Overview of Puerto Rico Snorkeling

by Michael
(Puerto Rico)

I figured I'd share the wealth of Puerto Rico snorkeling spots! This is the most brief of overviews; I'd be happy to answer any questions about these spots. I've been living on the island for seven years and have snorkeled in most of these locations several times. Cheers!

Culebra, which is a small sister island off the east coast, has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Carlos Rosario, Tamarindo, Flamenco and Punta de Soldado beaches all have amazing snorkeling. You will have to take a ferry or small charter plane to get to the island if you want to stay there, or you can take a snorkeling charter from the main island.

Vieques is another sister island, just south of Culebra, that has a few additional snorkeling spots. Bahia de la Chiva is the most popular, but there are several others. You can either stay on the island or take a charter.

On the main island, there are quite a few places! In the east, in Fajardo, the Cabezas of San Juan and Playa El Convento are great! Near El Convento, there is a beach called Playa Escondita. You may read that it is great for snorkeling elsewhere, but I assure you the currents and surge can be very dangerous; I do not recommend going in the waters of Playa Escondita.

In the south, there is La Parguera in the town of Lajas. It's a group of small islands and mangrove cays. This area has some of the best snorkeling on the island. Also in the south is Gilligans Island off of the town of Guanica and Isla Caja de Muertos off of the town of Ponce. These are both small islands that have great shallow water snorkeling. You'll have to arrange a local ferry or charter one of the small boats in the area to get to these islands.

In the west is Steps Beach in Rincon. This is really only good for snorkeling in the summer (due to world class surf waves in the winter), but it's worth it. It has one of the largest Elkhorn Coral gardens in the Caribbean. Rincon is a super relaxing and hospitable local destination. Off the coast is Isla de Mona. It's considered the Galapagos of the Caribbean. The island is a natural preserve, so it's uninhabited, the snorkeling is amazing! You do have to charter a boat.

Last but not least, right near Old San Juan, there is a place called Escambron Marine Park. There is snorkeling for all levels in this area, and it's super convenient from the tourist areas. It lies in a protected cove so the waters are usually pretty calm.

You can find out more info on any of these places by doing a search online. I'd also be happy to provide any more info that I can. Enjoy!