Las Terrenas
The diver’s paradise of Las Terrenas, situated in the northeast of the Dominican Republic, offers
Explore Samaná
The Dominican Republic’s northern coast widely differs from the south. Samaná has become a vivacious diving hotspot, where a multitude of diving adventures suitable for all skill levels can be enjoyed. Samaná Peninsula itself boasts plentiful dive centers and dive resorts that cater to any budget, and all offer dive courses and dive excursions to suit everyone. Some liveaboards also visit the top diving areas here, where mostly boat diving occurs.
There are numerous popular diving areas within Samaná Province itself, including Samaná Bay, where there’s plenty of action happening all year-round. You can discover several modern wrecks, and even spot friendly manatees.
A major attraction is the migration of humpback whales in the Silver Banks, where they come in numbers to mate and give birth. The males put on impressive shows of rearing and frolicing, all to impress the females, and consequently, anyone blessed enough to watch the show.
Las Galeras, Las Terrenas and El Portillo are also beautiful spots, boasting idyllic beaches, rainbow reefs, encrusted wrecks and serene waters. Divers should also visit Farola Island and Las Ballenas Islands, where further rainbow reefs and intense marine life action awaits.
There’s also Playa Rincón, one of the world’s top beaches, which also hosts great coral reefs that beginners can relish.
Overall, it’s recommended to have at least an advanced certification while scuba diving in Samaná, due to varied sites that entail deep waters, currents, caves, plunging pinnacles and wrecks.
Top Regions to Explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Samaná
Advanced and technical divers interested in cave diving should check out Lake Dudu, where at El Dudu Caverns, water-filled caves host a plethora of freshwater life.
For sublime coral reef diving, head to Las Galeras. Furthermore, you might see the humpbacks here on occasions at Piedra Solitaria, Fronton or Los Carriles.
Samaná Bay and Las Terrenas has wreck diving as well as excellent reefs, but for the region’s best coral reefs, Cabo Cabron is a must.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Samaná
Samaná’s common showstoppers are the playful manatees, which curiously come up close to boats. Humpback whales may also appear while in transit to dive sites. If you listen carefully, you might even hear their songs underwater.
Other wonderful species to look out for include eagle rays, reef sharks, stingrays, barracuda, majestic turtles eels, crustaceans, multicolored tropical fish and other small schools of fish, all among vibrant hard and soft corals.
Lionfish are also present in Samaná as an invasive species, so don't be surprised if the dive guide kills any spotted during the dive.
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
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
53 Sightings
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8
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5
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2
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8
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5
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6
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9
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4
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2
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
16 Sightings
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7
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1
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0
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0
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0
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1
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4
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2
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1
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
12 Sightings
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2
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1
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3
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1
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3
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0
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2
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
5 Sightings
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1
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0
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3
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1
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
71 Sightings
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7
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12
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6
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1
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7
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12
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3
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4
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6
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3
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3
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7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
25 Sightings
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3
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1
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5
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7
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4
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2
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1
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1
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1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
24 Sightings
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1
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2
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4
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1
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3
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3
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2
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3
O
3
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2
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
22 Sightings
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4
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2
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1
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4
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2
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2
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2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 85
iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish
21 Sightings
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1
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4
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3
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4
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4
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1
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1
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2
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
21 Sightings
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2
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2
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1
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2
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5
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3
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2
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1
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1
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1
The best Months to dive in Samaná
Samaná diving is amazing year-round, thanks to its Caribbean climate that maintains 26°C-28°C water temperatures.
Though it’s the rainy season, June to November boasts uncrowded dive sites and bargains deals on accommodation and diving.
December to May is the dry and high season, and sees optimal diving conditions. Furthermore, this is the best time for humpback encounters.
