Explore Puerto Rico

Exploring the underwater wonders of Puerto Rico offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a haven for marine enthusiasts, boasting vibrant coral reefs, intriguing sea walls, and historic shipwrecks. The island's diverse underwater landscapes are teeming with life, from colorful schools of tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and mysterious rays. Whether you're a novice or an experienced diver, Puerto Rico's clear, warm waters provide ideal conditions for both shore and boat dives, ensuring a thrilling adventure each time you plunge below the surface.

One of the most striking aspects of diving in Puerto Rico is the island's accessibility and the variety of dive environments to explore. With dozens of islets and cays, divers can enjoy a new underwater vista each day. The island's west coast, in particular, is renowned for its stunning wall dives, where the seafloor drops dramatically to reveal a vertical panorama of corals and marine life. During the winter months, divers may even encounter humpback whales passing through the region. Additionally, Puerto Rico's location outside the hurricane belt during certain seasons offers relatively calm and predictable diving conditions, making it a reliable choice for year-round diving adventures.

Courses and Events

Basic Diver

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

11 February +50 More
EUR 79.86
USD 95.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

11 February +50 More
EUR 252.18
USD 300.00

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

11 February +2 More
EUR 294.21
USD 350.00

Divemaster

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

14 February +6 More
EUR 1,260.90
USD 1,500.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

16 February +14 More
EUR 483.35
USD 575.00

Night Diving & Limited Visibility

Night diving requires different skills from diving during the day. The SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty is the best way to learn about night diving and practice the techniques you will need to become a safe and confident night diver. In this program, you will be provided with all the knowledge and skills you need to safely and comfortably dive at night or in limited visibility conditions. With a combination of online learning and open water training dives, you will learn how to enter and exit the water, use specialized equipment, and how to communicate with your buddy easily at night or in limited visibility. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty certification and be ready to go night diving with confidence.

21 February
EUR 151.31
USD 180.00

Divemaster

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

02 March +1 More
EUR 714.51
USD 850.00

Assistant Instructor

The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming a Divemaster along the scuba instructor pathway. It allows you to collect valuable teaching experience, practice briefings, teach academics, and conduct in-water training. If you want to further your career as a dive professional, you can finish the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Evaluation, and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.

15 March +8 More
EUR 1,260.90
USD 1,500.00

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

Start today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to join SSI´s 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with joining the Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course combination accompanied with Digital Materials. After successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 11 day training program entitles you to teach various key SSI programs independently like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue, Science of Diving and Dive Guide. For those who want to take more time to learn and to gain valuable teaching experience between the training programs the 3 parts can also be taken as single steps - Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) one after the other at own pace and with a flexible schedule.

01 April +4 More
EUR 2,942.10
USD 3,500.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a diver's paradise, offering a blend of shoreline and liveaboard adventures. One of the top dive sites is the Wall at La Parguera, where divers can explore a spectacular drop-off teeming with vibrant coral and marine life. For wreck enthusiasts, the wreck of the "SS Antonio Lopez" near Vieques is a must-see, surrounded by thriving aquatic habitats. Shore dives abound, with Playa Escambrón in San Juan providing easy access for novice divers to discover the colorful reefs and abundant fish. Night dives at sites like Desecheo Island offer unique experiences with bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal sea creatures. Whether seeking the thrill of deeper waters or the tranquility of coastal reefs, Puerto Rico's diverse dive sites cater to all preferences.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a vibrant diving destination, boasting a diverse marine ecosystem. The island's coral reefs are teeming with life, featuring common reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and sergeant majors. These fish are frequently encountered by divers exploring the shallow waters around the island's numerous reef systems.

Seasonal highlights in Puerto Rico's waters include the presence of majestic sea turtles, which are often spotted during the nesting season from March to October. Additionally, divers might encounter graceful eagle rays gliding through the water, especially near the deeper reefs. Shark sightings, although less common, can occur, with nurse sharks being the most likely species to appear. Each season and location offers unique opportunities, making Puerto Rico a captivating destination for marine life enthusiasts.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
1.4k Sightings
J
199
F
120
M
119
A
152
M
105
J
117
J
119
A
88
S
68
O
57
N
89
D
145

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
700 Sightings
J
68
F
48
M
51
A
61
M
65
J
42
J
69
A
78
S
46
O
43
N
66
D
63

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
476 Sightings
J
58
F
19
M
31
A
47
M
44
J
26
J
47
A
63
S
34
O
38
N
35
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
443 Sightings
J
68
F
35
M
48
A
58
M
44
J
37
J
34
A
23
S
15
O
15
N
24
D
42
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
252 Sightings
J
30
F
22
M
17
A
20
M
31
J
21
J
16
A
21
S
10
O
12
N
19
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
124 Sightings
J
15
F
8
M
1
A
11
M
13
J
14
J
12
A
15
S
2
O
0
N
14
D
19

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
123 Sightings
J
5
F
23
M
4
A
25
M
3
J
10
J
20
A
5
S
3
O
7
N
3
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
1.4k Sightings
J
131
F
83
M
119
A
125
M
125
J
169
J
186
A
95
S
66
O
54
N
74
D
137

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
1.2k Sightings
J
143
F
79
M
56
A
107
M
119
J
124
J
126
A
117
S
52
O
59
N
96
D
110

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
828 Sightings
J
107
F
53
M
58
A
76
M
54
J
56
J
92
A
74
S
43
O
59
N
80
D
76
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

iStock-stock_colors

Tarpon
679 Sightings
J
60
F
31
M
49
A
74
M
86
J
78
J
85
A
66
S
36
O
28
N
39
D
47

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
646 Sightings
J
62
F
53
M
56
A
54
M
61
J
64
J
73
A
52
S
33
O
22
N
56
D
60

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
626 Sightings
J
85
F
30
M
27
A
42
M
68
J
71
J
76
A
57
S
33
O
37
N
53
D
47

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
591 Sightings
J
51
F
32
M
35
A
64
M
79
J
47
J
52
A
35
S
29
O
43
N
69
D
55

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
558 Sightings
J
69
F
36
M
38
A
49
M
39
J
32
J
50
A
53
S
29
O
35
N
57
D
71

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
491 Sightings
J
75
F
41
M
28
A
36
M
30
J
35
J
41
A
42
S
24
O
17
N
69
D
53

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.

Flounder
489 Sightings
J
71
F
30
M
33
A
31
M
39
J
36
J
46
A
57
S
26
O
35
N
50
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
440 Sightings
J
60
F
16
M
18
A
25
M
39
J
61
J
45
A
32
S
18
O
40
N
49
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
404 Sightings
J
65
F
27
M
19
A
24
M
43
J
54
J
40
A
27
S
26
O
17
N
36
D
26
Alamy-WaterFrame

Common Seahorse
374 Sightings
J
15
F
10
M
31
A
34
M
39
J
56
J
94
A
52
S
15
O
15
N
0
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
355 Sightings
J
50
F
23
M
20
A
26
M
45
J
40
J
37
A
23
S
20
O
14
N
23
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
322 Sightings
J
43
F
26
M
6
A
23
M
43
J
31
J
25
A
22
S
4
O
23
N
39
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
306 Sightings
J
56
F
21
M
19
A
24
M
38
J
43
J
25
A
18
S
5
O
4
N
27
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
293 Sightings
J
22
F
17
M
14
A
41
M
21
J
17
J
18
A
46
S
17
O
16
N
41
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
275 Sightings
J
41
F
17
M
21
A
9
M
28
J
13
J
23
A
40
S
3
O
19
N
28
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
235 Sightings
J
25
F
23
M
16
A
12
M
28
J
39
J
17
A
20
S
1
O
3
N
24
D
27

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
231 Sightings
J
25
F
12
M
24
A
33
M
20
J
4
J
4
A
28
S
5
O
19
N
18
D
39

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
226 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
22
A
36
M
28
J
9
J
34
A
33
S
5
O
7
N
19
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
211 Sightings
J
28
F
7
M
2
A
14
M
29
J
24
J
14
A
23
S
0
O
15
N
33
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
207 Sightings
J
27
F
6
M
3
A
20
M
24
J
16
J
13
A
16
S
12
O
2
N
29
D
39

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
202 Sightings
J
37
F
3
M
1
A
11
M
23
J
15
J
30
A
21
S
13
O
1
N
17
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
171 Sightings
J
25
F
10
M
7
A
12
M
20
J
10
J
19
A
19
S
4
O
9
N
11
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
168 Sightings
J
26
F
12
M
6
A
9
M
6
J
14
J
22
A
20
S
19
O
3
N
8
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
167 Sightings
J
26
F
15
M
4
A
3
M
17
J
19
J
16
A
15
S
0
O
16
N
21
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
136 Sightings
J
21
F
12
M
3
A
3
M
1
J
34
J
19
A
6
S
8
O
1
N
13
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Shutterstock_DiveIvanov

Squid
135 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
1
A
37
M
16
J
5
J
29
A
29
S
2
O
4
N
4
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
126 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
18
M
30
J
3
J
18
A
25
S
1
O
1
N
11
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
88 Sightings
J
24
F
0
M
3
A
16
M
12
J
7
J
2
A
10
S
2
O
4
N
5
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
72 Sightings
J
7
F
3
M
2
A
13
M
3
J
6
J
15
A
7
S
0
O
1
N
14
D
1

The best Months to dive in Puerto Rico

Diving in Puerto Rico is an inviting experience year-round due to its warm Caribbean climate. Water temperatures range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F, ensuring comfortable conditions for divers throughout the year. Visibility is typically excellent, often ranging from 18 to 30 meters/59 to 98 feet, allowing for clear views of the vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes.

While diving is possible year-round, certain weather conditions can impact the experience. The hurricane season, from June to November, may bring stronger winds and occasional storms, potentially affecting diving conditions. Currents are generally mild, but can vary depending on the location and time of year. Planning dives outside the peak hurricane months can provide more stable conditions, making the rest of the year favorable for diving adventures.

Dive Centers

The Black Anchor Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

PR-107, 168 Ave.Dr. Albizus Campos Local 2, 00603 Aguadilla, PRI

Aquatica Underwater Adventures

Rt 110 km 32.9 Gate Ramey, 00603 Aguadilla, PRI

Mako Dive Co.

65 Calle, 00603 Aguadilla, PRI

Native Dive PR

BO Guatemala solar A Carr 446 km 0.6, 00685 San Sebastion, PRI

Culebra Divers

4 Calle Pedro Marquez, 00775 Culebra, PRI

GypSea Charters

Renaissance Villa Marina Yacht Harbor, 00740 Fajardo, PRI

Dive Sites

OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

Crashboat Wall and Anchor (★4.4)

This site is the remnant of an old pier. It is a shallow site, no more than 30-35 feet of depth with a sandy bottom. The wreckage on the bottom provides an artificial reef for a large variety of marine life. Visibility ranges between 10 feet (if it has been raining) to over 50 or 60 feet.
OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

El Natural (★4.3)

This is a natural reef site ranging in depth from 30 feet up to about 70-80 feet, in a gradual descent. The shoreline is rocky so you need to be careful where you step, but the dive is a nice pleasure dive. Visibility can range from 15 feet to over 50 or 60 feet.
OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

Muelle de Azúcar (★3.9)

This is a shallow shore or boat dive on the remnants of an old sugar plant pier. The bottom is sandy and full of pier wreckage with a max depth of 40 feet. Visibility is usually very good, and there normally isn’t a strong current in the area.
OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

Escambrón (★3.8)

This is a shallow shore dive, no more than 30 feet of depth with a sandy/rocky bottom, not a lot of coral but plenty of diver friendly marine life. Visibility ranges between 10 to 30 feet. The site is ideal for check -out dives, training, or a long pleasure dive if you don’t want to travel far from San Juan.
OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

MV Ambar (Wreck) (★4.7)

The MV Ambar is a wreck accessible only by boat, reaching a max depth of 160 feet. Due to the extreme depth of this wreck, this site is for expert divers only with proper training and equipment for decompression stops. Visibility is usually excellent, and divers may experience light to moderate currents in the area.
Aquatica Dive & Surf, 00604 Aguadilla

Ancones (★4.2)

DPV dive...60 ft/18m...1/2 mile from shore, possible find of artifacts. Many different small cargo wrecks from the early 1900’s and ancient spanish defense battery and many invasions from brits, dutchs and french were defended by spanish army in 1600’s...
The Black Anchor Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, 00603 Aguadilla

B-29 Aircraft Wreck (★4.7)

This is a deep dive of 127 feet/38m, and only accessible from a boat. Nitrox is recommended to be able to enjoy this site. The B-29 is a WWII plane, but there is not much left to see; only a few engine parts and some fusel arches.
John B. (#3068322)

Shacks Beach (★4.7)

Shacks Beach Blue Hole / Caverns beautiful sea life such as, sharks, sea turtles, octopus, lobsters and so much more. max depth of about 35 ft dive times can be up to about 100 minutes!
Geovanni G. (#2541306)

Desecheo Island (★4.8)

You have everything in this dive, from reefs to wrecks but you can only get there by boat. There is shallow diving, wall diving and reef diving. Depths vary from 20 to 200 feet.
OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

Los Tubos (★4.3)

This is a shallow shore dive with a sandy/rocky bottom and naturally forming arches. A number of old anchors can be found in the area, and the bottom is perfect for classes and practicing buoyancy control. Marine life will be mostly small tropical fish, with the occasional turtle or ray swimming by.
Culebra Divers, 00775 Culebra

The Ledges (★3.9)

The Ledges is typically sheltered from the prevailing wind and waves which makes it a perfect snorkel site and shallow dive site. Currents are generally mild to moderate, shifting from one direction to the other with the tides.
Culebra Divers, 00775 Culebra

Cayo del Agua (★4.0)

A large cube-shaped rock is a key feature of this site which towers from around 60 feet deep down at the sand to about 30 feet at the top with beautiful coral and sponge growth all over and loads of fish. Currents can be mild to strong, hence the Beginner/Advanced Level.
The Black Anchor Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, 00603 Aguadilla

Aguadilla (★4.2)

It is located at a depth of 0 to 40 feet, it can be reached from the shore, the bottom is sandy. To enjoy what it has, it is recommended to use nitrox, so you can stay longer at depth. Perfect for night dives.
OCEAN SPORTS, 00979 CAROLINA

Cerro Gordo Beach (★4.4)

This is a shallow shore dive, no more than 30 feet of depth with a sandy/turtle grass bottom. There is a natural reef about 50 feet offshore, with mostly soft corals growing on it. Marine life can be variable with the reef sometimes hosting lots of fish, other times not so much.
Culebra Divers, 00775 Culebra

Bajo Amarillo (★5.0)

Bajo Amarillo is an impressive formation on Culebra’s Atlantic side. The top of the “bump“ is less than 20 feet deep with depths reaching approximately 80 feet where the coral meets the sand, hence the Beginner to Advanced rating.