Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe) - Punta Cana

The Atlantic Princess is a quirky wreck, sitting upright in about 13 metres of water just off Bayahibe. We love how accessible it is, perfect for newer divers looking to get their first taste of proper wreck penetration. The ship broke in half during Hurricane Sandy, and now you can swim right through the cargo hold, feeling the cool shadow as you pass from bow to stern. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from the nooks and crannies, and the occasional schooling snapper hanging out in the darker sections. On the deck, we often spot lionfish lazily finning, their venomous spines fanning out, so watch your buoyancy. It's a great spot for an easy second dive, especially if you want to practice your buoyancy control in a confined space without a lot of current to worry about.

Location
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.369000, -68.852500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe)

Year Sunk
2008
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
storm

The Atlantic Princess was a small passenger vessel that once ferried tourists along the vibrant coastline of Punta Cana. Its career came to an abrupt end in 2008 when a powerful storm inflicted critical damage. While being towed to Santo Domingo for repairs, the vessel succumbed to its injuries and sank, coming to rest on the sandy seabed just offshore from the popular Bávaro beaches.

Resting at a shallow depth of around 13 meters (40 feet), the Atlantic Princess is one of the most popular and accessible wreck dives in the Dominican Republic. Its easy depth profile makes it perfect for newly certified divers, underwater photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxed exploration. The wreck is largely intact, though broken in a few sections, allowing for easy and safe viewing. Over the years, it has transformed into a bustling artificial reef, attracting large schools of grunts, snapper, and goatfish, as well as providing shelter for moray eels and crustaceans.

Marine Protected Area: Punta Bayahibe

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Punta Cana

Nearest Dive Centres to Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe)

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Atlantic Princess Wreck (Bayahibe)

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