Page 134 - Florida and the US Caribbean Isles
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DIVE SITES AND AREAS LISTED ON FRANO MAPS PUERTO the site is 18.3 m/60 ft and the maximum depth is 20 m/65.6 ft. In
RICO addition, visibility is good, ranging from 10 m/32.8 ft to 30 m/98.4
DESCECHEO - Desecheo is a small, uninhabited island off the west ft. El Natural is recommended for experienced divers only, due to the
coast of Puerto Rico — about 12 miles west from Rincon. It’s a small strong currents. Here you are able to see a vast number of colorful cor-
island, only about 0.6 square miles of total land mass. Currently, the als and an abundance of tropical Caribbean and Atlantic species, such
island is managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and is now a as moray eels, butterflyfishes, tangs, angelfishes, goatfishes, snappers,
wildlife refuge. It was used as a bombing practice site by the US mili- sea turtles, wrasses, octopus, and seahorses.
tary in the past, so you are not permitted to go onto the island because LAS CUENA SUBMARINE - underwater cavern dives for skilled di-
there may be unexploded military ordnances present. Due to its iso- vers ($55), as well as guided snorkeling and scuba safaris for inexpe-
lated location, not too many people get to visit the area, and the reefs rienced divers. Typically, visibility is Good ( 10 - 30 m). The average
around the island remain in excellent shape — full of life and color. depth is 25 m / 82 ft. although the maximum depth you can reach is
Taino Divers offers dive trips to Desecheo Island 30 m / 98.4 ft. To reach La Cueva Submarina you have to do it from
CRASH BOATS - From the beach you can follow the main pier out on shore.
eihter side. Facing out on the left are two square free standing piers. LA CUEVA INDIO - This is on private property which a little boy
The pillars on all of the piers are covered in sealife and many fish hang asks you $2 dollars parking. Then you have to walk on rocks to reach
around underneath. On the right of the main pier there is one self the cave.
standing pier same as on the left. Just underneath the platforms you MAR CHIQUITA - Park in Mar Chiquita Beach and walk to shore.
can see corals and colourful fish from up close in the crystal clear wa- Sea conditions have to be real calm to proceed with the dive.
ter. All you need are diving goggles, a snorkel and swim fins. However, LA TAMPA DE BUZO - This dive site is NOT for Open Water divers
as the current is rather strong, this should only be done by experi- or beginners. There is a lot of current in this dive site, but it’s a nice
enced swimmers and also never on their own – especially because the place to dive
platforms under which you can see the most beautiful corals and fish CERRO GORDA - Cerro Gordo is a really nice government-run
are more than 150 feets away from the beach, with no resting places beach in Vega Alta, along the northern coast, with all of the amenities
in between. that anyone could ask for. It is just 45 minutes from San Juan, yet it has
EL NATURAL - Aguadilla is situated on the northwestern side of a far away feel — much more local than city. It is a favorite of locals
Puerto Rico and has some of the best beaches for watersports along from the surrounding areas (and one of my favorites) in the central
the entire coast. El Natural is a great dive spot, including night div- northern coastal area.
ing and free diving. It is a shore dive with an outstanding marine life,
waiting for the adventure lovers to explore it. The average depth of
