Private Discover Scuba Diving - No Experience Required!

The Cordillera Reef System in Puerto Rico is a remarkable underwater treasure that stretches along the island's north coast. It is one of the largest and most extensive coral reef systems in the Caribbean region.

It is a complex network of coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and underwater formations that extends for approximately 80 miles along Puerto Rico's northern coast. This expansive reef system is a testament to the island's rich marine biodiversity and ecological significance.

The reefs within the Cordillera Reef System are characterized by their diverse coral species and vibrant underwater landscapes. You'll encounter stunning formations of brain coral,  star coral, and other soft corals that create a stunning backdrop, offering a multitude of colors, shapes, and textures. The coral reefs also provide vital habitats for a wide range of marine organisms, including fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates.

As you explore the Reef System, you'll encounter an array of marine life. Schools of tropical fish in dazzling colors swim among the corals, including species like parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, and butterflyfish. Sea turtles gracefully navigate through the waters, while rays glide along the sandy patches. If you're lucky, you may even spot larger creatures like nurse sharks, eagle rays, southern sting rays or barracudas.   The warm waters, clear visibility, and diverse marine life make it an ideal destination for underwater enthusiasts.

The Cordillera Reef System in Puerto Rico stands as a testament to the island's commitment to marine conservation and preservation. It is not only a source of awe-inspiring beauty but also a valuable ecosystem that supports local communities and contributes to the overall health of the Caribbean marine environment.

The Sandslide Coral Restoration Farm in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is an initiative focused on coral reef conservation and restoration efforts and is a unique project aims to counteract the decline of coral reefs and promote their recovery through innovative techniques.  Located in the coastal waters of Fajardo, the Sandslide Coral Restoration Farm utilizes coral nurseries and transplantation methods to facilitate the growth and regeneration of coral colonies. These nurseries provide a controlled environment where fragments of healthy corals are nurtured and allowed to grow before being transplanted back into the natural reef ecosystem.

The farm operates by collecting small fragments of living coral, often called coral “micro-fragments,” from nearby reefs. These fragments are then carefully attached to substrates, such as underwater structures or specially designed coral frames, where they are nurtured and monitored. Under optimal conditions, the coral fragments grow and develop, forming larger colonies.

Once the corals have reached a suitable size and strength, they are transplanted back into the degraded or damaged sections of nearby reefs. This process helps to accelerate the recovery of coral populations, enhance biodiversity, and rebuild the structural integrity of the reef ecosystem.

The Sandslide Coral Restoration Farm not only focuses on coral propagation and transplantation but also plays a crucial role in educating the local community and raising awareness about the importance of coral reef conservation. By involving the community in reef restoration activities, the project aims to foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the marine environment.

The efforts of the Sandslide Coral Restoration Farm contribute to the long-term sustainability of Fajardo’s marine ecosystems, supporting the health and resilience of the coral reefs. By actively engaging in coral restoration, this initiative strives to protect and preserve these valuable habitats for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Cayo Diablo, located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is a small uninhabited island where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.  We affectionately call Diable “Turtle town” and it offers a pristine and secluded natural environment. Here's a description of Cayo Diablo:

Cayo Diablo is a picturesque island situated off the coast of Fajardo, accessible by boat. It is known for its untouched beauty, friendly sea turtles, and crystal-clear deep blue waters. The island is relatively small in size, which adds to its charm as a peaceful getaway from the bustling mainland.

The clear waters surrounding Cayo Diablo offer excellent snorkeling scuba diving opportunities, allowing you to explore the vibrant underwater world.

One of the highlights of Cayo Diablo is its rich marine biodiversity. The surrounding waters are teeming with colorful coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. Exploring the underwater ecosystems reveals a plethora of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and various invertebrates. You may even come across huge schools of fish swimming around the coral formations, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Visiting Cayo Diablo is only available through boat charters or tours departing from Fajardo. Whether you're seeking a day of snorkeling in vibrant reefs, scuba diving with mesmerizing corals and turtles, Cayo Diablo in Fajardo is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Lobos Island, also known as Isla de Lobos or Wolf Island, is a captivating island located off the coast of Fajardo in Puerto Rico. It is known for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coral reef that’s 35 feet deep and in protected waters. 

Lobos Island is a small, uninhabited island that offers a natural haven for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The island is characterized by its picturesque coastline, featuring stretches of golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

One of the main attractions of Lobos Island lies beneath the surface—the vibrant coral reef that surrounds the island. The reef ecosystem surrounding Lobos Island is teeming with marine life and offers a captivating underwater experience. Snorkelers and scuba divers are drawn to the area to explore the colorful coral formations and encounter a diverse array of marine species.   Ruthie calls Lobos “the Jurassic Park reef” as there is a ton of weird structure and caves… It looks prehistoric!   

As you immerse yourself in the underwater world around Lobos Island, you’ll discover a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and many more. The reefs are also home to sea turtles, rays, and an assortment of fascinating invertebrates. Exploring the reef’s nooks and crannies reveals the intricate beauty and interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem.

Beyond its stunning beaches and coral reefs, Lobos Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The island serves as a nesting site for various bird species, including frigatebirds and terns. You might witness these graceful birds soaring through the sky or nesting along the cliffs and shores of the island.

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.

Flying directly after scuba diving is incredibly dangerous and could result in a life-threatening illness called the Bends/Decompression Sickness. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines for flying after diving include:

• A single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000 ft (305 m) interval of 12 hours suggested.
• Multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 18 hours is suggested.
• Dives requiring decompression stops are recommended to have longer than 18 hours.

Please discuss with your dive guide ahead of time what is suggested!

Any activity that brings you above 1000 ft (305 m) can trigger the Bends/Decompression Sickness. Please check your hike elevation to ensure that at no time you will be going up in elevation. If the hike does go to elevation, you must treat it like a preflight interval as listed above in the flying FAQ.

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 dive 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 diving, 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.

TripOutside recommends knowing how to swim before snorkeling, but participation is ultimately up to you and the tour operator's discretion.

• Check ocean conditions and only snorkel at lifeguarded beaches. The chance of rescue is much higher with trained lifeguards present.
• Never snorkel alone. Always bring a buddy. Beginners should consider booking a guided tour.
• Rest after flying. Flying can dehydrate and exhaust you—give your body at least a day to acclimate before snorkeling.
• Test your gear on land or in a pool first. Make sure your mask fits snugly, you can breathe through the snorkel, and you know how to clear water if needed.
• Practice with fins. You should be able to scissor kick while swimming. Avoid doggie paddling—it won’t get you far.
• Don’t wear fins on land. Walk into the water, get past the waves, then put your fins on. Remove them before exiting.
• Take it slow. Breathe calmly, relax, and avoid overexertion to keep your heart rate low.
• Know your limits. If you’re feeling tired, anxious, or unsure about conditions, skip the snorkel session. Panic in the water is dangerous.
• Stay aware of currents and tides. Even experienced swimmers can get pulled out. Know how to identify rip currents and how to escape them (swim parallel to shore).