Explore La Altagracia Province

La Altagracia Province, situated on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, is a popular diving destination suitable for all skill levels. Dotted with dive centers and dive resorts offering trips and dive courses catering to every budget, there’s something for everyone. Higüey is the capital city of the region, where many operators are based.

Within the province, there are several major diving areas where all kinds of diving are possible. Shallow reefs, freshwater caves, wrecks, and exciting drift diving attract adventure seekers from around the globe.

Firstly, there’s Punta Cana, which hosts magnificent coral reefs and shallow dive sites. Nestled where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, these corals form an enormous barrier reef that stretches north to Bávaro, where even more dive sites await.

Saona Island offers amazing diving, including mangrove forests, shipwrecks, fast-paced drifts, freshwater caves, reefs, swim-throughs, and underwater cliffs. It’s also possible to spot nurse sharks here.

The uninhabited island of Catalina has two main dive sites, which are pelagic hotspots. Now a designated protected area, the island and its underwater life continue to thrive.

Bayahibe is also a great location for divers, where scuba diving is relaxing and easy. Many reefs lie just offshore on the sheltered side of Saona Island, where currents are minimal. Advanced divers will find the stronger currents at Catalina Island, Shark Point, and Saona’s west side exciting. Santo Domingo also offers cave diving for tech divers.

As a whole, boat diving is common practice, and a few liveaboards prowl the area. Some operators use catamarans for trips to Catalina Island.

Scuba diving in La Altagracia Province is great year-round, thanks to its Caribbean tropical climate that maintains 26°C–28°C/79°F–82°F waters. However, the best time to dive is from March until July, when seas are calm and visibility is at its clearest.

Places to explore

Catalina Island

Explore La Altagracia ProvinceLa Altagracia Province, situated on the east coast of the Dominican Re

Punta Cana

Explore La Altagracia ProvinceLa Altagracia Province, situated on the east coast of the Dominican Re

Courses and Events

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you can't decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You'll try Deep Diving, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy, Wreck Diving and Fish Identification, before committing to the full specialty training. It's a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you'll experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a thorough briefing with your SSI Instructor. By completing this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings at any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.
On request

Basic Diver

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.
On request

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

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 hands-on training scenarios, gives you the tools and confidence you need to perform correctly. When you earn your certification, you'll be able to respond and administer first aid, CPR and oxygen and offer assistance with an AED in the event of a medical emergency. Get your SSI React Right certification - get started today!
On request

Stress & Rescue

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. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty certification.
On request

Open Water Diver

This program, which gives you an internationally recognized certification, is ideal to start your adventures as a certified diver. The combination of personalized training and practical in-water sessions ensures that you will have the skills and experience necessary to dive comfortably underwater. You'll earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.
On request

Dive Activity

Diving in La Altagracia Province

La Altagracia Province in the Dominican Republic offers some of the Caribbean's top dive sites, boasting a blend of shore and liveaboard diving experiences. Notable wreck dives include the Astron, a massive freighter shipwreck near Punta Cana, providing divers with hauntingly beautiful explorations amidst vibrant coral and abundant marine life.

For those preferring shore dives, Bayahibe is a popular choice, offering easy access to colorful reef systems teeming with tropical fish. Unique experiences such as night dives are also available, where divers can witness the mesmerizing bioluminescence and nocturnal marine behaviors. The region's diverse offerings make it a prime destination for both novice and experienced divers seeking adventure beneath the waves.

Top Wildlife Sightings in La Altagracia Province

La Altagracia Province, located in the easternmost part of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for divers. The coral reefs are home to a variety of common reef fish such as parrotfish, blue tangs, and angelfish, which can be seen year-round. These colorful species are easily spotted in the clear waters surrounding the province's coastline, particularly near popular diving spots like Isla Saona and Isla Catalina.

Seasonal highlights include the presence of larger marine creatures. From November to March, divers may encounter nurse sharks and reef sharks, which are generally harmless and a thrilling sight for divers. The summer months are prime time for spotting sea turtles, including the hawksbill and green turtle, especially during nesting season along the sandy beaches. Additionally, eagle rays are often seen gliding through the waters, particularly in the more open areas of the reef, offering an awe-inspiring experience for those lucky enough to witness them.

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: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
890 Sightings
J
104
F
80
M
79
A
32
M
75
J
50
J
81
A
57
S
43
O
83
N
114
D
92

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

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
378 Sightings
J
20
F
36
M
44
A
29
M
36
J
33
J
38
A
18
S
15
O
31
N
49
D
29
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
371 Sightings
J
35
F
38
M
43
A
31
M
34
J
21
J
45
A
21
S
7
O
22
N
40
D
34

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

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
141 Sightings
J
15
F
23
M
10
A
3
M
20
J
5
J
17
A
11
S
1
O
10
N
10
D
16
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
125 Sightings
J
14
F
10
M
4
A
5
M
13
J
8
J
24
A
16
S
12
O
8
N
9
D
2

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

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
95 Sightings
J
12
F
17
M
16
A
1
M
1
J
6
J
6
A
15
S
6
O
11
N
0
D
4

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

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
1.2k Sightings
J
149
F
111
M
123
A
55
M
91
J
92
J
91
A
90
S
64
O
81
N
145
D
155

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

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
1.2k Sightings
J
136
F
86
M
93
A
53
M
112
J
85
J
114
A
102
S
73
O
87
N
142
D
129

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

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
863 Sightings
J
86
F
59
M
83
A
37
M
82
J
74
J
98
A
89
S
51
O
44
N
91
D
69

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

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
828 Sightings
J
111
F
72
M
68
A
25
M
80
J
61
J
60
A
73
S
42
O
62
N
87
D
87
Show More

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

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
782 Sightings
J
101
F
77
M
69
A
21
M
88
J
54
J
67
A
64
S
36
O
47
N
83
D
75

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
718 Sightings
J
66
F
57
M
69
A
23
M
79
J
65
J
83
A
83
S
32
O
38
N
64
D
59

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

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
569 Sightings
J
74
F
45
M
46
A
11
M
48
J
47
J
74
A
63
S
19
O
50
N
48
D
44

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

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
506 Sightings
J
43
F
29
M
45
A
16
M
38
J
39
J
46
A
77
S
33
O
45
N
39
D
56

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

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
337 Sightings
J
41
F
28
M
29
A
11
M
25
J
39
J
40
A
42
S
27
O
25
N
14
D
16

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

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
299 Sightings
J
35
F
23
M
29
A
7
M
32
J
27
J
26
A
42
S
16
O
39
N
14
D
9

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

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
286 Sightings
J
55
F
25
M
36
A
7
M
48
J
10
J
11
A
29
S
7
O
17
N
21
D
20

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
282 Sightings
J
20
F
26
M
13
A
1
M
38
J
42
J
16
A
32
S
14
O
25
N
24
D
31

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
254 Sightings
J
35
F
20
M
15
A
5
M
31
J
16
J
17
A
40
S
10
O
27
N
28
D
10

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
241 Sightings
J
29
F
19
M
14
A
6
M
32
J
23
J
25
A
28
S
13
O
35
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: 55

k

Lobster
185 Sightings
J
29
F
24
M
21
A
14
M
8
J
19
J
17
A
7
S
3
O
14
N
10
D
19

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

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
156 Sightings
J
23
F
15
M
5
A
2
M
14
J
20
J
5
A
20
S
9
O
17
N
23
D
3

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

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
142 Sightings
J
6
F
22
M
24
A
1
M
13
J
17
J
3
A
7
S
9
O
9
N
4
D
27

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
139 Sightings
J
7
F
10
M
13
A
6
M
5
J
27
J
3
A
8
S
20
O
26
N
14
D
0

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

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
126 Sightings
J
19
F
7
M
10
A
0
M
12
J
10
J
10
A
26
S
6
O
12
N
9
D
5

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
124 Sightings
J
12
F
14
M
17
A
3
M
6
J
19
J
5
A
10
S
1
O
9
N
8
D
20

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

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
113 Sightings
J
24
F
9
M
10
A
0
M
15
J
1
J
10
A
9
S
3
O
19
N
7
D
6

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

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
96 Sightings
J
7
F
7
M
4
A
1
M
14
J
11
J
3
A
22
S
4
O
20
N
3
D
0

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
93 Sightings
J
10
F
16
M
2
A
0
M
21
J
16
J
1
A
6
S
7
O
0
N
6
D
8
Alamy-WaterFrame

Common Seahorse
93 Sightings
J
6
F
3
M
12
A
6
M
7
J
15
J
23
A
7
S
3
O
6
N
0
D
5

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
90 Sightings
J
10
F
9
M
5
A
0
M
11
J
10
J
22
A
2
S
4
O
7
N
1
D
9

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

Total number of species: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
87 Sightings
J
10
F
10
M
6
A
2
M
2
J
12
J
15
A
3
S
3
O
9
N
8
D
7

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

Total number of species: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.

Flounder
81 Sightings
J
5
F
6
M
17
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
6
A
4
S
6
O
11
N
14
D
11

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

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
73 Sightings
J
5
F
16
M
7
A
1
M
16
J
2
J
13
A
1
S
0
O
9
N
3
D
0

The best Months to dive in La Altagracia Province

La Altagracia Province in the Dominican Republic offers excellent year-round diving conditions, thanks to its tropical climate. Water temperatures range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F, making it comfortable for divers throughout the year. Visibility is typically excellent, averaging between 15 meters/50 feet to 30 meters/100 feet, ensuring clear views of the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

While diving is possible all year, the most favorable conditions generally occur between December and April, coinciding with the dry season. During this period, the weather is more stable with less rainfall and calmer seas. However, from June to November, divers should be aware of the hurricane season, which can bring stronger winds and currents, potentially affecting dive plans. It’s advisable for divers to check local forecasts and plan their dives accordingly.

Dive Centers

BLUE DREAMS DIVING

CALLE JUAN BRITO 2, 23000 BAYAHIBE, DOM

Shark Dominican Divers

Av Espana plaza mayoral local 211, 23000 Bavaro, DOM

Dive Sites

Phillip J. (#4077458)

Atlantic Princess (Wreck) (★4.4)

This wreck sits in the Bayahibe area, just in front of Dreams La Romana Resort. It is an old passenger liner, 30 ft wide and 99 ft long, sunk as an artificial reef in May 2009.
Madeline A. (#3070231)

Catalina Aquarium (★4.4)

An enjoyable, easy, shallow dive with lots of stingrays, lobsters, and reef life. Usually the second dive for dive charters due to its shallow depth. A great snorkel as well.
Stefan W. (#4062960)

Viva Shallow (★4.2)

Viva Shallow is approximately 9 m. deep and is one of the most beautiful diving spots for beginners, certified divers and photographers. Great reef with plenty of marine life.
Shark Dominican Divers, 23000 Bavaro

Atlantic Princess Wreck (★4.3)

This shipwreck is located in the Bayahibe area. It is a former passenger liner, 30 feet wide and 99 feet long, sunk as an artificial reef in May 2009.
BLUE DREAMS DIVING, 23000 BAYAHIBE

Guaraguao (★4.3)

Guaraguao is a fairly shallow reef located in Parque Nacional Del Este with a max depth of only 40 feet. A great site for beginning divers and snorkelers. It is an artificial archeological site where cannons, cannonballs, and ancient muskets were brought here from a sunken galley for scuba divers to enjoy.
David R. (#3764080)

El Peñon - Dominican Republic (★4.4)

El Peñon is a long reef that can be divided up into 3 different dive sites all sitting in about 40 to 90 feet of saltwater. Not as popular as some of the Dominican Republic’s other dive sites, making it a bit more pristine and less crowded, so it’s worth the longer boat ride out here.
Wallace M. (#2813078)

St. George (Wreck) (★4.5)

The St George Wreck is one of the most favorite dive sites in the Bayahibe area, if not all of the DR. The wreck sits in 144 feet of water, and is thus considered an advanced dive, however, the top of the wreck is at 50 feet and can be explored by newer divers who can watch their depth.
Shark Dominican Divers, 23000 Bavaro

Coco Reef (★4.3)

Spectacular reef at 12 meters. Statues and a beautiful coral garden are both found here. Jardin de corales. There is numerous marine life with incredible colors. A great place for conducting training.
Phillip J. (#4077458)

Catalina The Wall (★4.3)

Catalina Wall (Santa Catalina Wall) is considered one of the best walls in the Dominican Republic. Diving here is available for divers of all levels as the reef starts shallow and then drops off deeper. The wall is covered with a beautiful reef full of corals every color, shape, and size.
BLUE DREAMS DIVING, 23000 BAYAHIBE

Tortuga (★4.3)

Located approximately 25 minutes by boat from the town of Bayahibe. This destination is known for its impressive corals and more abundant marine life, since it receives fewer divers.
BLUE DREAMS DIVING, 23000 BAYAHIBE

Dominicus Reef (★4.1)

An awesome dive site that’s easily accessible from shore with beautiful coral and marine life to see. Dominicus Reef is part of the same reef that goes from Viva Shallow and continues along the coast all the way to El Peñon and Piscina Natural.
Ylenia F. (#2923314)

Astron, wreck (★4.1)

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.
Aqualung

Bayahibe (★4.1)

Bayahibe offers some of the best diving the Dominican Republic has to offer from shipwrecks and pristine coral reefs to national parks full of cool caverns and swim-throughs just waiting to be explored.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Catalina Island - Dominican Republic (★4.4)

The island is a natural park with limited access; there is only one small beach where visitors are allowed to go to shore and is mostly not worth it as it is so crowded. The wall dive here of the island is spectacular and there is great shallow reefs for both diving and snorkeling.
Mares

Manolo Cave (★4.4)

A fun reef dive with small cave/cavern to explore and fun swim-throughs. Lots of healthy reef life and multicolored hard and soft corals. Look for nurse sharks hiding under ledges.