FAQ
NOTE: THIS FAQ UNDER (EVER-CHANGING) CONSTRUCTION
CONTACT DIVE CENTER AT 787-506-3483 to have your questions personally answered by our staff. Some common questions that are asked:
Where are you located?
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:We strongly advise renting a car for your vacation in Rincon!
Click here for GOOGLE MAPS directions
**From SJU Airport to Rincon (approx 2.5 Hours Drive time) ** - Stay right on exit from airport, follow signs to Highway 26 (San Juan). --- DO NOT GO OVER MOSCOSO BRIDGE.
• Take Autopista (toll road) #22 (Bayamon).
• You will follow #22 until Arecibo and pay several tolls
• Once in Arecibo #22 turns into #2 – stay left.
• Follow #2 to Aguadilla (about 30 min.).
• In Aguadilla you will pass a baseball stadium on the left.
• Stay on #2 until you reach #417 (there is an overhead crosswalk - so you can’t miss it!).
• Don’t take #115 off of #2 or you will probably get lost.
• Make a right on #417 and go 1.6 miles to the traffic light (cemetery is on your right).
• At the cemetery several roads merge.
• Take Avenida Nativo Alers (the sign is in the middle of the fork - take the left road).
• You are now on the bypass around Aguada.
• Go 1.5 miles, follow the road right, and then turn left when the road ends at #115.
• Take #115 (stay left – if you hit the beach turn around) approximately 4 miles to Rincon.
• On the right will be #413, turn here for Puntas accommodations. (Bo. Puntas – El Faro sign) or
• Continue on Rt. 115 and you will enter downtown Rincon.
• Rincon Diving is on the ocean side of Road #115 next to DOS GALEGOS ARGENTINEAN STEAK HOUSE. If you are staying in one of the local hotels, we are within walking distance of most. (Villa Cofresi, Rincon of the Seas, Rincon Inn) Getting lost in Rincon is almost impossible - and exploring is lots of fun!
From Aguadilla (BQN) Airport to Rincon (approx 30 minutes Drive time)
• Make a left out of airport parking and another left at the stop sign onto #107.
• By the fifth light you need to be in the right lane and enter #2 South.
• Stay on #2 and follow directions above making a right on #417.
From Mayaguez (MAZ) Airport to Rincon (approximately 45 minutes Drive Time)
• Make a right out of airport parking.
• Right at the end of road which is #2.
• At the 2nd light (#115) make a left.
• Follow #115 (pass a PUMA station, pass a Church's Chicken/Burger King and PUMA/Subway gas station.
• This is the road past 'Mango Alley' & Rincon's Caribbean Coast into Downtown Rincon!
• Rincon Diving will be on your left just past the Burger King (on your right) & PUMA gas station/Subway on your left.
Do we take a boat?
No Boat. No boat is required to get to the beautiful reefs in Rincon.
Do you pick us up?
We recommend using your own transportation for this event. On certain occasions, with advance notice, we may be able to arrange for pickup at one of the local hotels in Rincon. Additional charges may apply.
Can I ride with the Dive Guide?
Due to insurance restrictions, dive guides cannot allow riders.
How much does it cost?
Check our prices online at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling to get pricing and tour availability.
How long does it take?
Tours are half-day events starting at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. We highly recommend the 9 a.m. tour over the 1 p.m. tour because (generally) water conditions are much better in the morning. Also, afternoon showers may shorten or cancel your tour.
Where do I leave my personal belongings?
You can leave your personal belongings either in your personal vehicle or in the dive center. When checking-in, it's better to leave everything in your vehicle so that you can be hands-free during check-in and equipment fitting.
What is included?
For the snorkeling tours and discover scuba diving tours, all instruction, equipment and guide for the tour is included. For the certified divers tour, the tour includes the guide, tanks and weights. Additional rentals are available at additional cost.
Do I need to know how to swim for the snorkeling tour?
All participants should be “comfortable” in the water. Snorkelers will be provided with snorkeling vests, life vests and, if preferred, snorkeling noodles for flotation. Guides will instruct on snorkeling techniques for beginners.
Do I need to know how to swim for the discover scuba diving tour?
Being comfortable in the water is required. A basic level of swimming is necessary for a good experience.
How large are the groups?
Our groups are typically small. For snorkeling tours, maximum number of snorkelers per guide is usually not more than 10. If there is more than 10 in your group, additional guides will be added for safety.
Can I cancel?
Because our groups are always small to exclusive, it is important to let us know of any changes in your reservation.
Why do we have this policy?
This policy reimburses Guides/Instructors for blocking off their schedule for you. When you book, they do not accept other work during that time. If we had no cancellation fee, they would lose the income during that period.
All cancellations should be done 48 hours prior to the day of Tour to be exempted from the cancellation charges of 50% of the total tour cost.
There are no penalties or fees for canceling your Tour outside of the 48 hour window.
CANCELLATION FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKING: Bookings made less than 24 hours of the tour date are considered FINAL.
All NO-SHOWS will be charged the full tour price for the group.
Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m the day prior to the tour will be be considered a NO-Show and incur the full tour price. This includes "reduction in group size" cancellations.
Cancellations need to be made directly by calling the dive center at 787-506-3483. Cancellations made by email, voicemail or other means, may not be honored.
How far from San Juan is it?
Rincon is about 2.5 hours from San Juan. If you are departing for any area in the San Juan area, allow extra time for traffic which can be very heavy depending on the time of day and year.
When do I have to arrive?
Arrival 5-10 minutes before the time on your reservation is recommended. If you are arriving late, please let us know as soon as possible. Arrivals more than 20 minutes late may need to be rescheduled.
How old do I have to be to take the tour?
There is no minimum age for snorkeling tours. Please keep in mind that snorkelers younger than 8 year may require extra attention that, due to the size of the group, will not be possible. For younger families, we recommend reserving a private tour guide for your tour. For any scuba diving tour, the minimum age is 10 years.
What is the difference for a private tour and regular.
A group tour may have participants who are not known to one another. If you have smaller children or need extra attention, guides may not be able to give you the best service without compromising other participants. Also, if you want a more personal service, hire a private guide by booking a Private Guided Snorkeling or diving tour.
Can I rent a camera for a discover dive.
No. We want you to get the maximum enjoyment from your tour and to do so, we will need your undivided attention for safety. Furthermore, PADI training standard prohibit discover dive participants from using cameras during the course.
Will I be able to park at the beach
There is adequate free parking at most of the snorkeling and dive sites. Some sites (especially during the winter months) tend to have lots of visitors and parking can be crowded.
What happens if I can’t make my booking time. What's the cancellation policy
If you are arriving late, please let us know as soon as possible. Arrivals more than 20 minutes late may be considered a “no-show” and incur the full tour price. We realize “things” happen and try to make an effort to reschedule your tour.
Should I bring anything?
Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. If you need to change before leaving the dive center, you can use our bathroom facilities. If you have any dive/snorkel gear, feel free to bring it for best personal fit.
How do I receive my pictures from the camera rental.
There are 3 ways you can typically receive your pictures: 1) purchase the Storage Card in the camera for an additional cost; 2) upload the pictures to your own device for FREE; or 3) we can email them to your email for FREE. The internet is not always working or efficient, so please allow a couple of days for delivery. If you do not get them within a reasonable time, give us a call or email so we can check on the status.
What types of tanks do you have and do you have tanks bigger than alum 80?
All of our rental tanks are Aluminum 80 cu.ft. tanks.
Do you have military discounts?
Yes we do. And THANK YOU for your service. We give a 10% discount to the service member on any tour or dive course. Please let the desk agent checking you in know that you are active duty or retired service member to receive your discount. Be ready to show your military ID.
What do I need to do to go on a tour with you.
If you would like to book a tour with us, you can book online directly from Rincon Diving & Snorkeling, Expedia.com, TripAdvisor.com or some of the other online booking agents. For more personal service, give the dive center a call at 787-506-3483 to book direct.
Is it possible that you can rent me the gear and I can go out on my own.
If you are an experienced diver or snorkeler and want to rent equipment to do a self-guided tour, we have a full rental locker available to suit your needs. Rentals are for a 24-hour period. Early returns are accepted before 5:00 p.m. (no after-hour returns) Check out our Rincon Diving & Snorkeling under Rentals for current rental rates and reserve your gear online. You must present a dive certification to rent, tanks, regulators and BCD's.
What the difference between a scooter snorkel tour and a snorkel tour.
Snorkeling tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world from the surface. The Scooter snorkel tour is very similar only you will be propelled effortlessly through the water by holding onto a SeaDoo Scooter. The SeaDoo scooter are easy to learn and add a level of adventure to your tour. You might even like to dive down and take a closer look at the reef. I like to say that the scooter tour is a “no calories burned” tour.
What times do you have available for tours?
Our typical tour times are 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you are scheduled for a private tour guide, we do offer some flexibility in scheduling times upon request.
Which is the best site for snorkeling?
Rincon has some awesome snorkeling sites, but our favorite, is the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
What can I see on a snorkel tour?
We often see the majority of the fishes named on any fish ID template, including (but not limited to), parrotfish, blue tangs, hogfish, squirrelfish, butterfly fish, and angelfish. We have the occasional stingray, tarpon and turtle swim by checking you out. Look in the crevices for eels, crabs and lobsters.
Can snorkeling help me to get into the world of scuba diving?
Snorkeling is the first step in getting to know the underwater world. It is often the gateway to wanting to learn more and become a certified diver. Ask you guide about getting Certified to dive.
My husband and I want to go diving but we have our kids with and that can’t go.
We have this come up occasionally. As shore divers, what can typically happen is that the parents take turns. One parent will remain on the beach to enjoy the sun and sand with the kiddos while the other parent enjoys a dive. After a surface interval, the parents swap out duties and the guide and the other parent enjoy a dive together. If this is the case, please let the dive center know in advance so that we may alert the guide.
What do you suggest we do? Can we take turns?
If you have never snorkeled before, a snorkel tour will get you acquainted with the underwater world. The half day tours enter and exit from the beach so there is flexibility on the length of time you desire to snorkel. Our guides love what they do and will stay for the entire duration of the tour. If you are tired, we will make sure you return to the beach safely. If you are an experienced snorkeler, you might like to take it to the next level and enjoy Scooter Snorkel Tour. Each participant has their own scooter. No sharing is allowed.
Do I need to have prior experience to go onto a snorkeling excursion?
No experience is necessary to enjoy a snorkeling tour. However, you should have a minimum comfort level in the water. The beautiful corals are close to the surface so you are guaranteed get up close and personal with the marine life.
Is a medical examination required?
Prior to participating in any SCUBA diving experience, you will be required to complete a medical history questionnaire. Certain conditions preclude us from taking you on a scuba experience without clearance from a doctor. If you feel you have any medical condition that may prevent you from participating, give us a call and we can send you a medical form for your physician to sign before you will be able to participate in a scuba experience. For all dive and snorkel participants, please let the guide know if you have any concerns or medical conditions they should be aware of.
Do you have snorkel/dive equipment for sale
We sell name-brand dive and snorkel equipment. We have some of the largest selection of snorkel gear available for purchase in Puerto Rico. We use what we sell so we know the quality of what will be available to you.
What is your refund/return policy on equipment?
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If the gear is unopened and unused, we will gladly exchange it for something that is a better fit for you.
What is the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving?
Snorkeling is done from the surface of the ocean with only a mask, snorkel and fins. Scuba Diving uses equipment that allows to breath UNDERWATER for an extended time. Scuba Diving requires additional training beyond the snorkeler’s experience. Check out our PADI Discover Scuba course to give scuba diving a try without taking the full dive course.
Is snorkeling safe?
Generally, snorkeling is a very safe sport. Due to the nature of the sport, snorkeling does require a certain level of fitness and may not be suitable for everyone.
What equipment do you need to snorkel?
The most basic equipment you will need is a mask and snorkel. The mask allows you to see beneath the surface and the snorkel allows you to breath without raising your face from the water. Additionally, fins on your feet, help you move efficiently through the water. We recommend a flotation device (e.g. a snorkel vest or life vest) for buoyancy and safety in the water.
Can I wear contacts while snorkeling?
Yes you can. However, if water should flood your mask, it is recommended to keep your eyes closed in case your contact decides to float out of your eye.
Can you go underwater with a snorkel?
Snorkels allow you to breath while your face is submerged in the water. If you should desire to dive down to get a closer look, water will fill the snorkel. As such, you should hold your breath as you descend until you return to the surface and clear the snorkel of water. Our expert snorkeling guides can teach you this technique.
What if I want to get closer to things?
If you should desire to dive down to get a closer look, water will fill the snorkel. As such, you should hold your breath as you descend until you return to the surface and clear the snorkel of water. Our expert snorkeling guides can teach you this technique. If you want to stay underwater, sign up for our Discover Scuba Diving course and explore the underwater world while using scuba equipment.
Why take a group trip versus snorkeling on our own?
Do you want to know what that fish is called? Where to find the best reef? What you can expect to see? Our snorkeling guides are PADI certified professionals with years of experience teaching and guiding snorkeling tours around the world. Our pro tips can mean the difference between a ho-hum experience and one you will remember for a very long time.
What does the tour fee include?
Our snorkeling and discover scuba tours include all the equipment, instruction and guide for the tour. Each tour is typically a half day ending around 12-1 p.m. or 4-5 p.m. For the diving tours, the dive guide, tanks and weights are included. Additional rentals are available for an extra fee. Guides will have drinking water available.
What does the tour fee exclude?
Participants should wear their swimsuit, bring a towel and apply ocean friendly sunscreen prior to arrival. Cameras are available for rental or feel free to bring your own camera on the snorkeling tour or certified divers tour.
Do you offer rental gear?
Our rental locker is complete with the all the dive and snorkel gear you will need for any dive or snorkel tour. Check out our rental rates on our Rental prices list online at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling
Do you offer Night Dives?
Yes we do. Night dives for certified divers are scheduled upon request. Guided night dives include the guide, tanks, weights and primary light. Additional lights are available for rental or purchase. A tank light (glow stick) is required. Bring your own or one can be purchased in the dive center.
What size tanks do you offer?
Our rental tanks are aluminum 80 cubit foot tanks.
Do you offer Nitrox?
If you desire nitrox for your dive, give us a call and we can arrange to have it available. Proof of Nitrox diver certification required.
Do I need a wetsuit or skin?
Water temperature in Puerto Rico ranges from 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months (December-March) to 84 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Most divers get cold in winter months and a wetsuit is recommended. In other times of year, wetsuits are good for abrasion protection. Wetsuits are available for rental for an additional fee. Check out our rental rates online at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling
What marine life might we see during the year?
The temperate waters of Puerto Rico have many, many species of fish of all sizes. Some of the ones we see every day are parrotfish, butterfly fish, blue tangs, sergeant majors, angel fish, squirrel fish….in fact, look at a fish ID guide for the Caribbean and we see those same “characters” every day. Ahhhh….life in paradise.
Can I wear glasses during snorkeling/diving?
No. The nature of the mask design does not allow you to wear your glasses. HOWEVER, we do have a limited number of fixed lens masks that may suit your needs. These are available for use during your tour without charge or for an added fee for any rental. Inquire about them with a staff member.
Do you guys have swim floaties for kids?
We have snorkel vest which you can inflate and deflate. We also offer coast guard approved life vests for tours and rentals. We stock infant to adult sizes. One is surely available to fit your needs.
Do you guys sell towels?
We occasionally have towels available for purchase in our retail store.
Can I wear my full faced mask on tours?
If you have any of your own personal snorkel/dive gear, feel free to use it for best personal fit.
I want to become a certified diver when I come down for vacation. What should I do to accomplish that and what would be the time line that I need?
If you have never experienced scuba diving before, we recommend scheduling a Discover Scuba Dive which will give you a taste of what scuba diving is like. If you are ready to sign up for a scuba certifying course, the first step to becoming a certified diver, is to purchase your e-learning books from PADI
Click of the link t0 get started right away. You can complete the e-learning on your computer before you even leave your home. Once you arrive, you will be able to start diving right away. Allow a minimum of 3 days to get a certification. Give us a call in the dive center and we can go over more details with you.
What training agencies of diver can you certify? Padi , Naui, etc?
Our instructors are PADI and NAUI certified and insured dive professionals. We also accept Universal Referrals from other agencies. Check with your home instructor about using the Universal Referral Program.
Can you do hydro and visual inspections for my tanks?
Tanks need to have current inspections prior to filling. If your tank needs to be inspected, you can drop it off in the dive center and we will have it inspected by a certified professional.
Can I fill my paintball tank in your store?
Yes. We can fill your paintball tanks to a maximum 3000 psi. Tanks must have a current hydrostatic inspection. For most tanks, this means, that the manufacture date must not be more than 5 years from the current date.
Do guys rent spearguns/pole spears? How much?
We do rent a limited number of pole spears and even lobster snares. Acquaint yourself with the fishing laws of Puerto Rico prior to use. Check out our rental rates online at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling.
Do I need to take a dive flag with me on my dives or can I get away with a safety sausage?
Dive flags are required.
I am pregnant. Can I participate in the snorkeling or diving tour?
Pregnancy does not necessarily preclude you from participating in a snorkeling tour. A certain level of fitness is necessary. If you feel snorkeling during pregnancy will be a risk, please abstain. We reserve the right to refuse participation if it endangers the safety of the participants. Scuba Diving while pregnant is strictly prohibited.
What clothing should I wear?
Wear your swimsuit. A sun-shirt will give you protection from the sun and is recommended. If you get cold, wetsuits are available for rental for additional thermal protection.
What is the water temperature?
In the winter months, temperatures can dip as low a 76-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer months as high as 85-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
How deep is the reef?
Do i need to have my physical dive card on me to do a tour with or rent gear from you guys?
For PADI divers, we can do an online lookup with your name and date of birth. For other training agencies, we recommend be sure to bring your card with you.#
Is it weather dependent?
All dive and snorkeling tours are dependent on water and weather conditions. The guide reserves the right to cancel or rebook any tour which in his/her opinion will endanger the safety of the participants#
What age does my child need to be to get certified as a diver?
Minimum age for scuba certification is 10 years.
Do you have a map of the dive sites that are in Puerto Rico? If not where can i find it?
There isn’t a map of the dive sites of Puerto Rico. However, feel free to stop into the dive center and we’d be happy to give you information on the sites located in our area#
Do you do tours to the island?
No. All our entries are from the beach of Rincon. Desecheo isand is 12+ miles off shore.