Skip to main content

5 Amazing Species to See Scuba Diving in Dominican Republic

Stingray in Saona Island Diving Excursion

 

The Dominican Republic is renowned as a top Caribbean Beach Destination, popular for it’s endless miles of white sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees. With boundless flowing rivers, the highest Caribbean peak and captivating reefs; it is a mecca for nature and adventure seeker. The Dominican Republic is a great All-Around Destination for the divers looking to combine diving with other great adventure activities. If you are planning on scuba diving in the Dominican Republic, here is a list of 5 Awesome Marine Species you could potentially see.

Caribbean Reef Shark, Catalinita Island

As the shark species that is most commonly found in the Caribbean Sea and Western Atlantic (hence the name), it is no surprise to spot this shark in certain locations in the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean Reef shark is a mid-sized shark with a light gray almost silver color. The best location to spot Reef Sharks are in the National Park of the East, where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean converge. In this diverse habitat you will find an uninhabited island known as Catalinita Island, situated between the national park of the east and Saona Island. Catalinita Island is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. 5 minutes away, you will find the famed dive spot: Shark Point. Although a far it is totally worth every minute of the trip, here you can spot Reef Sharks, the bottom dwelling Nurse Shark and perhaps (though not as common) Blacktip Shark.

SeaPro Divers

       White Spotted Eagle Ray, Puerto Plata

Seeing a white spotted eagle ray graciously swimming by is always a delight to a diver. Their graceful flow through the water can appear as flying. The Spotted Eagle Ray has a Diamond shape body with strong protruding snout and intense dark color that is scattered with lighter spots. One of the best destination to spot eagle ray in the Dominican Republic is in Sosua Bay, during a Puerto Plata scuba diving trip.

SeaPro Divers

 

Seahorses, Catalina Island

Seahorses have an aura of uniqueness to them, not only due to their resemblance to a horse, but in that they are monogamous in nature and mate for life. They are also known as the only species in the animal kingdom where the male is the bearer of offspring. Seahorses are often found in shallow tropical waters around the world. Due to their slow movement, they are most likely found fastened to a reef with their long tail. The Best location to spot seahorses is in Catalina Island. Situated in the southern coast of the Dominican Republic near La Romana, dive and Snorkeling Excursion to Catalina Island are a popular way to visit this charming uninhabited Caribbean Island.

SeaPro Divers

 

Southern Stingray, Bayahibe

Buried in the sand, the southern stingray is often hard to spot and a surprise when they rise from their bed of sand. This pelagic species is known to reside in soft seafloor where they are able to hide from larger predator species. Mature Southern Stingrays are known to reach sizes as large as five feet (1.5 m) wide, reports Oceana. One of the best destination to encounter large adult southern stingray are in the calm waters near Bayahibe.

SeaPro Divers

 

 

Green Moray Eel, Saona Island

The green moray eel skin is actually a dark brownish tone, the yellow/greenish tint is a result of mucus to protect the eel from parasites. Green Moray eels are the largest of the eel species and can range anywhere from 4-6 feet in length. The green moray eel are best spotted hidden between rocks and crevices during the Saona Island Dive Excursion.

SeaPro Divers

 

Vacation Water Adventures Previous Article Scuba Diving: Tips For Anxious Divers Next Article