Blue brain coral pattern with irregular, wavy shapes.

Introductory Resources:

Marine Life and Biodiversity in Puerto Rico

marine life and biodiversity closeup of coral reef in Puerto Rico as diver swims behind branching coral

What to expect when scuba diving, snorkeling, or freediving in Puerto Rico:

An introductory resource for scuba divers, snorkelers, freedivers, and any nature enthusiasts who want to learn more about the marine life found in Puerto Rico.

Many things make Puerto Rico a special place: its rich culture, people, history, and natural wonders. Puerto Rico’s biodiversity, above and below the waterline, is one of the many awe-inspiring natural treasures of this Caribbean archipelago.

Puerto Rico is home to lush rainforests, bioluminescent bays, sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Its coral reefs, dive sites, and marine life regularly attract local and international scuba divers alike.

The island’s coastal zones and marine ecosystems play a vital role in the well-being of local communities and ecosystems. Many of its beaches serve as nesting sites for sea turtles and are home to hundreds of species.

Why should we better protect Puerto Rico's marine ecosystems?

The ocean covers most of our planet, regulates our weather and climate, provides most of our oxygen, and feeds much of the human population. Our blue planet is interconnected through oceans, and their wellbeing makes life on Earth possible.

Despite their importance, Puerto Rico’s marine ecosystems, like many others worldwide, are facing pressing threats of human activity, habitat degradation, climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution, and invasive species like the lionfish. Coral reefs in particular are experiencing increased threats posed by coral bleaching.

Marine ecosystems are crucial for bolstering climate resilience and supporting local economies. Coral reefs and coastal ecosystems provide coastline protection from hurricanes and erosion. Reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds also support water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments.

Scuba divers, snorkelers, freedivers, and anyone dependent on the ocean for recreation are ideally positioned to understand the importance of Puerto Rico’s marine life and advocate for its conservation.

close up of hawksbill turtle underwater in Puerto Rico

Why are coral reefs so important?

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Puerto Rico’s coral reefs are no exception. Reefs act as natural seawalls, reducing storm damage and flooding for coastal communities.

Besides providing the island with coastal protection, reefs are a source of food and shelter to numerous marine species, including crustaceans, seaweed, bacteria, fish, and more. Fish rely on reefs for protection from predators and ocean swells, and they are nursery grounds for many species.

Coral reefs are key contributors to the local economy through fishing and ecotourism. It is estimated that coral reefs contribute $36 billion in tourism revenue every year. Additionally, corals are considered key to medical breakthroughs. Many drugs are being developed from compounds discovered in coral reef animals and plants.

Beyond their cultural and economic value, reefs have important ecological functions. 25% of marine life worldwide depends on coral reefs. Reefs help maintain water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments. Coral reefs are home to important filter feeders, like sponges, that filter toxins and contaminants out of the oceans, and support large amounts of plant life that take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Scuba diver swims behind coral reef in La Parguera Puerto Rico

What marine life can you expect in Puerto Rico?

Scuba divers, snorkelers, and free divers can observe marine life around Puerto Rico’s beaches, fringing reefs, and patch reefs. This marine life includes plants, animals, and organisms across various ocean tidal zones.

Puerto Rico’s waters are home to a plethora of reef fish, sea turtles, rays, sharks, and elusive creatures tucked into coral crevices. The island lies on the migratory path of whales, which means that if you're lucky, you may spot a humpback whale breaching the water or hear their captivating song during a dive.

As far as corals go, divers can observe pencil, finger, brain, branching, and encrusting corals. Around the island, divers may also observe elkhorn corals, branching staghorn corals, sponges, and sea fans.

Marine life sightings in Puerto Rico include…

Reef Fish and Crustaceans: Trumpetfish, moray eels, seahorses, flounders, angelfish, groupers, parrotfish, barracuda, squirrelfish, butterflyfish, spiny lobsters, crabs, and more.

Sea Turtles: Regionally observed turtle species include green, leatherback, and hawksbill sea turtles, known locally as the “carey.”
Sharks and Rays: While other species can be seen, most commonly sighted are nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, southern stingrays, and the occasional spotted eagle ray.
Macro Marine Life: Slow down and look closer during your next dive. You may find nudibranchs, Christmas tree worms, shrimp, gobies, and more.

Souther stingray at the bottom of the ocean illuminated by a lantern

Remember, while marine life is abundant, no marine life sightings are ever guaranteed. Most importantly, divers are guests of this underwater realm. Please be respectful, keep our beaches clean, and avoid touching and harming marine life. To learn more about fishing regulations and marine species’ protected status in Puerto Rico, check out the resources provided by Sea Grant Puerto Rico and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).

Marine Life of Puerto Rico

IMAGE GALLERY

Get acquainted with Puerto Rico’s marine life using our gallery below. This resource is constantly growing and is by no means an exhaustive list of all marine species in Puerto Rico.

Non-scientific (common) names can vary, so please refer to scientific names to accurately differentiate species.

Wish to contribute to this gallery? We welcome submissions of high-quality photos and are glad to credit you by name. Please send us an email to hola@diveinpuertorico.com with your photo submission.