Dive Site: Hickory

About Hickory

The Hickory dive site, nestled within the La Caleta Underwater National Park near Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic, offers an engaging wreck diving experience. This former 44-meter (144-foot) freighter lies on a shallow, sandy seabed, providing a captivating artificial reef structure that has attracted a wealth of marine life since its intentional sinking. Its accessible depth makes it suitable for a broad range of divers, from beginners to those with more advanced wreck certifications. The wreck itself is slightly tilted towards its stern and is richly encrusted with a variety of sponges and hard corals, creating a vivid underwater landscape. Surrounding the freighter, divers can discover additional historical artifacts, including a 17th-century cannon and anchor, also covered in marine growth, and an old shark cage located on the opposite side of the wreck. The vibrant ecosystem around Hickory supports a diverse array of tropical reef fish. Visibility at Hickory is generally excellent, often reaching up to 30 meters, with consistently warm water temperatures throughout the year. The site is characterized by mild currents, providing comfortable conditions for exploring the wreck's exterior and its surrounding features. This combination of historical interest, abundant marine life, and manageable conditions positions Hickory as a memorable dive destination in the Caribbean.

Dive site facts: Hickory

Depth

18 m (59 ft)

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild, calm

Visibility

18–30 m (60–100 ft)

Water temperature

24–29°C (75–84°F)

Entry

Boat entry

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Region / port

Boca Chica / La Caleta Underwater National Park

Coordinates

18.4369° N, 69.6134° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Hickory dive site are generally mild, especially compared to some other areas along the Dominican Republic's coast. Divers can expect calm conditions, which contribute to the site's suitability for various skill levels. Visibility is consistently good, averaging between 18 to 27 meters throughout the year, but peaking to 30 meters during the summer months. Water temperatures remain warm, typically ranging from 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F) in summer, and only slightly cooler in winter. Entry is typically a boat entry, allowing divers to descend directly onto the wreck.

Marine life & sighting chances

Sergeant fish

common

Butterfly fish

common

Bat fish

common

Lionfish

occasional

Trumpet fish

common

Porcupine fish

common

Parrotfish

common

Angelfish

common

Sponges

occasional

Hard corals

occasional

Spotted moray eel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically begin their descent from a boat directly above the Hickory wreck, which lies on a flat sandy bottom. The wreck's stern is slightly tilted, providing interesting topography for exploration. The dive route usually involves circumnavigating the 44-meter (144-foot) freighter, allowing observation of the dense coral and sponge growth that covers its structure. Key points of interest include observing the various reef fish taking refuge within the wreck's cavities and around its exterior. Divers can explore the main deck and superstructure, being mindful of the wreck's integrity. Towards the end of the dive, divers can investigate nearby historical artifacts, such as a 17th-century cannon and anchor. The shallow maximum depth of 18 meters (59 feet) allows for extended bottom times. Safety stops are typically conducted at 5 meters (15 feet) near the ascent line, offering additional time to observe marine life in the water column.

Underwater photography

The Hickory wreck provides excellent photographic opportunities, particularly for wide-angle shots to capture the full 44-meter freighter and its extensive coral growth. With its shallow depth of 18 meters and often clear visibility, natural light penetrates well, reducing the need for powerful strobes, though they are still beneficial for color correction and accentuating textures. Macro enthusiasts will find subjects among the sponges and encrusting corals, which host a variety of small reef fish and invertebrates. Focus on the juxtaposition of the man-made structure with the vibrant marine life. Pay attention to buoyancy to avoid disturbing delicate coral formations on the wreck. Capturing the interplay of sunlight through the water and off the wreck can create dramatic effects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Limon

  A 70-foot tugboat wreck purposefully sunk near coral reefs, close to Hickory.

• UFO

  Another popular sunken ship from the 20th century in the La Caleta Underwater National Park.

• La Sirena Cave

  Reputed as one of the best cave dives, excellent for cavern training, also in La Caleta National Park.

• El Limón

  A wreck around 30 meters deep, located in La Caleta Underwater National Park.

• La Caleta Underwater National Park

  The broader area containing Hickory, offering various wrecks and reefs near Santo Domingo and Boca Chica.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Hickory dive site is typically arranged through dive operators based in Boca Chica or Santo Domingo, as it is located within the La Caleta Underwater National Park. Divers usually arrive in the Dominican Republic via international airports such as Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo. Dive trips to Hickory are often day trips, combined with other sites in La Caleta, like the Limon wreck or La Sirena Cave. While no specific permits or park fees for Hickory are mentioned in the sources, diving in national parks often incurs local fees, which are usually handled by dive centers. Trip lengths can vary, from single-day excursions to multi-day dive packages exploring the wider region.

Safety & environment

For diving the Hickory, it is advisable for all divers to have appropriate dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, especially considering the potential for deep wreck exploration. The nearest recompression chamber and advanced medical facilities would likely be located in Santo Domingo, the capital city, which is a significant distance from Boca Chica, making evacuation a consideration in severe emergencies. Divers should adhere strictly to dive plans, stay within no-decompression limits for the 18-meter depth, and maintain excellent buoyancy control to prevent disturbing the wreck or stirring up silt. As with any wreck dive, basic wreck diving training is beneficial, and divers should avoid penetrating overhead environments unless specifically trained and equipped to do so.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Hickory FAQ

Liveaboards diving Hickory

These liveaboards may visit Hickory on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Turks & Caicos

18 guests36.6 m

$287/day