SAN CARLOS - Bayahibe & La Romana

The San Carlos wreck is right near shore, almost feeling like a shore dive in its accessibility. At just 2m deep, it’s less about penetration and more about exploring the large, scattered remains of the old steamship. Built in 1927, this 93-meter vessel was driven onto the rocks during a storm in 1965. What’s left is a jumble of twisted metal and large plates, all completely encrusted. We’ve found decent numbers of small schooling fish here, along with the usual Caribbean reef residents like parrotfish and some impressive trumpetfish lurking in the shadows. It’s a great spot for newer divers to experience a wreck without any depth anxiety, or for photographers looking for an easy, well-lit subject.

Location
Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.412640, -70.018196
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 SAN CARLOS

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 SAN CARLOS

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 are the typical dive depths at popular sites in San Carlos, Mexico?
The provided data for DivePlnr's San Carlos site, located in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, indicates a typical dive depth of 2 meters for the wreck. However, specific information regarding typical dive depths at popular sites in San Carlos, Mexico, is not available in this context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in San Carlos, Mexico?
The DivePlnr data for the San Carlos site in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, describes a significant steam ship vessel, 93m x 15.2m, sunk in 1965. This wreck, built in 1927, is classified as a wreck showing a portion of its hull or superstructure. Information regarding marine life and underwater features specifically for San Carlos, Mexico, is not provided in the current context.
Is San Carlos, Mexico, a good dive destination for beginner divers, or is it more suited for experienced divers?
The San Carlos dive site in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, is classified with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it's more suited for divers with some experience. We do not have specific data within this context to determine if San Carlos, Mexico, is better suited for beginner or experienced divers.
When is the best time of year to go diving in San Carlos, Mexico, considering water temperature, visibility, and marine life?
The provided data does not contain information regarding the best time of year to dive in San Carlos, Mexico, including details on water temperature, visibility, or marine life. For general guidance on dive conditions, you might explore our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in San Carlos, Mexico?
The current DivePlnr data does not specify the scuba diving certifications required for diving in San Carlos, Mexico. Typically, dive operators will require at least an Open Water Diver certification for most recreational dives.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like when diving in San Carlos, Mexico?
While the historical account of the San Carlos wreck in Bayahibe & La Romana, Dominican Republic, mentions strong currents during its sinking, this does not reflect typical dive conditions. Specific data on typical underwater currents and visibility for diving in San Carlos, Mexico, is not available in this context.