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Lodging and diving in March?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DavidC (---.sdsl.bell.ca)
Date:   02-20-09 17:19

Hi all:

Based on the recommendation of a friend who visited the island last month, I am contemplating a trip to Culebra. I would probably spend around six nights on the island after a couple of nights in San Juan (will travel overland by bus and ferry from the coast). I will be travelling alone. (I’m a 41yo male, if that matters.) Here are my questions:

Accommodation

I really want to keep costs as low as possible. I am open to camping, but wonder about showers (are they private?), toilets, change rooms, laundry (basin for washing clothes?) and access to food (wouldn’t bring cooking implements, so would be dependant on food at the beach and in town). If I don’t camp, what other options are there? Are there rooms (shared bath not a problem) in the $40 dollar range? Regardless of where I choose to stay, should I call ahead to reserve?

Diving

I would like to do as much scuba diving as possible. It seems that there are two dive shops on the island. Is one more reputable than the other? Is it worth bringing along my fins, mask and snorkel or is it cheap and easier to rent them through the dive shop? What kind of costs am I looking at for dives? Are night dives available? Can I just show up and make arrangements with whichever dive shop I choose or should I contact them/reserve a spot ahead of time?

I noticed on other threads that March appears to be a very busy time. I prefer to be on Culebra when there won’t be huge crowds, but next month will be fine as long as it’s not wall-to-wall people on the beaches and in town. Finally, is there any rainfall in March?

Thanks for any advice!

David
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Re: Lodging and diving in March?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: wirvier (---.44.87.30.res-cmts.sm.ptd.net)
Date:   02-20-09 20:34

Hi! I can answer the diving question for you based on my experience. 3 in our group dove for the first time with Taz of Aquatic Adventures in January, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. None of us had dove before, and the cost was $125 for a 2 tank dive. (Not sure if it's less if you're certified??) He said that should we decide to go out with him again, the price was $80.00. This included all equipment needed, including wetsuit, if needed. We went out around 9:30 on his boat, did one dive, ate a really nice lunch that he prepared for us, then went to the wall at Carlos Rosario for our second tank dive. We got back around 2 or 2:30. He was nice, funny, and made us feel completely at ease. By the end of the day, he felt like a friend we would have wanted to have a drink with...which we would have, had we run into him. Can't say enough about him. I posted some photos we took diving with him on this website, and could send you links and video of a lot more! Taz does do lots of night dives, and said that the coral that blooms at night is wonderful! (This was a little too much excitement for me!) Definitely call him now to reserve. He doesn't charge a deposit to make a reservation. His number is 787-209-3494. Have fun with whomever you dive with!
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Re: Lodging and diving in March?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   02-20-09 21:23

Regarding diving:

Reservations recommended during high season (including March). Both operators include equipment, and both use high-end Scubapro gear. I would bring my own mask.

Both ops have been on island for many years. Culebra Divers has been in business longer and has a full service dive shop. Taz has been around for many years, and on his own as a dive op for 4-5 years. We have been diving there for 8 years, and split our time between both. Both have good reasons for repeat customers. Pick what feels right to you.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Lodging and diving in March?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: alashas (---.dyn.embarqhsd.net)
Date:   02-20-09 21:52

David,

We visited Culebra for the first time in Jan. and highly recommend Culebra Divers: http://www.culebradivers.com/culebradivers/welcome.html Capt. Walter Rieder has been diving Culebra for more than 20 yrs and is a highly competent, pleasant Dive Instructor. Our 20 something children and their cousins thoroughly enjoyed him and thought he was the best DI we have had in our 6 yrs of diving. I was very impressed with the health of the coral and the quality of the dives on Culebra. You can do 2 dives in the morning and another one in the afternoon, and there are also a few places where you can do shore diving. As others have mentioned, March is a busy month and I'd make my reservations ASAP.

We stayed in Bahia Marina Condos, but toured the campgrounds at Flamenco and were impressed with the campground. There are toilets, showers, and fresh water. Vendors sell delicious food in the parking lot during the mid-day, but I do not believe there is a store at Flamenco where you can purchase food. There is inexpensive transportation, "publicos" between Flamenco and town, but I do not believe they run after last afternoon.

I have some photo albums here: http://honeymoon2.smugmug.com/

all the best, alashas
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Re: Lodging and diving in March?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DavidC (---.sdsl.bell.ca)
Date:   02-24-09 16:15

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. Your information has helped to make my planning for Culebra easier.
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