Diving in San Juan, Puerto Rico

[mskreitner]

Heading to San Juan and looking for recommendations for reputable dive shops/groups.

I've logged 7 dives so far and love it! But this will be my first trip without my "buddy" along. Would like to ensure a shop's safety and reputation.

A couple I've located on PADI's site are Mundo Submarino, Sea Ventures and Scuba Dogs. Anyone ever used them? Any assistance would be appreciated.

[grambo]

I had the opportunity to live down in Puerto Rico for a couple of years while working on a contract there... Sea Ventures out in Fajardo are a good shop. I did several dives with them.

If you want to get a little further out, head over to Cullebra Island... both the diving and the beach (and girls) are extremely nice.

[Brooke Morton]

Hi mskreitner:

Alberto at Scuba Dogs is a lot of fun and a great guide. I had a lot of fun with them and can highly recommend the operation. It isn't in San Juan proper, but I'm sure he and his staff would be happy to pick you up.

Have a great trip!

Brooke

[Tom H]

Brooke, We plan a month near San Juan. Did you experience the restaurants, casinos, beaches, etc. Many condos? Any attractive shells during your dives? Tom H

[Brooke Morton]

Hi Tom,

Old San Juan has tons of places to eat -- a lot of upscale, fusion-style joints. Marmalade was great and The Parrot Club and Dragonfly are quite nice. I think it would be hard to go wrong in that area. You can also find hole-in-the-wall places that are more affordable.

I don't gamble but I hear the Condado Plaza Hotel's casino is fun. The only beach that I know of in San Juan is out in that area as well.

If you are going to be there for an entire month, I really recommend checking out some of the other islands also. Vieques and Culebra have great beaches. You can't stay on Mona or Desecheo, but the diving there is amazing.

Another must see is El Yunque. I did a group tour, which was fun but if I go back I would prefer a longer, more in-depth tour.

OK. Hope some of this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

--Brooke