Dive operators / Sites in Santo Domingo DR

[Neena Da Gator]

My husband and I just had to switch our travel plans from Cancun/Cozumel to Santa Domingo, DR for next week (5/2 - 5/9) because of the whole Swine Flu thing. While not a huge risk we have to be in top shape when we return so we can't risk it.

We are actually going to be staying at the Oasis Hamaca Beach Hotel in Boca Chica and are looking to do a little diving while there. We have dove before in Sosua and liked it enough there so we figure the south side will be better and while no Cozumel - still enjoyable.

I have looked at a few posts here and there but with all the scramble to change plans I don't have time to dig deep into the searches for info on diving around Santa Domingo.

Most of what we see on the board here has to do with La Romana (sp?) and Bayahibe.

1. Are there good operators/dive sites near Boca Chica/Santo Domingo or would we be better off heading to the Bayahibe area?

2. If we go to the Bayahibe area what would be the best way to get there for the day? (cost, time, etc)

3. We really are not into wrecks, caves, or technical dives - we prefer drift dives and reefs at moderate depth and would like some suggestions for dive operators out of Boca Chica/Santo Domingo and/or from Bayahibe/La Romana (sp?)

Thanks in advance for your help with this,

Neena

 

[Robert van Brussel]

Hi Neena,

I am here for a longer time already (Bayahibe) but I have also visited the area of Boca Chica.
A familiar divecenter is called Caribbean Divers from Marcus Hammerle, easy and relaxed diving!!!
One hundred percent sure you will enjoy the south more than the north.
A bus trip to Bayahibe is a real adventure.............if you like more info about Bayahibe send me a PM.

NiceDives

Robert

 

[AZ_Zoner]

Get a hold of John at Scuba Fun SCUBAFUN Bayahibe, Dominican Republic in Bayahibe. He can provide you with any details you need. Maybe even set up transportation for you.

Craig

My husband and I just had to switch our travel plans from Cancun/Cozumel to Santa Domingo, DR for next week (5/2 - 5/9) because of the whole Swine Flu thing. While not a huge risk we have to be in top shape when we return so we can't risk it.

We are actually going to be staying at the Oasis Hamaca Beach Hotel in Boca Chica and are looking to do a little diving while there. We have dove before in Sosua and liked it enough there so we figure the south side will be better and while no Cozumel - still enjoyable.

I have looked at a few posts here and there but with all the scramble to change plans I don't have time to dig deep into the searches for info on diving around Santa Domingo.

Most of what we see on the board here has to do with La Romana (sp?) and Bayahibe.

1. Are there good operators/dive sites near Boca Chica/Santo Domingo or would we be better off heading to the Bayahibe area?

2. If we go to the Bayahibe area what would be the best way to get there for the day? (cost, time, etc)

3. We really are not into wrecks, caves, or technical dives - we prefer drift dives and reefs at moderate depth and would like some suggestions for dive operators out of Boca Chica/Santo Domingo and/or from Bayahibe/La Romana (sp?)

Thanks in advance for your help with this,

Neena

 

[DRsharky]

Hi Neena,
It's about an hour and 20 minutes drive from Boca Chica to Bayahibe, the taxi would be around 100 USD each way. You can take gua-gua - minivan transporting mostly locals - it's much cheaper then taxi, but it's good if you speak little bit Spanish to communicate with them. There are also buses going to La Romana and Higuay, they are more comfortable, so you can ask at the hotel about that and then the rest either the dive op can arrange the transport from La Romana or take gua-gua, it's about 20 minutes ride.
The diving on the south is better then on the north coast. I lived in Cabarete (10 min from Sosua) for 2 years and when I discovered this part of the island I decided to move to Bayahibe. I am pretty sure you will like the Caribbean diving better. I don't know much about Boca Chica dive operators, but know that some of them bring their customers to Bayahibe for diving. We have nice dive sites here for all levels of diving.