Fajardo 2-Tank Scuba Dive for Certified Divers Only

Diving in Puerto Rico, especially around Fajardo, promises a chance to see some of the Caribbean’s most lively and colorful underwater scenes. This 2-Tank Dive for Certified Divers is a popular choice for those already licensed, offering a chance to explore coral reefs, encounter turtles, rays, and a variety of marine creatures. We’ve looked into this tour from multiple angles—what makes it stand out, what could be improved, and whether it’s worth your investment.

Two things we genuinely appreciate are the professionalism of the guides—all are PADI-certified, ensuring safety and expert knowledge—and the quality of the reef environment. The reefs are full of marine life and vibrant coral formations, making it an especially engaging experience for seasoned divers or those with some previous underwater experience.

A potential drawback is the cost of transportation, which isn’t included in the initial price and can add a significant expense if you’re staying outside of Fajardo. This extra cost could influence your overall budget, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

This experience is well-suited for certified divers seeking a reliable, professionally guided underwater adventure. It’s particularly attractive if you’re interested in seeing sea turtles, rays, and coral in a friendly, well-managed environment.

Key Points

• Certified divers only: You must have proof of dive certification to participate.
• Professional guides: The guides are PADI-certified, ensuring safety and expertise.
• Varying visibility: Expect water visibility of about 20-75 feet, depending on conditions.
• Flexible reef sites: The crew chooses among six sites, based on weather and sea conditions.
• Environmental credentials: The operator has earned awards like the Blue Flag and PADI Green Star.
• Additional costs: Transportation and marine reserve fees are extra, so budget accordingly.

An in-depth look at the experience

What makes this dive tour special?

This tour offers a chance to explore coral reefs around small atoll islands in Fajardo, a preferred location for its relatively calm waters and abundant marine life. The dive sites are mostly between 15 and 80 feet, making them accessible for both intermediate and more experienced divers. Expect to see fish, turtles, rays, lobsters, crabs, and vibrant coral formations—a true feast for the eyes.

The guides are a major highlight. Everywhere in reviews, divers praise their professionalism and attentiveness. One reviewer mentioned, “The staff was amazing, helpful, and friendly,” emphasizing how guides make a difference in overall comfort and safety. Since all guides are PADI-certified, you can feel reassured about the quality of instruction and supervision, whether you’re doing a routine second dive or just catching a glimpse of the underwater world for the first time as a certified diver.

The reef and sea life

The reefs are described as having “spurs and grooves,” “sand channels,” and “shallow walls or ledges,” providing interesting terrain for exploration. Visibility can be unpredictable, generally ranging from 20 to 75 feet, but this variability is typical for Caribbean waters and can sometimes even add a sense of adventure. Expect to encounter sea turtles and rays fairly regularly, with nurse sharks appearing occasionally, which is exciting but not guaranteed.

The diving experience itself

From a practical standpoint, the duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes, with most of that time dedicated to boat transportation, briefing, and two dives. The boat is noted to be spacious and not overcrowded, making the trip more comfortable. This is especially appreciated by reviewers who found the environment relaxed and free from the crowds often seen on smaller boats.

What’s included and what’s not?

Your fee covers scuba equipment use, beverages, snacks, and a PADI Divemaster. However, you’ll need to pay extra for round-trip transportation (if not included), as well as a $3 marine reserve fee in Fajardo. Notably, dive computers are not included, so if you need one, you’ll have to bring your own or rent elsewhere.

The booking and logistics

The meeting point is at the Villa Marina Shopping Center in Fajardo, with a start time of 7:45 am. The tour offers pickup at additional cost, which can be convenient if you’re staying nearby, but travelers should clarify costs beforehand. The group size is capped at 30, which helps ensure personalized attention from guides.

Reviews: what divers are saying

Most reviews are glowing, with a 5-star average. For example, one diver praised the helpful, friendly staff and the abundance of marine life, especially for beginners. “The dive site was great, especially for beginner divers,” and “plenty of coral and wildlife to see,” are common sentiments.

On the flip side, a few reviews mention unexpected issues like transportation delays or poor communication. One reviewer noted, “The operator never answered my messages during three days,” which underscores the importance of clarifying logistics beforehand.

Who would love this tour?

If you’re a certified diver looking for a well-organized, environmentally conscious operation, this trip ticks many boxes. It’s ideal if you want to see turtles, rays, and healthy reefs in a setting that’s accessible yet still full of surprises. The guides’ professionalism and the clear focus on safety make it suitable even for those diving in the Caribbean for the first time since certification.

Final thoughts: is it worth it?

This tour offers excellent value for certified divers who want a reliable, enjoyable underwater experience. The guides’ expertise, combined with the beautiful reef scenery, makes it a worthwhile choice. The primary caveat is the extra cost of transportation, which can impact your overall budget, especially if you’re coming from San Juan or a farther hotel. If you’re comfortable arranging your own transport or staying in Fajardo, you’ll find the pricing to be quite competitive given the quality of the guides and reef environment.

For travelers who prioritize professional oversight, marine conservation, and seeing iconic Caribbean species like turtles and rays, this tour hits the mark. The friendly, knowledgeable staff make the experience feel safe and accessible, even if you’re not a seasoned diver.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
Yes, all participants must have proof of dive certification. This tour is for certified divers only.

Can I book round-trip transportation?
Transportation is available at an additional cost. You should call ahead to confirm prices and arrangements, especially if you’re staying outside Fajardo.

What about the cost of marine reserve fees?
There’s a $3 fee per person for the marine reserve in Fajardo, payable on-site.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee includes scuba equipment use, snacks, beverages, and a PADI-certified guide. Dive computers are not included.

What is the boat like?
The boat is described as large and comfortable, not crowded, which enhances the overall experience and helps prevent seasickness.

How are dive site choices made?
The captain and crew select from six different sites on the day of the dive, based on weather and sea conditions.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour departs at 7:45 am. Expect a full morning of activity, leaving plenty of time to relax afterward.

Are children allowed?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and should be certified if they plan to dive.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a rescheduled date or a full refund.

The Sum Up

This Fajardo 2-Tank Dive offers a well-rounded, professional experience perfect for certified divers eager to explore Puerto Rico’s lively reefs. The knowledgeable guides and vibrant marine life make it an adventure worth considering. While transportation costs can be a surprise, the overall quality and safety of the operation seem to justify the price, especially for those wanting a trusted, eco-conscious dive operator.

It’s best suited for divers comfortable with intermediate conditions who want to see turtles, rays, and possibly nurse sharks in a relaxed, friendly environment. If you’re craving an authentic Caribbean underwater experience with reliable guidance, this tour delivers on all counts.

Remember: Always clarify transportation details and confirm your certification before booking. Wear your confidence and sense of adventure—Fajardo’s reefs await.