Buying scuba gear in Puerto Rico: what to know

Buying online

There’s nothing wrong with it. A few things to watch for:

• The “super cheap” deal. Sometimes it’s gear that’s been sitting in a warehouse for years. It’s sold as new, and technically it is, it’s just been new for a long time.
• Fit. Online, you can’t try it on, and a mask that leaks or fins that rub will ruin a dive.
• Service. Some brands sold online don’t have a dealer in Puerto Rico who can service them, so you ship it back to have it serviced.

None of that is a problem, as long as you know it going in.

Why buy from an authorized dealer

Authorized dealers work directly with the brand. They’re allowed to sell and market its products, and when you need help with warranty, parts or service, they have someone at the brand to call. On an online marketplace, you’re usually on your own.

Can’t find it on the wall? We can order it

We do special orders for what we don’t stock. When the brand has it in stock, it usually takes about two weeks to get to Puerto Rico, because it goes with our regular orders to each brand. If you need it sooner, we can rush it if you pay for faster shipping. If the brand is out of stock, that’s a different conversation, and we’ll let you know.

Salt water is hard on gear

Salt water that isn’t rinsed off destroys gear much faster, so after every dive, rinse everything in fresh water and store it in a cool, dry place.

What wetsuit for warm water?

It’s personal preference, and a lot of people dive in a bathing suit. Some of us wear a shorty in the summer and a full 3/2 mm in the winter, but after this many years of diving, we get cold easily.

More help choosing: Which wetsuit for Puerto Rico’s water? For water temperature month by month, see diving conditions.

Bring it or buy it here?

If you already have gear that you like and it fits, bring it. If not, we can suit you up head to toe and have you ready to go out the door.

The best part of owning your gear on an island

Dive shops keep business hours, but when your gear is at home, you don’t wait for anyone to open. Want an early-morning dive? Grab your coffee, your gear and your buddy, and go. Long day at work and need to blow off some steam? Same thing.