Puerto del Rey is the largest marina in Puerto Rico, and even the largest in the Caribbean! I am slowly falling in love with this marina and all of the businesses and events hosted there. I am a certified scuba diver and all around fan of boats and water, sadly I am not a boat owner (yet). I still manage to visit the marina and enjoy the boats on a regular basis. Here is a quick guide of the services and facilities at Puerto Del Rey for non-boat owners.
Sea Ventures is 5 star PADI scuba company, and recently awarded the blue flag for Sustainable Boating Tourism Operator. They are active with Project Aware and PADI events. Sea Ventures is the #1 reason that I go to the Marina. There are a fantastic group of instructions and scuba divers. I feel safe and welcome every time I dive with Sea Ventures! With only 20 dives logged, I am still considered a newbie diver and I will continue my advanced certifications and instructions with the knowledgeable staff at Sea Ventures.
East Island Excursions has several boats for day trips and sunset sails. My friend and I booked the “booze cruise” day trip on the Power Catamaran to Culebra with lunch, snorkeling, and of course alcoholic beverages. This is very popular with Spring Breakers and the party crowd, and is not suitable for children (although children are allowed). Lunch is served all you can eat buffet style with fresh healthy options. The chicken salad, fruit platter, and charcuterie were delicious, barely leaving room for dessert. The crew is bilingual and helpful.
La Cueva del Mar Restaurant and bar offers fantastic Puerto Rican food and beverages at reasonable prices. Everything from the fish tacos and empandillas to the grilled churrasco steak with mofongo are delicious!
The marina has full shower facilities for guests to hose off after arriving back at the dock. There is also a children’s playground, and market for groceries and essentials like sunblock.
Boat owners have access to emergency towing services, repairs & maintenance facilities, plus a fuel and convenience store.
The Marina itself has cool boating and fishing events.
In the past few months, I have been lucky enough to be at the Puerto del Rey for the annual Regatta and the Billfish tournament! These were not planned and happen to be days that I was going out with Sea Ventures for diving. It was a pleasant bonus to discover a cool event at the marina waiting for me after the dive!
Disclaimer: No special consideration was given to me by any of the companies listed. I was a paying customer at each of these businesses and I am sharing my honest opinion.
The main reason I love scuba diving is for the adventure, you don’t know what it may happen or what you may find below the water surface.
This looks like a pretty cool place to hang out, with lots of things to do on offer. I have just started to get into sailing over the past two years, although this year I haven’t had enough opportunities to go out. So I can see myself enjoying a visit here.
Wow looks like the Puerto del Rey has a lot of events and activities and some of which you have enjoyed. I am not much of a diver however would definitely be up for a booze cruise :). Will keep in mind for when I visit PR.
We had a boat when I was growing up (not big I hasten to say) and so the problem I have with places like this is that I cannot visit without wanting to check out boat prices. They are always too expensive but it is nice to dream
I wish I had a boat!
Aha another one of my bucket list destinations – gosh there r so many. Good to know that Sea Ventures follows the path of sustainable tourism with the high impact of tourism on environment, this is SO important.
Yes, I am so pleased they are active in Project Aware for the sharks as well as blue flag!
We got PADI certified just this April! Still super newb with only 4 logged dives (lol) but we’re always looking for new places to explore 🙂 Did you get your Advanced? We’d like to do that one day but still aren’t sure when (how many logged dives we should have at least) would be the best time to do so.
I will be working on my Advanced certification very soon.
Loved your video of the marina tour. I have an obsession with boats. I have never done a booze cruise but next time I visit I will be sure to do it.
Puerto Rico looks like the kind of place you’d go to relax and unwind. My friend is a mad keen scuba fan who would love it there.
Puerto Rico is PARADISE! Yes, it is perfect to relax, and there are some many great adventures. I love exploring this little island.
20 dives and still a newbie? I’ve done only a handful of snorkels but I love spending the day out on the boat. I enjoyed my time in the Caribbean but have never been to this area. I’ll definitely have to consider it.
You had me at the all you can eat buffet haha! I’m always down for that 😉 I’ve never been here but would love to visit!
Puerto Rico looks great, I have been exploring a lot of South America and I’m now in Mexico – the Caribbean is soo close! I have to be in the right mood for those booze cruises, I did one in Brazil and loved it, although I was the oldest person there! I’d definitely be up for diving though 🙂
The “booze cruise” sounds like fun for Spring Breakers. I’ve always wondered if I would be able to handle the “booze cruise” day trips because I get seasick so easily. I literally have to take dramamine on any boat trip I take 🙁
Drinking at the marina bar, might be a safer option. The big catamarans are smooth sailing, and better to find out on a day trip than overnight trips.
Jen, what a splendid marina Puerto del Rey is! It sure is regal (del rey) :))
I loved your video too – the music is very soothing and the blue sea is drop-dead gorgeous!
What was the temperature?
It is around 80 degrees F /27 C and the water is 76 F/24C year round. It is glorious!
All you can eat buffet? Yes! I love that you can go out with groups of friends on these boats. This place looks beautiful.
Yes, the food was really good, too!
You know what – now that I read your post, I really want to go! I never really thought of it of a destination to do anytime soon but you got me excited!
I would love to go diving there! Oh, Puerto Rican food is the best! Great post.
Heard so much about Puerto Rico and all the activities available to do out there because it is so beautiful and well known for water activities.
I would love to visit Puerto Rico one day and this marina sounds fantastic! The East Island Excursion sounds great- will have to note it down on my ever-growing bucket list! Hope you get your own boat one day! 😉
Puerto Rico has been on my list for awhile. This makes me really want to go! Seems like a great place to visit!
I only went diving once and it was in the UAE where it looked like a desert even underwater. I don’t know if it’s a normal thing but at some point during the dive, I felt claustrophobic, panicked and had to swim up right away. Not sure if I’ll go diving again but this sure sounds like fun. :p
That is not normal. Good instructors stay with you and keep you calm & safe. Even if diving is not for you, snorkeling in the Caribbean is some of the best views underwater in the ocean!
Wow I didn’t know that Puerto del Ray was the largest marina in the Carribbean! The last time we were in Puerto Rico, we used East Island Excursions for a few of our excursions and we loved them!! Never went scuba diving though. I’m kind of afraid of doing it but I still want to try.
Glad you liked East Island Excursions – they are great!
What a nice place to learn to dive! I’ve never been to Puerto Rico, but this looks gorgeous. Is this dive resort famous for certain types of sea life?
Puerto Rico is famous for beautiful Caribbean waters, eagle rays, sting rays, and a variety of endangered sea turtles.
How fun! It sounds like a great marina. I’ve found so much Puerto Rico inspiration from your blog and your instagram. I can’t wait to get there!
Yay!!
I have never been to Puerto Rico, but would would love to go one day. Then I will definitely visit Puerto del Rey. The ´booze cruise´ sounds really fun. It is good to know that you liked the service of East Island Excursions. I will have a look to their services if I decide to travel to Puerto Rico. Puerto del Rey seems like a nice place to spend some time!
Booze cruise with great food! It is an excellent choice to explore nearby islands.
Did you do any dives here, with the PADI company that you have mentioned? How much does it cost to dive? Are there any liveaboards as well?
Yes, as I stated Sea Ventures is my local dive group. The cost varies on certification, number of tanks, location – check out their website (link included in post) for pricing details. They run day trips, but do offer a few liveaboards during season.
I have always wanted to visit Puerto Rico, it looks so beautiful. I love exploring new countries by water too as I am on ocean girl through and through. Maybe I will visit this Marina one day. Thanks for sharing!
I have always wanted to visit Puerto Rico and love exploring places by boat as I am an ocean girl through and through. I’ll have to visit this Marina some day!
great post. by the way , boat owners can now use http://www.boatyard.com to order services and fuel from the marina. its super easy and convenient