Scuba diving Punta Cana

Scuba diving Punta Cana is not the best in the Dominican Republic . The problem is that Punta Cana is located on the eastern tip of the island, totally exposed to the Atlantic and those rough waters that make the area a windsurfing paradise. If you're a serious diver, don't marry a windsurfer - you'll never be able to vacation together! However, if you know where to go, you can find good scuba diving in Punta Cana.

That onshore Punta Cana breeze tends to decrease visibility for scuba diving Punta Cana. The waters also aren't very deep, so only relatively shallow dives are available. So basically, the diving in Punta Cana is best suited for beginners and intermediate divers, unless you're willing to drive a little.

That being said, if you're going to Punta Cana don't leave without getting wet. Scuba diving Punta Cana offers some nice shallow reef dives available. Scuba lessons are available at every hotel (demos are usually free), they will also take you on a Punta Cana scuba diving excursion directly from the beach. This is a great way to get comfortable diving. For the average vacationer who doesn't dive all over the world, do it, you'll have a blast scuba diving in Punta Cana!

Many of the tour operators for scuba diving Punta Cana offer great kids programs. Like the Bubblemaker program by Scuba Caribe that gives your child free scuba lessons in the pool, then takes them on a shallow reef dive with their parents. Our kids aren't old enough yet, but all the parents and kids we talked to said it was a great experience.

Tips for scuba diving Punta Cana

If you're a beginner, take the free demo in the pool to make sure you're comfortable in the water before you lay any money down for scuba diving Punta Cana.

Unless you're there for an extended period, don't get certified, it's a lot of work (and cash) - something you're better off doing at home.
The pool lessons will teach you enough to go on an open water dive (fine for beginners)

If you are certified - bring certification papers with you and your dive logs if possible.

Certified divers can get cheaper rates by booking directly with the tour operators (most easily done before you leave)

Equipment is included with every excursion and tends to be quite new.

If diving's your thing, bring flippers and mask for comfort (nothing beats your own stuff).

Boats tend to be small and open to the sun (bring sun-screen, gravol, hat, etc.

Tipping is optional, but is a good idea if you find they take care of you well.

Punta Cana scuba diving excursion to Isla Catalina and Isla Saona

There is one scuba diving excursion in Punta Cana that you can go on and is even worthy of the best divers. Hop on a tour going to Isla Catalina or Isla Saona. You'll have an hour and a half drive to Bayahibe (at La Romana). Most tours stop at Altos de Chavon, a recreation of a 16th century Caribbean village, definitely worth seeing. You'll then hop on a platform boat that will take you out to one of the islands. There is a section that they call the wall which is an 80 foot dive along the face of a cliff with beautiful clear water and neat marine life.

There are a few great reef dives at Isla Catalina and even a ship wreck, the wreck of the Ocean liner "Saint George" which sunk a few years ago and has created a great artificial reef ecosystem. A great environmental practice which is now being used all over the world. The wreck is a blast to explore, but you have to be certified. Most tours usually take you out to the "aquarium" where you'll be diving with sharks. This was a fun experience, but was quite crowded both times I went - I preferred the wall and the shipwreck! The waters off Bayahibe are calm and offer great visibility - this is the best scuba diving in the Dominican Republic.

The price for the tour to Isla Catalina is around $130 which includes two dives, open bar and lunch. The tour is $80 for sightseers not interested in diving

We're trying to work out a deal with a tour operator to get our visitors a reduced rate - so check back with us to see when it comes through.