Scuba diving in Punta Cana promises a wealth of underwater adventure. From, caves and canyons, eerie shipwrecks and night dives, to sensational shallow reefs and coral gardens on the longest reef in the Dominican Republic, there’s surely something for every diver’s taste. 

Dive centers and dive resorts offer frequent boat diving trips, with most dive sites being only a short ride away. The vast majority of Punta Cana diving is shallow, allowing beginners to easily take entry-level dive courses, as well as enjoy wrecks that would normally be limited to experienced divers. As it’s exposed to the Atlantic, the eastern point of Punta Cana can be subjected to strong currents, making for some exciting drift diving for those with experience. 

Nestled where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, the region’s coast is complemented by idyllic white beaches bathed by glimmering azure Caribbean waters that hold beautiful corals offshore forming a barrier reef. This expansive reef system stretches all the way north to Bavaro, along which much diving takes place. Highlight dive sites include Cuevitas and Coral Garden, and there are also some interesting wrecks to explore, including the Astron and Monica. Wrecks located within Punta Cana itself are also major attractions. Favourites include The Enriquillo and Patricia, which are easily accessible and shallow. 
Wall diving fanatics should head to Catalina Island, where it’s vertigo-inducing drop-offs abound. Dive excursions to Saona Island is also possible and recommended for even further diving adventures.

Another famous spot to check out is the Punta Cana Underwater Museum, a snorkelling and diving destination that is home to submerged symbolic sculptures of the native Taino culture.

Though diving is great year-round thanks to a tropical climate that maintains 26°C-28°C waters, the best time to dive in Punta Cana is from March until July, when seas and calm and visibility is at its clearest. Furthermore, on a daily basis, Punta Cana enjoys clearer and calmer waters in the afternoon, making a relaxing afternoon dive a popular activity.

June to November is the rainy season, though downpours are often short. This is also the hurricane season, so consider taking out travel insurance. As it’s the low season, you’ll find great deals on diving, accommodation and flights, and you’ll likely enjoy uncrowded dive sites. 

December to May is the dry season when the weather is hot and sunny. The northern coast can experience rougher seas and currents, however, this is offset by the amazing chance to spot migrating humpback whales. They come from the North Atlantic to Bavaro, and then give birth in Samana. The males often put on impressive spectacles to attract females.

Boat diving is common practice in and around most of Punta Cana. Night diving is a popular activity, as is wreck diving on Punta Cana’s several accessible sunken vessels. There’s the Punta Cana Pewter Wreck, the Astron Wreck and the Monica Wreck which are a must for any diver visiting the region. 

Cave diving is also possible at Cueva Taina Macao, which is a short drive from the Bávaro resort area. This otherworldly cavern features impressive stalagmites and stalactites, all in crystal clear water.

Reef diving is also exceptional, especially along the longest reef in the Dominican Republic which is ideally situated in this beautiful diving destination. To gaze at walls that plunge into the endless abyss, head to Catalina Island where wall diving fanatics are in their element.

An array of Caribbean species thrive in Punta Cana’s waters. Divers can spot sharks and rays on the reefs and wrecks, including resting nurse sharks. The multitudes of hard and soft corals are also populated by seemingly endless reef fish species, along with critters like eels, octopus, crabs, shrimp and more. Turtles, eagle rays and many more favourites can be encountered, and if you’re lucky, you might hear the humpback whales singing.

During night dives, you’ll likely spot hungry hunting lobsters, morays and octopus, among many other critters searching for a meal.

There are plenty of dive sites in and around Punta Cana. To name just a few top spots, we’ll start with the famous Astron Wreck. Submerged at 12 meters off Bávaro’s coast, this enormous ship features not only prolific marine life, but also has multiple sights at which to marvel, including its giant propellor.

The Monica Wreck also hosts an established ecosystem of encrusted corals, along with hordes of squirrelfish and other schools of fish. 

The Enriquillo RM-22 wreck is ideal for advanced divers, resting at 18 meters off the coast of Playa Blanca. Snappers, turtles and horse mackerel are often seen lingering here, in addition to bountiful corals.

La Cueva is another popular site as a result of caverns that even beginners can enjoy. At only a maximum depth of 13 meter, it’s accessible to all.

The Punta Cana Underwater Museum is absolutely a must-dive site, where cultural native Taino sculptures make perfect subjects for underwater photography enthusiasts.

The Aquarium, situated off the Punta Cana coast, is only around 7 meters-deep. Perfect for beginners and underwater photographers, the corals are illuminated by the sun, while plenty of marine species pass by, including barracuda, parrotfish, eagle rays and porcupinefish.

El Deseo proves to be an excellent night dive site, playing host to tons of hunting creatures. Be sure to include it on your to-do list if you plan to make night diving a part of your trip.