Aquarium Boca Chica - Bayahibe & La Romana

Aquarium Boca Chica is an easy dive, just a quick boat ride from Boca Chica itself. It’s a shallow spot, topping out at around 10 meters, so a good choice for newer divers or anyone looking for a relaxed time underwater. We've often seen sheephead and graysby poking around the coral blocks, which are interspersed with sandy patches. Keep an eye on those sandy areas; we’ve spotted small rays there more than once, alongside the usual French grunts and doctorfish. Visibility averages 13 meters, which is decent for photography, especially with all the yellowhead jawfish and orangespotted filefish you’ll encounter. It can get a bit of swell, but nothing too dramatic.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.445200, -69.605400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: La Caleta

Best Time to Dive in Bayahibe & La Romana

The warmest water temperatures in Bayahibe & La Romana occur in January, averaging 26.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.9°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • February: 26.9°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • March: 26.9°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • April: 26.9°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • May: 26.9°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 26.9°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 26.9°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • August: 26.9°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 26.9°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • October: 26.9°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • November: 26.9°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • December: 26.9°C (air: 25.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bayahibe & La Romana

Nearest Dive Centres to Aquarium Boca Chica

Marine Life in Bayahibe & La Romana

Home to 181 recorded species including 157 reef fish, 6 seagrass & algae, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aquarium Boca Chica

Based on average water temperature of 26.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Aquarium Boca Chica?
Aquarium Boca Chica is a very shallow reef dive, with a typical diving depth maximum of 8 meters. The overall maximum depth at this site is 10 meters, making it an excellent location for education and photography. You can explore more about this site at Aquarium Boca Chica.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Aquarium Boca Chica?
Divers at Aquarium Boca Chica can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including rays often found in the sandy areas, along with reef fish, snails, and moray eels. The site features a beautiful, shallow reef where sandy areas and coral blocks alternate, providing diverse habitats for these species. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Aquarium Boca Chica considered an easy or difficult dive site for scuba divers?
Aquarium Boca Chica is considered an intermediate dive site for scuba divers. While it is a shallow reef, often well-suited for education, it can be exposed to swell, which contributes to its intermediate difficulty rating. Divers should be comfortable with potential water movement at this location.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Aquarium Boca Chica for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Aquarium Boca Chica. However, you can generally find information about seasonal conditions for the Bayahibe & La Romana sub-region on our When to Dive page to help plan your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Aquarium Boca Chica?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required to dive at Aquarium Boca Chica. As a general practice, it's always best to confirm with local dive operators in the Dominican Republic regarding any specific certification requirements for their guided dives.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Aquarium Boca Chica dive site?
At Aquarium Boca Chica, the average visibility is a good 13 meters, offering clear views of the shallow reef. While specific current information is not provided, the site is noted to be often exposed to swell, which can influence water conditions and contribute to its intermediate difficulty rating.