Start in Punta Cana. Dive the Caribbean Sea.

How scuba diving from Punta Cana really works

Punta Cana and Bávaro face the Atlantic, but our diving takes place on the Caribbean side of the Dominican Republic. We collect guests at their resort, travel to Bayahibe and dive the clearer, generally calmer Caribbean Sea around Bayahibe, Saona Island and Catalina Island.

That road transfer is the reason our trips are longer than a local beach activity—and also why guests can choose between reefs, wrecks, island days and freshwater caverns. We do not offer local Atlantic reef dives off Punta Cana or Bávaro.

  • Pickup and return from Punta Cana or Bávaro included in the main prices
  • Two dives on every regular trip
  • Maximum four divers per instructor
Relaxed scuba diver enjoying a guided Caribbean Sea dive from Punta Cana

Four very different choices

Compare our Caribbean dive trips

Choose a convenient half-day, combine diving with an island experience, or explore clear freshwater caverns. Prices below include Punta Cana or Bávaro transfer unless marked otherwise.

Scuba diver exploring the Atlantic Princess wreck near Bayahibe
DailyHalf day169 USD

Bayahibe: reefs and wrecks

The easiest option for first-time and certified divers. Two morning dives at sites selected for the group, which may include Atlantic Princess, Viva Shallow, Guaraguao or Coco Reef.

View Bayahibe details →
Three happy divers at the surface during a Caribbean island dive trip
Mon + FriFull day199 USD

Saona Island: diving plus island day

Two dives—normally Atlantic Princess and Peñón reef—followed by lunch, beach time and a stop at the Natural Pool. A relaxed choice for divers travelling with non-diving family.

View Saona details →
Healthy Caribbean reef and schooling fish during a Catalina Island dive trip
Tue + SatFull day199 USD

Catalina Island: The Wall and Aquarium

Start with Catalina's dramatic coral-covered Wall and follow with the colorful Aquarium Reef. Lunch and beach time on the island complete the day.

View Catalina details →
Certified scuba diver exploring a freshwater cavern in the Dominican Republic
On requestCertified diversAsk for price

Freshwater cavern diving

A very different Dominican Republic experience in the clear-water caverns of Padre Nuestro or El Chicho. Certification, recent experience and conditions determine the suitable option.

View cavern details →

Not sure what to book?

Choose by experience level

First time underwater

Choose Discover Scuba Diving. After a briefing, basic skills are completed in shallow water at the start of dive one, followed by two closely guided dives.

Discover Scuba Diving →

Certified diver

Bayahibe, Saona and Catalina all work well. We match the route and depth to certification, recent experience and the conditions on the day.

Compare dive trips →

Advanced diver

Ask about The Wall, deeper routes, the St. George wreck or Advanced and Specialty training. Site availability always depends on the group and conditions.

Advanced training →

Snorkeler or companion

Non-divers can join the Bayahibe boat for 55 USD or the Saona and Catalina island days for 95 USD, subject to space.

Ask about companion space →
Sea turtle and scuba diver in clear Caribbean water near Bayahibe

Warm Caribbean diving

Water, visibility and conditions

Water temperature is normally around 27–28°C, so the included 3 mm shorty is comfortable for most guests. Visibility, current and surface conditions naturally change from day to day.

We choose sites and routes according to the weather, sea state, certification and recent experience of the group. Natural wildlife—including turtles, rays, barracuda and reef fish—may appear, but sightings can never be guaranteed.

Our style: no more than four divers per instructor, with time for equipment checks, a clear briefing and a relaxed pace underwater.

Plan the right day

Weekly schedule and approximate times

TripRegular daysExperienceUsual returnPrice
Bayahibe
Two reef/wreck dives
DailyFirst-time and certified diversAbout 2:00–3:00 p.m.169 USD
Saona Island
Two dives + island day
Monday and FridayFirst-time and certified diversAbout 5:00–6:30 p.m.199 USD
Catalina Island
The Wall + Aquarium
Tuesday and SaturdayCertified divers; DSD on requestAbout 5:00–6:00 p.m.199 USD
Caverns
Freshwater adventure
On requestSuitable certified diversConfirmed individuallyPrice on request

Pickup from most Punta Cana and Bávaro resorts is usually between 7:15 and 7:50 a.m. Times vary by hotel and route. We send the exact meeting point and pickup time the afternoon before.

Simple preparation

What is included and what to bring

Included on regular trips

  • Resort pickup and return with the Punta Cana/Bávaro price
  • Two guided boat dives
  • BCD, regulator, mask, fins and 3 mm shorty
  • 12-litre tanks and weights
  • Water, Coca-Cola, pineapple and biscuits
  • Lunch and island time on Saona and Catalina

Please bring

  • Swimsuit, towel and dry clothes
  • Certification card or digital certification if certified
  • Reef-safe sun protection and sunglasses
  • Any personal medication you may need
  • Cash for the remaining balance and optional extras
  • Your room number so pickup can be coordinated

Please tell us in advance about medical conditions, medications, recent surgery or anything that may affect diving. Some answers require medical clearance before participation.

Clear prices before you book

Popular prices and packages

ExperiencePrice per diver
Bayahibe half-day / Discover Scuba Diving169 USD
Saona or Catalina full day199 USD
Saona + Catalina package349 USD
Three days / six dives489 USD
Nitrox+12 USD / tank

Confirm your reservation

Send your preferred date, hotel, full names, certification level, recent dive date and equipment sizes.

40 USD deposit per diver

The remaining balance is normally paid in cash in USD, EUR or Dominican pesos on the first diving day. The deposit confirms your place in our small group.

See complete pricing

Safety and experience checks

We check certification and recent experience, review the dive plan and adapt depth and route to the group. If it has been a long time since your last dive, tell us so we can plan a skills review or closer instructor support.

Discover Scuba Diving participants stay within 12 metres. Junior depth limits are applied according to age and certification.

Flying after diving

Divers Alert Network recommends waiting at least 12 hours after one no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after multiple dives in one day or diving over multiple days. Longer is prudent after dives requiring decompression stops.

Read DAN's flying-after-diving guidance →

Plan with confidence

Frequently asked questions

Where does Ultra Marine Divers dive from Punta Cana?

We collect guests from Punta Cana and Bávaro and travel to Bayahibe for Caribbean Sea diving around Bayahibe, Saona and Catalina. We do not operate local Atlantic reef trips off Punta Cana.

Which trip is best for a first-time diver?

The Bayahibe half-day Discover Scuba Diving program is usually the easiest first experience. After a briefing, basic skills are completed in shallow water at the beginning of dive one, followed by two closely guided dives.

What is included in the dive price?

Transfer-rate trips include pickup and return from Punta Cana or Bávaro, standard scuba equipment, 12-litre tanks, weights, a professional guide and refreshments. Saona and Catalina also include lunch and island time.

Can snorkelers or non-diving companions join?

Yes, subject to space. The Bayahibe boat companion price is 55 USD; Saona and Catalina island companions are 95 USD.

What are the usual pickup and return times?

Pickup is normally between 7:15 and 7:50 a.m., depending on the resort. Bayahibe usually returns around 2:00–3:00 p.m.; island trips around 5:00–6:30 p.m. Exact details are sent the afternoon before.

How far ahead should I reserve?

Reserve as early as practical because our small groups fill quickly. When space remains, we normally need the booking details and deposit at least three to five days before the requested trip.

What if weather or sea conditions prevent the trip?

If we must cancel and cannot provide the booked trip, we offer another suitable date or a full refund. Caribbean-side diving is usually dependable, but safety and actual conditions always come first.

How do I confirm a reservation?

Send your preferred date, hotel, full names, certification and recent-dive information plus equipment sizes. A 40 USD deposit per diver confirms a normal trip reservation.

Still not sure which dive trip fits you?

Tell us your hotel, dates and diving experience. We will recommend the best available Caribbean option.

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