A fantastic diving location, the Dominican Republic is a top spot to head underwater this year

Marine life in the Dominican Republic is excellent. As an island it boasts hundreds of species of tropical fish, a multitude of corals and diverse plant life. Numerous fan corals, of varying hues are united in a common brightness and line underwater reefs. Among which play dolphins, whales, sharks and mantas. As well as the common, and entertaining looking, spine-covered porcupine fish.

As well as reef and open water diving, there are a number of sunken treasures to explore in the Dominican Republic. Wreck diving can be the most fascinating aspect of any divers' experience. As the emotive juxtaposition of long decaying human ships are now colonised by the natural world. It can make for a haunting and poignant image time and time again. The wrecks of the Hickory and Limon are located in the underwater national park of Santo Domingo, both startling in the volume of aquatic life that has come to live and play around them. Both are substantial boats, the Hickory at around 130 feet, and the Limon at around 115 feet.

In the Boca Chic region of the island, cave diving is available. It's advisable to take a guide, and be of a suitable standard to negotiate these underwater phenomenon. Forming the coast of the island, a vast network of caves, millions of years old is there for you to investigate. Manatees - most famous for being common to Florida, are also located in the mangrove forests of the Dominican Republic. These odd looking creatures, like a small, furrier looking hippo, are oddly graceful and a pleasure to watch. Beloved by a great many people for their awkwardness, it's only a matter of time before one is turned into the protagonist of a Pixar movie.

Sightseeing trips are available to their habitat and are well worth going on. A large number of Dive operators work from the Dominican Republic, and as always, it's wise to do your research and go with an established, and up-to-date operator. Follow this advice and there shouldn't be any cause for trouble on this beautiful and welcoming island paradise.

Dominican diving
A climate that boasts a range of annual average temperatures between 18°C and 27°C and water temperatures of around 27°C. The warmest water temperatures are found between October and December, on the back of hot Caribbean summers. With June through to September the perfect months to dive, but year-round diving is more than possible.