Fajardo Snorkeling Lessons - Las Cabezas Reserve

Cabezas de San Juan is an area of high ecological value with little swell activity, and protected by a barrier of coral reefs. Located 50 minutes from the capital, San Juan, has the sandy beaches and the steep rocky habitat of marine and migratory birds. The lands and waters of the reserve are refuge and breeding grounds for endangered species, including the manatee and the sea turtle. The reefs and the keys of the coast are natural extensions of the mainland and protect the clear and placid waters with their coral formations and their luxuriant marine life.

We specialize in introducing guests to the amazing underwater life and natural beauty of Puerto Rico. We are passionate about marine-life and eco-tourism and hope that our guests are inspired to make a commitment to protect our oceans and marine-life too. We ask that you do not touch coral, fish, or turtles and please, never feed the fish anything a human would eat. Help our reefs and oceans by using sustainable practices such as reef safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and reusable cups.

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the amount or type of fish you will see on our tours. We do not feed the fish to bring them close to visitors. This is harmful to the fish’s natural diet and it interferes with their natural feeding cycles.

Common sightings include colorful reef fish such as sergeant majors, blue tangs, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. You’ll likely see cleaner shrimp and arrow crabs nestled in coral crevices, and schools of grunts and snappers weaving through the reef. Moray eels often peek from holes, while southern stingrays rest in the sand below.

Sea turtles—especially green and hawksbill turtles—are frequently spotted grazing on seagrass or gliding over the reef. Rays, including spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays, are also seen occasionally. While not guaranteed, nurse sharks are sometimes found resting under ledges or cruising through the reef. Lobsters, filefish, trunkfish, and even the occasional barracuda or octopus round out the list of regular reef residents. With visibility often ranging from 30–75 feet (9–23 meters) and a mix of shallow and mid-depth sites (15–80 ft / 6–30 meters), Fajardo offers a rewarding dive experience full of color and life.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. 

Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

Glasses cannot be worn while snorkeling, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. Prescription masks are not available for rent, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Additionally, there is an automatic correction effect that occurs underwater due to light refraction, making things appear clearer, but contacts or a personal prescription mask will provide the best visibility.