Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is also famous for its beautiful and colorful coral reefs and abundant fish species such as French angelfish, green moray eels, drumfish, etc.
Explore Santo Domingo Province
Santo Domingo Province and Boca Chica boast some of the top dive sites in the Dominican Republic, thanks to a sheltered bay and thriving Underwater National Park. To further add, plenty of historical wrecks rest within divers’ curious reach here, as this region was once a large historical trading and commercial center in the Caribbean.
Santo Domingo diving offers a variety for all levels. La Caleta National Park promises healthy coral reefs, deep wrecks, natural caves, and caverns teeming with life, from tropical reef fish, turtles, and reef sharks to adorable macro species.
Calm currents and shallow depths in this area mean that beginners can relish the excellent underwater world here, along with seasoned underwater explorers. In addition to checking out the numerous shipwrecks, those with experience should venture south, where drift diving is often enjoyed. Technical divers have the chance to discover nearby freshwater caves.
Shore diving is possible near Boca Chica, though most diving occurs by boat. Dive sites are usually only a short boat ride away, with many operating using speedboats. A few operators use catamarans, which offer a more stable journey.
Dive centers and dive resorts are plentiful, particularly in the tourist hotspot of Ensanche Julieta, and cater to all budgets. Most operators offer dive courses from beginner to professional and technical levels, with a multitude of appropriate training sites easily accessible.
Scuba diving in Santo Domingo Province is great year-round, with temperatures ranging from 24°C–28°C/75°F–82°F. December to May sees the dry season, while June to November is considered the rainy season.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Santo Domingo Province
Santo Domingo Province, a gateway to enchanting underwater realms, offers a diverse range of diving experiences. One of the top dive sites is the "El Hickory" wreck, a sunken treasure waiting to be explored by seasoned divers. This site offers mesmerizing views of marine life weaving through the remnants of the vessel, creating an unforgettable underwater tapestry.
For those who prefer the ease of shore diving, Boca Chica is a popular choice, presenting colorful coral gardens and fascinating marine life. Night dives in this area reveal secretive nocturnal creatures, adding an exciting dimension to the diving experience. Divers can balance shore adventures with liveaboard options, providing access to more remote sites and ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the province's vibrant underwater landscapes.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Santo Domingo Province
Santo Domingo Province, located on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, offers a range of marine life for divers to explore. The coral reefs are home to a variety of typical Caribbean reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which are commonly encountered year-round. These vibrant species make the reefs lively and are a delight for divers of all levels. Among the seasonal highlights, divers might encounter nurse sharks and hawksbill turtles, especially during the summer months when sightings are more frequent. Rays, such as the southern stingray and the spotted eagle ray, can also be seen gliding gracefully through the waters. While shark encounters are less frequent, turtles and rays are relatively common, especially in areas with rich coral formations.
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
91 Sightings
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9
F
9
M
10
A
2
M
2
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8
J
9
A
1
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11
O
9
N
15
D
6
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
44 Sightings
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11
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5
M
2
A
4
M
0
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6
J
4
A
0
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2
O
3
N
0
D
7
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
270 Sightings
J
35
F
32
M
17
A
12
M
4
J
27
J
19
A
8
S
16
O
17
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: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
99 Sightings
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3
F
16
M
10
A
1
M
0
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21
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20
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0
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12
O
7
N
8
D
1
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
93 Sightings
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6
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11
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8
A
5
M
0
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17
J
12
A
5
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11
O
9
N
6
D
3
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
83 Sightings
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4
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14
M
1
A
1
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0
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18
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18
A
4
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11
O
6
N
5
D
1
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
77 Sightings
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2
F
7
M
1
A
2
M
1
J
7
J
8
A
6
S
4
O
11
N
13
D
15
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
68 Sightings
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3
F
6
M
3
A
1
M
0
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14
J
16
A
1
S
7
O
9
N
4
D
4
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
62 Sightings
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5
F
9
M
0
A
0
M
0
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18
J
16
A
0
S
8
O
1
N
5
D
0
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
58 Sightings
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5
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8
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7
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0
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0
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16
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1
A
0
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9
O
3
N
7
D
2
The best Months to dive in Santo Domingo Province
Santo Domingo Province offers favorable diving conditions year-round, with warm water temperatures ranging from 77°F (25°C) during the winter months to about 84°F (29°C) in the summer. Visibility is typically good, ranging from 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters), making it an excellent destination for divers at any time of the year.
The weather in Santo Domingo is generally stable, but divers should be mindful of the hurricane season from June to November, which can bring strong winds and occasional storms affecting diving conditions. Currents are generally mild, but it's advisable to check local forecasts. While diving is possible throughout the year, planning carefully around these factors can ensure an optimal diving experience.
