Palomino reef
This is a shallow and easy dive. No currents, perfect for beginners and permanently calm since are protected by Palomino Island from the wind. It is a good alternative for a windy day. Sergeant majors, schools of colirubias ( yellow tail snappers), lobsters, snappers, small reef fishes and anemones.
Cayo Diablo
Rated as one of the best sites off the east coast, Cayo Diablo is not one but several different sites. Not all the dive operators can always get there because they do not have the proper boats. It is the most remote reef from Fajardo and it takes less than twenty minutes to reach it. Definitely, Cayo Diablo is the place to be. A coral garden dials around the island. Coral is abundant and healthy. A regular controlled current tends to lead schools of barracuda and eagle ray from time to time, visibility is often the best in the area.
I took my training classes and pool classes in the Cincinnati area but I didn’t want to do my open water certification dives in an Ohio quarry. I was taking the family on a cruise out of Puerto Rico so I flew down a day early and did my first 2 certification dives with the good folks at Sea Ventures Dive. The boat took off from Puerto Del Rey Marina.
I wanted to get my first 2 open water dives taken care of. Another dive center was full and referred me to Sea Ventures. From the first call, it was a great experience. When I called, the person on the phone was courteous and helped me understand how to do a referral. She explained everything to me and was very helpful.
I was picked up by Alvin at my hotel and my instruction was with Yil when I was on the boat. Yil was helpful and patient and I actually knocked off more skills than was required for dives 1 & 2. She also explained the process and made sure I was comfortable with every step. We wrapped up with a guided tour of the reef which reaffirmed my commitment to getting my open water certificate. I absolutely loved it.
Everyone on the boat was incredibly courteous and helpful. I was taking the certification by myself (without a friend) so I was a little worried that I would be the odd man out. The staff made me feel at home and that was then echoed by the other divers on the boat that were also friendly and supportive of the novice diver.
At the end, Yil answered all of my questions and made sure that I completely understood how to get dives 3 & 4 accomplished.
The next time that I am in San Juan, I will be booking a dive with Sea Ventures. They are the friendliest and most helpful group of people that I could ask for!! Sir Luis (my nickname for Luis) was very helpful and made me laugh multiple times. Tony went out of his way to help me. Jay was a great captain and was helpful to me. Joel helped me knock out 3 or 4 of my skills and gave me great tips that I didn’t learn in my pool dives back in Ohio.
If you want to dive or snorkel while in San Juan, call Alvin and book a session with Yil.
http://www.divepuertorico.com/palmas-index.htm
http://www.divepuertorico.com/palmas-index.htm
One Reply to “July 4, 2015 My first ocean dive – Sea Ventures Dive Center in Puerto Rico”