Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Puerto Rico

Caribbean Sea

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North Atlantic Ocean

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Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

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Greater Antilles

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Aguadilla

Aguadilla is a dive site accessible from the shore, with depths ranging from 0 to 40 feet. The bottom consists of sandy substrate, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. Nitrox is recommended to extend bottom time, especially beneficial for night dives. While marine life is limited, divers may encounter lionfish and occasional sightings of larger fish. The flora in the area is notable, contributing to the underwater landscape.

18.4216, -67.1576

Airplane

The Airplane wreck lies inverted at a depth of approximately 50 feet, making it one of the notable wreck dive sites in Culebra. Divers should be aware that currents can be strong, which may require varying levels of experience. Nearby, divers can observe large expanses of garden eels in the sandy areas adjacent to the wreck, alongside the typical marine life found in the region's reefs.

18.2968, -65.3078

Ancones

Ancones offers a shore entry dive site located approximately 0.5 miles from the coast. The dive reaches depths of around 60 feet (18 meters) and is notable for its historical significance, featuring various small cargo wrecks from the early 1900s. Additionally, divers can explore remnants of an ancient Spanish defense battery, which played a role in repelling invasions by British, Dutch, and French forces during the 1600s. The site may also yield artifacts from these historical events.

18.4336, -67.1582

B-29 Aircraft Wreck

The B-29 Aircraft Wreck is a deep dive site located at a depth of 127 feet (38 meters), accessible exclusively by boat. This site features remnants of a World War II B-29 bomber, including a few engine parts and fuselage arches. The surrounding environment consists of a sandy bottom interspersed with some rocks, but lacks significant coral or flora. Marine life observed here includes lionfish, rays, and occasionally tarpon, along with some smaller fish species. Divers are advised to use Nitrox to enhance their experience at this depth.

18.5087, -67.1468

Bajo Amarillo

Bajo Amarillo is located on the Atlantic side of Culebra, featuring a prominent underwater formation. The summit of this structure is situated at a depth of less than 20 feet, while the base descends to approximately 80 feet where coral meets sand. This site accommodates divers of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Divers may encounter large schools of Creole Wrasse, Bermuda Chub, and Atlantic Spadefish, in addition to the typical Caribbean reef species present in the area.

18.2791, -65.2682

Carlos Rosario Wall

Carlos Rosario Wall features a vertical drop-off that runs parallel to the shore, with a maximum depth of 15 meters. The top of the wall is located at a depth of 4 to 6 meters, making it suitable for safety stops and snorkeling. This site is part of the Luis Pena Marine Reserve, where all forms of fishing and taking marine life are prohibited, except for lionfish, which require a permit from DRNA. Mooring balls are available for day use by a single boat for a maximum of 8 hours, with no overnight stays or rafting allowed.

18.3301, -65.3332

Cayo del Agua

Cayo del Agua features a prominent cube-shaped rock formation that rises from approximately 18 meters (60 feet) at the sand to about 9 meters (30 feet) at its summit. The site is adorned with diverse coral and sponge growth, providing habitat for a variety of marine life. Divers may encounter large schools of fish, including curious Atlantic Spadefish. The currents at this site can vary from mild to strong, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.

18.3113, -65.3475

Cayo Lobo

Cayo Lobo features a sloping underwater terrain with large boulders, making it suitable for divers of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced. The dive site is accessed by boat and experiences mild to strong currents. Depths can exceed 60 feet (18 meters). Divers can expect to see large schools of fish, and small caves in the area often serve as resting spots for nurse sharks during the day.

18.3244, -65.3774

Cerro Gordo Beach

Cerro Gordo Beach offers a shallow shore dive with a maximum depth of 30 feet. The dive site features a sandy bottom interspersed with turtle grass. Approximately 50 feet from the shore, there is a natural reef primarily composed of soft corals. The marine life can vary significantly; at times, the reef is bustling with small tropical fish, including angelfish, yellowtail, and grunts, while at other times, fish presence may be sparse. Divers should also keep an eye out for invertebrates and have a good chance of spotting sea stars.

18.4790, -66.3394

Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders offers a dive experience that begins at depths below 40 feet (12 meters) and is characterized by mild to strong currents. Divers will encounter a section known as the 'ladder' where they enter the current, followed by the 'chute' where they drift across the reef. The site is rich in soft corals, providing numerous hiding spots for various fish species. Additionally, the sandy and rocky areas are ideal for observing rays and other marine creatures.

18.3223, -65.3315

Crashboat Wall and Anchor

Crashboat Wall and Anchor is characterized by the remnants of an old pier, situated at a maximum depth of 30-35 feet with a sandy substrate. The wreckage on the seafloor serves as an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Visibility can vary significantly, ranging from 10 feet during rainy conditions to over 50 or 60 feet in clearer weather. While the site is primarily home to small tropical fish, it is also located in open ocean waters, which allows for the occasional sighting of larger species such as rays, sharks, and, on rare occasions, manatees.

18.4583, -67.1657

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Culebra, Puerto Rico offers over 50 designated dive sites suitable for divers ranging from beginners to advanced levels. The dive depths vary between 30 feet (9 meters) and 80 feet (24 meters), with current conditions that can range from mild to strong. Marine life commonly observed includes green turtles, southern stingrays, and occasionally spotted eagle rays, particularly in the grass beds.

18.3012, -65.3021

Desecheo Island

Desecheo Island offers a diverse diving experience accessible only by boat. The site features a range of diving options including shallow areas, wall dives, and reef dives, with depths ranging from 20 to 200 feet. Divers can observe a variety of Caribbean marine life, including numerous fish species and invertebrates such as sponges and finger coral, as well as larger species like barracuda and sharks.

18.3708, -67.4802

Devon’s Drop

Devon's Drop features coral formations that extend along the shoreline, showcasing a variety of soft corals and sea fans. The site is located within the Luis Pena Reserve, where all forms of fishing and collection of marine life are prohibited, including the collection of Lionfish without a special permit. The currents at this location can vary from mild to strong, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Additionally, divers can discover an old anchor rode that runs from the coral into the sandy areas and seagrass beds.

18.3057, -65.3273

El Natural

El Natural is a natural reef site with depths ranging from 30 feet to approximately 70-80 feet, featuring a gradual descent. The rocky shoreline requires caution during entry. Divers can expect visibility that varies between 15 feet and can exceed 50 to 60 feet. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including sponges, small tropical fish, garden eels, and small moray eels. Additionally, there is a chance of encountering stingrays and sea turtles along the reef.

18.4635, -67.1682

Escambrón

Escambrón is a shallow dive site with depths reaching up to 30 feet, featuring a sandy and rocky bottom. While coral coverage is limited, the area is home to a variety of marine life, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 feet. This site is particularly favorable for check-out dives, training sessions, or leisurely dives close to San Juan. Divers can expect to see species such as Blue Tang, Surgeon Fish, Angel Fish, Trumpet Fish, Sergeant Majors, Wrasse, Damsels, and Butterflies. There is also a good chance of encountering sea turtles during dives.

18.4664, -66.0872

Lana's Cove

Lana's Cove is named in honor of a local woman who operated a tour boat in Culebra. Following her passing, her friends and family scattered her ashes and sank her boat in this area. A remnant of the vessel can be found at a depth of approximately 20 feet (6 meters). The underwater terrain gently slopes down to about 60 feet (18 meters). This site is home to various marine life, including green turtles, southern stingrays, and occasionally spotted eagle rays, which can be observed foraging in the seagrass beds.

18.2992, -65.3326

Land’s End

Land's End is a shore dive site characterized by a mix of rocky, sandy, and grassy areas. The underwater terrain slopes down from the island, reaching depths of approximately 40 feet (12 meters). This site is known for its mild to strong currents, making it suitable for divers ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Inside the cove, grassy patches are frequented by stingrays and other grazing marine life.

18.3491, -65.3454

Los Tubos

Los Tubos is a shallow dive site accessible from the shore, characterized by a sandy and rocky substrate interspersed with naturally occurring arches. The area is home to various old anchors and provides an ideal environment for training and practicing buoyancy control. Divers can expect to encounter small tropical fish, along with occasional sightings of turtles and rays. The rocky bottom supports a diverse marine life, including moray eels, stonefish, and various invertebrates, as well as stingrays and octopuses.

18.4714, -66.4489

Muelle de Azúcar

Muelle de Azúcar is a shallow dive site accessible from the shore, featuring the remains of an old sugar plant pier. The sandy bottom is littered with wreckage from the pier, with a maximum depth of 40 feet. Visibility is typically excellent, and the area generally experiences minimal current. This site is suitable for underwater photography and marine life identification, with common sightings including tropical fish, angelfish, trumpetfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish, among others.

18.4457, -67.1596

MV Ambar (Wreck)

The MV Ambar is a wreck dive that can only be accessed by boat, with a maximum depth of 160 feet. This site is designated for expert divers who possess the necessary training and equipment to manage decompression stops. Divers can expect excellent visibility and may encounter light to moderate currents. At a depth of 130 feet, barracuda are commonly observed around the wreck.

18.5128, -67.1447

Punta Soldado

Punta Soldado features a gently sloping terrain that facilitates natural navigation for divers. As divers approach the point, they may encounter stronger currents, and depths can reach over 60 feet (18 meters), making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The site is also home to a coral farm where various coral studies are conducted, adding to the ecological interest of the area.

18.2816, -65.2866

Shacks Beach

Shacks Beach features a blue hole and caverns that host a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, octopus, and lobsters. The maximum depth at this site is approximately 35 feet, allowing for dive durations of up to 100 minutes. The underwater scenery is notable for its beauty, making it a significant location for divers.

18.5156, -67.1009

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Beach is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 18.317700, -65.317400. The site is part of the Luis Pena Canal / Channel Marine Reserve, where depths range from 30 feet (9 meters) to nearly 80 feet (24 meters). This area is designated as a NO TAKE zone, prohibiting fishing, lobstering, or the collection of marine life at any time. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, lobsters, crayfish, and sea turtles, along with numerous fish species. Snorkeling is also a popular activity here, making it suitable for divers and snorkelers alike.

18.3177, -65.3174

Tamarindo Chico

Tamarindo Chico is a dive site accessible by boat, located at coordinates 18.311000, -65.317100. The site experiences mild to strong currents, making it suitable for divers with beginner to advanced experience levels. As part of the ongoing registration of over 50 dive sites with SSI, detailed descriptions are being developed to provide more information about the underwater features and marine life present here.

18.3110, -65.3171

The Arch

The Arch is characterized by a prominent overhang and swim-through located at a depth of approximately 20 feet, with a maximum depth reaching 50 feet. The site features an array of coral and sponge growth on the ceiling. Divers may encounter mild to strong currents, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Notable artifacts at the site include several 5-inch naval artillery rounds, an airplane turbine, and a 16-inch battleship round.

18.3189, -65.3538

The Ledges

The Ledges is a shallow dive site that is generally protected from strong winds and waves, making it suitable for both snorkeling and diving. The currents here are typically mild to moderate and change direction with the tides. Divers can observe various marine life along with remnants of old phone lines and underwater cables that extend towards the main island of Puerto Rico to the west.

18.3069, -65.3384

Tugboat

The Tugboat wreck is located at a depth of 40 feet and is surrounded by shallow reefs, necessitating caution during dives. The site experiences mild to strong currents, making it suitable for divers with varying experience levels, from beginners to advanced. Wreck-certified divers may find limited opportunities for penetration. The area is adorned with Staghorn and Elkhorn corals, providing habitat for schools of Damselfish that can often be observed navigating around the reef.

18.2858, -65.2328

Windows Reef

Windows Reef is a dive site that is generally protected from strong winds and waves, making it suitable for both snorkeling and diving. The site features an artificial reef that includes several old window frames, which were originally positioned at a depth of around 15 meters but were displaced during the hurricanes in 2017. Divers should be aware that currents can vary, making this site appropriate for divers of beginner to advanced skill levels.

18.3034, -65.3382