We are planning a trip to Puerto Rico Feb. ’99. Can anyone please recommend a good, customer-service oriented dive shop? We are also looking for a fun, inexpensive hotel for 2 nights. Thanks for your suggestions!

Tracy----I hope you're still on time to follow the following advice: I would recommend you rent a car and drive to La Parguera in the southwest coast of Puerto Rico (town called Lajas). It is a very nice coastal village with AMAZING snorkeling and SCUBA opportunities. There is a SCUBA place run by the father and sons (born and raised in the area) located next to the HOTEL CASABLANCA, which by the way, is a good lodging option (across the street from the shore). The dive shop rents boats, a guide, the equipment, includes a packed lunch, and the people know the area well. Across the street from the SCUBA place is the PARADOR VILLA PARGUERA, a little more expensive lodging but right on the Caribbean shore with an excellent restaurant. La Parguera is a nice village; the best-kept secret among local SCUBA divers... Another option is Fajardo. El CONQUISTADOR RESORT was damaged during the last Hurricane (George), but it should be back to normal by now. They have SCUBA packages, and the area is private. Something really out of the way...? Vieques, a small island some miles from the Fajardo <BR>coast. <BR> <BR>Lajas is my hometown; if you are interested feel free to e-mailed me to this site or directly. My husband (an American) absolutely loved the snorkeling in the area. <BR> <BR>Thanks for visiting my island and hope you have a great time! <BR>

Tracy----the following is a message I have tried to sent you and seemed not to have been transmitted: <BR> <BR>The phone number for the Hotel Casablanca in La Parguera is (787) 899-4250. The owner's name is Mr. Roberto Alvarez, his e-mail address is <BR>[email protected] (courtesy of his cousin Toby). This hotel is cheaper than the Parador, not as nice, but I believe is nice enough. The rooms are large and comfortable, but not luxurious. Please be advised, that there is a lot of re-building going on in PR after the Hurricane. Be sure to ask about that. Right next to it is <BR>the Dive shop I mentioned on my previous post (phone number is <BR>787-899-4698) . These hotels are within walking distance to good <BR>restaurants. Of special mention is Mi Casita (amazing seafood and local <BR>snacks!!). Great pina coladas just about anywhere in La Parguera!! <BR> <BR>As far as the NE quadrant of the island, the folllowing water sports shops are tops in that area: <BR> <BR>--Captain's Jack's in Fajardo (Villa Marina Yacht Harbor) (787) <BR>863-1905 <BR> <BR>--Chamonix Catamaran in Fajardo (located at El Conquistador Resort) (787) 863-1000 ext. 6594 <BR> <BR>--Coral Head Divers (near the Westin) in Humacao (Palmas del mar Resort) 1-800-635-4529 or (787) 850-7208 <BR> <BR>The Fajardo locations should be able to help you also with Vieques <BR>diving info. <BR> <BR>Tracy, hope you guys have the best time. <BR> <BR>

If you visit the Southwest corner of Puerto Rico, take the "new" highway, Rt 52 both ways. I just spent 10 days in Puerto Rico (7 days on the big island, 3 on Vieques). Trying to come back to San Juan around the west via route 2 takes forever once you reach Mayaguez. Another nice place to stay is Parador Villa del Mar 787-899-4265 Its up on a hillside and the view is terrific. About $80 night, double. <BR>My friend and I also loved Boqueron, which is just a bit further north and west. Visit Buye Beach (snorkle or dive) to see incredible live coral. Huge sea fans, brain coral, gorgeous colors. Another option is to take the short hop flight to Vieques. My husband and I just got back from 3 days there. $100 round trip Vieques Air Link which is about a 20 minute flight from San Juan. Use Blue Caribe Dive Center in Esperanza. Stay at Trade Winds, Amapola Inn or Bananas. The last two are really basic and cheap. Trade Winds is $70 night for airconditioned basic double. Probably a bit quieter. <BR>If you have more $ to spend, you might try Casa del Frances. Two really snazzy places are Inn on the Blue Horizon and Villa Tamarindo, but they probably want 1 week minimum. A super thrill is the bio-luminescent bay trip.

Two words: La Parguera. Period.