One of my favorite diving areas of the Dominican Republic, if not number one. Water temperature is around 78-82 F year round, visibility is 30-80 ft, and the surface is almost always calm since it is a protected large half-bay. The best dives are at Catalina (nice wall dive and nearby shallow reefs inhabited by many juvenile fish) and Saona islands, a 20 minute boat ride west or east of Bayahibe respectively.
The corals are healthy with predominantely hard corals, gorgonians and sponges populating the reefs. Small critters abound, especially arrowhead crabs, green anemones, pedersen shrimps, fire worms, sea cucumbers, hermitage crabs, etc. Large marine life does not; like other caribbean islands, many of its shores have been overfished. You will not see the many snapper, angel, parrot fish that inhabit the Cayman Islands, Bonaire or Cozumel. Take my advice, dive slowly looking for the small stuff and you will have a great time underwater. Do not leave behind your macro photography setup!
Over the years, The number of resorts in the area has grown to approximately six, all large (400+ rooms), all inclusive and offering water sports, including diving. Historically, Europeans and Canadians have comprised more than 90% of visiting tourists, but Americans are now steadily growing in number. The Dominican Republic unquestionably offers the best bang for the buck in the Caribbean when it comes to all inclusive resorts; and Bayahibe is the best area to share with non-divers since its beaches are beautiful, all resorts are of good to excellent quality, the food, the rum and the cerveza Presidente are excellent, it is a fairly short drive from the capital Santo Domingo (in case you want to go sightseen), golf courses and excursions are available, and the diving is pretty good.
The best diving operators are located in the Gran Ventana Dominicus hotel (Viagi del Ventaglio Italian hotel chain) and the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus (Dressel Divers), the latter, in my opinion, also being the best resort in Bayahibe. Casa Daniel, a small hotel, also serves divers visiting for the day.
To get there, fly to La Romana (LRM) for a 15 minutes drive to the resorts, or Santo Domingo (SDQ) for a one hour and 15 minutes drive. You will need a passport and tourist card (US$20).
Edwin Leschhorn
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