Diving in the Dominican Republic?

[ChristineAlbanese]

My boyfriend won an all-inclusive beach vacation through a radio station contest (what luck, huh?!?)... They are sending us to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Neither of us are the resort type or beach-bum type so we decided to take advantage of this and find some diving to do to keep us occupied.


I cannot seem to find adequate information on the internet so maybe some experienced folk here can offer some info??


We are both certified for advanced open water. What are some popular dive sites around there? I know it isn't an IDEAL location for diving so I'd like to know what kind of experiences you guys have had here? We would like to hook up with a dive shop that is responsible and environmentally conscious (I know islands like this don't really care about conservation or the state of their reefs for the most part, I would not want to partake in any further detriment to their oceans)


Any info would help, thanks!!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Christine,

Always a good idea to search the board archives with this kind of question. Here's what we've got:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/search.php?searchid=16022509

Cheers,

DocVikingo

 

[Rhone Man]

I have been diving in DR a few times, but never in Punta Cana. I would probably describe the diving in the lower half of Caribbean diving, but certainly worth getting wet for. The trouble is, like so many poor Caribbean countries, much of the marine life has been eaten. Particularly close to shore. But on the plus side, conditions are not normally very challenging and as AOW you should be absolutely fine.

I am sure you will have a blast though. Those all inclusive resorts are a blast. You may find it a bit cheap and cheerful by North American standards, but if you just get stuck in and have fun, then I am sure you will have a blast.

 

[dfx]

Where exactly are they sending you? The south side of the island (Bayahiba, La Romana) has quite excellent diving and some dive shops around Punta Cana and Bavaro run day trips down there.

 

[Haiawata]

Hi Christine,
first, you are right about that Dominican Republic is not a great location to dive, it is not bad either. Almost anywhere you go, sites will be mediocre. Don't worry much about a partaken in reef deterioration, they are in that shape for years. Just relax, interact with people, have lazy dives,and enjoy.

 

[ChristineAlbanese]

Thank you everybody for your input! We have found a dive centre that looks pretty good and they offer diving excursions to Bayahibe (thanks for the recommendation DFX) and Saona.

I appreciate your responses, it has helped me gauge my expectations of the diving in DR.

Leaving this Saturday and can't wait to get underwater!

 

[Lionfish51]

Don't agree, if you lie reefs they are great, certain locations like St George which is 110 feet plus has large fish, day trip to out island has much more. Water at 110 was 83 degrees, we were there October 5 to the 12th, dived with the best shop on the island (Bayahibe) scuba fun, Johnny and the gang were the best and will keep us comming back just to dive with them, if you use them tell them Rick and Lynne sent you, they keep your gear, wash it, and pick you up and bring you back, they have Nitrox also,
Rick