Unearth underwater treasures in the Dominican Republic’s La Romana region
Discover sunken ships, underwater caves and breathtaking coral reefs
La Romana, Dominican Republic (July 31, 2007) – A diver’s dream, La Romana’s undersea world offers incredible ocean adventures with ancient shipwrecks, underwater caverns and stunning coral reefs. Combined with its spectacular clear-blue warm waters, La Romana makes an ideal destination for diving – now the second-most popular activity enjoyed by vacationers according to the 2007 YPB&R/Yankelovich Leisure Travel Monitor.
La Romana makes it easy for travellers seeking an affordable dive getaway. The destination offers an array of superior accommodations set along miles of the finest white-sand beaches in the Caribbean, and many are equipped with on-site PADI-certified dive centres outfitted with the latest diving equipment and expert scuba instructors. Vacationers interested in learning to dive will find classes readily available and in just a few days time can explore the breathtaking waters of this region.
Home to one of the most important coralline ecosystems in all of the Antilles, the waters of the Dominican Republic’s La Romana and Bayahibe regions are filled more than 120 species of tropical fish and numerous marine animals, including sea turtles, rays and barracuda, just to name a few. Divers visiting the region have the opportunity to experience one of the greatest examples of marine biodiversity found in the Caribbean and can also enjoy chance encounters with magnificent ocean mammals, including dolphins and humpback whales.
Along with its diverse and abundant marine life, La Romana boasts spectacular coral reefs and more than 28 different dive sites to explore. Popular dive spots include the National Park of the East, known for its amazing coral formations, and the underwater archaeological reserves of Guadalupe and Guaraguao, located along the coast of the Bayahibe hotel zone.
A truly incredible attraction for vacationers, the underwater archaeological reserves of Guadalupe and Guaraguao boast 18th century shipwrecked galleons and archaeological artifacts retrieved from various sites discovered along the Dominican coast. Divers can journey back in time to discover the ancient wrecks of Spanish navigators who lost their battle with the sea and uncover the underwater treasures surrounding these remarkable sunken ships. The recovered shipwrecks, cannons, weapons, ceramics and other original artifacts are innovatively displayed, placed as they were originally found when discovered by marine archaeologists, at the bottom of the sea to create the effect of an underwater museum. These underwater museum sites are at depths of 15-30 ft, making them easily accessible to both snorkellers and scuba divers.
Divers can also explore the cenotes (underground caves) located in Bayahibe. These cenotes have a long history in this region, with the island’s first inhabitants, the Tainos, who used these underwater lakes to present offerings to the goddess Atabey, the Mother of Waters. Today you can still find Taino artifacts while exploring these crystal-clear underwater caves.
La Romana, a destination focused on preserving the environment above and below the sea, offers divers some of the most pristine waters in the Caribbean. Currently part of Green Globe and the internationally recognized Blue Flag program, La Romana’s beaches and waters meet the highest environmental and quality standards.
A wonderful vacation spot for divers, La Romana is also an exciting and fulfilling destination for singles, couples and families. Along with the destination’s range of recreational activities, which includes adventures with Tropical Tours and the soon-to-open Casino Dominicus, La Romana offers a variety of first-rate accommodations, including the popular resorts of Casa de Campo, Oasis Canoa, Sunscape Casa del Mar, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace. Visitors will enjoy La Romana’s breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and rich colonial past while in the midst of miles and miles of clean white sandy beaches and pristine waters.
For more information on La Romana call (866) 588-6856.
Rich in history, the Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then, it has developed into a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican and European flavours to more than one million US visitors each year. At 10,000 feet, the Dominican Republic is home to the highest point in the Caribbean. It also features some of the best golf courses and beaches in the world, the largest marina in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families.
For your FREE on-line Dominican Republic travel guide, visit www.caribbean.com.
For more information about the resorts mentioned above, see their listings under Dominican Republic – Accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
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