The diver’s paradise of Las Terrenas, situated in the northeast of the Dominican Republic, offers a wealth of excitement above and below the waves. Nearby scuba hotspots that are also worth visiting include Samana Bay and Las Galeras. Divers are also fortunate enough to be able to delve into the national park of Cabo Cabron, where marine life of all forms flourishes en mass. Cayos Las Ballenas (The Ballenas Islands), located just off Las Ballenas beach, are also fantastic for diving. 

Overall, scuba diving in Las Terrenas is mostly suitable for all levels and offers no lack of interesting underwater landscapes, such as caves, caverns, canyons, plunging walls and beautiful coral reefs. Just off the coast, cays boast underwater caverns like the famous Dudu Cave. Lucky divers might even hear the songs of migrating humpback whales, who come to this Caribbean haven to mate and give birth. 

Resting within the Samaná Peninsula, this resort town is in a plentiful supply of dive centers and dive resorts. Las Terrenas Beach, Bonita, Cosón and Las Ballenas all host lots of operators. Most diving areas experience calm currents, however, to enjoy the most of what scuba diving in Las Terrenas has on offer, consider taking an advanced certification, as some deeper spots can see strong currents. What’s more, with an advanced certification, you can also check out a few modern wrecks and sheer walls. 
 

Las Terrenas diving is great year-round, thanks to its warm tropical climate. December to May is the dry season, with water temperatures around 24-26°C. You’ll also have a higher chance of spotting humpback whales during this period.

June to November sees uncrowded dive sites due to the rainy season, though downpours are usually short, with sunshine following. On top of this, the ocean is warmer, at around 26-28°C, and visitors can find deals on diving, flights and accommodation. Do note that this marks the hurricane season in the Caribbean, so consider taking travel insurance.

A variety of diving can be enjoyed, including exceptional reef dives at Cabo Cabrón. Las Terrenas even has interesting wreck diving, including the Dolphin Wreck and the Jet Skis. 

While many dive sites boast minimal currents that are perfect for beginners, many also promise drift diving, dramatic wall diving, and even cave diving, such as at Dudu Cave. Technical diving is also popular in the inland freshwater caves.

Most operators offer boat diving, though there are some shore diving possibilities off the house reefs of resorts. Liveaboard diving is similarly possible via a few vessels that patrol this area of the Caribbean.

A plethora of colorful Caribbean species frolic and thrive in this sensational part of the Dominan Republic. Expect a ton of vibrant reef fish, friendly sea turtles, barracuda and adorable macro critters like shrimp and crabs.

Divers may even spot reef sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, moray eels and much more. Lionfish are classed as an invasive species here, so don’t be shocked if your dive guide kills one if seen - this is common, legal practice in the area.

Among the most desired creatures to spot here are the cute and curious manatees, which are sometimes seen surfacing near boats and docks.. Of course, there’s also the possibility of humpbacks from December to May.

Famed dive sites around Las Terrenas include Whale Rocks, The Tower, Ojo Blanco, El Dudu, and The Cathedral. Other popular sites include Las Cuevitas de Las Ballenas, Wreck of The Dolphin, Creole Reef, The Canyons, Portillo Reef, 1 Piedra Marcel and the Jet Ski. 

Unarguably, the region’s best corals thrive in the national park of Cabo Cabrón. Favourite sites here include Puerto Malo, Piedra Bonita (The Tower), the Walls of Tibisi I and II, and Puerto Malo. Cueva de Chopa and other caverns of Cabo Cabron offer easy cave diving.

Nearer to Las Galeras, the wreck of the Barco Hundido is a good one to check out. Furthermore, divers might hear whales at Piedra Solitaria, Fronton and Los Carriles. Some operators take divers to Farola Island to explore the ferry shipwreck and Farola Wall.