Bavaro

★★★★☆ (331)

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.

You’ll see typical Caribbean life like nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and lots of fish: snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper.

Dive Activity

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
6
A
5
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
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

Barracuda
6 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
0
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle
4 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0
Alamy/National Geographic Image Collection
Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Oceanic Whitetip Shark
2 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-wildestanimal
Common Dolphin

Common Dolphin
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Alamy-National Geographic Creative
Leatherback Turtle

Leatherback Turtle
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Alamy/BIOSPHOTO
Ocean Sunfish

Ocean Sunfish
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Moray Eel
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
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

Wrasse
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Show More

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
25 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
3
O
2
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.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
17 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
4
N
0
D
6

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark
11 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
6
D
0

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

Butterfly Fish
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
3

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

Lionfish
9 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
4
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
4
D
3

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

Surgeonfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
2
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
2

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

Parrotfish
7 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
1
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark
6 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
2
O
2
N
0
D
0

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

Pufferfish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
5 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
5 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
2
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
4 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

iStock-stock_colors
Tarpon

Tarpon
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
0
iStock-FionaAyerst
Lemon Shark

Lemon Shark
2 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish

Pipefish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Shutterstock-Greg Amptman
Wolf Eel

Wolf Eel
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock_cherylvb
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 50

Shutterstock_Dewald Kirsten
Sea Wasp

Sea Wasp
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Dolin Dive Center

Dolin Dive Center

Hotel Gran Paladium, 23301 BAVARO, Dominican Republic
Shark Juan Dolio Diver

Shark Juan Dolio Diver

CARRETERA JUAN DOLIO AV. VILLAS DEL MAR, 21000 Guayacanes, Dominican Republic

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares
Paradise - Dominican Republic <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

Paradise - Dominican Republic (★3.9)

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.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Park Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

Park Reef (★4.0)

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.
Ylenia F. (#2923314)
Astron, wreck <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

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.
Mares
Chorizo <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.6)</span>

Chorizo (★3.6)

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.