Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico: Exploring the Best Dive Sites on the West Coast

Puerto Rico is a diver’s paradise, and if you’re looking for some of the best scuba diving spots, head to the island’s west coast. With crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and diverse marine life, this region is a dream for beginners and experienced divers alike.

From the iconic Crashboat Beach to the untouched reefs of Desecheo Island, here’s everything you need to know about scuba diving in Puerto Rico’s west coast.

Why Dive on Puerto Rico’s West Coast?

The west coast of Puerto Rico is known for its calm waters, excellent visibility, and vibrant marine ecosystems. Unlike the busier dive sites near San Juan, the western side offers a more relaxed and pristine diving experience, with access to some of the island’s most stunning underwater landscapes.

Best Dive Sites on Puerto Rico’s West Coast

1. Crashboat Beach (Aguadilla) – Wrecks, Reefs & Marine Life

One of Puerto Rico’s most famous beaches, Crashboat Beach in Aguadilla is also a fantastic shore diving spot.

What to Expect:

  • Remnants of an old pier and sunken structures, perfect for wreck diving.
  • Schools of tropical fish, moray eels, and octopuses hiding among the pilings.
  • Gentle currents, making it a great dive for beginners.

💡 Tip: If you’re into underwater photography, the pier pilings make for some amazing backdrops!

2. El Natural (Aguadilla) – The Best Shore Dive in Puerto Rico

If you’re looking for a spectacular coral reef dive right from the shore, El Natural is a must-visit.

What to Expect:

  • Massive coral formations teeming with colorful reef fish.
  • Frequent sightings of hawksbill turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks.
  • A relatively shallow dive (~40 feet), making it accessible for all levels.

💡 Tip: Since El Natural is an unmarked dive site, it’s best to go with a local dive guide to ensure you enter at the right spot.

3. Desecheo Island – The Best Boat Diving in Puerto Rico

For an unforgettable diving adventure, take a boat ride to Desecheo Island, located about 13 miles off the coast of Rincón. This remote island is part of a marine reserve, making it one of the most untouched and vibrant dive sites in Puerto Rico.

What to Expect:

  • Visibility up to 100 feet, ideal for deep diving and wide-angle photography.
  • Stunning underwater caves, tunnels, and wall formations.
  • A chance to see reef sharks, eagle rays, and massive schools of fish.

💡 Tip: Most dives here are 40-100 feet deep, so it’s best for advanced divers, but there are also sites suitable for beginners.

Best Time to Dive in Puerto Rico’s West Coast

  • Best Conditions: December to April, when the waters are calm and visibility is at its peak.
  • Best for Marine Life: Summer months bring larger pelagic species like eagle rays and sharks.

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving in Puerto Rico’s west coast offers some of the best underwater adventures in the Caribbean. Whether you’re exploring the wrecks of Crashboat Beach, the reefs of El Natural, or the deep waters of Desecheo Island, this region is a must-visit for divers.

Ready to dive in? Book a trip to Puerto Rico’s west coast and discover its breathtaking underwater world! 🌊🐠

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Lelah Wright

Owner / Manager / human Resources

Lelah is a seasoned business manager originally from Georgia, with extensive experience in overseeing operations and driving organizational success.

Currently handling all human resources and backend operations, Lelah plays a key role in the smooth functioning of the team.

In addition to her professional expertise, Lelah is a successful entrepreneur, owning a thriving henna business in Rincon and a jewelry business named Spiral Smith.

Outside of business, she is an accomplished drummer and the organizer of a popular monthly drum circle in Aguadilla, which has become a beloved community event.

Lelah’s combination of business acumen, creativity, and leadership makes her a dynamic and integral part of the Aquatica team.

Damian Wright

Owner / Instructor

Damian is originally from Massachusetts. He has worked on tug boats and captained fishing boats for most of his life. He is a dedicated ocean enthusiast and waterman.

With a lifelong connection to the sea, he holds certifications as both a PADI and SSI instructor, sharing his passion for diving with others.

Damian combines his deep knowledge of the ocean with a strong commitment to safety, ensuring memorable and enriching experiences in the water.

John Bradshaw

Divemaster

Originally born in Utah, I moved to Puerto Rico with my family when I was 13 and fell in love with the ocean.

I started scuba diving in 2021, and after earning my Open Water certification, I never looked back.

Now, as a Dive Master at Aquatica since December 2023, I love sharing my experience with others and helping them discover the underwater world.

Josue Varela​

Owner / Instructor

Josue was born and raised in Isabela, Puerto Rico. He is an Army Veteran and an owner of Aquatica Underwater Adventures.

While serving in the Army in Roatan, Honduras, Josue obtained his SSI Open Water Certification which fueled his obsession with the ocean.

After returning to Puerto Rico, Josue continued his dive education becoming a top SSI Open Water and Specialty Instructor.

He is also Aquatica’s resident equipment service technician.

Estefania Otero​

Divemaster in Training

¡Hola! I’m Estefanía — born and raised in Puerto Rico, where my love for the ocean (especially sharks!) started early on. That passion led me into freediving and scuba diving, and I quickly fell in love with exploring the underwater world.

I started sharing my adventures on social media, and now I’m the social media manager at Aquatica Dive Shop. I love capturing the special moments our guests experience on tours and courses, and turning them into lasting memories.

Gina Burns

Instructor

Gina has always had a love and curiosity for all things pertaining to the ocean world.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, her fascination with the water began with many childhood weekends spent at Coney Island and Rockaway Beach. She now resides in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico with her two pugs, Mia and Ava.

Gina has been an SSI Open Water and Specialty Instructor since 2021, teaching Boat Diving, Enriched Air Nitrox, Night & Limited Visibility, Perfect Buoyancy, Science of Diving, Scooter/DPV Diving, Diver Stress & Rescue, Navigation and Marine Ecology.

Roean Wright

Divemaster in Training

Hi, my name is Roean. I also go by RD. My hobbies are cliff jumping,scuba diving, and playing the bass guitar.

I am originally from the Seattle Washington area, and I have lived here since 2018.

PADI vs. SSI: Which Certification is Right for You?

At Aquatica Underwater Adventures, we offer both PADI and SSI Open Water Diver certifications, giving you the flexibility to choose the training agency that best fits your needs. Both certifications are internationally recognized and allow you to dive up to 60 feet (18 meters) worldwide. The main difference comes down to personal preference and training style.

What’s the Difference Between PADI and SSI?

Both programs cover the same essential scuba skills, ensuring you receive high-quality training that prepares you for a lifetime of diving. However, the way the courses are structured differs slightly:

  • PADI follows a more standardized approach with performance-based milestones.
  • SSI offers a more flexible learning experience that allows students to progress at their own pace.
  • Both certifications are equally recognized at dive shops and resorts worldwide.

Choosing the Right Certification for You

Your choice between PADI and SSI may come down to factors like learning style, pricing, and personal preference. No matter which program you choose, you’ll receive expert instruction, small class sizes, and a fun, hands-on learning experience.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help you decide which certification best suits your goals. No matter which path you take, our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to start your underwater journey? Contact us today!

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