Catalina Island scuba diving: 2 dives, lunch & beach

Two dives, a private beach, and a Dominican feast in one day

A full-day scuba diving trip from Punta Cana to Catalina Island with two guided dives at depths ranging from 5m to 40m+, lunch on a private beach, and an open bar. PADI-certified dive masters lead both dives; all equipment, including two tanks and weight belts, is provided. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Minimum age is 13; evidence of dive certification is required.

The Experience

The day starts with pickup at your Punta Cana or Bavaro hotel and a drive to the marina, where you'll meet the PADI-certified dive team for a safety briefing before the 9:30am departure. The boat heads to Catalina Island's east side, where the first dive takes you to a site locals call The Wall. Depending on your certification level, you'll descend to depths between 5m and 40m+, spending just under an hour underwater looking for vase sponges, sea fan coral, octopus, porcupine fish, scorpion fish, southern stingray, blue parrotfish, lion fish, seahorses and moray eels. Dive experts stay with you the whole time, and lifejackets are available if you need one.

The second dive site, known as the Aquarium, sits at shallower depths of 8m to 12m with exceptional visibility. Here you'll spot tube worms, spiny lobster, sand stars, frogfish, trumpet fish, barracuda, mackerel and tiger moray eels in clearer water. After surfacing, the boat carries you to a private beach on Catalina Island where you can swim and sunbathe before lunch. A Dominican chef prepares a feast with fresh-caught fish (VIP guests), pork, chicken, salads, pasta and local fruit. The open bar runs through lunch and the return trip, with cocktails and music playing as you relax on the beach. Snorkeling equipment is available if you want to stay in the water.

The boat returns to the marina around 4pm, and a bus takes you back to your hotel. The full day runs about nine hours from pickup to drop-off. All diving equipment—tanks, weight belts and exposure suits—comes with you; you just need to bring a bathing suit, sunblock, sunglasses and a camera. Dive certification is required, and you'll complete a health questionnaire before getting in the water.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana or Bavaro.
• all diving equipment including two tanks and weight belts per dive.
• professional PADI-certified dive masters.
• Dominican BBQ lunch with fresh-caught fish, pork, chicken, salads, pasta and local fruit.
• unlimited drinks from the open bar.
• snorkeling equipment.
• beach lounger on the private beach.
• boat transport to and from Catalina Island.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Passion Paradise Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a certified diver wanting two dives in one day with a full crew and equipment provided, plus beach downtime between dives; choose the VIP option if you want fresh-caught fish added to your Dominican lunch.

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Top questions

What will I see on the two dive sites at Catalina Island?

The Wall, the first site, is known for vase sponges, sea fan coral, octopus, porcupine fish, scorpion fish, southern stingray, blue parrotfish, lion fish, seahorses and moray eels at depths from 5m to 40m+. The Aquarium, the second site, offers shallower depths of 8m to 12m with excellent visibility and features tube worms, spiny lobster, sand stars, frogfish, trumpet fish, barracuda, mackerel and tiger moray eel.

Do I need to have my dive certification with me?

Yes, evidence of dive certification is required from all divers. You'll also complete a health questionnaire before diving. Some medical conditions like asthma or heart problems may prevent you from diving, so consult your doctor beforehand if you have any concerns.

What's included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a Dominican meal prepared fresh on the beach, with fresh-caught fish (for VIP guests), pork, chicken, salads, pasta and local fruit. An open bar runs throughout the beach time and the return boat trip, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Non-alcoholic drinks are available all day.

When does the boat leave and return?

The boat departs at 9:30am from the marina after your hotel pickup and safety briefing. It returns to the marina around 4pm, and a bus takes you back to your Punta Cana or Bavaro hotel. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking.

What happens if I want to snorkel instead of dive, or take a break from diving?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and available during the beach time on Catalina Island. You can use it to explore the water at your own pace while others rest or enjoy the beach.

Is this trip suitable if I've never dived before?

No, evidence of dive certification is required. This is a certified dive trip, not a beginner's course. If you're new to diving, you would need to complete a certification course separately before joining this tour.