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Dominican Republic

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Explore the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a diver's paradise, offering a rich tapestry of underwater experiences set against the backdrop of the Caribbean's vibrant marine life. With year-round warm waters, this tropical destination boasts some of the Caribbean's best reefs, making it a haven for divers of all levels. From the vibrant coral gardens that teem with colorful fish to the dramatic wall dives that plunge into the deep blue, the variety of dive environments here is impressive. Notably, the country offers exceptional opportunities for exploring both natural and artificial shipwrecks, each telling its own story beneath the waves.

For those new to diving, the Dominican Republic's calm southern coast is perfect for discovery dives, providing a gentle introduction to the underwater world. More advanced divers can venture into challenging caves or deeper sites, rich with marine life like eagle rays, turtles, and the occasional reef shark. The Dominican Republic also stands out for its abundance of dive centers and resorts, catering to every preference and certification level. Whether you're looking to start your diving journey or pursue advanced courses, this island nation offers it all. Liveaboard options abound, allowing divers to explore even the most remote sites with ease, making the Dominican Republic a truly special dive destination.

Power Plug Type
A, B
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DIS
Tipping
10% / Service Staff / Tipping is included in most restaurant bills, but an additional 5–10% is appreciated for good service.
Currency
DOP
Dial Code
+1-809, +1-829, +1-849
Electricity
110V / 60Hz
Time
UTC−4

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  • Diver Stress & Rescue + React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

    Diver Stress & Rescue + React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

    With SSI's Diver Stress & Rescue specialty program, you'll learn the skills necessary to protect yourself and your fellow divers. Not only will you learn how to identify stress and avoid accidents, but we'll also teach you practical techniques for conducting rescues and providing assistance in emergency situations.By combining practical sessions in the pool and in open water, this program prepares you perfectly and enables you to handle emergency and rescue situations with confidence.React Right is SSI's first aid and emergency course: it gives you the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency.This dive program is totally flexible, so you can choose the topics that interest you, such as primary care, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn the basics of automatic external defibrillation (AED) and oxygen administration in emergency diving situations.This program, which combines academic sessions and practical training scenarios, gives you the tools and confidence you need to perform correctly.When you earn your certification, you will be able to respond to and administer first aid, CPR and oxygen and offer assistance with an AED in the event of a medical emergency.RequirementsMinimum age 12 years oldOpen Water DiverDuration3 days (mornings only)What is included?Certified Instructor (maximum of 2 students per Instructor).Complete scuba equipment (new equipment)Classroom academic sessionsPool session2 boat divesSSI Digital Learning MaterialsAll fees includedSSI Diver Stress & Rescue Digital Certification CardSSI React Right Digital Certification CardReact Right Diploma Diver Stress & Rescue DiplomaBLUE DREAMS DIVING Rash Guard Scuba T-Shirt

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    Top Wildlife Sightings in the Dominican Republic

    The highlight of diving and snorkelling in the Dominican Republic is the congregation of humpback whales that come to the shores of Bavaro and calve in the bay at Samana. As they come to mate, the males put in epic snows for the females to gain their attention, often splashing and reading in the water. To see this spectacle, visit between December and March.

    At most of the country’s beautiful dive sites, you’ll find a multitude of colorful tropical life, including eels, yellow stingrays, parrotfish, trumpetfish and so much more all among vivacious corals species, sponges and sea fans. Everyone’s favourite, the adorable sea turtle, is also a common creature to encounter here.

    Pelagics can be found at various sites too, such as reef sharks, and in particular, nurse sharks, that sometimes frequent La Cueva in Punta Cana. Even manta and eagle rays can be seen, especially at the Luperon Wall, where they sometimes pass by.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel

    1.1k Sightings
    J
    112
    F
    92
    M
    121
    A
    60
    M
    92
    J
    61
    J
    102
    A
    70
    S
    62
    O
    94
    N
    128
    D
    105
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle

    446 Sightings
    J
    45
    F
    41
    M
    58
    A
    47
    M
    44
    J
    22
    J
    48
    A
    25
    S
    13
    O
    22
    N
    44
    D
    37

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    Barracuda

    Barracuda

    433 Sightings
    J
    22
    F
    41
    M
    52
    A
    31
    M
    40
    J
    43
    J
    46
    A
    23
    S
    17
    O
    35
    N
    49
    D
    34

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray

    163 Sightings
    J
    18
    F
    24
    M
    16
    A
    9
    M
    21
    J
    5
    J
    20
    A
    12
    S
    2
    O
    9
    N
    11
    D
    16
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle

    136 Sightings
    J
    13
    F
    12
    M
    9
    A
    3
    M
    13
    J
    6
    J
    24
    A
    18
    S
    16
    O
    8
    N
    12
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    Wrasse

    Wrasse

    106 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    21
    M
    12
    A
    1
    M
    2
    J
    6
    J
    6
    A
    20
    S
    4
    O
    16
    N
    3
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    Lionfish

    Lionfish

    1.6k Sightings
    J
    170
    F
    141
    M
    172
    A
    82
    M
    132
    J
    128
    J
    127
    A
    113
    S
    92
    O
    105
    N
    184
    D
    175

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Stingrays

    Stingrays

    1.4k Sightings
    J
    143
    F
    137
    M
    153
    A
    70
    M
    97
    J
    98
    J
    90
    A
    94
    S
    66
    O
    91
    N
    145
    D
    167

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish

    1.1k Sightings
    J
    94
    F
    79
    M
    135
    A
    53
    M
    96
    J
    93
    J
    111
    A
    102
    S
    68
    O
    55
    N
    96
    D
    73

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Angelfish

    Angelfish

    933 Sightings
    J
    70
    F
    91
    M
    123
    A
    40
    M
    88
    J
    88
    J
    103
    A
    90
    S
    58
    O
    49
    N
    68
    D
    65

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish

    933 Sightings
    J
    116
    F
    90
    M
    92
    A
    39
    M
    95
    J
    67
    J
    72
    A
    78
    S
    47
    O
    67
    N
    80
    D
    90

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish

    914 Sightings
    J
    98
    F
    91
    M
    109
    A
    39
    M
    91
    J
    76
    J
    84
    A
    67
    S
    47
    O
    56
    N
    81
    D
    75

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish

    730 Sightings
    J
    76
    F
    70
    M
    90
    A
    20
    M
    63
    J
    65
    J
    92
    A
    69
    S
    37
    O
    56
    N
    49
    D
    43

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish

    670 Sightings
    J
    48
    F
    51
    M
    89
    A
    26
    M
    46
    J
    56
    J
    70
    A
    84
    S
    50
    O
    52
    N
    43
    D
    55

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    421 Sightings
    J
    43
    F
    39
    M
    47
    A
    17
    M
    34
    J
    50
    J
    43
    A
    48
    S
    30
    O
    32
    N
    18
    D
    20

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Damselfish

    Damselfish

    385 Sightings
    J
    36
    F
    43
    M
    50
    A
    13
    M
    39
    J
    29
    J
    36
    A
    44
    S
    24
    O
    41
    N
    18
    D
    12

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    Crab

    Crab

    366 Sightings
    J
    62
    F
    32
    M
    48
    A
    22
    M
    51
    J
    21
    J
    15
    A
    32
    S
    13
    O
    20
    N
    23
    D
    27

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    Boxfish

    Boxfish

    356 Sightings
    J
    24
    F
    37
    M
    30
    A
    5
    M
    44
    J
    50
    J
    20
    A
    35
    S
    19
    O
    31
    N
    29
    D
    32

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish

    337 Sightings
    J
    34
    F
    35
    M
    24
    A
    9
    M
    39
    J
    31
    J
    26
    A
    47
    S
    16
    O
    33
    N
    32
    D
    11

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Goatfish

    Goatfish

    309 Sightings
    J
    30
    F
    21
    M
    40
    A
    9
    M
    44
    J
    30
    J
    26
    A
    32
    S
    17
    O
    39
    N
    10
    D
    11

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets

    241 Sightings
    J
    28
    F
    21
    M
    15
    A
    7
    M
    24
    J
    33
    J
    10
    A
    24
    S
    20
    O
    20
    N
    32
    D
    7

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Lobster

    Lobster

    229 Sightings
    J
    41
    F
    29
    M
    23
    A
    17
    M
    9
    J
    19
    J
    29
    A
    8
    S
    6
    O
    16
    N
    14
    D
    18

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    Snapper

    Snapper

    202 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    10
    M
    15
    A
    6
    M
    12
    J
    31
    J
    13
    A
    31
    S
    21
    O
    22
    N
    16
    D
    9

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish

    179 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    7
    M
    27
    A
    9
    M
    3
    J
    40
    J
    6
    A
    9
    S
    20
    O
    29
    N
    19
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster

    171 Sightings
    J
    13
    F
    18
    M
    19
    A
    8
    M
    10
    J
    24
    J
    18
    A
    15
    S
    4
    O
    10
    N
    11
    D
    21

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Jackfish

    Jackfish

    161 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    17
    M
    15
    A
    7
    M
    16
    J
    24
    J
    24
    A
    3
    S
    11
    O
    17
    N
    7
    D
    10

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish

    153 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    15
    M
    12
    A
    5
    M
    21
    J
    21
    J
    6
    A
    10
    S
    9
    O
    13
    N
    9
    D
    26

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish

    151 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    9
    M
    9
    A
    5
    M
    15
    J
    19
    J
    7
    A
    24
    S
    17
    O
    26
    N
    8
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shrimp

    Shrimp

    128 Sightings
    J
    21
    F
    8
    M
    8
    A
    7
    M
    19
    J
    2
    J
    11
    A
    13
    S
    3
    O
    20
    N
    8
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    Nurse Shark

    Nurse Shark

    120 Sightings
    J
    13
    F
    16
    M
    12
    A
    7
    M
    5
    J
    14
    J
    16
    A
    4
    S
    5
    O
    8
    N
    9
    D
    11

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish

    119 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    12
    M
    9
    A
    6
    M
    17
    J
    24
    J
    2
    A
    9
    S
    8
    O
    5
    N
    8
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    Flounder

    Flounder

    114 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    6
    M
    12
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    5
    J
    14
    A
    4
    S
    18
    O
    14
    N
    16
    D
    14

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Clownfish

    Clownfish

    102 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    10
    M
    5
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    8
    J
    26
    A
    3
    S
    20
    O
    3
    N
    9
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish

    97 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    17
    M
    12
    A
    3
    M
    15
    J
    3
    J
    15
    A
    2
    S
    4
    O
    15
    N
    3
    D
    1
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse

    94 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    4
    M
    7
    A
    5
    M
    8
    J
    16
    J
    23
    A
    10
    S
    3
    O
    7
    N
    0
    D
    5