Snorkeling in Puerto Rico starts with a mask that fits
Masks, snorkels, fins and boots, fitted when you buy at our Bayamón shop, near San Juan. A mask that leaks can ruin a snorkel day, so that’s where we start.
Snorkeling in Puerto Rico: the basics
- Warm all year. The water runs about 80 to 86°F. A rash guard or a thin suit keeps the sun off your back on a long swim.
- Check the waves first. The north coast gets bigger swells in winter. Calm, protected water is where to start. See the wave forecast before you go.
- Never alone. Snorkel with a buddy and tell someone on shore where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
- Look, don’t touch. Coral and sea turtles are protected. Keep your fins off the reef and give turtles room.
- Try your gear before the trip. Fit the mask in the shop and test everything in calm, shallow water first.
- Skip the full-face masks. They’re for floating at the surface only. We recommend a regular mask and snorkel. Here’s why.
- Kids. Start in shallow, calm water, close to an adult. A dry-top snorkel usually works well for them.
Conditions change fast. If it looks rough, skip it and go another day.
What we carry for snorkelers
Masks
Silicone masks in different shapes and sizes, fitted to your face in the shop.
Snorkels
Classic, semi-dry and dry-top snorkels.
Fins
Full-foot fins, and open-heel fins with boots.
Boots
For open-heel fins and rocky entries.
Kids’ sizes
Masks, snorkels and fins in smaller sizes.
Wetsuits
Thin suits for sun and comfort on long swims.
Browse it all in the dive shop, then come in so we can fit it.
Where to start
Calm, protected beaches along the north coast are where most people start. We train divers from shore in San Juan and Vega Alta for the same reason: shallow, sheltered water on the right day.
For a site-by-site guide with depths, entries and safety notes, see Puerto Rico Dive Sites.
Ready to go under?
If you love snorkeling, scuba is the next step. Try it once with an instructor, or get certified.