The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean with dive sites for all experience levels. Whether you’re an underwater photographer, curious about cavern diving or someone who just learned to scuba dive, there are excellent scuba diving opportunities all around the Dominican Republic. Read on to learn more about the best dive sites in the Dominican Republic, plus an unforgettable underwater experience accessible to non-divers.
The Best Dive Sites in the Dominican Republic by Type
Before we dive into the specifics, here’s an overview of some of the best dive sites in the Dominican Republic.
Areas With the Best Diving Overall
- Bayahibe
- Catalina Island
The Best Dive Sites for Beginners
- The Astron, Igneri Caribe Taino Underwater Museum (Punta Cana/Bavaro)
- The Aquarium, Peñon Reef (Bayahibe)
The Best Dive Sites for Experienced Divers
- Saint George Wreck
- Isla Catalina Wall
- Airport Wall (Sosúa)
Best Areas for Divers With Non-Diving Companions
The Best Dive Sites in Bayahibe
What was once a small fishing village is now a scuba diving hotspot. Bayahibe’s seagrass beds and coral reefs are a haven for marine life, including four species of turtles and sweet, gentle manatees. Top dive sites include:
- Peñon Reef — Located within Cotubanamá National Park, this shallow reef is home to eagle rays, sea turtles, octopuses, lobster, Caribbean squid and even seahorses.
- The Aquarium — Many divers say this dive site is their favorite. The max depth is around 10 m/30 ft and, as the name suggests, The Aquarium is home to a wide variety of colorful reef fish.
- Atlantic Princess — A passenger ship that ran aground in 2008, the Atlantic Princess sits in about 12 m/40 ft of water and is accessible for divers of all levels.
- Saint George —The 73 m/240 ft cargo ship rests in 37 m/120 ft of water, and the surrounding reefs feature swim-throughs and caves. This dive is recommended for advanced divers only, or divers who want to pursue cavern, deep or wreck diver training.
- Isla Catalina Wall — Located on the east side of Catalina Island, Isla Catalina Wall is known for exceptional visibility and abundant sea life. The site drops to more than 40 m/130 ft, but the best part is around 12 to 18 m/40 to 60 ft. Catalina Island is an easy day trip from Bayahibe or La Romana and also has great snorkeling.
The Best Dive Sites in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a well-known resort destination, but it’s also where the longest reef in the country begins, ending at the town of Bavaro. Punta Cana and Bavaro have beautiful beaches and beginner-friendly diving. Most sites have a max depth of 18 m/59 ft or less and are only a short boat ride from shore.
You can even see part of the Astron sticking out above the waterline. The 90-meter/300-foot-long Russian cargo ship sits in approximately 15 m/50 ft of water and can be enjoyed by divers of all levels.
Other top dive sites near Punta Cana include:
- The Enriquillo RM-22, a purpose-sunk US Navy tug boat
- Saona Island
- The Igneri Caribe Taino Underwater Museum
Puerto Plata and Sosúa Bay
Sosúa Bay, on the island’s north shore, has dive sites for both new and experienced divers. The Canyon is a great dive for all levels, but the best dive site in the area, Airport Wall, is recommended for experienced divers only (due to depth and current).
Airport Wall starts at 12 m/40 ft and drops to 36 m/118 ft. For divers with the training and experience, there are swim-through opportunities. Divers can see barracudas, eagle rays and reef sharks.
Cayo Reef, Paradise Island
Paradise Island (Cayo Arena) is an easy day trip from Puerto Plata. This tiny island has a pristine reef where schools of colorful fish flourish and interesting critters, such as octopuses and crabs, wait to be discovered by curious divers and snorkelers.
Silver Bank
The most famous underwater attraction in the Dominican Republic isn’t even a dive site. Silver Bank is one of the few places in the world where it’s legal to snorkel with humpback whales.
Each year, from December through March, 3,000 to 5,000 whales arrive at Silver Bank to mate, birth and nurture their young. Access is limited to 600 tourists per year. If you miss your chance to book a visit to Silver Bank, you can sometimes hear the whale singing while diving at other sites on the north shore.
Explore Diving in the Dominican Republic
Ready to dive in? Contact one of the many dive shops in the Dominican Republic to find out about the best diving opportunities near you. If you’re still planning your trip, check out this overview of where to dive in the Dominican Republic.
