Questions we hear a lot
Can’t find your answer? Call (787) 436-7047 or email info@prdive.net.
The dive shop
Can I buy gear online?
No. We only sell in the shop, so we can fit the gear and answer your questions. Call us to check stock, and we can special-order what we don’t have.
Can you order something you don’t have?
Yes. When the brand has it in stock, special orders usually take about two weeks to get to Puerto Rico, because they go with our regular orders to each brand. Need it sooner? We can rush it if you pay for faster shipping.
Why buy from an authorized dealer?
Authorized dealers work directly with the brand, so warranty, parts and service go through someone who can call the brand for you. Some brands only honor the warranty when you buy from an authorized dealer. See our brands.
Do you sell swim gear?
Yes. We carry swim goggles, nose clips, ear plugs, swim fins and swim buoys for pool and open-water swimming. Ear plugs are for swimming only: never wear them on a scuba dive.
Do you fit the gear I buy?
Yes. When you buy from us, we fit masks, fins and wetsuits to you, and set up regulators, BCDs and computers with you. We service them later too.
Do you rent gear?
Yes. BCDs, regulators, tanks and weights are standard rentals. Masks, snorkels and fins can be rented if you arrange it ahead and we have your size.
Which brands do you carry?
We’re an authorized dealer for 29 brands, including Atomic Aquatics, Cressi, Hollis, Oceanic, Sherwood, Zeagle, Garmin and SUEX. See them all.
When is the shop open?
Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. We’re closed on January 1, January 6 (Three Kings Day), Good Friday, Thanksgiving Day and December 25, and have special hours on December 24 and 31.
Is there parking?
Yes. There are a few spaces out front, and there’s always parking nearby, around the corner from the shop.
Training
How long does it take to get scuba certified?
For PADI Open Water, you do PADI eLearning at home first, about 12–15 hours at your own pace. Then it’s 2 days in the water with us, under 8 hours each day.
How much does scuba certification cost?
PADI Open Water is from $550 per person, plus tax, with all the scuba gear you need for the course. PADI eLearning is bought separately from PADI. See what’s included.
Does my certification expire?
No. Your PADI certification doesn’t expire. If it’s been a while since your last dive, a Scuba Refresher gets you comfortable again.
How old do you have to be?
Most courses start at age 10. Bubble Maker is for children aged 8 and 9. Some courses start at 12, 15 or 18, and Emergency Oxygen Provider has no minimum age. Each course lists its minimum age.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. You need basic swimming ability, to be comfortable in the water, and to be medically fit to dive.
Do I need a medical form?
Yes. Everyone fills in the diver medical questionnaire before any course or Discover Scuba: download it in English (PDF) or en español (PDF). Or if you’d rather not print it, we’ll email it to you after you book. If it says you need a physician’s evaluation, bring your doctor’s signed approval before your first session in the water. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian signs.
Do I do the eLearning before the course?
For Open Water, yes: finish PADI eLearning before your in-water days. Other courses say on their card whether they have eLearning. Our eLearning links go straight to PADI’s store and are connected to our dive center. If you buy through these links, PR Dive may earn a commission or credit, at no extra cost to you.
Where does training happen?
Ocean training is done from shore at protected sites in San Juan or Vega Alta. You pick the town when you book, and the meeting point and directions are in your confirmation email. The Advanced course’s deep dive is in Aguadilla. Nitrox and first-aid classes meet at the shop.
How big are the classes?
Most courses take up to 4 students at a time.
I started my course somewhere else. Can I finish with you?
Yes. PADI referral students can do all 4 open water dives, or just the final 2, with us.
Is training done from the boat?
No. Training is done from shore. The boat is for certified divers.
Do you offer adaptive diving?
Yes. We offer adaptive scuba training for divers with disabilities, with an instructor certified to teach it. Contact us first so we can talk through what you need.
Service & fills
Which brands do you service?
We’re authorized to service regulators and BCDs from Atomic Aquatics, Cressi, Hollis, Oceanic, Sherwood, XS Scuba and Zeagle. We can often service other brands too, depending on service-kit availability.
How much does a fill cost?
Call us at (787) 436-7047 for current fill prices.
How long does service take?
We don’t quote a turnaround time until we’ve seen the gear. We inspect it first, then confirm the work and the price with you before we start.
Can you fill my tank today?
Air fills are done the same day. Nitrox is blended midweek, so give us notice. You need a nitrox certification card.
Do you fill SCBA, paintball and airsoft tanks?
Yes.
Do you do tank visual inspections and hydrostatic testing?
Yes, both. Not sure when your tank is due? Bring it in and we’ll check it.
Can you change my dive computer battery?
It depends on the model. We replace user-replaceable batteries. Sealed computers usually have to go back to the manufacturer.
Do you service compressors?
High-pressure breathing-air compressors only, from makers such as Max-Air, Bauer, MAKO and Coltri. We don’t work on low-pressure garage compressors or unbranded units.
How do you check your air quality?
Our air is tested every quarter. The latest certificate is posted in the shop, where you can see it anytime.
Do I get my old parts back?
Yes. We always give you back the O-rings and parts we replace. If we find something you haven’t approved, we check with you before doing it.
How often should my gear be serviced?
We follow each manufacturer’s service intervals. Bring your gear or its paperwork and we’ll tell you where it stands.
Boat trips
Are boat trips running right now?
Not right now. Four Points is out of the water for hurricane season. We’ll post here when trips restart. Questions? Email info@prdive.net.
Do I need to be certified?
Yes. Boat trips are for certified divers. Not certified yet? Start with a course.
Where do we meet?
At a private dock in Fajardo, not at the shop. Get directions. Check-in details come with your booking.
What time do trips leave?
Arrive by 7:15 AM. The boat departs at 8:00 AM.
What if not enough divers book?
Trips need at least 6 divers. If fewer book, we cancel and you choose: another date that’s more likely to go out, or a full refund.
What should I bring?
Your certification card, a dive computer (required), a swimsuit, a towel and sun protection. Rental gear and nitrox can be ordered ahead.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 48 hours ahead for dives and courses, or 7 days ahead for private charters, and we refund you in full. Once your dive or course has started for the day, there’s no refund, cancellation or rescheduling, even if you choose to stop. Read the full policy.
When do we get back?
Usually between 12 and 1 PM. The time varies because we don’t rush the dives.
How do I pay?
A card is needed to book. When trips are running, you can pay online through FareHarbor when you book, which is usually easiest, or at the dive shop before the day of the trip. At the shop we take cash or card. We don’t take ATH Móvil.
Can a non-diver come along?
Yes, for a fee, because they take the place of a diver on the boat. Ask us when you book.
What safety equipment is on board?
Oxygen and first aid, two Garmin GPS units, two fixed marine radios and a handheld, a cellphone and life jackets for everyone.
Do you use mooring buoys?
Yes. We tie up to mooring buoys instead of anchoring whenever one is available, and our crew uses reef-safe sunscreen.
Diving in Puerto Rico
When is the best time to dive in Puerto Rico?
There’s good diving all year; you just pick the right coast. In general, summer brings some of the best diving on the north side and winter some of the best on the south side, because winter cold fronts push swells onto the north coast. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. See our conditions by month. More in Diving in Puerto Rico: when, where and what to bring.
How warm is the water?
About 80°F to 86°F (27–30°C) all year. Most divers use a 3/2 mm full suit or a 2 mm shorty, and people who get cold sometimes go up to a 5 mm in the cooler months. More in our wetsuit guide.
Where do you dive?
Our shore dives are in San Juan and Vega Alta. Our boat trips leave from a private dock in Fajardo when they’re running. See trips.
What will I see underwater?
There’s always something: lobsters, octopus, sea turtles and stingrays, and every now and then sharks, dolphins and manatees. We never promise those, because you never know when they’ll come by. See our marine life guide.
How long after diving can I fly?
DAN’s guidance for no-decompression diving: at least 12 hours after a single dive, and at least 18 hours after repeat dives or multiple days of diving. Use our When can I fly? timer.
I got certified years ago. Can I still dive?
Yes, your certification doesn’t expire. If it’s been a while, a Scuba Refresher with an instructor gets you comfortable with your gear and skills again before your next dive.
Can I dive if I wear glasses?
Yes. Glasses don’t fit under a mask, but you can get a mask with prescription lenses, or wear contacts. See how to choose a mask that fits.
What should I bring on a dive trip?
If you bring one thing, bring your mask: a comfortable mask goes a long way. Most divers also bring their dive computer. And bring sun protection: a long-sleeve rash guard, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Full list: our packing checklist.
Do I need a dive computer?
Yes, on our fun dives and on courses after Open Water. We rent them, or see which dive computer to get.