Scuba Diving in Punta Cana – your full guide with the best dive sites & dive shops in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, and for good reason. The clear turquoise waters offer visibility of up to 30 meters, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers alike. There are over 40 dive sites in Punta Cana (and surroundings) to explore, including wrecks, walls and reefs teeming with marine life. For those who are new to diving, there are plenty of Punta Cana dive shops that offer certification courses and affordable diving packages. These courses usually take around 3-4 days to complete and will allow you to dive independently under the supervision of a certified instructor.

This article is about scuba diving in Punta Cana. If you’re looking for other tours and activities, you can check out the best things to do in Punta Cana.
Alternatively, if you just want to go snorkeling instead of diving, have a look at the full snorkeling guide in Punta Cana.
For further adventurous activities incl. some DIY activities, check out the best Punta Cana adventures here.

About scuba diving in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a world-renowned destination for tourists seeking beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of water sports activities. Even though scuba diving in Punta Cana is not among the most popular activities and excursions in Punta Cana, there is still a good amount of visitors who want to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea.

When planning your Punta Cana diving holiday, you are spoilt for choice. There are over 25 dive shops in Punta Cana, more than 15 dive sites and over 75 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, which are in most cases directly connected with a diving school.

This article here helps you to find the best options for scuba diving in Punta Cana. With the following information, you’re not only able to find the best dive shops and the most interesting dive sites, but also the best Punta Cana diving resorts.

The best Punta Cana dive shops

There are so many dive shops in Punta Cana that it might be hard to keep things in perspective. Especially if you don’t know which scuba dive shops are within walking distance or right at your resort, it might be difficult to determine which company to use for your diving holiday in Punta Canas. But don’t worry, the following list of Punta Cana dive shops helps to pick the right company.

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As you can see, Pelicano Sport Punta Cana, SeaPro Divers Punta Cana, Scubaquatic Punta Cana, Scubacaribe Punta Cana, Pro Dive International, Dressel Divers and Dolin Diver are among the most popular companies when it comes to scuba diving in Punta Cana.

Particularly mentionable is SeaPro Divers, which has an amazing amount of 10 offices and dive shops throughout Punta Cana. This being said, it is likely that there is also a SeaPro Divers dive shop very close to your all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana.

Furthermore, together with Ultra Marine Diver, SeaPro Divers Punta Cana feature the best customer reviews. Both have a 5.0 rating (out of 5.0) with more than 100 valid reviews.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Punta Cana is sure to offer an unforgettable scuba diving experience.

Most of the dive shops sell different Punta Cana dive packages. They offer a wide range of courses for both beginners and experienced divers. You can do your PADI certification, your open water diver or just try it out with a test dive. Night dives are possible on request, the same as other diving packages, such as cave dives or shark dives in Punta Cana.

Best season for diving in Punta Cana

The best time to dive in Punta Cana is from December to April. This is the dry season when the Punta Cana weather is sunny and the waters are calm. The visibility is also excellent during this time of the year, making it ideal for scuba diving. Dive schools and tour operators offer a wide range of courses and packages for both beginners and experienced divers.

If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling during the off-season (May to November). While the weather in Punta Cana is still nice during this time of the year, there is a higher chance of rain and the visibility may not be as good as it is during the dry season. However, dive schools and tour operators often offer discounts on courses and diving packages during the off-season.

The best Punta Cana dive sites (in Punta Cana)

There are many dive sites in Punta Cana and around. Some of them are directly in Punta Cana, just a quick boat ride away, and some of them are in the area of Isla Saona and Bayahibe, which usually requires a 1-hour bus ride and a quick speed boat trip afterwards. Both areas are perfect for scuba diving in Punta Cana, as nearly all the dive shops in Punta Cana offer trips to both areas.

The choice is hard, but the following can be considered some of the best dive sites in Punta Cana:

The Astron Wreck:
The Astron was a cargo ship that sank in 1978, and today it is one of the most popular dive sites in Punta Cana. The wreck sits in shallow water, making it accessible to all levels of divers. It is now home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral, sponges, and schools of tropical fish.

Tortuga:
This dive site is located close to Saona Island and is known for its large amount of turtles. Furthermore, divers can see a variety of tropical fish, including eagle rays, lionfish and green morays.

The St. George Wreck:
This is another popular wreck dive site in the Bayahibe area, one hour away from Punta Cana. The St. George was a cargo ship that sank in 1999 and is now home to a variety of marine life, including moray eels, lobsters, and schools of fish. The wreck is covered in colorful coral and sponges, making it a beautiful and unique dive site.

Paradisus Reef:
Paradisus Reef is a popular dive site in Punta Cana, easily accessible from most resorts and dive shops in Punta Cana. The site is characterized by its vibrant and colorful coral formations, which are home to a diverse array of marine life, such as reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional nurse sharks. While the reef is the main attraction, divers can also explore nearby sandy areas and swim throughs, which add to the variety of the dive.

El Penon:
This is a unique dive site located off the coast of Bayahibe. It features a large underwater rock formation that rises from the ocean floor, creating a diverse and vibrant marine environment. Divers can explore the rock formation and its many nooks and crannies, which are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, lobsters, and crabs.

There are many more dive sites in Punta Cana and Bayahibe. Punta Cana has over 15 dive sites and Bayahibe, just an hour away from Punta Cana, has over 25 dive sites.

Here is a list of the major Punta Cana dive sites in case you’re interested in further information:

• Ancla | 46 ft (14 m) | Reef
• Astron Ship Wreck | 40 ft (12 m) | Wreck
• Batato | 40 ft (12 m) | Reef
• Cavernas | 40 ft (12 m) | Canyons
• Coco Loco | 40 ft (12 m) | Reef
• Cristinos Reef | 36 ft (11 m) | Canyons
• Cuevitas | 36 ft (11 m) | Canyons
• Deep Blue | 98 ft (30 m) | Reef
• Edwards Reef | 40 ft (12 m) | Canyons
• El Niño | 26 ft (8 m) | Reef
• Monica Wreck | 40 ft (12 m) | Wreck
• Paradisus | 40 ft (12 m) | Reef
• Park Reef | 46 ft (14 m) | Reef
• Rondana | 40 ft (12 m) | Reef
• The Submarine | 36 ft (11 m) | Wreck

The best Punta Cana dive sites (in Bayahibe)

As mentioned, Bayahibe is a great diving destination as well, featuring even more interesting reefs than Punta Cana. You can either take a trip with your Punta Cana dive shop to the Bayahibe area to do some scuba diving there (it is just one hour by bus from Punta Cana to Bayahibe) or plan your entire trip in one of Bayahibes’ resorts, as there are plenty of options.

Here is a comprehensive list of La Romanas’ and Bayahibes’ dive sites:

• Catalina Aquarium | 36-39 ft (11-12 m) | Reef
• Catalina Wall | 66-82 ft (20-25 m) | Reef
• La Playita | 39-62 ft (12-19 m) | Reef
• Manny | 29 ft (9 m) | Reef
• Bajo de la Mina | 49-98 ft (15-30 m) | Reef
• Bayahibe Reef | 10 ft (3 m) | Reef
• Dreams Shallow | 20-23 ft (6-7 m) | Reef
• Atlantic Princess | 25 ft (9 m) | Reef
• Magallanes | 20-30 ft (6-9 m) | Reef
• Viva Roca | 33 ft (10 m) | Reef
• Viva Shallow | 20 ft (6 m) | Reef
• Dominicus Reef | 46 ft (14 m) | Reef
• Coca Wreck | 59 ft (18 m) | Wreck
• St. George Wreck | 131 ft (40 m) | Wreck
• El Faro | 46 ft (14 m) | Reef
• Lucas Reef | 26-33 ft (8-10 m) | Reef
• Guaraguao I | 46 ft (14 m) | Reef
• Guaraguao II | 46 ft (14 m) | Reef
• Guaraguao Profundo | 82 ft (25 m) | Reef
• Dos Cocos | 46-72 ft (14-22 m) | Reef
• La Tortuga | 39-49 ft (12-15 m) | Reef
• El Aquario II | 39 ft (12 m) | Reef
• El Penon | 39 ft (12 m) | Reef
• El Penon Profundo | 82 ft (25 m) | Reef
• Casa Estrella | 39-46 ft (12-14 m) | Reef
• El Canal | 52-69 ft (16-21 m) | Reef
• La Parguera | 43-49 ft (13-15 m) | Reef
• El Toro | 66 ft (20 m) | Reef
• Canon Reef | 10-15 ft (3-5 m) | Reef
• El Faro | 39-46 ft (12-14 m) | Reef
• Shark Point I | 49-66 ft (15-20 m) | Reef
• Shark Point II | 49-66 ft (15-20 m) | Reef
• Stingray City | 39-52 ft (12-16 m) | Reef

The best Bayahibe dive shops

If scuba diving is your main reason why you’re visiting the Dominican Republic, you could also consider spending your entire holiday in Bayahibe, a little fishing town known for its turquoise water, low-key vibe, fantastic beaches and – dive sites with crystal clear water and perfect visibility.

Bayahibe is a bit different than Punta Cana but it also offers a bit less than a dozen of all-inclusive resorts and some amazing and well-rated dive shops.

For a better overview, here is a list of the most important Bayahibe dive shops.

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For further information about Bayahibe and some reasons why it might be a good idea to spend your Dominican Republic holiday in Bayahibe, you can check out the following articles:

– Bayahibe Travel Guide (everything you need to know about Bayahibe)
– Bayahibe all-inclusive resorts
– Bayahibe/La Romana transfers from Punta Cana

Prices of diving in Punta Cana

Diving in Punta Cana is relatively affordable, with prices depending on the type of dive and the dive school or tour operator you choose. For example, one-day scuba diving in Punta Cana might cost around $120 per person. This includes the price of equipment rental, transportation to and from the dive site and lunch.

If you’re interested in taking a PADI certification course, prices will vary depending on the level of course you choose. For example, a PADI Open Water Diver course in Punta Cana will cost around $350-400 per person, depending on the dive shop you choose. This includes the price of equipment rental, transportation to and from the dive sites, PADI certification, and a manual.

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Finally, if you’re interested in going on a night dive or a double tank dive, prices will again vary depending on the dive school or tour operator you choose. Expect to pay around 80-90 USD for a night dive in Punta Cana. This includes the equipment, boat ride, guide and pick-up/drop-off, depending on your hotel in Punta Cana.

As you can see, prices for diving in Punta Cana vary depending on the type of dive and the company you choose. However, in general, diving in Punta Cana is relatively affordable compared to other countries and a great way to see the stunning underwater world of this Caribbean destination.

The best Punta Cana diving resorts

Punta Cana has an amazing array of resorts for divers and non-divers. The choice is so big that it sometimes might be hard to decide among the different options of diving resorts in Punta Cana. That’s why we have chosen five of our favorite hotels for scuba divers, depending on which type of traveler you are:

For couples – Secrets Royal Beach:
This adult-only resort is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Punta Cana, the famous Bavaro Beach. Besides an excellent Preferred Club area, a spectacular two-story pool, premium drinks and a no-reservation dining policy, Secrets Royal Beach features an on-site PADI dive center operated by one of the best dive shops in Punta Cana, SeaPro Divers. The dive center offers a range of courses and excursions for divers of all skill levels.

For singles – RIU República:
RIU República is a world on its own and seems like a paradise for single travelers. One of the youngest crowds among all all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, plenty of entertainment and activities, decent á-la-carte restaurants and one of the best party resorts in Punta Cana are just some of the characteristics you can find at RIU República. But this all-inclusive hotel is also home to one of ScubaCaribes’ most modern dive centers and therefore attracts beginners and dive experts alike. The dive shop is located right at Riu Repúblicas beach and therefore easily accessible.

For families – Lopesan Costa Bavaro:
Lopesan Costa Bavaro is not necessarily the best family resort in Punta Cana, but it ticks most of the boxes you need when looking for a scuba diving resort in Punta Cana: dive shop on the spot, shallow water, family-friendly beach, a water park for the kids, an ice cream shop, a teens club, a kids club, different snack bars, entertainment program and much more. In case you don’t like the on-spot dive center Mariana Caribbean Sports, you can also head over to Melía Punta Cana Beach Resort next door, where you can find a SeaPro Divers Punta Cana dive center.

For those traveling on a budget – Bahía Principe Resorts:
If you’re visiting Punta Cana on a budget and you’d like to get the most out of your (limited) money, the Bahía Principe Resorts in Punta Cana are always a great bet when looking for a diving resort in Punta Cana. All of the currently 6 resorts (Bavaro, Punta Cana, Esmeralda, Ambar, Aquamarine, Fantasia) offer a great price-value ratio and are home to Scubaquatic Punta Cana Dive Center, offering scuba diving packages for beginners, intermediates and professionals, following all common safety standards. While Grand Bahía Principe Bavaro and Punta Cana are great options for low-budget travelers, Luxury Bahía Principe Esmeralda and Ambar are perfect options for those looking for a little bit more comfort and service while not breaking the bank.

For those looking for luxury – Iberostar Grand:
Iberostar is one of the most renowned luxury resorts in Punta Cana, particularly for those in their 40s, 50s and 60s. With the on-site Dressel Divers Club, which also operates in Bayahibe (and is pretty famous for its raving reviews there), it offers perfect conditions for those combining a luxury holiday with some scuba diving in Punta Cana. While the rooms are a bit on the older side, the food and drinks, especially the wine menu, are top-notch.

Alternative to Punta Cana: diving resorts in Bayahibe

If you feel that Punta Canas’ resorts are not the right thing for you and if you’d like to enjoy Bayahibes’ crystal-clear waters and top-notch dive sites, check out the following resorts in Bayahibe, which all offer their on-site dive shop as well as a quick boat ride to some of the best dive sites in the Dominican Republic.

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Dreams Dominicus:
Dreams Dominicus is one of the best resorts in Bayahibe and is perfect for families and couples likewise. It has one of the best beaches in Bayahibe as well as a popular dive center operated by Scubacaribe.

Catalonia Bayahibe:
If you book the Privileged Club upgrade you have access to one of the most spectacular restaurants in Bayahibe and La Romana. Furthermore, Catalonia Bayahibe is home to the renowned Pro Dive International diving school.

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach:
This is the perfect Bayahibe all-inclusive resort for budget travelers, as it offers an outstanding price-value ratio at popular Dominicus Beach. The on-site dive shop at Viva Wyndham is perfect for those traveling to Bayahibe for a scuba diving holiday.

Is there snuba diving in Punta Cana?

Yes, snuba diving is possible in Punta Cana, and it’s a great option for those who want to experience the underwater world without having to go through the extensive training required for scuba diving. Even better, snuba diving in Punta Cana gets more and more popular, which means you can choose among different tour operators and prices are in general pretty affordable.
Snuba diving is a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba diving, where you breathe through a regulator attached to a hose connected to a surface-supplied air system. This allows you to explore the underwater world at depths of up to 20 feet without having to carry heavy tanks on your back.
Several tour operators in Punta Cana offer snuba diving experiences. You can check out the best snuba diving offers here or in the following widget.

Snuba diving is generally considered safe and easy to learn, but it’s still important to follow proper safety procedures and listen to your guide’s instructions. Therefore, a tour with a trusted tour operator is the best choice to guarantee your safety.

Is there shark diving in Punta Cana?

Yes, there is shark diving in Punta Cana. The most popular spot for shark diving is Catalinita Island, which is home to many reef sharks. The most famous spot there is Shark Point. Another popular spot for shark diving is in Punta Cana, called Shark Reef.

The best time for shark diving in Punta Cana is generally between December and May when the water is clearest and the weather in Punta Cana is most favorable. However, it’s possible to go shark diving year-round in Punta Cana.
The types of sharks you can see in Punta Cana include nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, and lemon sharks, which are all common in the waters around the Dominican Republic.

Is there cage diving in Punta Cana?

Cage diving in Punta Cana is currently not available. The types of sharks found in the waters around Punta Cana, such as nurse sharks, blacktip sharks and lemon sharks, are not typically associated with aggressive behavior towards humans and are generally considered safe to dive with without the need for a protective cage. There are several locations where you can go shark diving in Punta Cana, including Shark Reef and Shark Point. You can observe the sharks in their natural habitat.

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Is there cave diving in Punta Cana?

Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are a paradise for cave diving. The cave systems in the area are extensive and offer a unique and challenging diving experience for those who are qualified and prepared.

Some of the best caves for diving in Punta Cana include:

Cueva Taina:
This is one of the closest spots to most resorts where cave diving in Punta Cana is possible. Cueva Taina features stunning underwater rock formations and crystal-clear water. The cave is accessed by a narrow entrance and features several rooms with air pockets for divers to take a break and admire the surroundings.

Cueva Padre Nuestro + Cueva El Chicho:
This is a popular cave dive located in Bayahibe, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The cave, which is accessible through a short hiking trail, connects with other caves, making it a great cave-diving adventure.

Bayahibes caves:
Bayahibe is home to many other caves, making it an adventurous destination for cave divers in the Dominican Republic. Just one hour from most of Punta Canas’ resorts away, this is also a great spot for cave diving from Punta Cana.

Is there cliff diving in Punta Cana?

While cliff diving is possible in some parts of the Dominican Republic, it’s not a common activity in Punta Cana, as the coastline in this area is generally flat and lacks the high cliffs and rocky outcroppings that are typically associated with cliff diving. No wonder, if you see the endless miles of Punta Canas’ perfect beaches, there is no space for many cliffs. 😉

However, if you’re interested in cliff diving in Punta Cana, there are a few locations in the country that are popular for this activity. One of the most well-known spots for cliff diving is in the town of La Romana, which is located about an hour’s drive from Punta Cana. The cliffs in this area range from about 15 to 30 feet in height and offer a challenging and exhilarating jumping and diving experience for those who are qualified and prepared. However, this should only be done with locals and by professionals, as currents might be strong and you need to know how to get out of the water.

Other locations for cliff diving in the Dominican Republic are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, some of the best waterfalls in the country, and El Cabito in Samaná. The latter one is the most famous cliff jumping site in the Dominican Republic, but all of them are too far to reach from Punta Cana on a day trip.

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CHRIS

Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad

Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and I’d love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana.

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