Short Trip Report - 7/24 - Coral Point Diving, Bayahibe Dominican Republic

[JohnFWade]

Spent the morning of 24 July with Coral Point Diving. Much too short a time - I wish we could've made many more dives.
Gianluca Lamberti's operation is clean, professional, and from our brief encounter seemed very well run.
The two D.M.s we worked with were patient and helpful. The atmosphere was relaxed and calm - that's good if your brain is already sun-fried.
My wife and I dove two of the closest sites: Atlantic Princess, and Viva Shallow.

• The Princess is a straightforward reefed vessel. Though not 'prepared' it is upright, and easy enough to penetrate and still see easy exit. Many varieties of small and medium sized fish, lots of growth on the structure. Look for the little stuff, especially on the forward rails.
• Viva Shallow is a good end-of-the-day dive. Depth ranges from 6 to maybe 12 meters. Lots of little things to see along the edges of this bank of coral including small morays, rays, a variety of fish, crabs and shrimp. The soft corals are in very good condition.

Coral Point is set up to work with you however you come. I had gear, my wife didn't. Our two teenagers (not certified) snorkeled from the boat while we were down. Ag

We came over from a resort north of Punta Cana. While it may be possible to get a rental car for as little as $35 a day, we couldn't do it. Paying the $120 for a round trip shuttle bus was not out of line and worth it to just be able to relax and let someone who knows the area do the driving. There are no road signs at intersections in places like Bavaro...

 

[bluechub]

We dove with them this past Spring and had a great time. Highly professional, customer oriented dive operation. I also believe that now Coral Point Diving is a PADI IDC (they can certify up to Instructor level) with Course Directors on staff. Definitely an excellent choice in Bayahibe.