Shark Juan Dolio Diver

Shark Juan Dolio Diver is a well-established diving operation situated in Guayacanes, Dominican Republic. Based at the Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa, the centre is positioned just 20 minutes from the airport, making it an accessible base for divers arriving in the region.

With over 15 years of experience, the centre has built a reputation for safety and professional standards. They offer access to more than 20 dive sites across the area, including excursions to Bayahibe, Saona, and Boca Chica, ensuring a diverse range of underwater environments for every kind of diver.

The centre is led by founder and head diver Richard Badia, who brings over 15 years of diving experience to the operation. The team consists of accredited instructors capable of guiding divers through everything from their first breaths underwater to professional-level certifications.

Instruction is provided in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for international divers. The team places a heavy emphasis on safety and environmental awareness, offering specialised training in areas like coral and sea turtle ecology.

Shark Juan Dolio Diver is a multi-affiliation centre, providing training through both PADI and SSI. The course catalogue is comprehensive, starting with entry-level programmes such as Try Scuba, Scuba Diver, and Open Water Diver.

For those looking to progress, they offer Advanced Open Water Diver, Nitrox, and specialty courses like Perfect Buoyancy. Professional divers can also undertake training for Divemaster, Dive Guide, Instructor Crossover, and full Instructor certifications. The centre also provides educational programmes such as Coral Identification, Fish Identification, Shark Ecology, and Sea Turtle Ecology.

The centre operates a catamaran designed for comfort and stability during excursions. This vessel serves as the platform for trips to Catalina Island and various wreck sites throughout the region.

Nitrox is available on board for divers looking to extend their bottom times. The boat provides a reliable way to reach the diverse marine habitats of the Dominican Republic, from shallow reef flats to deeper walls.

A full range of professional diving kit is available for hire on-site, including regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks. This allows divers to travel light without worrying about transporting heavy equipment.

For those requiring specific gases, Nitrox is available for use. The centre is equipped to handle the needs of both recreational and training divers, maintaining high standards for their rental inventory.

The marine life around Catalina Island is diverse, with colourful fish and various species of tropical fish roaming the reef. You can frequently encounter octopus, rays, and seahorses amongst the structures.

The hard and soft scenery is defined by a rich variety of sponges, including vase sponges, which provide habitat for much of the local fauna. These sponges, along with various corals, create the complex architecture of the reef.

Macro life is present throughout the area, with octopus and seahorses offering rewarding sightings for observant divers. The presence of various colourful fish and rays makes every dive an opportunity to see something new.

The diving in this region is characterised by a variety of environments, from shallow reef flats to deeper walls and wrecks. Divers can expect different underwater topographies depending on whether they are visiting Catalina Island or heading out to the wrecks.

The centre organises excursions to several different areas, including Bayahibe and Boca Chica, which may offer different current profiles and depths.