Travel and diving in the Dominican (Bayahibe, Saona island and Catalina island)

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Located at only 30 minutes from Punta Cana, and about 10 miles east of La Romana on the shore of the Caribbean Sea, Bayahibe offers some of the best diving in the Dominican Republic. Most of the reefs are just off-shore and there is little to no currents. The stunning white beaches are the starting point for some amazing diving, Walls, Wrecks, Reefs and of course the dive excursions to Saona- and Catalina Island. For the tech divers Bayahibe offers amazing fresh water caves.


The best time of the year to visit Bayahibe is from December to mid-April. Hurricane season is from June to November, but the highest chance of being affected is from August to October.

The Dominican Republic is an ideal destination if you travel with divers and non divers in one group,there is plenty to do for those that don't dive; a vast array of watersports, excursions or just beach, pool & bar. Dive trips are usually organized as a half day trip for two dives. The Catalina and Saona trips are longer but they also cater to the non-divers.

Year round the waters are warm enough to dive in 3 or 5 mm wetsuits. 

The Dominican Republic is open for International visitors, read the latest update on protocols and restrictions.


Dive sites:

Saint George wreck


This 240 ft long freighter was sunk in 1999, and is recommend for Advanced divers only, maximum depth is 144 ft., the top of the wreck is at a depth of 50 ft. The wreck can be enjoyed inside and outside. The dive site is part of the National Park.


Penon reef, Saona Island


Beautiful Coral formations, Spotted Moray Eels, Scorpion fish, Calamari, Sting Rays & a wide variety of reef fish can be observed and enjoyed on this site, which is part of the National Park.

Atlantic Princess


The Atlantic Princess, a small cruise ship used to go around the Bayahibe area with tourists until it ran on ground in 2008 during Tropical storm Fay. The ship was cleaned up and prepared to be sunk and serve as an artificial reef but on the 9th of May 2009 it sank on its own and now rests in 40 ft of water to be enjoyed by all level divers. The Atlantic Princess is a shallow dive with an abundance of marine life which makes it great as a second dive of the day.

Catalina island, The Wall:


A very shallow coral reef for the snorkelers, and a stunning wall with a maximum depth of 148 ft. Dive operators normally make groups depending on experience and certification level. Most beautiful part of the wall is between 45 and 70 ft.

Catalina Island, The Aquarium;


This 42 ft deep reef is the second dive on the Catalina Island trip, and has amazing Corals and sponges, it is also a great place to see Rays, Barracudas, Angel fish, Trumpet and Puffer fish, Sea Horses & other species. 

Shark Point


This 82 ft deep wall is located near Catalina Island. Several caverns are waiting to be explored. This is the place to observe nurse and reef sharks. Eels, southern sting rays and eagle rays are part of the scenery. This site is for advanced divers.

Dominicus reef;

This reef is for all level divers with a depth from 45 to 60 ft. It is only 5 minutes away from Bayahibe in front of Dominicus. It is part of a huge reef thatoffers many corals and abundant marine life.

Viva Shallow;


This 15 to 27  ft shallow reef is ideal for beginners, but there is enough to see to attract more experienced divers as well. Often offered as a night dive . Expect to see lobster, eels, octopus and stingrays and plenty of small reef fish.

Lighthouse;

El Faro (lighthouse) dive site is located in front of the Dominicus lighthouse. This is a shallow dive with depths between 35 and 46 ft, here you can see, apart from abundant reef fish, one of the coral nurseries of Bayahibe.

La Jeringua ( Fresh water Cave)


La Jeringa is located in the Padre Nuestro Park, just outside Bayahibe.

Maximum depth is 15 meters (49 ft), in 2009 Dave Pratt & Christian Pittaro were the first ones to dive this cave.

This is a side mount cave with crystal clear waters, white walls and several restrictions (some of them no mount), it is made up of eroded sharp rocks.

One of the tunnels ends in a small air dome


Bayahibe/Dominicus offer several All Inclusive resorts that have a watersport/dive center on the property. There is also a the possibility to rent a Villa or Apartment.

If you are looking for a All inclusive resort we strongly recommend Dreams Dominicus wich is part of AM Resorts. This resort is set up with deluxe rooms, and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. It offers Buffet-style restaurants as well as a la carte, international drinks, kids club, animation, water sport & dive center, Gym, Amazing beach,...


If you rather stay in a nice Oceanfront Apartment, away from the crowds in the resorts, we suggest you have a look at CadaquesCaribe, they have a 9.0 guest rating. This property counts with a waterpark, mini market, private beach, snack bar, wine bar, shops, elevators, restaurant, church, pools, 24/7 security,...


Enjoy your Vacation !!!

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