dramatic coral canyons, sea mounts, pinnacles and swim-throughs. Not to me missed, especially places like Fallen Rock, Chimney and Old Buoy.
Off the east coast, you’ll find a couple of sister islands in Culebra and Vieques. Both have a great collection of mini-walls and canyons, swim-throughs and, most notably, some of the most impressive bioluminescence in the world. The dive sites average 40-60 feet and more than 100-feet of viz, and there are more than 50-dives just off Culebra. Don’t miss Cayo Raton, Cayos Geniqui or the Geniqui Caves. Off Vieques, Anchor Reef, Biplane, Twilight should all be on your list. And be sure to plan a night dive. No light necessary as your movements will have you wrapped in a halo of wonderfully eerie bluish light. See Puerto Rico’s dive sites here.
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No passport necessary. EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All persons leaving Puerto Rico pay a Government Departure Tax of approximately USD $5, included in your ticket.
Immunizations
Vaccinations are not required for entry into Puerto Rico. Check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at
cdc.gov.
Culture and Customs
One thing is for sure: Puerto Rican culture is unique, interesting and colorful. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has probably had the most racial and cultural intermingling — Spanish, Chinese, African, Taino Indian, European, Cuban, Dominicans, American ex-pats. First of all, the Puerto Ricans seemingly took on all the festivals, public holidays, celebrations and any other reason throw a party from every culture that has ever arrived on its shores. There are Santos, or Saints for just about everything in life, and each town celebrates its own patron saint. The island also revels in ghost tales and demons derived from African, Taino and Santeria beliefs and myths. Puerto Rican culture is noteworthy for it music and dance, too. Bomba y Plena music, a combination of African drum rhythms and duel, Bomba, and Plena, a blend of everything from Taino ceremonial music to Spanish guitar. Salsa dancing is also extremely popular throughout the island among every age and social group. Read more about Puerto Rican music
here.
Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access
Electricity in Puerto Rico is 110 volts, 60 cycles, so no adapter will be needed for US visitors. The
country code for the Puerto Rico is 787 and direct dial service is fast and clear. Check with your service provider for long distance/roaming information and costs.
Internet service is available in most towns, and large cities, as well as internet cafes, but some of the outer islands and remote villages only have sporadic service.
Water Quality
Water quality is fine in the larger hotels and resorts. Bottled water is recommended elsewhere on the island.
Language & Currency
The official language is both English and Spanish, though Spanish is more widely spoken. The local currency is the US Dollar.
History, Art, and Culture
Taino Indians, who originated from South America, lived throughout the island and even had ceremonial sites on the outer islands, including Mona. Christopher Columbus was the first European who sighted the island in 1493 and the Taino Indians made the grave mistake of showing him gold. Ponce de Leon became the first governor of Puerto Rico, who eventually killed more than 6,000 Taino, the remainder fleeing the island or hiding in the mountains. Spanish gold seekers, Taino Indians and later African Slaves began to intermingle. Europeans from Holland and Britain tried to take the island by force and were repelled. In 1900, the island was given to the US Military authority, then given commonwealth freedom in 1950.
The art of Puerto Rico reflects its varied history. Carnival masks made of papier-mache depicting vejigantes, were meant to scare sinner back to the church. Carved, cast, or drawn Santos are popular with the saints depicting virgins the most popular. Lace is also popular. Read more about the history of Puerto Rico here.
Current Scuba Diving Specials.