Shark Diving, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a great place for shark diving beginners.
Here you can dive with Nurse Sharks in the ocean near Punta Cana or do an aquarium
shark dive in the “Ocean World Adventure Park” in Puerto Plata.
Both shark dives are very safe.
Shark Diving, Punta Cana
If you like to snorkel or dive with sharks in the ocean, the “Marinarium” is a unique
possibility.
The Marinarium is a marine park in the area of Punta Cana which enables visitors
to discover the wonders of the reef and marine life of Punta Cana. Here you can
swim with Nurse Sharks (and Stingrays).
You will start the trip with a gentle coastal cruise along the beaches of Bavaro
to Marinarium for your exciting underwater adventure.
After an introduction to the native marine life you will receive snorkelling equipment
and safety instructions from the Marinarium Park supervisors. The first snorkelling
will be among the fish before you are taking the plunge and entering the domain
of the sharks.
Even though the Nurse Sharks are harmless your adrenaline will probably be pumping
in your body while the sharks and sting rays glide majestically below you.
Shark Diving in the Marinarium, Punta Cana
For a very unique experience you can talk a walk at the ocean floor! You will be
equipped with a helmet, attach to an air tube and then you are ready to start exploring.
This way you can experience the bottom of the ocean without being a certified diver.
A professional diver is on hand at all times to ensure your safety and comfort.
The price for the shark snorkelling tour is $83 ($58 for children) while the ocean
floor walk price is $85 (half price for children). Both prices include hotel pickup
and drop off, the necessary equipment and the boat transport. On the snorkelling
tour is snacks and drinks also included.
Both tours must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. If you book through Viator
you are sure to get the best prices.
Shark Diving, Puerto Plata
While Punta Cana is the place for an ocean shark dive, Puerto Plata is a great location
for an aquarium shark dive in the “Ocean World Adventure Park”.
Ocean World is not a standard marine park where guests simply observe the animal
life. It is however a park that emphasizes the interaction between guests and marine
animals through interactive programs. There are only a handful of such facilities
in the world and none as all-encompassing as Ocean World.
One of those interactions could be the “Shark and Stingray Encounter”.
You will be equipped with mask and snorkel and then plunge into a warm, sandy pool.
Here the Stingrays will sweep the bottom, and you can even touch the backs of these
friendly sea creatures. This is a good way to prepare you for the next and most
fearsome creature of the deep, the shark.
Under the close supervision of trained staff members, you will touch, hold, feed
and ultimately swim with a small school of adult Nurse Sharks.
These magnificent (but harmless) creatures will amaze you with their sandpapery
skin, their fearsome teeth and their relaxed attitude towards humans.
You can also have your picture taken by the professional photographers.
Shark Swimming in the Ocean World, Puerto Plata
The price for this unique experience is $69.99 – including hotel pickup (from most
hotels), 30 minute Shark and Stingray Encounter Program, snorkelling in Tropical
Reef Aquarium and equipment and 16% sales tax.
You can also combine the shark swimming with dolphin swimming, where you will spend
30 minutes with the dolphins – sharing a kiss, hugging, dancing, feeding, petting
and swimming. A 'human hurdle' and a spectacular dorsal fin tow will finish off
the program.
The price for the combo is $194.99.
Both tours must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. You can book them trough
the American adventure company Viator.