Scuba Diving in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic may be best known for its plethora of all-inclusive resorts but this vibrant Caribbean nation has so much more to offer visitors. Located on the island of Hispaniola, travelers will love the laid-back vibes, vibrant nightlife and hundreds of beautiful beaches. History buffs will enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo (one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean) while thrill-seekers can get their adrenaline rush whitewater rafting, paragliding, horseback riding and waterfall hunting. And thanks to its large coastline, scuba diving and snorkeling in the Dominican Republic is excellent for all levels.

GETTING THERE

  • The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country, meaning U.S. citizens require a passport to travel there. See TSA requirements for the most up to date information.

  • The Dominican Republic is well connected with plenty of flight options from the United States, Canada and Europe. The main airports are Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ)and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), with additional international airports in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Samaná.

  • The best way to get around the Dominican Republic is by car—either a rental from the airport or one of the unmetered multi-passenger taxis found along the main drags called públicos. Spot a público by the white seal on the front door.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country.

  • Time zone: Coordinated Universal Time and Greenwich Mean Time.

  • Primary languages: Spanish and English.

  • Currency: Dominican peso. U.S. dollars and Euros are accepted in many tourist areas.

  • Phone and internet: Phone service is available from most U.S. phone carriers (you may need to activate international roaming). Internet is readily available including Wi-Fi at hotels and restaurants. The international calling code is +809.

  • Voltage: 110 (The U.S. voltage is 120 V so Americans can use their electric appliances in the Dominican Republic).

  • Hurricane season runs from June to October in the Dominican Republic.

  • There are currently no travel health and safety notices in effect for the Dominican Republic.

 

Top Dive Shops in this Country

BAYAHIBE
Dominican Republic

Scuba Fun

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Cave Dive

    Cave Dive

    Explore submerged caves and passageways in one of the most exciting types of adventure scuba diving available. Best for experienced divers.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Night Dive

    Night Dive

    A night dive offers the chance to experience marine life that can only be seen in the dark. Rocks and colors appear more vivid and even familiar spots become mysterious.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
As low as 69.00

BAVARO
Dominican Republic

Global Divers

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 89.00

BAVARO
Dominican Republic

Happy Dive Center

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Night Dive

    Night Dive

    A night dive offers the chance to experience marine life that can only be seen in the dark. Rocks and colors appear more vivid and even familiar spots become mysterious.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Shark Dive

    Shark Dive

    There is a high probability of seeing sharks — from nurse sharks to reef sharks — on this type of dive. It’s one of the most exciting scuba diving adventures that most of us will ever have!
As low as 50.00

BAVARO
Dominican Republic

Scuba Dive Dominican

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Cave Dive

    Cave Dive

    Explore submerged caves and passageways in one of the most exciting types of adventure scuba diving available. Best for experienced divers.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
As low as 59.00

CABARETE
Dominican Republic

Dive Cabarete

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Cave Dive

    Cave Dive

    Explore submerged caves and passageways in one of the most exciting types of adventure scuba diving available. Best for experienced divers.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
As low as 55.00

SOSUA
Dominican Republic

Northern Coast Diving

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 50.00

PUNTA CANA
Dominican Republic

Pelicano Sport

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Night Dive

    Night Dive

    A night dive offers the chance to experience marine life that can only be seen in the dark. Rocks and colors appear more vivid and even familiar spots become mysterious.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 59.00

PUNTA CANA
Dominican Republic

SeaPro Divers

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Cave Dive

    Cave Dive

    Explore submerged caves and passageways in one of the most exciting types of adventure scuba diving available. Best for experienced divers.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
As low as 89.00

BAYAHIBE
Dominican Republic

El Tour Caribe

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Drift Dive

    Drift Dive

    Experienced divers use natural currents to navigate through a dive site in this kind of scuba diving experience.
  • Night Dive

    Night Dive

    A night dive offers the chance to experience marine life that can only be seen in the dark. Rocks and colors appear more vivid and even familiar spots become mysterious.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
As low as 990.00

LOS MELONES
Dominican Republic

Go Dive Bayahibe

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Turtle Dive

    Turtle Dive

    Sea turtles are one of Earth’s most ancient creatures, and these types of dives offer a high probability of seeing green turtles or leatherback turtles, among others.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 349.00

PUNTA CANA
Dominican Republic

Art of Diving

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Cave Dive

    Cave Dive

    Explore submerged caves and passageways in one of the most exciting types of adventure scuba diving available. Best for experienced divers.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
As low as 50.00

JUAN DOLIO BEACH
Dominican Republic

Tanya

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Turtle Dive

    Turtle Dive

    Sea turtles are one of Earth’s most ancient creatures, and these types of dives offer a high probability of seeing green turtles or leatherback turtles, among others.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 55.00

 

DIVE CONDITIONS

  • Water temperatures range from 75 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 84 degrees in summer. The Caribbean side of the island is typically warmer than the Atlantic side.

  • Average water visibility is 50 to 100 feet but can be higher or lower depending on the weather.

  • WHEN TO GO

    • The Dominican Republic offers great diving conditions all year round.

    • The best time for whale watching is late December to April.

    • The peak season for tourism is December to May.

  • WHAT YOU’LL SEE

    • Between the reefs, wall dives, caves and shipwrecks, divers can expect to encounter a variety of colorful marine life in the Dominican Republic including turtles, nurse sharks, butterflyfish, eagle rays, barracuda and jacks. A major highlight is diving to the soundtrack of humpback whales that visit the Silver Banks in February and March.

BEST SCUBA DIVING SITES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

CATALINA ISLAND

This small island and national park located about 5 miles off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic is home to two fantastic dive sites that are best for more advanced divers. The Wall drops to 100 feet and houses mesmerizing black corals, sponges and tropical fish. The Aquarium is shallower at only 40 feet deep and true to its name, is a hot spot for puffer fish, barracudas, stingrays and more.

BOCA CHICA

With its calm waters and relatively shallow depths, this protected bay located just outside of the island’s capital is great for beginners. Here you’ll find an array of hard and soft coral and sponges with colorful reef fish, spiky crustaceans, magical starfish and lively seahorses. And because of Santo Domingo’s history as one of the most bustling ports in the New World, expect to encounter more than a few historical wrecks resting on the sand bottom.

BAYAHIBE

Off the shore of this charming fishing village you’ll find tranquil and crystal-clear waters that offer divers of all levels diverse marine life encounters including turtles, eels, tropical fish and maybe even a passing manatee. The Atlantic Princess shipwreck lies 45 feet below the surface and is great for both beginners (who can check out the front deck) and more experienced divers (who can explore the cavernous compartments).

LUPERON WALL, NORTH COAST

Advanced divers will love gliding next to eels, grouper, barracuda, turtles, manta rays and more at this rich wall that’s located 15 minutes from the shore by boat.

BEST SNORKELING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

While the Atlantic side of the Dominican Republic can be rough, snorkelers can happily float around the calm waters of the Caribbean on the island’s southern coast. Popular offshore snorkeling sites include Cayo Arena, Sosua and La Romana. And don’t miss Catalina island or the Silver Banks during whale season.

DISCOVER UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SANTO DOMINGO

Explore one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, complete with cobblestone streets, UNESCO-protected landmarks and ancient churches. But although the city (particularly the central neighborhood of Zona Colonial) may be steeped in history, the galleries, cafés and bustling restaurants are totally hip.

PUNTA CANA

This postcard-worthy destination located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic offers gorgeous white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. This is the ultimate relaxation destination for sun-worshippers who are perfectly happy going from their all-inclusive resort to the pool and then on to the beach—on repeat.

SALTO ALTO

Ready your Instagram for this jaw-droppingly beautiful waterfall on Península de Samaná. After snapping the obligatory photos, take a dip in the lagoon and soak up the rainforest atmosphere.