Short answer: Sosúa is the easy north coast choice, Bayahibe suits every level, and Catalina Island is for experienced divers.
North coast: Sosúa
Guides describe dive boats leaving from Sosúa’s public beach, with sites in Sosúa Bay mostly a five minute boat ride away, and calm, protected conditions that suit beginners and shore dives. The Airport Wall, at the foot of the airport runway, is described as a site for more experienced divers. PADI lists Dive Cabarete, on the beach in Sosúa, offering shore and boat dives plus PADI courses.
Southeast: Bayahibe and Catalina Island
PADI’s blog names Bayahibe sites including the Aquarium (about 30 feet deep, often recommended for beginners), Peñon Reef in Cotubanamá National Park, Shark Point, and the Saint George wreck, a cargo ship in about 120 feet of water. Catalina Island, near La Romana, is described as having walls, boulders and caves, with the Catalina Island Wall recommended for experienced divers. These are on the other side of the country from Las Canas, so plan them as a separate trip.
How to choose a shop
Operator quality varies. Check the shop on PADI’s Find a Dive Shop or SSI’s directory, read recent reviews and ask about group sizes. Listings are the shops’ own descriptions.
Diving and a stay at Las Canas
Las Canas does not run scuba. We offer on site surf lessons, paddleboarding, pickleball and beach volleyball, and we can point your group to local dive operators. See snorkeling on the north coast and getting to Las Canas.
What we could not verify
- Current conditions, visibility and prices. Ask the shop.
- Depth figures, which differ between sources.
- Any operator’s safety record.
Sources checked
Checked on 2026-10-19.
- https://blog.padi.com/best-dive-sites-in-the-dominican-republic/
- https://travel.padi.com/dive-center/dominican-republic/dive-cabarete/
- https://www.divein.com/diving/diving-dominican-republic/
- https://www.diveoclock.com/destinations/Caribbean/DominicanRepublic/Sosua/
Questions guests ask
Where is the best scuba diving in the Dominican Republic?
It depends on level. Sources name Sosúa for beginners and shore dives, Bayahibe for all levels, and Catalina Island for experienced divers.
Can you scuba dive on the north coast of the Dominican Republic?
Yes. Dive boats leave from Sosúa's public beach to sites in Sosúa Bay, most within a five minute boat ride, and the Airport Wall is described as a site for more experienced divers.
Is there a PADI dive shop near Cabarete and Sosúa?
PADI lists Dive Cabarete, on the beach in Sosúa, offering shore and boat dives and PADI courses. Confirm details on PADI's site before you book.
What can you see diving in Bayahibe?
PADI's blog describes seagrass beds and coral reefs, with sea turtles, eagle rays and reef sharks at named sites, and the Saint George wreck, a cargo ship in about 120 feet of water.
