El Ferry (Wreck) - Bayahibe & La Romana

Joshua Swash on Roatán offers a nice, relaxed drift dive, usually with a gentle push from the current. It’s a good spot for easing into the day or winding down. We like following the sandy channels and swim-throughs that cut perpendicular to the coast, dropping from around 14m to 21m. Keep an eye out for Nurse Sharks tucked away and Green Moray Eels peeking from crevices. The plateau itself has some lovely porous sea rods and various soft corals, plus the occasional Giant Barrel Sponge and Black Ball Sponge. You'll often see schools of Bluestriped Grunt and Black Durgeon hanging around. It’s a comfortable dive, maxing out at 18m, and visibility generally hovers around 19m, making it suitable for most experience levels.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.163500, -69.290900
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Manglar de la Jina

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 El Ferry (Wreck)

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 El Ferry (Wreck)

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 El Ferry wreck dive site?
The El Ferry wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 11 meters, making it an accessible dive for many skill levels. The wreck itself is a 30-meter long structure sitting at 10 meters deep, offering an enjoyable exploration. You can find more details about this site on its dedicated DivePlnr page.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at El Ferry?
Divers exploring the 30-meter long El Ferry wreck can expect to see a variety of marine life, including large schools of sergeant major and surgeonfish. Keep an eye out for scorpionfish, lobsters, octopuses, and trumpetfish hidden within its small cavities. The wreck also offers the unique feature of being able to swim underneath it, from the propeller to the bow.
How challenging is the El Ferry wreck dive, and what skill level is recommended?
The El Ferry wreck dive is considered to be of intermediate difficulty, offering an engaging experience for certified divers. Access is made easy with two descent lines positioned at each extremity of the 30-meter wreck. With a maximum depth of 11 meters, it is suitable for divers looking to explore a fascinating wreck without extreme depth challenges.
When is the best time of year to dive the El Ferry wreck for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the El Ferry wreck for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in the Dominican Republic, you may consult our When to Dive guide to plan your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the El Ferry wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive the El Ferry wreck. While there is a possibility to swim under the wreck from the propeller to the bow, specific certifications for wreck penetration are not mentioned. Divers should always ensure they meet the necessary certification requirements for their chosen dive activities and consult with local dive operators.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions at the El Ferry dive site?
The El Ferry wreck dive site is characterized as a drift dive, indicating the presence of typical underwater currents. Divers can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 12 meters, allowing for clear views of the 30-meter wreck and its abundant marine life. This combination makes for an exciting and visually rewarding dive experience.