Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in the Dominican Republic is a popular sport and offers divers of all experience the widest possible choice of locations and types of dive. For inexperienced divers there are shallow waters where you can still see interesting underwater artifacts, fish and reefs. More experienced divers have a wider selection of locations and can go diving on wrecks and deeper water coral reefs. You may come across stingrays, eagle rays, seals, lobsters and octopuses. For very experienced divers there is also the opportunity to go cave diving, Lake DuDu for example although this is not the only cave suitable for diving.
One of the main advantages of the Dominican Republic is the clear water enables divers to see everything clearly. Add to that the warm water and choice and you have the perfect combination. If you have never tried scuba diving but would like to give the sport a try the Dominican Republic is the ideal place to learn. There are several very well established dive centers with highly qualified instructors able to introduce you to this popular sport.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is another popular water sport in the Dominican Republic. Involving the use of a face mask and tube it enables the user to remain underwater at a limited depth whilst breathing air through the tube. The calm and clear waters in the Dominican Republic are ideal for this activity as a snorkeler can see reefs and marine life or other interesting underwater features without having to undertake a scuba course or invest in the equipment needed for that sport. Some training and experience is still advisable and you should not practice this sport alone. The only equipment needed is a good fitting face mask and the snorkel tube.
You do need to learn how to clear the tube of water should an unexpected wave allow it to become clogged as well as knowing how to expel water from the mask should it develop a leak. There is also now a “Snuba” system (Snuba is a trade name of Snuba International, Inc.) an underwater breathing system that combines elements of scuba diving and snorkeling. Snuba allows divers to breath underwater by connecting them to a standard scuba tank via a 20 foot airline to the divers breathing apparatus. The tank is mounted on to a raft that follows the diver’s movement from the water’s surface. There is no heavy diving gear, just a mask, fins, and weights for buoyancy control.
Deep Sea Fishing
Cabrera being on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic offers visitors the opportunity of an area abundant with a variety of exciting fish including Marlin, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo. From Rio San Juan it is only 50 miles to the Silver Banks, which is the birthing site for the famous hump back whales. This area is a national geographic place of marine interest and a national marine park. The Atlantic waters, between the Dominican Republic mainland and the Silver Banks, are home to a variety of big game fish, especially the giant Blue Marlin which makes for terrific sport. Silver Banks is not the only recognized fishing ground so for shorter charters other areas are within easier reach and offer equal sport.
Short, half-day or full-day charters are available with all the advantages of a fully equipped boat and an experienced crew. Personalized charters can also be organized.
You can read some interesting articles and information relating to fishing here.
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Kite Boarding & Wind Surfing
Cabrera is fortunate to be only a 45 minute or so drive from the major kite boarding center in Cabarete, reputed to having the most fantastic kite surfing conditions in the world. As a result some of the greatest in this water sport have chosen Cabarete as their regular training ground to practice the sport all year round.
Cabarete is also renowned as a world class windsurfing center. Whether you’re just a beginner in the sport, or are an expert, you’ll find the conditions here are perfect for you. The Eastern Trade Winds provide a strong and consistent wind all year round. The water is warm throughout the year as well, averaging about 26 degrees Celsius, so there’s no need to bring a wetsuit. The 2 km wide bay has a sandy bottom, with only a few small reefs in the inner bay that are quite easy to avoid.
Windsurfing conditions in the mornings are best for beginners or children, as the water tends to be flat and the winds light. Early afternoon sees the winds increasing for intermediate to expert level sailing. The wind can continue to increase until mid-afternoon and then maintains a consistent level until around 6:00 pm, providing a great afternoon of sailing. At certain times of the year the reef enclosing the Bay creates great wave sailing conditions. At other times, flatter waters are optimal for slalom sailing.
Weather and wind conditions are generally good the whole year but the months of May, and the period from October to the end of December, tend to be less reliable in terms of windsurfing conditions. They can vary from not that great, to excellent, depending on the weather systems moving around the Dominican Republic.
Cabrera offers vacationers the opportunity to enjoy these water sports just a short journey away but with the ability to return to the tranquility Cabrera offers rather than the more touristy atmosphere found in Cabarete.
Windsurf por Anna Cervova
