Explore Bavaro Beach

Located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Bavaro Beach is a haven for diving enthusiasts eager to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Caribbean. The clear, warm waters, averaging around 27°C/81°F, offer excellent visibility, making it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced divers. The region boasts a diverse array of marine life, from schools of colorful fish to majestic sea turtles and the occasional dolphin sighting. These waters are home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to any dive.

Divers at Bavaro Beach can experience a variety of dive environments, including stunning coral gardens and dramatic walls that plunge into the depths. Accessible by shore and boat dives, these sites promise an unforgettable adventure. Additionally, the region features intriguing wreck dives, offering a glimpse into the past with sunken ships that have become artificial reefs. Seasonal highlights include the migration of humpback whales from January to March, a truly mesmerizing experience for those lucky enough to witness these gentle giants. With its unique blend of natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity, Bavaro Beach stands out as a premier diving destination in the Caribbean.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Shark Dominican Divers

Open Water Diver

04 Dec 2025

Dieses weltweit anerkannte Zertifizierungsprogramm ist der beste Weg, um als zertifizierter Scuba Diver in ein lebenslanges Abenteuer zu starten. Individuelles Training wird mit Lektionen im Wasser kombiniert, um sicherzustellen, dass du die erforderlichen Fertigkeiten und Erfahrungen hast, um dich unter Wasser wirklich wohl zu fühlen. Du wirst die SSI Open Water Diver Zertifizierung erhalten.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Shark Dominican Divers

Try Scuba

08 Dec 2025

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Shark Dominican Divers

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

30 Jan 2026

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Astron, wreck

This wreck sits in 40-50 feet of water just offshore from Punta Cana and is a true shipwreck. The 300-foot Russian ship sank in 1979 while delivering a huge amount of corn to Cuba. It sits right offshore and thus can be done as a shore dive, with part of the ship still sitting above water.

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458
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13.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Paradise - Dominican Republic

Paradies Reef is just that, an underwater paradise and a must-see dive off the coast of Punta Cana. The reef sits in 26 feet to 105 feet of water so there is something for every level of diver. A great night dive location as well to see the Dinoflagellates glow in the water at night.

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362
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13.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Park Reef

Sitting just off Punta Cana, this is a great dive site for new open water divers. Park Reef features interesting rock formations overgrown with corals and populated with abundant marine life.

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Logs
651
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Bavaro

Bavaro shares the country’s largest reef system with Punta Cana and is home to great dive sites full of coral gardens and underwater passageways.

621
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352
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Chorizo

Ten minutes away by boat from Bahia Principe Hotel Bavaro, nice coral reef with white sandy bottom at 10 mts of depth. Good site for beginners and advanced divers.

182
Logs
126
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach, a renowned diving destination in the Dominican Republic, offers a range of remarkable dive sites catering to both beginners and experienced divers. Among the top attractions are the Astron Wreck, a massive shipwreck near the shore that provides an exhilarating dive with vibrant marine life. This site is easily accessible as a shore dive, attracting divers keen on exploring its rusted remains and the ecosystems that have made it their home.

For those interested in unique underwater experiences, night dives offer a different perspective of Bavaro's aquatic life, revealing nocturnal creatures and fascinating marine behaviors. Diving enthusiasts can opt for liveaboard trips to experience the diversity of dive sites and the perfect balance between shore and boat dives. These excursions allow access to more remote sites, enhancing the overall diving experience with greater exploration opportunities.

The best Months to dive in Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic offers favorable diving conditions throughout the year, making it a popular destination for divers. The water temperature generally ranges from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, ensuring comfortable dives year-round. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and coral formations. While diving is possible all year, the best conditions are usually found from May to September. During this period, the sea is calmer with minimal wind and currents, providing optimal conditions for exploration. However, from October to April, divers might encounter stronger winds and currents, which could affect visibility and dive planning. Despite these seasonal variations, Bavaro Beach remains a welcoming destination for divers at any time of the year.

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Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Shark Dominican Divers

Av Espana plaza mayoral local 211, 23000 Bavaro, DOM

Grand Bay of The Sea

Calle marlin azul plaza tropical local #5, 23000 HIGUEY, DOM

Pelicano Sport Divers

HOTEL VIK ARENA BLANCA (acuatica ), 23301 Bavaro - PUNTA CANA - LA ALTAG, DOM

Klub Aquatic

Avenida Alemania A-B 108 El Cortecito, 23000 Punta Cana, DOM

Dolin Dive Center

Hotel Gran Paladium, 23301 BAVARO, DOM