Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) - and travelling in general

[Scuba_Noob]

I'm going to be in Punta Cana for about a week this summer, and I want to get a few days of diving in. Anyone ever dove there and have any dive operators you can recommend? I'm going to be living out of a resort (Dreams Palm Beach); I assume that won't be a problem.

Does the Dominican Republic use the same types of electronics sockets as the US/Canada or do I need an adapter?

Now for the general questions - I'm going to be bringing my regs, computer, and mask in my luggage and am probably going to rent everything else. Any other small equipment you'd recommend?

I'm probably going to be paired up with an insta-buddy. Is it possible that I request that I be buddied with a regular diver? Is it going to be a problem if I'm planning on doing photography (i.e., I'm going to be slow) and I need an insta-buddy?

Thanks.

 

[buton]

i have been in punta cana before..

The real diving is in Bayahibe, not in punta cana. Bayahibe is 2 hour or 1 hour and a half from punta cana. You can take a bus with tourist that go everyday there to take tours. I did 7 dives with SCUBAFUN Dive Center - Excursions en Bayahibe, Dominican Republic and they have a good operation. There is local diving on sites just 5 min away from bayahibe and there is some great diving a little far on peñon(70 + viz) or rubens reef close to Saona island. I would suggest to take the saona island trip with scuba fun, they take you on the boat, to snorkel first, then you do 1 dive in rubens reef 70 feet deep, surface interval in saona island with great lunch, then on the way back you stop to take pictures with a starfish, then you do the second dive at el peñon.

that excursion was really good i would recomend you that if you are going to stay in puntacana. the local reefs are good but often poor viz 40 to 30 feet due to a lot of divers blowing sand on the bottom.

diving in putacana is not as good as bayahibe thats what people say.

if you have any questions i can help you...

 

[Scuba_Noob]

Thanks, buton. That's what I heard; Punta Cana pales compared to most dive locales around the DM. Unfortunately, I can't necessarily do the three to four hour round trip for a few days, as most of my friends going aren't divers, and I'd like to spend a some time each day with them.

Thus, I must settle for whatever dive locations decently close to Punta Cana. I'll try to get one day in at Bayahibe, though. If you know of any decent sites closer, please let me know.

 

[buton]

Do the saona trip, you won't regret...

 

[Scuba_Noob]

Turns out that my resort has a PADI dive shop that works with it that also visits Saona and Catalina. I'm going to visit both on separate days! Slightly more expensive, but more convenient. Also, going to try a couple of shore dives.

Anyone have any experiences with Seapro Divers (http://www.seaprodivers.com/)? Sounds good to me.

 

[diversteve]

Does the Dominican Republic use the same types of electronics sockets as the US/Canada or do I need an adapter?

Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage Information for Dominican Republic (República Dominicana) : Adaptelec.com, International Electrical Specialists
or
Electrical Receptacles, Electrical Outlets, Electrical Plugs, Adapter Plugs for future travels.

 

[Dhboner]

Turns out that my resort has a PADI dive shop that works with it that also visits Saona and Catalina. I'm going to visit both on separate days! Slightly more expensive, but more convenient. Also, going to try a couple of shore dives.

Anyone have any experiences with Seapro Divers (http://www.seaprodivers.com/)? Sounds good to me.

I used Sea Pro when I stayed at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana. They are a typical hotel operation...small boats you back roll off and climb back in (no ladder). The reef near Punta Cana is pretty sparse but if you can't make it to Bayahibe and REALLY need a dive you will enjoy it. There is a decent wreck off the beach called the Astron (I think). It's not bad but the ocean needs to be pretty glassy or they won't dive there (a bit tricky in surge).

Contact Ingrid at ScubaFun in Bayahibe and let her know what you want to do (Saona, Catalina) and let her give you a price before you commit to Sea Pro. ScubaFun can arrange transport from Punta Cana and they are a lot of fun and very safe (plus they have a great boat)! I've used them 3 times in the last 2 years and never been disappointed.

Bob (Toronto)

 

[buton]

I used Sea Pro when I stayed at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana. They are a typical hotel operation...small boats you back roll off and climb back in (no ladder). The reef near Punta Cana is pretty sparse but if you can't make it to Bayahibe and REALLY need a dive you will enjoy it. There is a decent wreck off the beach called the Astron (I think). It's not bad but the ocean needs to be pretty glassy or they won't dive there (a bit tricky in surge).

Contact Ingrid at ScubaFun in Bayahibe and let her know what you want to do (Saona, Catalina) and let her give you a price before you commit to Sea Pro. ScubaFun can arrange transport from Punta Cana and they are a lot of fun and very safe (plus they have a great boat)! I've used them 3 times in the last 2 years and never been disappointed.

Bob (Toronto)

I think ingrid no longer work there she left DR in november 2011... but talk with John the owner he might help you...