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San Juan Snorkeling
The most popular destination in Puerto Rico, the San Juan
area offers some snorkeling opportunities, but not of the same quality
of the eastern and southern coast, or the outlying islands. The choppy
waters of the Atlantic can make snorkeling a much trickier (and more
dangerous) activity - as always, be careful when you head into the water
and be aware of your surroundings. DIY snorkeling can be found near the
San Juan bay marina (near the Caribe Hilton), and the nearby beaches of
Luquillo and Isla Verde frequently have kiosks where you can rent
equipment. Snorkeling on Condado beach can be dangerous due to the
conditions, try the area near the Condado Plaza hotel for some calmer
waters. Many San Juan hotels offer Snorkeling excursions that leave from
the hotels and head to the calmer waters off Fajardo, about a one hour
drive (see below).
Vieques and Culebra
Snorkeling
Snorkeling on the islands of Vieques and Culebra is some
of the best in all of Puerto Rico. What makes these locations especially
great is that much of the snorkeling can be done from shore. Wade into
the water and see eagle rays, sea turtles, pufferfish, and much more.
The antler coral in the waters off Playa Esperanza on Vieques are
particularly spectacular. Snorkeling charters are available in both
Vieques and Culebra, with most of the charters being on smaller, private
boats rather than large catamarans.
Other Puerto Rico
Snorkeling Options
Playa La Parguera is a beach near Guánica that is popular
with snorkelers. You can get outfitted with snorkel gear right on the
beach. Off the coast of nearby Ponce
on the West coast, the uninhabited coastal island of Caja de Muertos has
a large coral reef teeming with colorful tropical fish. Check out the
beach of Playa Escondido and the wildlife preserve La Cordillera.
The waters off the coast of
Farjardo, on the main island's
quiet east coast, feature large coral reefs and offer great visibility
for snorkeling adventures. Many snorkeling charters are available from
the docks of Fajardo, either on large catamarans or by hiring a local
boat owner to take you to one of the small islands off the coast.
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