Diving in Dominican Republic

[thollis]

Hi all,

Heading to DR in April 6th - 20th. I'm staying in Punta Cana at my timeshare the 9th-16th, but am wide open to explore the island and find other diving locals. I'm PADI certified, advanced open water, but with limited dives - under 50. Any suggestions?

-Hotels to stay
-Best diving
-Punta Cana dive sites

Anything!

Thanks.

Taj

 

[Robert62]

Hi,

Hotels: 6 all inclusive resorts (check Bayahibe/Dominicus hotels) and clean cheap village hotels: Hotel Bayahibe and Villa Iguana.

Best Diving: Nacional Park "Guaraguo", there are better places but still not developed and available for everybody. The 2 most famous divecenters in the village "Bayahibe" are called "Casa Daniel" and "ScubaFun" The all inclusive resorts have their divecenters on their property.

Punta Cana dive sites: 2 wrecks called "Astron" and "Monica" are worth a visit when circumstances permit you, a deep dive at "Deep Blue" in front of Hotel Catalonia also to consider.
Generally the reefs in front of the coastline are damaged since the last years, by bad weather and wave movement.

Have a good time

 

[ceccarelli]

It has just come to my attention that local boat operators in the Dominican Republic are taking out divers without any certification, membership to any dive organization, proper insurance,or anything else (o2 & safety gear). In the past they have taken out snorkelers but this is disturbing. Please choose a dive operator carefully. It might cost you an extra couple of bucks, but what is your life worth.

 

[Dhboner]

I've had two great experiences with ScubaFun in Bayahibe (about 90 minutes from Punta Cana). My favourite dives were the wreck of the St. George and Penon reef.

I've dived off Punta Cana and it's not too bad but nowhere near as good as the south coast.

DR Sharky (he's here on ScubaBoard) does more personalized charters from Bayhibe as well and all his customers rave about the experience.

I stayed at the Occidental Grand in Punta Cana, Dreams La Romana and Iberostar Bayahibe and enjoyed all three of them!

 

[thollis]

Thanks for the great information - I'll put it to good use.

 

[petra_reuter]

I just got back from the Dominican and went with Diving DR. Denise and Vlad are wonderful and I could not have had a better experience! It was very nice working with a small outfit that could personalize my trip.

Hope you enjoy the trip!

 

[thollis]

Petra - where were you in DR?

 

[petra_reuter]

Bayahibe - stayed at Dreams la Romana! I know Punta Cana is a bit of a hike but it would be worth it for a day trip or even better if you could stay a night and pack in two days.

 

[DRsharky]

thollis
look at our website for all accommodation options in the area, also you can check the dive sites we have around Bayahibe, the south side of the island. Like said above it is about 90 minutes from Punta Cana.

 

[thollis]

thanks Vlad - this is great information.