The Aquarium
Snorkelling.
Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel) — CC BY 4.0 · Mstyslav Chernov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mstyslav Chernov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mstyslav Chernov — CC BY-SA 3.0
A small, quiet island of about ten square kilometres some two and a half kilometres off the La Romana coast. Built of coral stone, it packs dunes, mangroves and reefs into its small area and is a nature reserve. Its west beach is white sand with calm, clear water, lined with small colourful wooden huts and craft stalls, with a dry forest behind it holding tall columnar cacti. Big cruise ships sometimes call, sending passengers ashore by tender. Its main draw is the underwater world: off one side lies «the Wall», a coral edge dropping suddenly into the depths that draws divers, and «the Aquarium», a shallow snorkelling spot among many colourful fish and healthy coral. Many trips from Bayahibe and La Romana pair a morning of snorkelling or diving with an afternoon on the beach. Do not touch or stand on coral, and do not lift starfish or other sea creatures out of the water. Use licensed operators; sea trips are cancelled in rough weather, and the hurricane season runs from June to November.
Snorkelling.
Deep diving.
Colourful huts.
About 2.4 km off the La Romana coast
Yes, the Aquarium is shallow and clear with plenty of fish and coral, while the nearby Wall suits experienced divers.