Puerto Rico diving/Culebra?

[gator]

I will be going to Puerto Rico and staying on the northast Coast of the Island. The friend I'll be diving with say we will probably go to Culebra to dive.

Which specific dive sites around Culebra are considered the best?

Should we consider a night dive?...my friend is relatively new at diving and has never done one before. I wasn't sure vacation to an unfamiliar area would be a good time to try. But I hear they can be fantasitic.

Can anyone recommend charter dive boats that allow spearfishing?

Also, where can I find lobstering/spearfishing regulations for Puerto Rico?

The basic plan was to just do a sightseeing scuba trip on a charter around Culebra. And then on the remaining days, just do some spearfishing right from the beach or another friends small boat (we will be staying at a friends house on the beach near Rio Grande) ...Any good beach dives in this area?

Any other advice is appreciated,

Thanks

[sickbugs]

im envious, i went to culebra once, when i was younger, and its probably the only place ive ever felt at home away from home, lovely place, i dont know any divers there tho

[jaxfreediver]

Gator,
I just moved from there about a year ago.
Culebra:
I don't think you will be able to spearfish from any recreational dive boats. I'm not sure where you are from but in most parts of the world recreational dive boats do most of their diving in reserves where marine life is pretty abundant. Not to mention that it is down right uncouth to shoot fish in front of tourists who are trying take pictures and enjoy their once in a lifetime experience of scuba diving. If you still want to spearfish then you'll have to learn where the reserves are located in order to stay out of them. Second, you'll have to find a boat or someone to take you out. I recommend staying at Ville Boheme on Culebra. If you can't stay there then go there anyway because he has a boat that he will rent to you. Fish and wildlife has an office on Culebra where you can get all of the information you want. Bring a local or make sure you speak spanish so you'll make out better. There is a guy named Rolo who is very nice. Also a lady named Teresa. Ask them for info. If you speak to Teresa tell her Michael Solis from EOD said hi. If you can't work out the logistics then you'll have to settle for snorkeling which can be done from just about anywhere on the island.
Puerto Rico:
I don't think there are any beach dives in the Rio Grande area. There aren't many beach dives anywhere in PR really. I did most of my diving/spearfishing/lobster hunting around the island of Vieques with a boat. The other option which I recommend if you are a deep diving freediver is to go to the other side of the island to La Parguera. Contact Angel at La Parguera divers and tell him I said hi. This is for freediving only. The black wall is great and depths range from 75-110+.
Try to work out the logists of your trip before you leave so you won't have to do it there. If you have any other questions just let me know.
Take care and have fun!!!

[gator]

Thanks Michael,

Not sure what/where 'Ville Boheme' is ...a hotel city or what? Do you have a web page or ph. for them off hand? Also do you know of TAMARINDO ESTATES BEACH COTTAGES and their reputation? My freind is from P.R. and was looking at this place to stay.

Do I understand the regulations right ... you are only allowed to spearfish while freediving/snorkeling (no scuba)? While I am flexible, my friend doesnt do the freediving thing.

Thanks

[jaxfreediver]

All good questions. You can find information on villa boheme by following this link: http://www.villaboheme.com/infoandpics.php
If this doesn't work then do a google search. It is a hotel. I am familiar with the other place. I think I know the owners' son.
You are allowed to spear fish while on scuba. Just make sure you don't do it in the reserve area around Luis Peña island or Flamenco Beach. You can rent a jeep through Jerry's or Carlos jeep rentals because the place where you'll be staying is off the beaten path even though the island isn't that big.
Have fun and keep the questions coming if you need anything else.
Cheers

[colcam]

Why do you recommend Villa Boheme? Whats so good about it?
Are there good places nearer to beaches and to snorkeling?
Is there snorkeling very nearby?
Can I dive the week of Thanksgiving without reserving a dive?
What is the water temperature now?
Thanks....colcam....

[jaxfreediver]

The reason I recommended villa boheme is because it is within walking distance of everything you will need i.e. grocery store and dingy dock restaurant where you will probably eat most of your meals. Also, you can rent a boat from the owner of the hotel. Otherwise you will have to use culebra divers and I don't know if they will be able to accomodate your freediving needs. Many charters don't go to deep water so it isn't really worth the price in my opinion. You will probably need a boat unless you are happy freediving in 10-20 ft of water. In which case you should just go to flamenco beach.
Hope this helps!!!

[ROBERT REYES]

Guys
The new laws as of this year:
You are not allowed to spear fish while on SCUBA,
You cant even have one scuba tank and a speargun
at the same time on a boat, or you will get it .
Spearfishing only allowed while freediving, no spearing
on the designated no take zone areas.