Fajardo: 2-Tank Scuba Dive for Certified Divers & Small Groups

Summary

Small group scuba diving in Fajardo’s lively reefs with PADI guides

You’ll join a small group of certified divers exploring Fajardo’s reefs with local PADI guides who know every ledge and current. Expect gear included, snacks between dives, and easygoing conversations on deck—plus maybe a turtle or nurse shark sighting if luck’s on your side. It’s relaxed but real diving—the kind that sticks with you after salt dries on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to check your mask seal,” our Divemaster said, grinning as we bounced out of Fajardo harbor — I could already smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the morning air. There were just six of us, all certified divers, trading stories about past dives while the crew sorted tanks and cracked jokes in Spanish. The boat was smaller than I expected (in a good way), so nobody felt lost in a crowd. I liked that. The captain picked our dive site last minute — something about wind direction and visibility — which made it feel like we were in on a secret.

I’ve done dives where you barely see anything but sand, but here? Even before dropping down the first line, you could spot flashes of yellowtail darting under the hull. The water was cooler than I’d guessed for Puerto Rico — not cold, just enough to wake you up. On the reef itself, there were these little ledges where turtles sometimes nap (we saw one gliding off as if he owned the place). Someone pointed at a nurse shark tail flicking behind coral; honestly, I almost missed it because I was distracted by a school of blue tangs swirling around my fins. It’s not always crystal-clear — visibility changes fast — but that kind of makes it more real.

Between dives we got snacks (I still think about those pineapple chunks) and swapped stories with Li, our Divemaster. She told us how Sea Ventures is the only Blue Flag boat operator on the island — she seemed proud of that, and yeah, it felt good knowing they cared about keeping things clean out here. My wetsuit zipper jammed at one point; Li laughed and fixed it with a practiced tug. It’s those small moments that stick for me more than any big “wow” fish sighting.

On the ride back to Fajardo I just lay back against my tank bag, salty hair sticking to my face, listening to someone humming quietly over the engine noise. You know when you’re tired in a good way? That’s what it felt like. If you’re looking for a day trip from San Juan or you just want to dive Fajardo with people who actually know these waters — well, this is probably your thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba diving in Fajardo coral reefs

• Meet at dive center
• Receive safety briefing
• Board dive boat
• Dive at selected coral reef site
• Observe marine life like rays and turtles
• Complete second dive at another site
• Return to shore

Top questions

Is this scuba tour in Fajardo only for certified divers?

Yes, all participants must show proof of dive certification for this tour.

How deep are the dive sites near Fajardo?

Dive sites range from 15 to 80 feet deep around coral atoll islands.

Are snacks or drinks included during the scuba trip?

Yes, snacks and beverages are provided between dives on board.

How many divers per guide are there on this trip?

The group usually has up to 8 divers per PADI Divemaster.

Can snorkelers or beginner divers join this same boat?

This excursion can combine certified divers with discover scuba or snorkelers by dividing groups by skill level at different reef depths.

What marine life might I see while diving in Fajardo?

You may see rays and turtles regularly; nurse sharks appear occasionally.

Is equipment rental included in the price?

Yes, use of SCUBA equipment is included for all divers.

Who runs this scuba tour in Fajardo?

The tour is operated by Sea Ventures Dive Centers with PADI-certified staff.

What’s included

Your day includes use of full SCUBA equipment, guidance from a local PADI Divemaster throughout both dives, plus onboard snacks and beverages between tanks before returning to shore together as a group.