Where to go snorkelling in Puerto Rico

by Mihai Pinzariu on September 25, 2019

This beautiful series of islands is lucky to have beaches with some of the healthiest and least spoiled coral life in the world, making for truly exceptional snorkelling. While the main island of Puerto Rico itself has lots of snorkeling to do, the best snorkel sites are on the beaches of its offshore islands.

It seems like other Caribbean are reefs are slowly losing their vibrance, but Puerto Rico is still home to a colourful healthy reef, crystal clear waters, and excellent visibility for snorkeling. If you find yourself in Puerto Rico, here are the best places to go snorkelling.

Fish in Puerto Rico:

  • Barracuda, Black Margate’s, Blue Chromis, Blue-Striped Grunts, Blue Tangs, Doctorfish, French Grunts, Jacks, Mahogany Snappers, Porkfish, Schoolmasters, Smallmouth Grunts, Snappers, Southern Sennets, and more.

Corals in Puerto Rico:

  • Bent Sea Rods, Black Sea Rods, Blade Fire Corals, Branching Fire Corals, Encrusting Gorgonians, Fire Corals, Elkhorn Corals, Groove-Bladed Sea Whips, Lace Corals, Pillar Corals, Porous Sea Rods, Sea Fans, Sea Fingers, Sea Plumes, and more.

Best places to snorkel in Puerto Rico

Bahia de la Chiva

Where: Vieques
Details: One of the Spanish Virgin Islands prime snorkel destinations, the water on Vieques is much clearer and calmer than in Culebra. Bahia de la Chiva is the best snorkel site on this island, with excellent visibility and a diverse range of fish life to explore. The tropical reef is bustling with spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, parrot fish, angelfish, brain coral, gorgonian coral forests, and more, and you can snorkel to the reef from any spot on the beach.

Information:

  • The best snorkel spot here is La Chiva, a small island bursting with sea and marine life around a tropical reef. Access is at the end of the road through the shallow waters,
  • The water here is very shallow, making a great snorkel spot for children and novices. You can easily float and swim along with the current for a relaxing swim and snorkel adventure,
  • Beware to not walk over the shallow waters to reach the sea itself. What looks like seagrass may well be housing coral and sea urchins, so for the benefit of yourself and the health of the reef, just go for that 5 minute swim.

Facilities:

  • Bathrooms on-site
  • Gazebos available.

Balneario El Escambron

Where: San Juan
Details: Not the most outstanding snorkeling spot, but definitely one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches of Puerto Rico. We thought this spot should be pointed out since most travellers will be sure to spend some time in San Juan, and if you fancy snorkeling while there then this is where to go. A sprawling and stunning beach lined with coconut palms, you’ll have the chance to swim with turtles and diverse populations of fish life.

Information:

  • For the best snorkeling you’ll want to swim towards the left side of the protected waters across the Caribe Hilton.
    There’s so much to see and explore at this beach, so give yourself time beyond snorkeling!

Facilities:

  • Bathrooms and showers on-site.

Carlos Rosario Beach

Where: Culebra
Details: Culebra is one of the world’s best snorkeling islands, and Carlos Rosario is one of its most heavenly snorkel sites. Less developed than other islands, Culebra is preserved and protected with a huge healthy reef that can be explored for days on end. The reefs at Carlos Rosario are the standout selection in Culebra, with snorkeling right off the beach, and some of the most beautiful formations and marine life to explore. The waters here are calm and clear and you’ll be swimming with a variety of fish life, small and large!

Information:

  • Access to this beach is through the popular Flamenco Beach. From the car park you will find a forest trail leading to Carlos Rosario, which is about a 20-minute walk to this stunning secluded spot,
  • There are no facilities on this beach.

Flamenco Beach

Where: Culebra
Details: Consistently on the list of the world’s best beaches, this spot is perfect for more than just snorkeling. Sparkling waters, soft white sands, and an untouched vibe that makes you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a piece of paradise, this spot is made better only by the fact that there’s snorkeling to be done! The coral reefs are just below the surface of the shallow waters next to the stone bridge, letting you get up close and personal with barracuda, manta rays, turtles, and lots of other tropical fish and sea life.

Information:

  • The calm, clear, and shallow waters of Flamenco are perfect for novice snorkelers and children. Toddlers can play in the natural tide pools on the far right end of the beach, where swimming is completely safe and waters protected,
  • Look out for the iconic old US Navy tank along the beach, a remnant from the Culebra’s history as an old gunnery range.

Facilities:

  • Bathrooms and showers on-site.

Isla de Mona

Where: Mayagüez
Details: One for the adventurous who are willing to travel far and wide for the best snorkel spots, this secluded island is known as the Galapagos of the Caribbean. You’ll find untouched beauty home to iguanas and unspoiled coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life to discover. This island paradise has crystal clear warm waters, complete privacy away from the tourist bustle, and rich underwater scenery to explore. A truly unique experience for more than just snorkeling.

Information:

  • This is a very mysterious and difficult island to reach – and that’s why it’s so well-preserved and untouched. It’s completely uninhabitable, meaning you’ll need to plan and pack everything you need.
  • For information on how to get there, permits required, and more fascinating history on the island, read here.

La Parguera Nature Reserve

Where: La Parguera
Details: If you love snorkeling off the beaten track, this is your spot. The Nature Reserve makes up a group of mangrove islands, coral reefs, natural pools, salt marshes, and an underwater playground of dolphins, turtles, barracuda, manatees, and scores of other fish and sea life. Best of all, La Parguera itself is a small fishing village where you can enjoy freshly caught fish (after you’ve just enjoyed swimming with them!)

Information:

  • The best way to explore La Parguera Nature Reserve is with a snorkeling tour from a boat charter. As the spot can be very busy amongst snorkelers and holidayers, it’s always advised to book ahead.

Facilities:

  • Bathrooms, showers, picnic areas, and BBQs available on-site.

Steps Beach

Where: Rincon
Details: This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the west coast of Rincon and part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. Only accessible throughout the summer months when surf is less and water is calmer, you have the chance to snorkel above one of the largest Elk Horn coral gardens of the Caribbean, amongst other live coral, sea turtles, huge schools of tropical fish, and more.

Information:

  • When we say go in the summer months only, we mean it. This spot is actually a world-famous surfing destination throughout the winter, meaning it’s definitely not the time for snorkeling.

Facilities:

  • Bathrooms, showers, and parking available.
 

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.
That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.
1 comment
by Leanne Chalkley on November 26, 2021

So pretty…..

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Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

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T
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Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

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Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

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Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
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Amazing

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M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

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I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

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Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

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Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

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Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

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Highly recommend this product :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

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Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

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(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

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The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

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Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️