Fajardo and the Northeast Reef Islands

• Ask about certification, fitness-to-dive screening, introductory experience limits, group size, diver-to-guide ratio, oxygen, emergency radio/communications and evacuation procedures before embarking.
• Plan actual depths with the instructor or divemaster and a dive computer; local operator depth ranges cover multiple reef profiles, not one universally suitable dive.
• Cayo Diablo and deeper ledges demand judgment about current, entry/exit and qualifications. Never swim into overhead gaps or enter a cavern simply because a reef operator mentions holes or tunnels.
• NWS marine zones and beach advisories may warn of seas, lightning, surge or rip currents even during drier months. Follow all cancellations and closures.
• DAN's no-fly guidelines suggest at least 12 hours after one no-decompression dive, 18 hours after repeated/multiday no-decompression diving and substantially longer after decompression dives; these are minimum risk-reduction suggestions, not guarantees.
• Freedivers should use a dedicated trained buddy and rescue plan. Never solo freedive or hyperventilate; spearfishing trips do not automatically provide a recreational freedive course or permission at a protected reef.
• Beach/reef snorkelers should remain buoyant, use flotation where needed, keep a distance from vessel routes, and leave the water under high rip-current warnings. Check recent Seven Seas water-test status after rain. CARICOOS.

Puerto Rico uses U.S. emergency number 911. In a suspected decompression illness, oxygen-related injury or serious boat accident, activate EMS immediately; after local medical services are notified, contact Divers Alert Network +1-919-684-9111, staffed around the clock. DAN can assist clinicians in selecting appropriate evaluation and referral pathways. Do not bypass emergency assessment to self-drive to a rumored chamber. An up-to-date Fajardo hyperbaric chamber location, hours, acceptance criteria and transfer/evacuation arrangement were not verified. Confirm operator oxygen and emergency transport provisions before departure, and consider diving medical and evacuation insurance with Puerto Rico territorial coverage. DAN emergency guidance.

The Arrecifes de la Cordillera natural reserve is managed by Puerto Rico's DRNA. The agency's legal framework covers coral reef, waterway and protected-area management. A community authorized-operator reference invokes Regulation 8013 but should not be mistaken for a current legal certificate. Before landing, fishing, anchoring or visiting restricted cays, seek actual, site-specific DRNA or operator confirmation. Do not extend Canal Luis Pena rules for Culebra to the Fajardo reserve; they are different areas.

NOAA advises against touching, collecting or kicking coral, stirring sediment or dropping anchors onto reef; use existing approved moorings and mineral-based sun protection. NOAA wildlife guidance recommends giving sea turtles generous space rather than approaching, feeding, touching or chasing them. Retrieve all trash, avoid collecting shells/corals, do not disturb seabird nesting habitat, and observe any closures. Wildlife presence indicates habitat sensitivity, not a visitor-safety guarantee. No site-wide universal fishery ban, turtle-nesting months or mooring coordinates are asserted without specific regulation or local confirmation.