KALIOPE (PART OF) - Bayahibe & La Romana

The Kaliope, or at least the accessible section of it in the shallows, is a fascinating bit of history. She’s a big girl, over a hundred metres long, and what you get here is the very top of her superstructure, poking out just barely below the surface. We love that it’s essentially an artificial reef that’s been built by accident, courtesy of Hurricane David in ‘79. You’re really just scratching the surface of this wreck, literally, but it’s a brilliant spot for an easy, shallow dive or even extended snorkelling. We’ve spent hours here just bobbing over the collapsed deck plating, watching schools of sergeant majors dart through the mangled metalwork. Expect to see plenty of juvenile fish – it’s a nursery. Look for damselfish defending their little patches of algae on the rusty bulkheads. The light plays beautifully on the twisted steel, especially mid-morning, giving it a surreal, almost sculptural feel. It's a great spot for macro photography too, if you're patient.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.412640, -70.018750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Boca de Nigua

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 KALIOPE (PART OF)

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 KALIOPE (PART OF)

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 SS Kalliopi wreck dive site in Croatia?
The provided data pertains to the KALIOPE (PART OF) wreck, located in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, not Croatia. This wreck site has a maximum depth of 2 meters. It is classified as a wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SS Kalliopi wreck in Croatia?
The data describes the KALIOPE (PART OF) wreck in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic. This is a motor vessel, built in 1968 and sunk in 1979, measuring 114.9m x 17.1m. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not available in the provided context.
How challenging is diving the SS Kalliopi wreck in Croatia, and what makes it difficult?
The KALIOPE (PART OF) wreck, located in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. The specific factors contributing to its difficulty are not detailed in the provided data. Divers should always assess their skill level before attempting any wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the SS Kalliopi wreck in Croatia for optimal conditions?
The provided information is for the KALIOPE (PART OF) wreck in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic. Details regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at this specific site are not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the SS Kalliopi wreck in Croatia?
The data provided is for the KALIOPE (PART OF) wreck in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic. Information regarding specific scuba diving certifications required for this site is not included in the provided context. Divers should always check with local dive operators for current requirements and ensure they have appropriate training for wreck diving.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the SS Kalliopi wreck dive site in Croatia?
The data refers to the KALIOPE (PART OF) wreck in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic. Information on typical currents and visibility conditions for this dive site is not available in the provided data. Divers are advised to consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.