Diving in Dominican

[NewDiverMan]

Hi,

I was hoping to get some advice from some more experienced divers.
I am on holiday in the Dominican republic and they offer diving trips from the hotel.

I have looked on the PADI website and I don't think I'll need anything more than the discover sciba short course which allows basic diving up to 12 metres.

However, I don't want to get there only to find I should have completed a more advanced course to make the most of it.

Is the experience quite good at 12 metres or should I complete a more advanced course before I go. to allow deeper dives?

PS. Won't have loads of time to study on holiday so want to get some advice before I go

thanks all ! !

 

[Ice9]

What city in the D.R. are you visiting?

 

[Izze]

I went there in January for two weeks in Puerto Plata. I personally found the dives in the 6 - 10 metre range more interesting than the deeper dives. My wife did a discover scuba diving there and followed it up with getting a proper certification. Even if the DSD was handled well I'd still recommend getting a full OW certicate.

 

[Hinalo]

PADI Discover Scuba doesn't count toward OW cert, but if you're already there it may be the most practical option for getting you in the water and having fun. Then when you get home you can find a shop that will certify you so that wherever you go next time you can do what you want. This is close to what I did when I was in Kona a while back, and there is a lot to see at 30-40ft. I had such a good time that the first thing I did when I got home was to get my OW cert.

 

[Ice9]

I didn't find Puerto Plata to be at all spectacular. I prolly wouldn't dive it again...

 

[kckid]

Bayihibe SE part of the country is pretty nice. Dealt with Jon from SubaFun. Outstanding operation. Small town, so don't expect alot of entertainment.