Puerto Rico boasts about 350 miles (56o km) of coastline, dotted with tiny islands and cays. Its underwater world is rich and diverse, with over 700 fish species, sea turtles, whales, and sharks. Coral reefs, underwater caves, shipwrecks, and other attractions make it an excellent scuba diving destination. Puerto Rico boasts water visibility of about 80 ft (24 m) near the main island and 100 ft (30 m) near smaller islands off the coast.
Best time for diving in Puerto Rico
The best time for diving in Puerto Rico is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. The hurricane season runs from June through November, and the weather tends to be less predictable and more turbulent during this period. However, the summer months, despite some rain, is another good period due to the calmer sea and good water visibility.
Mona Island
The best diving destination of Puerto Rico is uninhibited Mona Island, often called the “Galapagos of the Caribbean." Located in the Mona Passage that separates the west coast of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, Mona Island is known for amazing water visibility that can reach 200 ft (60 m) as well as great diversity of marine wildlife. Leatherback turtles, sharks, dolphins, and whales are frequently spotted off its coast.
Desecheo
One more excellent diving destination near the west coast is Desecheo Island, located just 12 mi (19 km) off the surf town of Rincon. Thanks to the National Wildlife Refuge status, local coral reefs are well preserved and are bustling with fish and other marine creatures.
La Parguera
To the south of Desecheo, La Parguera is an excellent diving destination that offers good visibility and a unique experience. The Black Wall, which got its name for the black coral that grows along the shelf edge, 100 ft (30m) below that ocean surface, is one of the main attractions of Puerto Rico.
Vieques
If you are interested in seeing the shipwrecks, head to the east coast of Puerto Rico. The island of Vieques used to be home to the U.S. Naval Training Range, and there are still has some underwater targets left for practice. In addition, the nearby island of Culebra boasts an airplane wreck, which rests under 50 ft (15 m) of water.
Practical info
What is the best time of year to go diving in Puerto Rico?
The best moment for diving in Puerto Rico is from December to May due to the dry season. The weather can be unpredictable and turbulent during the hurricane season that goes from June to November. Despite occasional rain, the summer months offer divers calm seas and good water visibility. Show more
Where is the best place for scuba diving in Puerto Rico?
Mona Island, found in the Mona Passage that separates the west coast of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, is the best place to go scuba diving on the island. Divers can enjoy the fantastic 200 ft water visibility and observe marine life such as dolphins, whales, sharks, and leatherback turtles. Show more
What marine life can be found at Mona Island?
Mona Island is known for having over 700 fish species, sea turtles, whales, and sharks. Divers can explore the underwater world of leatherback turtles, dolphins, sharks, and whales in its waters, and discover other attractions such as fascinating coral reefs and underwater caves. Show more
What is unique about diving at La Parguera?
La Parguera is an excellent diving destination that offers a unique experience due to The Black Wall. Divers can explore this main attraction, located 30 meters below the ocean surface, where black coral grows along the shelf edge. The area is home to various marine life, including groupers, tarpons, barracudas, and snappers. Show more
Are there any shipwrecks to explore while diving in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are several shipwrecks to explore while diving in Puerto Rico, mainly on the eastern coast. Culebra Island and Vieques Island have some underwater targets to practice, such as airplane and shipwrecks. For instance, Culebra Island hosts an airplane wreck, whereas Vieques was home to the U.S Naval Training Range. Show more
