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Punta Cana, situated on the japanese coast of the Dominican Republic, is a famend vacationer vacation spot identified for its gorgeous seashores and vibrant nightlife.
Nevertheless, in terms of snorkeling, Punta Cana is located on the Atlantic aspect, which provides fewer alternatives for snorkeling in comparison with the Caribbean aspect of the island.
On this article, we’ll information you to among the greatest snorkeling spots within the Dominican Republic, notably within the Bayahibe space, which is understood for its wealthy underwater biodiversity and because the departure level for excursions to Catalina Island.
Take a look at: Punta Cana’s Excursions and Seashores
Right here is an summary:
Greatest snorkeling spots within the Dominican Republic
If you happen to’re in search of locations to go snorkeling close to Punta Cana, try these spots.
Take a look at these different locations to go to within the Dominican Republic.
Playa Magallanes in Bayahibe
Playa Magallanes is a hidden gem for snorkelers. Nestled within the Bayahibe area on the Caribbean coast, this seaside boasts crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
The seaside of Playa Magallanes is small and surrounded by some rocks. It’s hidden in a small bay and provides a good looking view of the Caribbean Sea. When the wind is powerful, count on some waves.
Snorkelers can discover colourful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish only a quick distance from the shore. Snorkelers come right here to discover the caves and overhangs alongside the coast. It is a great place to search for groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and scorpion fish – all of which admire hiding within the crevices of the reef.
The calm, shallow waters make it a great spot for novices and households.
Don’t neglect to deliver your underwater digital camera to seize the mesmerizing underwater world.
Playa Magallanes is without doubt one of the most accessible snorkeling spots within the space. If you’re in Bayahibe on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Playa Magallanes is comparatively simple to get to. From the village, simply comply with the grime street alongside the coast in direction of Dominicus. After about 500 meters you can find the small seaside of Magallanes in your proper.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a real treasure of the Dominican Republic and top-of-the-line locations for snorkeling and diving. Its clear waters and huge coral reefs are residence to the colourful Marine Museum and the sunken shipwreck of the Captain Kidd, which lies 69 ft beneath sea degree.
A couple of miles southeast of Hispaniola lies Catalina Island, an uninhabited paradise completely ready for contemporary tourism. The humid tropical island covers an space of solely 3.7 sq. kilometers and provides a pleasing common temperature of 77 levels Fahrenheit (25°C) per 12 months. Guests have entry to an unique a part of the island – the VIP space.
Enjoyable water sports activities actions, scenic walks alongside the seaside, scrumptious criollo meals and refreshing tropical cocktails in a country setting with an eco-friendly environment are among the explanation why individuals go to this stunning island within the Dominican Republic.
The waters across the island additionally supply a various underwater world: seahorses, sponges, colourful blowfish, swimming butterfly fish, majestic queen angelfish to longhorn cowfish and even sea urchins together with many different species make you’re keen on the nice and cozy crystal clear waters of Catalina Island.
Catalina Island, located a brief boat journey away from Bayahibe, is a snorkeler’s paradise with two standout spots which might be a must-visit:
The Wall
The Wall, often known as El Muro, is a surprising wall within the Caribbean Sea. Aptly named, The Wall is a sheer drop-off the place the ocean flooring plunges into the abyss. It extends right down to 100 meters and has two distinguished steps at 25 and 40 meters that enable for a mild descent.
Right here, you’ll encounter an array of coral formations, gorgonians, and bigger marine species equivalent to nurse sharks (seen by divers solely) and stingrays.
The wall’s depth permits for various snorkeling experiences, making it appropriate for each novices and superior snorkelers.
The Aquarium
Simply off the shores of Catalina Island lies The Aquarium, El Acuario and the title speaks for itself. It’s a shallow coral backyard teeming with colourful marine life.
This dive web site has an abundance of coral formations and a depth of round 11 meters. Right here you possibly can see among the most attribute marine lifetime of the Caribbean, together with seahorses, the world well-known lionfish and frogfish.
This spot is ideal for individuals who choose snorkeling in calm, shallow waters and observing an abundance of fish species, together with damselfish, butterflyfish, and sergeant majors.
It’s like swimming in a dwelling aquarium.
Catalina Snorkel Tour
Head to Catalina Island, which is a part of the Cotubanama Nationwide Park.
The primary cease is “The Wall”, a snorkeling spot about 10 meters deep. Don’t fear, you’ll be nicely supervised, so everybody can benefit from the expertise of seeing small fish – even novices and youngsters!
Essentially the most adventurous can go additional and discover this gorgeous underwater reduction, which is without doubt one of the most spectacular within the area.
Afterwards, proceed to the second snorkeling web site close to Catalina Seaside, referred to as “The Aquarium”, situated at a depth of about 4 meters. Snorkeling right here is appropriate for everybody, together with households. And for these of you who’re extra adventurous, you possibly can even soar into the water from the boat!
Lastly, it’s time to chill out and luxuriate in a well-deserved meal! At Catalina Seaside, you’ll have about two and a half hours to chill out, swim and snorkel.
Then it’s again aboard the crusing catamaran and off to a special type of surroundings…. You’ve in all probability seen and heard of films like RAMBO II, ANACONDA and KING KONG? The Chavon River served as a backdrop for a few of these photographs and can impress you. Be quiet “on the set”! 😉
Inexperienced nature and luxurious landscapes await you together with peace and serenity.
Lastly, the route takes you again alongside the coast, the place you possibly can catch a glimpse of the multi-million greenback villas of Casa de Campo, earlier than arriving in Bayahibe. There your transportation shall be ready so that you can take you again to your resort.
Value: $109 (Kids 3-12 years: $55)
Period: 8-9 hours
Free cancelation
The tour contains:
- Transportation from motels within the Bayahibe – Dominicus space (Decide up and drop off from Punta Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto, Bahia La Romana, Juan Dolio and Boca Chica is accessible for a further payment.)
- Snug 50 foot crusing catamaran
- Pleasant captain and crew for a beautiful day.
- English and French talking information
- Snorkeling tools (fins, masks and snorkel)
- Drinks: Coca Cola, Sprite, water, rum and beer
- Typical Dominican lunch served on Catalina seaside
Seaside between Cotubanama Nationwide Park and Cadaques Lodge
The Cotubanamá Nationwide Park, often known as the Jap Nationwide Park, is without doubt one of the predominant sights of the Dominican Republic. This paradise on earth is characterised by its lush panorama and variety of animal and plant species.
Declared a protected space in 1975, this nationwide park is situated within the excessive southeast of the nation close to Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma.
The breathtaking cliffs and mangroves, equivalent to these in Bahía de Las Calderas, create unforgettable dream landscapes. The Padre Nuestro archaeological path and the coral reefs off the islands of Saona and Catalinita will delight discerning vacationers. Freshwater springs and sunken caves supply a pure spectacle that may by no means be forgotten!
Alongside the coast, snorkeling and diving websites abound alongside colourful coral reefs and steep partitions teeming with marine life.
The realm between Cotubanama Nationwide Park and Cadaques Lodge provides a singular snorkeling expertise. The coral formations on this area are spectacular, and also you’ll have the prospect to come across all kinds of marine life, together with angelfish, parrotfish, and even sea turtles if you happen to’re fortunate.
This spot is comparatively much less crowded, offering a tranquil snorkeling expertise surrounded by nature’s magnificence.
Please bear in mind there’s quite a lot of boat visitors on this space at sure occasions, so don’t swim too removed from the shore and keep near the reef, the place the boats received’t move.
Cueva de Chico
There are hidden locations ready to be found by probably the most adventurous individuals. El Chicho is one among these locations and an important underground cave within the Dominican Republic.
Cueva de Chicho is a formidable underground spring and one of the vital fascinating locations within the Dominican Republic.
Positioned just some minutes from Bayahibe, this cenote just isn’t solely distinctive in its surroundings, but in addition in its secrets and techniques.
An historic group was as soon as displaced right here and there are petroglyphs that doc the significance of this web site to the Taino individuals. This makes the expertise at Cueva de Chicho distinctive within the nation.
Contained in the cave you possibly can see totally different petroglyphs – engravings within the rock – left as a legacy by the traditional inhabitants. Evaluation of those artworks leads us to imagine that Cueva de Chicho was a sacred place for the Taino individuals – which provides the place a further mystical aura.
Under the tens of millions of years outdated stalactites and stalagmites there’s a pure pool with crystal clear water. This makes this place geologically very fascinating: these cenotes, situated kilometers away from the coast, are extraordinarily uncommon and thrilling on the similar time!
Diving could be very widespread right here! Due to the clear water it’s attainable to swim and snorkel on this stunning place.
In contrast to different cenotes, this one has a freshwater lake. That is created by the water that collects above the cave after which flows filtered into the cave.
For scuba fans, Cueva de Chicho can also be an important place to discover. The thrilling half is that the pure pool is linked to a different underground physique of water – so that you’ll should dive underwater to get there! We extremely suggest this exercise if you wish to actually get to know this magical place.
For these in search of journey together with their snorkeling, Cueva de Chico is a must-visit spot.
This underwater cave system is situated close to Bayahibe and provides an unforgettable snorkeling journey. As you discover the cave’s darkish chambers, you’ll be amazed by the intricate limestone formations and the play of sunshine filtering by the water. Whereas snorkeling right here, you could come throughout cave-dwelling marine creatures and uncover hidden wonders beneath the floor.
If you happen to resolve to go to the cave, please notice you have to to pay 200 pesos (roughly 4 {dollars}) per individual for the park entrance and additionally, you will want a flashlight.
Cueva de Chicho must be thought of a sacred web site and may at all times be visited respectfully to make sure its preservation.
For the 45 minute hike to Cueva de Chicho, the very first thing to deliver is sunscreen, sun shades, and a hat or cap to guard your self from the extraordinary solar. Additionally it is advisable to deliver water for the hike.
Since it is a jungle space, we additionally suggest that you simply deliver an efficient mosquito repellent to maintain these pesky bugs away.
Chicho’s Cave is situated northwest of Cotubanamá Nationwide Park, very near Bayahibe. To get there from Punta Cana or wherever else on the island, we suggest that you simply use personal transportation.
As soon as in Bayahibe, you possibly can comply with the well-marked path to Chicho Cave by yourself. Additionally it is attainable to rent a information who offers you fascinating details about the historical past and nature of this place – that is extremely beneficial.
Whereas Punta Cana could also be your gateway to the Dominican Republic, for an unforgettable snorkeling journey, it’s price heading to the Caribbean aspect of the island.
Bayahibe, with its pristine seashores and vibrant underwater ecosystems, provides among the greatest snorkeling alternatives within the area. From the enchanting Playa Magallanes to the mysterious Cueva de Chico and the underwater wonders of Catalina Island, these snorkeling spots promise a world of marine exploration that you simply received’t need to miss.
Dive in and uncover the breathtaking magnificence that lies beneath the floor of the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coast.
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