Scuba Diving in Bayahíbe

Bayahíbe is the scuba diving capital of the Dominican south-east, and for many divers the best diving in the country that is easy to reach. The water is calm and clear most of the year, the reefs start minutes from the pier, and the area has a concentration of dive centers, including several inside the Dominicus resorts, such as the one at Catalonia Royal La Romana.

The signature dive is the St. George, a large cargo ship sunk off Bayahíbe as an artificial reef in 1999. It sits upright on a sandy bottom at around 40 to 44 meters, with the top of the structure at roughly 15 meters and the stern around 30 meters. That means advanced divers can explore the hull and deck, while newer divers can see the upper structure if they watch their depth. It is covered in coral and sponges and draws large schools of fish.

The area also has underwater "living museums", archaeological sites run with university partners where historic artifacts were left on the sea floor for divers to visit. Off Bayahíbe, the Guadalupe Underwater Archaeological Preserve has cannons and anchors from colonial-era ships; on Guaraguao reef, cannons and muskets lie in about 5 meters of water, shallow enough for snorkelers. Off Isla Catalina, the remains of a ship abandoned by the pirate Captain Kidd around 1699 lie in shallow water. Catalina's reef wall and the more remote reefs around Isla Catalinita are other favorites.

Prices vary by operator and package. Expect to pay noticeably more for the deep St. George dive and for long boat rides to Catalina or Catalinita than for local reef dives. Beginners can do a try dive or a full open-water course here, and the calm conditions make it a good place to learn. Check that the center is affiliated with PADI or SSI, shows you its equipment, and keeps small groups.

Practicalities: water temperature stays warm all year, so most people dive in a short wetsuit or rash guard. Visibility is often excellent, though plankton and rain can reduce it at times. Do not fly within 18 to 24 hours of your last dive, which matters if you are heading straight to La Romana or Punta Cana airport. If you are based in Punta Cana, our Punta Cana scuba diving guide covers sites on the east coast.

Best for: certified divers of all levels, wreck fans and anyone wanting to learn in calm water. Not ideal for: travelers short on time who only want a quick look (a snorkel trip is cheaper), or anyone with a flight the next morning.