The Dominican Republic is a very popular destination as it is a tropical paradise. It is home to lush nature, beautiful beaches and a range of marine species.
A country rich in tourist sites with unique Caribbean beaches, paradise islands, large corals, an unforgettable old town and Maravillosas cities, each with its own charm.
As it is the perfect destination to enjoy beach time and observe the beautiful ecosystem, we have created a selection of the most common marine species, for diving and snorkeling lovers.
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Turtles
Turtles are one of the most ancient reptiles, having existed for more than 180 million years. On the Dominican coast, five species of sea turtles are common: Leatherback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Green Turtle and Loggerhead Turtles. Of these, the first three nest on Dominican beaches mainly Saona Island and the Jaragua National Park. It should be noted that the hawksbill is one of the most impressive marine species.
Fish
In the waters off the Dominican Republic, there are more than 800 species of fish, most of which are marine and coral reef fish, although there are also a few are freshwater fish or natives of this country. Below are the most well-known and commonly spotted:
The freshwaters are home to the Cuban cichlid, carp, tilapia, liza, and trout. The country’s seas offer refuge to the kingfish, which lives in the deep waters; the hammerhead and longhorn cowfish, which are said to be the most fearsome, while the whale shark is considered the least harmless.
Sharks, moray eels, parrot fish, Doctor fish, rays, groupers and great barracuda are the most common, inedible species. Other well-known, edible species include snapper, red snapper, sea bass, tuna, groupers, barracuda and jacks.
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Dolphin
Given the possibility of interaction with these creatures, they are one of the most loved sea inhabitants, which live in pods. They tend to accompany boats, darting around them, creating a spectacle that engenders admiration in anybody who sees it. In the Dominican Republic, they can be seen in the waters off Samana, Santo Domingo and Altagracia, or at Parque Manatí.
Manatee
This great marine mammal has a park named after it, Manati Park, which you can visit and discover many other species. This animal is quite solitary; however, if you want to see it in its own habitat, we recommend visiting Samana Island, the province of Barahona, Montecristi and Maria Trinidad Sanchez.
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Humpback Whale
The humpback whale is one of the most known species. Each year approximately 3,000 whales from the North Atlantic travel in search of warm waters to Banco de Plata and Samana Bay, between the months of December and April.
Other animals typical of the area are seagulls, flamingos, iguanas and American crocodiles.
We recommend that as part of your next holiday to the Dominican Republic with Exclusive Traveler Club, you visit the National Aquarium in Santo Domingo, where you can stay at the new Catalonia Santo Domingo. The submarine flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic are just waiting to be discovered.
