A diverse tropical landscape awaits the visitor to the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which boasts more than 300 miles ( 500 km ) of palm-fringed coastline and a lush interior of montage thicket, palm, dwarf and rain forrests. The island is a progressive blend of old and new. Nowhere is this more evident than in the capital city of San Juan, with its centuries-old Spanish fortresses and glamorous resort hotels." Out on the island, " as the Puerto Ricans refer to the remainder of the island, the changes are less dramatic but no less important.
The Caribbean, with its clear, warm water, is ideal for both scuba diving and snorkeling.Coral reefs and cays in many areas provide natural harbors for an array of beautiful sea life-coral, sea horses, starfish and tropical fish.
One of the best diving spots is off the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico around a small chain of islands. Visibility is exceptionally good in these waters, which range in depth from about 15 to 60 feet ( 5 to 18 m ). The southwestern coast near La Parguera and the waters surrounding the eastern islands of Vieques and Culebra, dotted with many reefs, are also excellent spots for diving. Along the northwestern coast, the towns of Rincon and Aguadilla offer diving excursions to Mona and Desecheo islands.
Diving or snorkeling excursions from either the beach or a charter boat can be arranged for an hour, a day or longer; beginners might want to stay along the beach where there is a sheltered cove. There are courses for both beginning and advanced snorkelers and divers. The longer and more expensive advanced courses usually feature night dives or search and recovery expeditions. Major hotels and resorts have information about lessons and packages.
In addition to the beaches offered at the hotels and resorts, the island is ringed with good beaches with public facilities, called balnearios, which offer lockers, showers and parking for a nominal fee. They are open Tues.- Sun. 8-6 and are closed election days, Good Friday and the Tuesday following Monday holidays. Balneario de luquillo, east of San Juan near El Yunque, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches; the scenic bay at Balneario Boqueron near Cabo Rojo is also a favorite among islanders.
Steady trade winds provide excellent opportunities for boating and sailing, particularly in San Juan Bay and the waters off Fajardo and La Parguera, which are well procted by coral reefs. Boats and equipment for sailing or deep-sea fishing can be rented from charter operators and marinas in San Juan, Mayguez, Fajardo, Humacao and other towns. Game fish abound in Puerto Rico's waters, where more than 30 world records have been set, and include marlin, sailfish, mackerel, dolphin fish and wahoo. Snook, grouper, snapper, tarpon, and amberjack teem along the southern coast. The International Billfish Tournament is held in late August; other fishing tournaments take place through September.
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