In this article, we will talk about diving and snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. How much it costs, what to expect from these activities, and where to look for spots in the country. There will be tips and recommendations. You will also learn about the process of preparing for the dive and about the briefing.
Diving and snorkeling in the Dominican Republic: General facts
Here are some important things to know::
- The Dominican Republic is washed by two water areas at once:
- In the north, the Atlantic Ocean
- In the south, the Caribbean Sea
- Diving is better in the south, as there the sea is calmer and the water is more transparent. But there are also excellent points in the north. And snorkeling is available both in the north and in the south.
- The Dominican Republic is not Egypt, so be prepared for this right away. The Red Sea is considered the second most diverse underwater world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Here, near every hotel, there are corals with thousands of inhabitants. It’s much worse in the Dominican Republic. You will understand everything from the photo.
Myths about diving and snorkeling in the Dominican Republic:All the websites say that the Dominican Republic is one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling. And every year tens of thousands of tourists come here specially for this. Don’t believe it, it’s all nonsense :). Yes, there is an underwater world, but very poor. And no one will let you swim with whales, it is forbidden by law, although many write the opposite. In a free environment, manta rays do not swim here either. They can be found if only in the Adventure Park in Puerto Plata.
Diving and snorkeling in the Dominican Republic: spots to watch
I didn’t write above, but I think you know the difference between diving and snorkeling.
Useful to know:Diving is a balloon dive to a depth of 5-8 meters (for beginners). Snorkeling — you simply snorkel on the surface of the water and watch the underwater world.
Diving is more expensive, you don’t organize it yourself, as you need to have all the equipment. Snorkeling is easy. If you have a snorkel and a mask, you can already go snorkeling.
Below is a list of popular resorts where there are popular diving centers and diving spots:
- Between the resorts of Punta Cana and Bavaro, there are about 15 diving spots. Everything for beginners.
- Between Catalina Island and Bayahibe Beach. 40 meter high reef wall. I recommend it to everyone. Beginners dive up to 10m. If you have a PADI certificate, then dives go much deeper.
- Near Saona Island. It has some of the biggest stars in the world.
- Near the resorts of Sosua and Cabarete.
- Not far from Bayahibe beach, there is a sunken cargo ship with a length of 80m. They also take you here for diving
These are probably the most popular diving spots in the entire Dominican Republic.
Important to know:Avoid taking diving trips to Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo. These are major port cities — there are reefs, of course, but the transparency of the water is much less than in other places.
Snorkeling can be done on any beach in the country, but I recommend paying attention to the following spots, which are very popular:
- Saona Island
- Glamping in the Bay of Eagles — there is generally a fairy tale here
- Bacardi Island
Remember:That recently, according to the law of the Dominican Republic, it is forbidden to raise starfish above the water. Even for a second to take a photo. You can hold it in your hands, but only under water.
Travel Tips
- If you buy yourself such entertainment, then you will be given everything you need.
- And if you want to be able to snorkel yourself on any beach and in any place, then you need to have your own:
- The phone number
- The mask
- Coral slippers or fins
- Always plan a minimum of 4 hours for a diving tour, and more often it’s all day.
- Standard prices per person for the whole day from $ 150-200.
- If drinks and lunch are almost always included in the program price, here’s what you should remember to take with you::
- towel
- protective cream
About excursions to the Dominican Republic, how and where to buy, there and about diving tours read the link.
In conclusion: diving and snorkeling in the Dominican Republic is available. But if you have been snorkeling in Egypt or diving in the Maldives, then you will not be interested in the Dominican Republic. The underwater world is much more sparse here. But for beginners who want to try out what it is — a great option.
I wish you cool and unforgettable underwater encounters!
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