🇩🇴Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Dominican Republic

Caribbean Sea

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North Atlantic Ocean

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Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

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Greater Antilles

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3 Rocks

3 Rocks is located a 7-minute boat ride from Sosua Beach, making it accessible for divers of all levels. The site features a 15-foot drop to a sandy bottom, with three rocks at depths ranging from 15 to 24 feet, home to various reef fish. It is also popular for snorkeling, so expect some boat traffic.

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3. Riff

3. Riff is an underwater structure resembling a mountain, with depths reaching approximately 30 meters (98 feet) on the northern side and up to 55 meters (185 feet) on the southern side. This site is primarily suited for advanced divers, as the average depth exceeds 20 meters (65 feet), making it ideal for deep diving. Marine life includes occasional sightings of nurse sharks, moray eels, and numerous schools of fish. The reef is also home to a significant population of lobsters and crabs.

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Almendra

Almendra is characterized by a flat area that transitions into a steep wall, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The site is particularly advantageous for training and educational dives, as well as for those looking to explore deeper waters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including both large and small species, such as shrimp, crabs, barracudas, and even sharks.

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Aquarium Boca Chica

Aquarium Boca Chica is located in the lagoon, approximately 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica. The dive site features a maximum depth of 8 meters and consists of a shallow reef that is often subject to swell. The underwater landscape includes alternating sandy areas and coral blocks. Divers can expect to encounter rays in the sandy regions, along with various reef fish, snails, and moray eels.

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Astron Wreck

The Astron Wreck is a former Russian freighter that measures 127 meters (416 feet) and rests at a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet). The wreck is broken in two, with the bow above water and the stern submerged, making it accessible for divers to explore its structure. Marine life includes barracudas, rays, and various snapper species, along with a range of corals.

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Astron, wreck

The Astron wreck is located just offshore from Punta Cana, resting at a depth of 40 to 50 feet. This 300-foot Russian vessel sank in 1979 while transporting corn to Cuba. Divers can access the site via shore entry, with portions of the wreck still visible above the water's surface. The area around the wreck is home to various marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, potential sightings of eagle rays, turtles, and numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, anemones, and grouper.

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Atlantic Princess (Wreck)

The Atlantic Princess wreck is located in the Bayahibe area, directly in front of Dreams La Romana Resort. This former passenger liner measures 30 feet in width and 99 feet in length. It was intentionally sunk in May 2009 to serve as an artificial reef. The site is home to various marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and potentially eagle rays and turtles. Divers can also observe a variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, along with anemones.

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Atlantic Princess Wreck

The Atlantic Princess wreck is located off the beach near the Dreams Dominicus La Romana resort in Bayahibe. Sunk in 2009 in shallow waters, the wreck is damaged due to storms, with significant destruction at the top. Entering the wreck can be hazardous due to loose debris; the site is suitable for diving at a depth of around 10 meters.

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Bavaro

Bavaro is part of the largest reef system in the country, shared with Punta Cana. The dive site features diverse coral gardens and underwater passageways. Divers can encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of seeing eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Common fish species include snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry to this site is from the shore.

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Bayahibe

Bayahibe is a notable dive site in the Dominican Republic, featuring both shipwrecks and coral reefs. The area includes national parks that are home to unique caverns and swim-throughs. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life typical of the Caribbean, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Other species commonly seen are turtles, stingrays, and various fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is accessible from the shore.

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Boya Blanca

Boya Blanca is a shallow reef dive with a maximum depth of 10 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers and those in training. The site features a variety of small fish, schools of fish, moray eels, crabs, and small rays. The underwater landscape includes interesting coral formations alongside sandy areas, providing a diverse environment for exploration and underwater photography.

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Cabo Cabron - The Wall

Cabo Cabron - The Wall offers a dive experience that begins at a depth of 6 meters and descends to over 30 meters. The site features pristine corals and a variety of sponges, providing habitat for numerous Caribbean fish species. Divers may encounter turtles, rays, and sharks during their exploration. In the winter months, the sounds of singing whales can be heard underwater, adding to the unique experience of this dive site.

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Cabu

Cabu is a dive site located 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica, suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The optimal diving depth ranges from 15 to 25 meters. Divers can explore a vibrant reef characterized by beautiful corals and abundant marine vegetation. The site is home to various fish species, and divers may occasionally encounter nurse sharks among the lively reef.

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Canyon 1, Boca Chica

Canyon 1 is situated approximately 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica. This dive site features a reef characterized by several valleys, with depths ranging from 12 to 27 meters. It accommodates both beginner and advanced divers. Marine life includes occasional sightings of nurse sharks and turtles, along with large schools of fish. Divers may also encounter lobsters hiding under rocks and corals, as well as stingrays in the sandy areas between the valleys.

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Canyones, Boca Chica

Canyones, located approximately 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica, features a reef characterized by numerous valleys that divers can explore. The dive site ranges in depth from 12 to 27 meters, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Marine life observed here includes nurse sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish. Divers may also encounter lobsters hiding under rocks and stingrays resting in sandy areas.

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Canyons - Dominican Republic

Canyons in the Dominican Republic features a diverse underwater landscape with coral reefs, canyons, swim-throughs, and arches. The dive site has depths ranging from 7 to 14 meters, making it suitable for both beginner divers looking to practice buoyancy and more experienced divers seeking exploration opportunities. Marine life includes the potential to encounter large crabs (centollo) and occasional nurse sharks resting in the tunnels. Tropical fish species are also present, along with the occasional sighting of lionfish.

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Catalina Aquarium

Catalina Aquarium offers a shallow dive experience, typically utilized as a second dive by charter boats. The site is characterized by an abundance of marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Divers can also encounter turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. This location is also suitable for snorkeling due to its accessible depth and diverse aquatic ecosystem.

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Catalina Island - Dominican Republic

Catalina Island is a natural park with restricted access, featuring a single small beach for shore entry. The site is known for its impressive wall dive, which showcases spectacular underwater formations. Divers can explore shallow reefs that are suitable for both diving and snorkeling. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. A variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper can also be seen in this vibrant ecosystem.

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Catalina The Wall

Catalina The Wall, also known as Santa Catalina Wall, is recognized for its impressive vertical drop, beginning at a shallow depth and descending significantly. The wall is adorned with a diverse array of corals in various colors and shapes. Divers can encounter typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of spotting eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Common fish species in the area include snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers of all experience levels.

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Catuan (Wreck)

The Catuan is a 33-meter tugboat that was intentionally sunk in 2006, resting at a maximum depth of 20 meters. This wreck has become an underwater habitat, attracting various marine life. Divers can encounter nurse sharks, large barracudas, and schools of fish, along with moray eels. The site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.

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Chorizo

Chorizo is located approximately ten minutes by boat from Bahia Principe Hotel Bavaro. The dive site features a coral reef with a sandy bottom at a depth of 10 meters. It is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Marine life commonly observed includes various corals, particularly sea fans, along with big barracuda, lobsters, and sting rays. A variety of tropical fish can also be seen in this area.

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Cinco Metros, Las Ballenas

Cinco Metros, located near the Ballenas Islands, is a dive site that starts at a depth of 2 meters and gradually descends to 6 meters. This site is suitable for snorkeling and beginner divers. The underwater environment is characterized by an abundance of fan corals and brain corals. Divers may encounter schools of snappers, surgeonfish, and parrotfish. Additionally, there are opportunities to observe octopuses, sea cicadas, lobsters, and large crabs.

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Coco Reef

Coco Reef features a vibrant coral garden located at a depth of 12 meters, showcasing various marine life with striking colors. Divers can encounter species such as frogfish, stingrays, barracudas, seahorses, turtles, eagle rays, and lionfish. The site is also suitable for training due to its accessible entry from the shore.

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Coral Gardens - Dominican Republic

Coral Gardens offers a mini wall dive that descends to a depth of 15 meters. The area is characterized by a healthy reef ecosystem, showcasing a variety of colorful corals and sponges. Divers can observe marine life such as cushion sea stars, queen angelfish, lobsters, turtles, spotted sand snake eels, and yellow stingrays during their dive.

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Creole Reef

Creole Reef features extensive coral formations located at depths of 24 to 28 meters. Divers can explore a small wreck situated at the base of the descent line. This site is accessible for advanced divers and offers a variety of marine life, including barracudas, moray eels, eagle rays, blue-spotted rays, and octopuses, alongside the typical Caribbean reef fish.

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Cuevitas - Dominican Republic

Cuevitas is situated off Playa Las Ballenas and consists of a series of small, easily navigable tunnels. Divers can see the exit from the entry point, making it accessible for those with good air management. The site is characterized by an abundance of coral, primarily fan and brain coral. Marine life commonly observed includes octopus, sea cicadas, lobsters, and large crabs.

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Dolphin (Wreck)

The Dolphin wreck is situated at a depth of 26 to 30 meters and is surrounded by sandy terrain. A descent line is available on one side of the wreck, which features open holds and an accessible cockpit. Nearby, small coral heads contribute to the dive's tranquil atmosphere. During the dive, divers can observe various marine life, including surgeonfish, snappers, and angelfish, with potential sightings of cuttlefish, moray eels, and barracudas.

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Dominicus Reef

Dominicus Reef is located off Dominicus Beach, accessible by a short boat ride from Bayahibe Bay. The dive site has a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) and offers an average visibility of 30 meters (100 feet). Divers can expect to see octopuses, moray eels, and various coral formations, making it suitable for all skill levels year-round.

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Dominicus Reef

Dominicus Reef is a shore-accessible dive site located at coordinates 18.366900, -68.852300. This site is part of a larger reef system that extends from Viva Shallow to El Peñon and Piscina Natural. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of eagle rays and turtles. Common fish species observed here include snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The reef features a diverse array of coral formations, contributing to the rich underwater ecosystem.

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El Ferry (Wreck)

El Ferry is a wreck measuring 30 meters in length, located at a depth of 10 meters. Divers can access the site easily via two descent lines positioned at each end of the wreck. The structure allows for swimming underneath, from the propeller to the bow, and offers opportunities to explore various small cavities that house numerous fish. Common marine life includes schools of sergeant majors and surgeonfish, along with potential sightings of scorpionfish, lobsters, octopuses, and trumpetfish.

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El Morro

El Morro is a dive site with a maximum depth of approximately 30 meters. Divers can expect to see coral reefs and a variety of marine life, including schools of fish and potentially larger species. The site is accessible via shore entry.

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El Niño

El Niño is a shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 7 meters (20 feet) and features diverse coral formations and schools of fish. Visibility is generally excellent, and diving is available year-round. The site is located approximately 30 minutes from Bavaro, Punta Cana, with an average water temperature of 27 °C (80 °F).

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El Peñon - Dominican Republic

El Peñon is a lengthy reef structure that can be segmented into three distinct dive areas, with depths ranging from 40 to 90 feet. This site is less frequented compared to other locations in the Dominican Republic, contributing to its relatively untouched environment. The dive site is accessed by boat. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, along with turtles and stingrays. A variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper can also be seen here.

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Gabi

Gabi reef is situated approximately 10 minutes from Boca Chica by boat. The dive site features depths ranging from 13 to 25 meters and is characterized by larger boulders and a substantial compact reef structure. It is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Marine life includes a variety of reef fish, crabs, and stingrays found among the coral formations. The site also showcases beautiful fan corals.

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Gorgonia Boca Chica

Gorgonia Boca Chica is situated approximately 15 minutes by boat from Boca Chica, with depths ranging from 20 to 60 meters. The site features numerous crevices and is characterized by lush vegetation. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including many species of fish and crabs, as well as frequent encounters with large barracuda and schools of fish.

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Guaraguao

Guaraguao is a shallow reef situated within Parque Nacional Del Este, reaching a maximum depth of 12 meters (40 feet). This site is suitable for novice divers and snorkelers. It features an artificial archaeological installation, where divers can explore cannons, cannonballs, and ancient muskets that have been salvaged from a sunken galley. Marine life commonly observed here includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, along with turtles and stingrays. A variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper can also be seen in this area.

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Jackson Sunken Island

Jackson Sunken Island is located across from Jackson Beach and features a healthy reef ecosystem. The site is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including various reef fish and moray eels. Surrounding the reef, divers may encounter sandy bottoms where rays are often spotted. The legend of the site suggests it was once an island that submerged, contributing to its unique underwater landscape.

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Jet Ski

The Jet Ski dive site features two jet skis intentionally sunk at a depth of 60 feet, situated at the base of a coral pinnacle. This location serves as a navigational point between various coral heads. Divers may encounter marine life such as turtles, rays, and a variety of small, brightly colored tropical fish. The area is also home to lionfish and showcases several coral mounts.

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La Farola

La Farola features a vertical wall that reaches depths of 25 meters, with the dive typically occurring between 12 and 20 meters. Divers can explore numerous small crevices along the wall, which may reveal various marine life. Common sightings include schools of platax, snappers, scorpionfish, octopus, moray eels, and both eagle and blue-spotted rays.

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Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas presents diverse underwater environments, including canyons, caverns, coral reefs, and vertical walls. The site is notable for its abundant marine life, featuring species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Divers can also observe a variety of fish, including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.

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Luca´s Reef

Luca's Reef is a drift dive site in the Dominican Republic with a depth of 12 meters and visibility between 15 to 20 meters. The area features both hard and soft corals, providing habitat for various marine life, including butterflyfish, baby box fish, spotted stingrays, eagle rays, and barracudas.

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Manolo Cave

Manolo Cave offers divers the opportunity to explore a small cave and several swim-throughs along a vibrant reef. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks often found resting under ledges, as well as reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Divers can also expect to see a diverse array of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. This dive site is accessible from the shore.

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Matthew Wreck

The Matthew Wreck, formerly known as the Dragon Smoke, is a sailboat wreck located on a sand patch surrounded by coral. At depths of around 20-30 feet, divers can see lionfish, drum fish, crabs, shrimp, nudibranchs, and lettuce slugs. Sea turtles and rays may also be spotted nearby.

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Nitrox Garden

Nitrox Garden is situated in the central area of the lagoon, approximately 15 minutes by boat from the dive center. The dive site features a buoy anchored at a depth of 20 meters, making it suitable exclusively for advanced divers. The southern side of the reef descends to depths exceeding 40 meters. Divers can explore hard corals, boulders, and small canyons that provide habitats for various marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and moray eels. Additionally, sightings of groupers, triggerfish, octopus, and the invasive lionfish are common in this area.

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Nitrox Garden 2

Nitrox Garden 2 is situated in the central area of the lagoon, approximately 15 minutes by boat from the dive center. The dive site features a buoy anchored at a depth of 20 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The southern side of the reef descends to depths exceeding 40 meters. Divers can explore hard corals, boulders, and small canyons that provide habitat for various marine life, including lobsters, crabs, moray eels, groupers, triggerfish, octopus, and the invasive lionfish.

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Paradise - Dominican Republic

Paradise in the Dominican Republic offers divers a range of depths from 8 meters to 32 meters, accommodating various skill levels. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including moray eels, nurse sharks, octopuses, eagle rays, stingrays, and squids, along with a variety of colorful fish. The underwater landscape features both hard and soft corals. Additionally, it is an excellent location for night dives, where divers can observe the bioluminescence of dinoflagellates in the water.

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Parede - Dominican Republic

Parede is a dive site situated approximately 15 minutes southeast of Boca Chica. The site features a round reef that reaches depths of around 20 meters, with outcrops extending up to 10 meters. It is accessible from the shore and is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The reef is adorned with a variety of corals and sponges, providing habitat for numerous species of reef fish, moray eels, as well as smaller marine life such as snails and lobsters.

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Park Reef

Park Reef is located near Punta Cana and is suitable for novice open water divers. The site features unique rock formations that are covered with corals and host a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter typical Caribbean species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of seeing eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Additionally, the area is populated with various fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.

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Pica Rocca

Pica Rocca is located approximately 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica, situated centrally in the lagoon to the south. The dive site is accessible from the shore and offers depths ranging from 12 to 25 meters. It is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Marine life includes various species of reef fish such as groupers, triggerfish, and moray eels, along with lobsters and snails. Notable features include large sponges that may house king crabs.

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Picadilly

Picadilly is located approximately 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica, situated centrally within the lagoon. The dive site is accessible to both beginner and advanced divers, with depths ranging from 13 to 22 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including groupers, triggerfish, moray eels, lobsters, and snails. Notable features of the site include large sponges that may house king crabs.

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Piedra Bonita

Piedra Bonita is a prominent rock formation that rises to approximately 55 meters, with optimal diving depths recommended above 35 meters to maximize dive duration. The site is characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including common sightings of sharks and turtles. The rock structure leads into a canyon, providing unique underwater features. Coral growth is abundant on the rock, contributing to the vibrant ecosystem.

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Punta Cana

Punta Cana is located along the longest reef system in the country, featuring a mix of artificial and healthy coral reefs that support a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter typical Caribbean species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, and possibly eagle rays. Additionally, sightings of turtles, stingrays, and various fish species including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are common. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater ecosystem.

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Ray Point

Ray Point is a wall dive starting at 60 feet and descending to over 150 feet. Expect a small current and no buoy, so divers should be comfortable with a free descent. Look for lionfish at depth; using Nitrox is recommended.

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Roccadilly

Roccadilly is located in a lagoon approximately 10 minutes by boat from Boca Chica, with depths ranging from 12 to 25 meters. This site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The underwater environment is home to a variety of marine life, including groupers, triggerfish, moray eels, lobsters, and snails. Notable features include large sponges, which can sometimes harbor king crabs.

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St George Wreck

The St George Wreck is a 73-meter (240-foot) cargo ship sunk at a depth of 44 meters (144 feet) to create an artificial reef. The wreck's stern sits at 30 meters (100 feet) and the top at 15 meters (50 feet). You can expect to see various marine life around the wreck, including fish that inhabit the structure.

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Stingray Point, Boca Chica

Stingray Point is situated approximately 12 minutes by boat southeast of Boca Chica. The dive site features a buoy anchored at a depth of around 16 meters, making it more appropriate for advanced divers. The underwater landscape consists of alternating sandy patches and reef blocks. Marine life commonly observed here includes stingrays, groupers, triggerfish, snails, and moray eels.

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The Aquarium

The Catalina Aquarium dive site is located on the west side of Catalina Island, starting at around 8 meters (26 feet) and descending to over 12 meters (40 feet). Expect to see various species of coral and marine life including rays, moray eels, lobsters, lionfish, and sea horses. Diving is available year-round, with optimal conditions from February to November.

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Tortuga

Tortuga is a dive site located in the La Romana area with a depth of 16 meters (52 feet). It features a variety of fish species, corals, and sea fans, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Visibility is generally good.

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Viva Shallow

Viva Shallow is a dive site located in the Bayahibe area, with depths around 5 to 12 meters. Divers can see a variety of marine life, including stingrays, barracudas, triggerfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels, along with gorgonian fans and tube sponges. This site is suitable for divers of all levels.

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West Wall

West Wall is a dive site located just a short 30-second boat ride from the shore, featuring a robust reef structure and three sunken Spanish cannons. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of spotting eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. The fish population is diverse, with species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper commonly observed.

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