Diving in Punta Cana

Best Time to Dive in Punta Cana

The warmest water temperatures in Punta Cana occur in January, averaging 26.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

• January: 26.7°C (air: 24.9°C)
• February: 26.7°C (air: 24.7°C)
• March: 26.7°C (air: 24.9°C)
• April: 26.7°C (air: 25.4°C)
• May: 26.7°C (air: 26.6°C)
• June: 26.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
• July: 26.7°C (air: 27.4°C)
• August: 26.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
• September: 26.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
• October: 26.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
• November: 26.7°C (air: 26.1°C)
• December: 26.7°C (air: 25.4°C)

Marine Life in Punta Cana

Home to 253 recorded species including 207 reef fish, 28 hard corals, 5 sharks & rays, 4 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Punta Cana

Punta Cana has 9 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Punta Cana

Based on average water temperature of 26.7°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

Marine Protected Areas in Punta Cana

• Cotubanamá (Del Este) - National Park (IUCN Category II)
• Bancos de La Plata y La Navidad - Marine Mammal Sanctuary (IUCN Category Ia)
• Costa Azul - Via Panoramica (IUCN Category VI)
• Guaraguao - Punta Catuano - National Recreation Area (IUCN Category VI)
• Isla Catalina - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
• La Caleta - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
• La Gran Laguna o Perucho - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
• Manglar de la Jina - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
• Río Soco - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
• La Caleta - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category II)
• Arrecifes del Sureste - Marine Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
• Boca de Nigua - National Recreation Area (IUCN Category V)
• Gran Estero - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
• Punta Bayahibe - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)

Getting to Punta Cana - Nearest Airports

• Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Punta Cana - 20 km away, approx 37 min travel time
• Casa De Campo International Airport (LRM), La Romana - 40 km away, approx 58 min travel time
• Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), Santo Domingo - 118 km away, approx 144 min travel time