Frequently Asked Questions
Culebra Divers - Culebra, Puerto Rico
Let us answer any questions about Culebra Divers, Scuba or snorkel tours, dive instruction, rentals and ways to get to our beautiful island!
Reservations Questions
How can I make a Reservation?
You can make Reservations by using the BOOK NOW button on our site. Your reservation must be secured with a credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Discover/AMEX). If you have not pre-paid via BOOK NOW or provided us with a credit card number, your spot is not guaranteed! Any difficulties or don’t see what you need, call or email us.
How far in advance should I make Reservations for my tour?
We only have one boat (6 customers max) so it is best to book as early as possible. In general, during the slower season (May – October), we recommend that you book your tour at least 2 weeks in advance. If you are planning on traveling to Culebra and booking a tour during the high season (December – March) you should start planning and making reservations as early as July of the same year. We often accommodate dive groups that book a year in advance so it is to your advantage to make reservations early. Walk-ins are always welcome but space can’t be guaranteed without a reservation and a credit card.
Do you accept Walk-ins?
We love it when people walk-in and ask about diving and snorkeling tours but often times our boats are already scheduled. We strongly encourage folks to send us an email to [email protected] (for fastest service) or give us a call at 787-742-0803 to discuss booking options prior to your arrival to ensure we can get you on the water without delay!
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Please click here to see our cancellation policy.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept payment using VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMEX, Apple & Google Pay, ATH Movíl, and cash (U.S. dollar).
Are your prices competitive?
Absolutely! We review our pricing regularly against other operations in Puerto Rico to ensure we are offering our customers the best deal possible. If you find a lower price, you’re not looking at an equivalent service.
Is tipping common?
Yes, in the dive industry tipping is a very common practice and in most cases is a large part of your captain’s, divemaster’s, and/or instructor’s income. While it isn’t required, treat the people that guide you through your water excursions like you would any other individual in the service industry (restaurants, hair salons, etc.), and consider a tip for services well-rendered. Our staff can help you with guidelines if you would like and we accept Venmo so you can hang on to your cash!
Where can I check or write Reviews for Culebra Divers?
Yes, please check us out on TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google, or any other review site. We always welcome your input and feedback to help our business improve our level of customer service.
Do you allow riders on the boat?
Given the size of our boat (6 passengers max) individual riders will be welcomed the day of your tour at the Captain’s discretion and if space allows. We have to factor in the type of tour that will be conducted, the predicted locations, and the weather/conditions so that all passengers have an enjoyable experience. Individual rider spaces cannot be guaranteed in advance. The cost is $50 per person.
Have a larger family or group or want to guarantee space for one or more riders? Book a morning or afternoon Private Charter using any of the Book Now buttons!
Do you have a minimum age requirement?
Yes, for scuba diving, divers must be of twelve (12) years of age or older to participate in a Discover Scuba Experience or a certification course. Our minimum age requirement for our guided snorkeling excursions is six (6) years old. For diving and snorkeling, any guest that is under age 18 must travel with their parents or legal guardian and have written consent from them.
Are there any medical conditions that would not allow me to scuba dive?
Yes, the training agencies have medical requirements in order to participate in scuba diving. You will be required to complete and sign a Medical form in order to participate. In some cases you will need a physician’s approval in order to participate. For this reason we highly recommend that you fill out the medical form and complete it well in advance of your trip in case you need a physician’s approval.
At what time do the dive and snorkel excursions start and finish?
- Our morning two-tank dive trip leaves the dock at 9:00 AM and returns to the dock (your arrival time 8-8:30 AM) approximately 1:00 PM.
- Our afternoon, dive/snorkel trip leaves the dock at 2:00 PM and returns to the dock approximately 4:30 PM (your arrival time 1-1:30 PM).
Can you look up my certification information? I lost/forgot my card.
As a certified diver you are responsible for showing proof of certification just as you would your drivers license. We recommend you find this before visiting Culebra as internet connection here (as on any remote island) can be spotty. Showing up for your tour and asking us last minute to look up your information can delay our boat departure and inconveniences other divers. If you choose to risk looking up your information the same morning as your tour and are unsuccessful, you have the option of being treated as an non-certified diver (if scheduling allows), as a snorkeler (if scheduling allows) or forfeiting the cost of your tour. You will be charged for the missed dive(s) if we cannot accommodate the alterations to the schedule, or if you opt to back out of the dive(s) completely, per our cancellation policy.
I have reservations about renting gear. Can you describe your disinfecting procedures?
Of course! We understand and share your concerns. Culebra Divers follows the guidance published by the experts at the Divers Alert Network (DAN) for all our scuba and snorkel equipment. Click here to read about those protocols in depth.
If you have any further questions please contact us
- [email protected]
- OR use the form on our Contact Us page
Telephone
Activity Questions
What kinds of sea life might I see underwater?
Take a look for yourself! Check out our recent dive photos here on Facebook or Instagram
Do I need to know how to swim in order to participate in snorkeling or diving?
Yes, Culebra Divers requires that all participants be able to swim comfortably, be able to float, and do some basic swim strokes without any assistance to participate on any of our excursions. We do not give swimming lessons. If you have never snorkeled, we recommend you rent snorkel gear from us and try snorkeling off the beach prior to taking a boat tour for both your safety and enjoyment, and the safety of your guide. Previous snorkel experience will greatly help those interested in participating in a Discover Dive and is strongly recommended.
What languages are spoken at Culebra Divers?
Right now we are working to have all staff members fluent in Spanish and English, but we’re not there yet, so we do our best to communicate with all our visitors as best we can. Culebra Divers literally has customers from all over the world! To keep things consistent for our staff with regards to paperwork (some of which we’re required to keep for 7 years), all forms are in English. For the safety of everyone involved on the boat tours, we need anyone participating in our boat tours to be able to understand safety briefings and emergency procedures in English. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
What if I don’t have a dive buddy?
That’s no problem! Single divers are always welcome. Although some tours like the night dive do require a minimum number of participants, let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
What if I can’t complete my Open Water certification in the allotted time?
The scuba certification divers receive is earned through study and in-water training. Most students master the required skills in the days we list on our training page without issue. However, for students who need more time, Culebra Divers is pleased to offer additional instructor time within a 12-month period at no additional cost. We will also provide paperwork so that you can continue your training at another location if that better suits your needs. There are no refunds on training once it has begun so if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before signing up.
What’s the recommended maximum depth for my certification level?
There are some slight variations across the scuba certification agencies but the list below is representative:
- Junior Open Water Diver (10 – 11 years old, must dive with a parent/guardian or dive professional) = 12 meters / 40 feet
- Junior Open Water Diver (12 – 14 years old, must dive with an adult certified diver) = 18 meters / 60 feet
- Open Water Diver = 18 meters / 60 feet
- Advanced Open Water Diver = 30 meters / 100 feet
- Advanced Open Water Diver with Deep Diver Specialty = 40 meters / 130 feet
Culebra has plenty of dive sites to choose from for any level of diver. If you want to gain more confidence and/or dive deeper, ask us about Advanced training!
My certification is with another agency, can I still dive or train with Culebra Divers?
Absolutely! All of the internationally recognized scuba training agencies share equivalent certification levels. Any diver with an entry level certification or above from BSAC, CMAS, NAUI, PADI, RAID, SDI, SSI or any other internationally recognized agency is welcome to join any of our certified diver boat tours. Any questions about your current certification just give us a call or drop us an email. As far as continuing education goes, any diver initially certified under one agency may sign up for the next level course with a different agency. It’s just that simple!
Do you offer shore diving?
We do not. Although we do have several beautiful beaches where visitors enjoy snorkeling and other beach activities, the best reefs are only accessible by boat. We are happy to fill tanks, but we do not rent scuba gear, only snorkeling equipment. To see the best diving Culebra has to offer book a boat tour with us!
Can you guarantee I’ll see turtles on my tour?
Unfortunately no. The ocean is not an aquarium so specific sightings such as turtles are up to Mother Nature. Our captains do their best to find exciting creatures for you to see, but there’s always a bit of luck involved. You’ll definitely see reefs populated with hard and soft corals, and numerous types of fish. That being said, in our time diving/snorkeling here in Culebra we’ve seen Dolphins, turtles (Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead), rays (Southern and Spotted Eagle), sharks (Nurse, Caribbean Reef, Hammerhead), octopus, eels, seahorse, squid, and even hear whale song underwater (Jan – Mar) as they pass by heading to the Silver Bank.
How long after diving should I wait before ascending to the top of El Yunque?
The NOAA Diving Medical Technician reference provides a table for ascending to altitude after diving and should be checked against your repetitive group designator (A-Z). In general, a surface interval of 12 hours should be sufficient after diving in Culebra to ascend to El Yunque’s 4,390 ft (1,340 m) peak.
Do any mainland shops offer Culebra dive trips?
Yes, you can find dive operators on the mainland offering diving in Culebra; however, there are several things you should keep in mind: Culebra is nearly 20 miles from the mainland so you will have a long boat ride with variable seas to endure before and after your dive tour. Secondly, these operations tend to visit the same sites every day, bypassing the best spots Culebra has to offer. Thirdly, in order to make the trip financially worthwhile, these boats tend to carry LOTS of divers, snorkelers, and riders which takes away from the close attention and activity focus small operators like Culebra Divers is able to provide. Lastly, you have no chance to experience Culebra! You’ll miss our fantastic restaurants, shops, and world famous beaches – just to name a few.
May I bring my own gear?
Personal scuba gear is always welcome on our boats. We’ll be happy to fill in with whatever you do not have with you. That being said, we strongly encourage you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for service (usually annually) to keep it in good repair and tested prior to arrival. Any gear “fixes” or substitutions required due to poor maintenance will potentially lead to delays during the tour, repair fees, or worst case, a missed dive. When in doubt – we have fantastic gear waiting here for you to use free of charge!
Planning on bringing your regulator or BCD? To get you on the boat faster and avoid last minute issues, make sure you bring both and NOT just one or the other as BCD connections are NOT universal/generic. Our tanks have Pro-Valves so they can accommodate DIN or Yoke but be aware our BCD’s are equipped with ScubaPro AIR2 combination power inflators. We do have a limited number of standard-inflator-to-AIR2 adapters, so if you have any concerns about what to bring, just ask us before you pack.
Staying overnight or diving multiple days? We’ve got you covered with secure storage for your gear so you don’t have to haul it back and forth to your lodging.
**Divers will be responsible for set up, breakdown, and cleaning of any personal gear items. If you bring gear that fails or requires maintenance we cannot quickly address without holding up the tour, you risk forfeiting your dive(s) and no refunds will be offered. Make sure your gear is in good repair and you know how to use it properly!
Is there a discount if I bring my own gear?
Dive shops actually don’t offer discounts for bringing your own gear, it simply keeps you from having to pay for rentals. Since we provide FREE rental gear, the price you pay is the same when bringing your own gear. The price listed on the website IS the discounted price. So whether you just need tanks and weights or a full scuba kit, we’ve got you covered! Please see the above section for details on bringing your own items.
Will you have gear in my size?
We have a nice selection of BCDs and Wetsuits but we cannot guarantee that we have gear for every body type. Please take a look at our manufacturer’s sizing charts here.
Our wetsuits are 3mm shortys which is sufficient exposure protection for most divers given our water temps. If you are not sure we have gear that will fit, or know you get cold easily, we suggest you visit your local dive shop for gear prior to your trip.Will you have something to eat or drink on the tour?
Yes, we provide fresh water for you in a free collapsible souvenir water bottle (please bring a water bottle though if you can to save waste!) and pre-packaged snacks (please exercise caution if you have any food allergies).
Do you offer diving with Enriched Air / Nitrox / EANx tanks or provide tank fills?
Although we do offer the Enriched Air / Nitrox / EANx certification, our dive tours all use air and we currently only offer air fills.
If you have any further questions please contact us
- [email protected]
- OR use the form on our Contact Us page
Telephone
Miscellaneous Questions
Location and parking information?
Culebra Divers is directly across from the public ferry dock ticket office. Any of the island maps will show you the way! Our boats are located directly behind the shop; however, parking is limited and not allowed directly in front of our shop, so allow plenty of time for locating our shop and walking, parking, or taking a taxi in.
How’s the weather?
Take a look using Culebra Divers’ very own local Personal Weather Station (PWS) using one of the links below:
Why don’t you list your dive sites on your website?
Culebra Divers is the longest running dive shop in Culebra with nearly 50 dive sites to choose from. There are many sites known only to our Captains and we’d like to keep it that way! It’s yet another reason why Culebra Divers is your best choice for a unique diving experience.
Do you offer water taxi service to Culebrita?
Although we sometimes dive in the vicinity of Culebrita, we do not provide a drop-off / pick-up water taxi service. Please use Google or visit TripAdvisor for several providers that can get you over to what’s definitely must-do day trip while you are visiting us here on Culebra!
Do you rent dive gear so I can go diving on my own?
Although we do rent snorkel gear, we do not rent out dive equipment as all our gear is reserved for those participating in our boat tours; however, we are happy to fill inspected (and up to date) tanks if you have your own.
What SCUBA training agencies are Culebra Divers instructors affiliated with?
Culebra Divers instructors hold professional ratings with the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), Scuba Diving International (SDI), and Scuba Schools International (SSI) including professional and specialty ratings up through Divemaster. Our staff also hold instructor ratings the Divers Alert Network (DAN). Additionally, we participate in the Universal Referral Program (URP), so we’re happy to complete the Open Water referral portion of your NAUI or other agency introductory scuba training.
What do we do with our personal belongings during our tour? Do you have a safe place to keep them?
Yes, we have covered dry space available on our boats where you are welcome to keep your belongings with you. For larger items like suitcases we ask that you leave those in your room or we can store them in the shop while you’re on the boat. For our multi-day divers, we offer secure gear storage right by the dock!
How long does it take to get to Culebra, and how long are the dive and snorkel trips? (All times are averages)
- Airplane (San Juan to Culebra): 30 minutes
- Airplane (Ceiba to Culebra): 15 minutes
- Ferry (Ceiba to Culebra): 1 to 2 hours
- Morning Dive Trips: About 4 hours
- Afternoon Dive Trip: About 2 hours 30 minutes
- Snorkel trip: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Do you provide round-trip transportation to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal from San Juan?
No, we do not arrange for transportation to the ferry terminal on the mainland, nor do we provide airport transfers to/from the Culebra airport. You’ll need to make arrangements for a local taxi from any airport or hotel, or rent a vehicle to get to the ferry in Ceiba, if you chose to go that route.
What happens if I miss the tour because the Ferry is delayed?
We reserve the right to charge you if you are unable to obtain your tickets for any reason, miss the ferry, or are delayed in transit. Our boats are small and your space is important. Please review our cancellation policy for more details. However, you may not be charged in the event flights/ferries are cancelled due to unsafe weather or seas. If you do decide to take the ferry, we highly recommend arriving a day in advance and spend some time enjoying Culebra. When in doubt – please drop us an email for advice before booking your travel!
Which is better, the ferry or taking a flight?
Either way gets you here, but there are things to consider with each approach. Check out our Getting Here page where we break down the options by time and cost.
Is Culebra Divers licensed, endorsed, insured, etc.?
Yes, Culebra Divers is a fully licensed and insured dive operation and the only dive operation on Culebra approved and endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) and the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) . Our boats are also inspected by the Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA). All our captains are USCG licensed, hold a PADI, SDI, and/or SSI professional rating, and are DAN Diving First Aid (DFA) certified.
Should I get dive insurance?
Yes, thankfully they are rare, but dive accidents are no joke. Your primary medical insurance may exclude scuba diving as a hazardous recreational activity and/or may not provide coverage when you are traveling out of the country. If it does provide coverage, it may pay only a minimal amount for chamber treatments. There are also often large out-of-pocket payments for deductibles and co-pays. These alone can total thousands of dollars. Recognized worldwide, let Divers Alert Network (DAN) provide you with secondary coverage to ensure your peace of mind while diving.
Should I get trip insurance?
These days travel delays and baggage losses are all too common. To protect your investment we recommend DAN Travel Insurance.
If you have any further questions please contact us
- [email protected]
- OR use the form on our Contact Us page
Telephone
