Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe) - Bayahibe & La Romana

We've spent a fair bit of time on the Atlantic Princess, and we have to say, it’s a remarkably friendly wreck. Sunk intentionally in 2009, she sits upright in just 13 metres of water, making her ideal for newer divers or those who just want to chill out and explore without worrying about deco. The ship herself is a former passenger liner, 30 metres long, completely cleaned out and opened up. You can swim through the main deck, past the old cabins, and even poke your head into the bridge area. What we really love about the Atlantic Princess is the way marine life has completely taken over. Surgeonfish graze everywhere, moray eels peek from every crevice, and we’ve spotted giant gobies tucked into the nooks and crannies of the hull. The light filtering through the upper deck makes for some fantastic photo opportunities, especially when schools of grunts drift through. Visibility here often hits 17 metres, sometimes more, so you get a great view of the whole structure even from the surface. We'd suggest going early in the morning to beat any crowds and catch the light at its best. It's a genuinely relaxing dive, perfect for just enjoying the peace and the fish.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.369000, -68.852500
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe)

Year Sunk
2009
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
scuttled

Unlike wrecks claimed by storm or mishap, the Atlantic Princess of Bayahibe was given to the sea intentionally. This 99-foot former passenger liner was purposefully scuttled in May 2009 to create a new artificial reef and underwater attraction for divers. It was carefully placed on a sandy bottom in front of what is now the Dreams La Romana resort, with the goal of fostering new marine life and providing an easily accessible dive site.

For years, the Atlantic Princess was a fantastic wreck for beginners, sitting upright in just 13 meters (40 feet) of water. Divers could easily explore its small deck and swim through its open cabin. However, in September 2022, Hurricane Fiona's powerful currents tore the wreck apart, scattering its sections across the seafloor. While no longer intact, the site is now arguably even more interesting, offering a debris field to explore where countless creatures have made their homes among the twisted metal, transforming a planned reef into a dynamic, storm-altered habitat.

Marine Protected Area: Punta Bayahibe

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 Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe)

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 Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe)

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 maximum depth of the Atlantic Princess Wreck dive site in Bayahibe?
The Atlantic Princess Wreck dive site in Bayahibe has a maximum depth of 13 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certified divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Atlantic Princess Wreck?
Divers exploring the Atlantic Princess Wreck can expect to see the remains of a former passenger liner, which is 30 feet wide and 99 feet long, intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in May 2009. This vibrant wreck is home to diverse marine life, including surgeonfish, moray eels, groupers, butterfly fish, grunts, and boxfish, with possible sightings of eagle rays. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is the Atlantic Princess Wreck a suitable dive site for beginner divers, and what is its difficulty level?
The Atlantic Princess Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While its maximum depth of 13 meters is relatively shallow, the nature of wreck diving typically requires more experience than entry-level dives. Therefore, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper guidance or specific wreck training.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the Atlantic Princess Wreck for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the Atlantic Princess Wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Atlantic Princess Wreck in Bayahibe?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required for the Atlantic Princess Wreck. Given its intermediate difficulty and status as a wreck dive, divers typically need at least an Open Water certification, and often a specialty like Wreck Diver for deeper penetration or more complex wreck exploration. It's always best to check with a local dive operator in Bayahibe for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Atlantic Princess Wreck dive site?
Divers visiting the Atlantic Princess Wreck can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 17 meters. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this particular dive site.