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The Anse Chastanet Reef

Voted one of the ‘top five’ shore dives in the Caribbean by Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine and just feet away from the dive center is the Anse Chastanet Reef, one of St. Lucia’s top dive sites, located in the heart of St. Lucia’s world-renowned Marine Park, the SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREA (SMMA).

The Anse Chastanet reef, which is home to more than 150 different species of fish, is comprised of a marine plateau and dramatic slopes that fall away to a depth of more than 140ft.

• 50 feet visibility

Superman’s Flight

Situated at the base of the Petit Piton where the cliff face was used in the filming of Superman II. The steep slope is covered by many soft corals and there is a great profusion of fish life. Another fantastic drift dive.

Ledges of Little St James

There is no hiding why this site is called the Ledges of Little St. James. Located on the west side of the island, Little St. James, the sand has drifted away from under the coral ridges and outcroppings, leaving amazing formations to explore. The ledges run along the island at two depths, so you can dive along the reef at 45 feet out and 25 feet back, making for a long visit with schools of French grunt, Spanish lobster, spotted eagle rays and the occasional nurse shark that call this site home.

• 70 ft visibility
• 16 pounds of weight
• 82 degrees
• 42 feet for 45 minutes

Stragglers Reef

Stragglers Reef is a combination of healthy reef and large boulders that are covered in life. Start this dive by making your way out to the reef in search of snappers, grouper, lobster condos, and eels! As the tour continues, prepare to navigate in between large cracks and crevices filled with colorful tropical fish.

• 70 ft visibility
• 16 pounds of weight
• 82 degrees
• 38 feet for 48 minutes

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I took my class and pool work in Ohio but wanted to rush my open water dives (plus avoid the dark and cold waters of Ohio’s quarries). I was on a cruise so I did my first two dives in Puerto Rico and then did dives 3 & 4 in with Aqua Action. The boat was great and my instructor/guide was fantastic. We did my required skills and then I got to enjoy the undersea world of 2 dive locations. I had a great time and my daughter (already certified) also was able to dive the reefs. Highly recommended and they were very friendly and extremely helpful. I look forward to visiting them again in the future and doing more dives!

6501 Red Hook Plz # 80
Secret Harbour Beach Resort, 00802-1373, St. Thomas

http://www.aadivers.com/

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.

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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

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g612474-d1071728-Reviews-Sea_Ventures_Dive_Center-Fajardo_Puerto_Rico.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g612474-d1071728-r285642671-Sea_Ventures_Dive_Center-Fajardo_Puerto_Rico.html?m=19905

As silly as it may seem, there is great snorkeling right off the beach at the Four Seasons in Nevis. There are long man-made reefs just off the shore to protect the sand. Wildlife has covered these reefs and you will see several varieties of fish and lots of lobster.