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Punta Cana, situated on the jap coast of the Dominican Republic, is a famend vacationer vacation spot identified for its gorgeous seashores and vibrant nightlife.
Nonetheless, in relation to snorkeling, Punta Cana is located on the Atlantic aspect, which gives 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, significantly 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 outline:
Finest snorkeling spots within the Dominican Republic
Should you’re searching for locations to go snorkeling close to Punta Cana, take a look at 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 gives a stupendous view of the Caribbean Sea. When the wind is powerful, anticipate 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 an excellent spot for learners and households.
Don’t overlook to deliver your underwater digital camera to seize the mesmerizing underwater world.
Playa Magallanes is likely 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 straightforward 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 see 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 dwelling to the colourful Marine Museum and the sunken shipwreck of the Captain Kidd, which lies 69 ft beneath sea degree.
Just a few 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 gives a pleasing common temperature of 77 levels Fahrenheit (25°C) per yr. 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 folks go to this stunning island within the Dominican Republic.
The waters across the island additionally provide 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 experience away from Bayahibe, is a snorkeler’s paradise with two standout spots which might be a must-visit:
The Wall
The Wall, also called El Muro, is a shocking 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 all the way down to 100 meters and has two outstanding steps at 25 and 40 meters that enable for a delicate descent.
Right here, you’ll encounter an array of coral formations, gorgonians, and bigger marine species similar to nurse sharks (seen by divers solely) and stingrays.
The wall’s depth permits for various snorkeling experiences, making it appropriate for each learners and superior snorkelers.
The Aquarium
Simply off the shores of Catalina Island lies The Aquarium, El Acuario and the identify 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 many who favor 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 learners and kids!
Probably the most adventurous can go additional and discover this gorgeous underwater aid, which is likely one of the most spectacular within the area.
Afterwards, proceed to the second snorkeling web site close to Catalina Seashore, 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 revel in a well-deserved meal! At Catalina Seashore, 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 sort 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 plush 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 will likely be ready so that you can take you again to your lodge.
Value: $109 (Youngsters 3-12 years: $55)
Period: 8-9 hours
Free cancelation
The tour consists of:
- 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 out there for a further price.)
- Comfy 50 foot crusing catamaran
- Pleasant captain and crew for a beautiful day.
- English and French talking information
- Snorkeling gear (fins, masks and snorkel)
- Drinks: Coca Cola, Sprite, water, rum and beer
- Typical Dominican lunch served on Catalina seaside
Seashore between Cotubanama Nationwide Park and Cadaques Resort
The Cotubanamá Nationwide Park, also called the Jap Nationwide Park, is likely one of the major 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, similar 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 provide a pure spectacle that can 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 Resort gives a novel 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 in the event you’re fortunate.
This spot is comparatively much less crowded, offering a tranquil snorkeling expertise surrounded by nature’s magnificence.
Please take into accout there’s a whole lot of boat site 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 gained’t cross.
Cueva de Chico
There are hidden locations ready to be found by probably the most adventurous folks. El Chicho is considered one of these locations and crucial 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 only a few minutes from Bayahibe, this cenote is just not solely distinctive in its surroundings, but in addition in its secrets and techniques.
An historic neighborhood was as soon as displaced right here and there are petroglyphs that doc the significance of this web site to the Taino folks. This makes the expertise at Cueva de Chicho distinctive within the nation.
Contained in the cave you possibly can see completely different petroglyphs – engravings within the rock – left as a legacy by the traditional inhabitants. Evaluation of those artworks leads us to consider that Cueva de Chicho was a sacred place for the Taino folks – which supplies the place a further mystical aura.
Under the thousands and thousands 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 may be very well-liked right here! Due to the clear water it’s doable to swim and snorkel on this stunning place.
Not like 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 fanatics, Cueva de Chicho can also be a terrific place to discover. The thrilling half is that the pure pool is linked to a different underground physique of water – so that you’ll need to dive underwater to get there! We extremely advocate this exercise if you wish to actually get to know this magical place.
For these searching for journey together with their snorkeling, Cueva de Chico is a must-visit spot.
This underwater cave system is situated close to Bayahibe and gives 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 means of the water. Whereas snorkeling right here, chances are you’ll come throughout cave-dwelling marine creatures and uncover hidden wonders beneath the floor.
Should you resolve to go to the cave, please notice you will want to pay 200 pesos (roughly 4 {dollars}) per individual for the park entrance and additionally, you will want a flashlight.
Cueva de Chicho needs to be thought of a sacred web site and will 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 extreme solar. It is usually advisable to deliver water for the hike.
Since this can be a jungle space, we additionally advocate that you just 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 anyplace else on the island, we advocate that you just use non-public transportation.
As soon as in Bayahibe, you possibly can comply with the well-marked path to Chicho Cave by yourself. It is usually doable 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, gives 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 just gained’t wish 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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