La Farola - Bayahibe & La Romana

The MV Ovalau II is our favourite kind of wreck dive – a big vessel that went down relatively recently, so it still feels like a ship, but it's been down long enough for life to really start taking hold. She's a 55-meter RORO ferry, sitting upside down at 23 meters. We love dropping down and seeing the twin props first, they’re a striking welcome. What makes it special is the scattered debris. Toilets, sinks, even cars and trucks are strewn around the sand, a chaotic still-life of a working ship's last moments. It’s eerie but captivating. Inside the wreck, you'll find schools of Banda cardinalfish and multi-barred cardinalfish hanging in the darker spaces. Look closely for pipefish – we've spotted bluestripe and brown-banded varieties tucked into crevices. The coral growth is impressive for a wreck of this age; turbinaria, brain, and staghorn corals are establishing themselves, drawing in dotted and three-spot wrasse. Bluefin trevally often school off the deck, and you might spot a reef shark cruising by. It’s a site that rewards exploration, whether you're keen on the machinery or the macro life it now hosts.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.169200, -69.270700
Type
wreck

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 La Farola

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 La Farola

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 range for scuba diving at La Farola?
The typical depth range for diving at La Farola is between 12 and 20 meters. Divers should note that the maximum recommended depth for this site is 17 meters. This makes it a great spot for divers looking for a moderate depth experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at La Farola?
At La Farola, divers will explore a fascinating 25-meter deep wall featuring numerous small holes, perfect for discovering hidden surprises. The vibrant marine life includes schools of platax and snappers, along with scorpionfish, octopus, and morays. Keep an eye out for beautiful eagle and blue-spotted rays during your dive. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving at La Farola, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at La Farola is rated as an intermediate difficulty level. While not ideal for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it a rewarding site. It is recommended that beginners gain more experience before attempting this dive.
When is the best time of year to dive La Farola for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and marine encounters at La Farola is not available in our current data. For general guidance on dive seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section. We recommend checking with local dive operators for the most up-to-date seasonal advice.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at La Farola?
Our current data does not specify the exact diving certifications required or recommended for La Farola. Given its intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally advisable for similar sites. We recommend contacting a local dive center in Bayahibe & La Romana for precise requirements.
Are there any notable currents or specific water conditions at La Farola that divers should be aware of?
While our data does not provide specific details on currents at La Farola, divers can expect an average visibility of 11 meters. It's always a good practice to consult with your dive guide or local operator before your dive for real-time information on currents and other water conditions.