Catalina Aquarium - Bayahibe & La Romana

French Tuba Garden is a gentle introduction to some decent wall diving in Sulawesi. We start on a vertical face, really quite colourful with tube sponges, before it eases into a slope. It’s not the deepest dive, topping out at 17 metres, which means plenty of bottom time for taking in the resident parrotfish, damselfish, and the occasional napoleon wrasse cruising by. Visibility here is usually a generous 30 metres, so you get a good look at the wall’s texture and the corals. It’s a pleasant, relaxed dive, ideal for an afternoon cruise.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.358800, -69.028400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-12m

Marine Protected Area: Isla Catalina

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 Catalina Aquarium

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 Catalina Aquarium

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 depth for diving at the Catalina Aquarium dive site?
The Catalina Aquarium dive site is known for its shallow depth, reaching a maximum of 13 meters. This makes it an enjoyable and easy dive, often chosen as a second dive for charters due to its accessibility.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving at Catalina Aquarium?
At Catalina Aquarium, you can expect to encounter a vibrant array of typical Caribbean marine life on this beautiful reef dive. Divers frequently spot nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, and turtles, alongside numerous stingrays and lobsters. The site is also teeming with various fish species, including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper.
How difficult is the Catalina Aquarium dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Catalina Aquarium dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. However, it is described as an enjoyable, easy, and shallow dive, making it accessible for divers with some experience. While not explicitly for beginners, its shallow depth of 13m makes it a comfortable site for those looking to advance their skills.
What is the best time of year to dive at Catalina Aquarium for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Catalina Aquarium. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Catalina Aquarium?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Catalina Aquarium. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for most recreational dives of this depth. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Bayahibe & La Romana for specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the Catalina Aquarium dive site?
At the Catalina Aquarium dive site, divers can expect excellent water clarity with an average visibility of 20 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this site.