Punta Cana

[Laura n]

I am going to Punta Cana in December. I am certified to scuba dive but haven't been in the ocean yet. I am looking for an easy dive. I would like to see turtles. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!
Laura

 

[maj2]

Punta Cana had a lot of surge while we were there, but it was quite manageable.

The problem with diving in Punta Cana is that there just isn't much to see.

Best bet is to take a day to go to La Romana/Bayahibe/Catalina Island. It is a bit of a drive, but well worth it for the improved quality of diving. Can't say that you will see turtles, but you will see a ton more life that you will see at the sites of Punta Cana.

 

[dvrdv]

Diving Punta Cana / Bavarro Beach is very different than say other tropical / Caribbean destinations. Punta Cana is on the Atlantic side of the island so it is windy, thus a significant surge. One has to be very careful and hang on when striding into the water off the boat due to the chop. Also, as soon as you hit the water it's a good idea to descend immediately. The dives are pretty shallow not much deeper than 35' to 50' fsw. To my surprise the viz was excellent and we dived some amazing beautiful swim thrus. There are two shallow shipwrecks ( the Astron and the Monica ) not far off the coast that I thought were really interesting dives. With the surge you have to be alert and careful around all the twisted metal of the wreck. Saw my first lionfish on this dive and it was about as big as a basketball ! Overall, I thought the Punta Cana diving was a great experience and I agree with maj2 that booking a dive trip to Catalina and Sanoa islands is well worth it ( those islands are on the Caribbean side ) ..... Hope you enjoy the trip and safe diving!