Chorizo - Punta Cana

Gota El Dir sits just a short boat ride from El Gouna, about 30 minutes out. It's a shallow coral reef, dropping to a maximum of 15 metres, which makes it a comfortable spot for newer divers or for getting reacquainted with your buoyancy. We’ve found the visibility here often hits a decent 20 metres or so, enough to clearly pick out the parrotfish and puffers drifting over the corals. Keep an eye out for the resident morays peering from their hideouts. You might even catch a glimpse of an eagle ray gliding past in the blue. It’s a site that really works well for a relaxed dive, and frankly, a snorkel too if you’ve got non-diving friends along.

Location
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.763200, -68.465200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Costa Azul

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 Chorizo

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 Chorizo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Chorizo Reef?
The typical depth range for diving at Chorizo Reef is quite shallow, with a white sandy bottom at 10 meters. Divers can explore down to a maximum depth of 13 meters, making it accessible for various experience levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater scenery can divers expect to see at Chorizo Reef?
Divers at Chorizo Reef can expect to encounter a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, featuring a nice coral reef with a white sandy bottom. The site is home to many corals, especially beautiful sea fans. Keep an eye out for exciting marine life such as Big Barracuda, Lobster, and Sting Rays, which are often spotted, along with many tropical fish. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Chorizo Reef considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
Chorizo Reef is an excellent dive site suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Its relatively shallow maximum depth of 13 meters and calm conditions make it a welcoming spot for those new to diving, while still offering plenty to explore for more experienced individuals.
What is the best time of year to dive Chorizo Reef for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 16 meters at Chorizo Reef. However, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the current context. We recommend checking local dive conditions closer to your travel dates for the most up-to-date information, or consult our When to Dive guide for general regional advice.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Chorizo Reef?
Given that Chorizo Reef is described as a good site for both beginners and advanced divers, an Open Water Diver certification would typically be sufficient. Its maximum depth of 13 meters falls well within the limits for entry-level certified divers.
What are the usual current conditions and water temperature at the Chorizo dive site?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual current conditions or water temperature at the Chorizo dive site. For the most current information on these conditions, it is always best to consult with local dive operators in Punta Cana before your dive.