diving the dominican republic

[lynnemari]

How is the diving in the dominican republic. We have a time share that we exchange, and the dominican republic is always available to trade into, we like to dive on our vacations, but want good diving, will we be dissapointed? Is feb a good month there?
thanks
Lynne

 

[diversteve]

You might PM Howarde, he's been diving on a project in Samana for a while.

 

[DCBC]

Depending upon your expectations and experience, you should be satisfied. I dove with Stellina Diving in Las Terrenas. They are a small operation but the number of divers are also small (4-6). I enjoyed a nice wall dive there (Cabo Cabron) but it wasn't very accessible (about 40 minutes by boat).

 

[Fernie]

Anyone know who the padi dive operator? in Samana's Gran Bahia El Portillo? What are the must see dive sites? Cany any one recommend them? Whats the aprox cost per dive? How far are the sites from the hotel? Whats the reef like? Any wrecks?

 

[DRsharky]

As said above, it depends what you expect. If you want to see BIG stuff, this is not the right place. Even though I saw last month couple whales (whale season ending now), couple months ago a hammer head and tiger shark. But there is no guarantee you will see anything like this.
Most of the divers that tried diving at different parts of Dominican Coast will tell you that the best diving is on the south side (the Caribbean coast). More choices of dive sites, day trips with diving, corals and marine life not as damaged as elsewhere.
Fernie, I haven't heard about diving around Samana much, the area is famous for whale watching.
lynnemari - I would suggest if you have a choice, to go to La Romana area (Bayahibe).

 

[Fernie]

Anyone ever heard of scubaquatic? in Samana? I see there are a few wrecks...but anyone know anything else about diving there?

 

[DRsharky]

I believe scubaquatic operates in Gran Bahia Principe resort chain in DR, so if you are at the resort, you can try them. But you won't find much info about diving around Samana area, like I said before it's more for whale watching then scuba diving. I remember there were some treasure hunters, but I am not sure if they are still there.