You can dive all around, this is a Caribbean island after all... But which places are the best? Read and find out!

The Dominican Republic is famous for it's beautiful beaches. What is happening under the water of those beaches is no less beautiful, and the variety of nature around the island makes each diving spot special. The water is clear and warm all around, and most of the people that are operating the diving center are foreigners. I've been around the island and was diving in a lot of places, most of these dives were given to me as a present from Lucy and she refuses to disclose what were the prices, but she said that they are not more expensive than the dives I've done in other places in the world.

Out of the places I've visited, I've chosen my favorites (places and centers). You would have to forgive my poor under water photography skills are.

Here they are:

Boca Chica - Tropical Sea divers

Boca Chica is the first place I have done a dive on the island. There are not many corals around the area, and the ones that are there are not very colorful, so it does not look as impressive... What you can find underwater is a unique terrain that is full of the local sea life (fishes and lobsters, mainly). The terrain consists of canyons that create very nice mazes to look around during your dive.

I walked into Tropical Sea divers by a chance, I was staying in the hostel next doors, and was not planning to dive so I didn't have even my license with me. Alex and Gigi received me with open hands, found my license in the database and told me that I'm welcome to join them any time. There are more than 20 diving sites in the area, all dives are from a boat, and I have not visited all of them yet. The place is PADI certified, and being the only place I visit frequently I do know the prices, 35$ per dive including rent of equipment, which can go down if you are doing more than one. Other than the price and the amazing people, the place is also time flexible, and dives go out until as late as 2pm! If you are in the area, pay them a visit, maybe just call a day before to see that they have space on the boat for you.

Las Terrenas - The Dive Academy

This one I got as a Christmas present, so I do not know the price. Paul and the rest of team are doing an amazing job to get you the best diving experience possible. The equipment is very well maintained and the dive masters are great, they also give courses and certifications for all levels of divers!

As for the location, the northern coast of the island is Atlantic Ocean waters, and the underwater life is different then the island's Caribbean counterpart. First of all, there are many rock formations that you can swim around (and in!) which make a very fun dive. There are also much more corals and colors, and some more exotic life (I even saw a shark!). Definitely worth a visit if you love going underwater.

Bahia de las Aguilas - Buceo Pedernales

By far the best place to dive I've been to so far in this country. The water are clearer, the area is less frequented and harder to reach (be ready to spend so time on a bad road or rent a 4x4 or a motorcycle), which makes it an amazing place for under water life. There are beautiful corals, plenty of exotic creatures under the water, and some beautiful remote beaches to go along with them. My camera died in the dive, so instead of seeing the amazing underwater views you will see my happy face after my dive and will have to take my word for it.

Valentina and Michele are not only running the diving center, but are also trying to save the corals and the rest of the underwater life from the industrial operations going on in the area. There is a possibility to camp right next to the diving center and next to the (land) national park. The center has very well maintained gear, and they also offer a variety of diving courses (certified by ESA), and are showing you around one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The tour is friendly also for non divers (just ask Lucy that spent a few hours on an otherwise no accessible beach. This place is is a must visit for any under water enthusiasts, if not to see the water under water then at least to help Valentina and Michele with their cause!

Bayahibe - Sharky's Shop

Another great area to dive in, especially near the natural park in Dominicus. Easily reachable from Santo Domingo either by car or by public transport. The area is surprisingly full of corals, the water is clear, and as a bonus you can also see an impressive ship wreck.

There are plenty of dive shops around, but Petr from Sharky's will get you the best experience! He chooses the dive site together with you based on your level and the situation of that day, and has great recommendations for dives that are more special than the default dives everyone is doing. The center also offers tours and other things, but I was focused on diving

Final thoughts

These are my favorite diving spots in Dominican Republic so far, I have yet discovered the whole island. Worry not, you will get an update once I do but in the mean time, go dive! And if you want, tell us how was it!