Guaraguao I - Bayahibe & La Romana

Lighthouse Wall, out on Grand Cayman's East End, feels a little different from some of the busier spots. We love that it’s usually quieter, especially if you get there before the crowds. The wall itself starts around 15 metres, dropping into a deep blue, but it’s the jagged points and sandy channels before the main event that we always spend time exploring. Keep an eye out for Hogfish rooting around in the sand, and we’ve spotted Midnight Parrotfish here more than a few times, their scales shimmering as they cruise past. The unique razor-thin formations give the wall a distinct texture. You can see big plate-like deep-water star corals growing horizontally, and if you look closely, especially near the sponges, there are plenty of small invertebrates – we’ve seen Blackberry Drupes and Pearl Blennies clinging on. There's an old, encrusted rope hanging over the drop-off, which makes a good marker and adds to the site's character. Visibility usually sits around 24 metres, giving you a good view of the wall's contours and the abundant French Grunts and Grey Snappers schooling further out. It’s a solid wall dive for anyone looking for something a bit less manicured, with a real sense of exploration.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.332100, -68.818000
Type
wall

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 Guaraguao I

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 Guaraguao I

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 for scuba diving at Guaraguao I?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at Guaraguao I is 15 meters (40 feet). This fairly shallow reef makes it an excellent site for beginning divers and snorkelers. You can explore this vibrant site further on its DivePlnr page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Guaraguao I?
Divers at Guaraguao I can expect to see a unique artificial archeological site featuring cannons, cannonballs, and ancient muskets, brought here from a sunken galley. The site is also home to typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and various fish like snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Guaraguao I considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
Guaraguao I is considered a great site for beginning divers and snorkelers due to its fairly shallow reef, with a maximum depth of only 15 meters (40 feet). Its calm conditions and interesting features make it an ideal location for those new to scuba diving to gain experience and enjoy the underwater world. You can learn more about this beginner-friendly site on its DivePlnr page.
What is the best time of year to dive at Guaraguao I for optimal conditions?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive at Guaraguao I for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you may consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Guaraguao I?
The provided data context does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required for Guaraguao I. However, given that it is described as a great site for beginning divers, a basic open water certification is generally sufficient for such shallow and accessible reefs. Always consult with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Guaraguao I dive site?
At the Guaraguao I dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 18 meters. The provided data context does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions. For more details about the site, visit the Guaraguao I DivePlnr page.