Dive Site: Larimar I & II

About Larimar I & II

Larimar I & II offers a compelling dive experience just five minutes by boat from Sosúa Bay in the Dominican Republic. This site is located directly in front of the Sosúa by the Sea hotel and features a captivating small wall dive that transitions into a spectacular deep reef. The initial section, Larimar I, presents a reef top at 10 meters, dropping to a bottom between 12 and 14 meters. The topography is characterized by a wall leading to a reef with endless exploration opportunities, offering sand dunes and shallow walls primarily composed of soft coral. As you venture deeper, Larimar II extends to 25 meters, with its reef top starting at 18 meters. This deeper section is noted for its extensive and varied exploration. While the corals themselves are not the primary highlight, the site teems with fascinating marine animals. Divers frequently encounter octopuses, various species of moray eels, scorpionfish, trumpetfish, crabs, and seahorses. The consistent presence of these creatures makes every dive unique. Diving here is suitable for a wide range of experience levels, from beginners looking for calm, clear conditions to advanced divers seeking deeper exploration. The generally mild currents and excellent visibility ensure a relaxing and rewarding underwater adventure, making it an ideal spot to practice skills or simply enjoy the vibrant ecosystem.

Dive site facts: Larimar I & II

Depth

10–25 m

Typical dive

12–25 m

Current

None

Visibility

Up to 30 m

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Dive type

Wall, reef, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Sosúa, Puerto Plata

Coordinates

19.1614° N, 69.6144° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Larimar I & II are generally reported as minimal to non-existent, making this an ideal location for divers of all experience levels to explore without significant physical exertion. This allows for relaxed navigation along the small wall and through the reef's varied topography. Visibility can be excellent, often reaching 30 meters, which provides ample opportunity for extended bottom times and detailed observation of marine life; gas planning should factor in these clear conditions. Entry into the water is typically from a dive boat, positioning divers directly into calm areas of the site. The consistently warm water temperatures, ranging from 27-29°C, mean thermoclines are unlikely to affect comfort. Due to the calm conditions and lack of strong currents, surge is not a concern, benefiting photographers and those keen on observing smaller, macro life. This stable environme

Marine life & sighting chances

Octopus

occasional

Moray eel

common

Scorpionfish

occasional

Trumpetfish

occasional

Crab

occasional

Seahorse

occasional

Squid

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Larimar I & II typically begins with a boat drop directly over the site, just off Sosúa by the Sea. You'll descend to Larimar I, where the top of the reef starts at 10 meters, and the bottom ranges between 12 and 14 meters. This initial section features a small wall dive with sand dunes and soft coral formations. From here, you can explore crevices and overhangs, keeping an eye out for resident octopuses and a variety of moray eels. For those venturing deeper, the dive progresses to Larimar II, where the reef top is at 18 meters and the maximum depth reaches 25 meters. This deeper section offers extensive exploration opportunities along the wall and surrounding reef. Throughout the dive, focus on the abundant marine life, including scorpionfish, trumpetfish, crabs, and seahorses. The dive typically involves a leisurely progression along the reef contours, with a safety stop conducted in the shallower sections of Larimar I before ascending back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Larimar I & II offers compelling opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography, though the emphasis here is often on the rich animal life. For capturing the numerous moray eels and the resident octopus, a macro lens is ideal, allowing you to detail their textures and patterns within crevices. Wide-angle can be effective for showcasing the small wall and the overall reef structure, especially in the shallower, well-lit sections of Larimar I. Given the generally mild to non-existent currents, divers can maintain stable camera positions, which is crucial for sharp macro shots. Strobes are highly recommended to illuminate the vibrant colors of soft corals and marine creatures that might otherwise appear muted at depth. Pay attention to buoyancy to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile soft corals, particularly when focusing on smaller subjects like seahorses. Respect marine life by observing from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing the animals and their habitats.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Three Rocks

  A famous dive and snorkel site with coral mountains and artificial reef, connected to Coral Garden.

• Coral Garden

  Features extensive coral pinnacles and sandy pathways, accessible from Three Rocks.

• The Canyon

  A wall dive with finger and fan corals, leading to the Miguelina wreck.

• West Wall

  A wall dive on the opposite side of Sosúa Bay, with caves, crevices, and large boulders.

• Mini Wall

  A deep wall dive with the top at 18 meters, known for tranquility and new discoveries on each visit.

Getting there & logistics

Larimar I & II is conveniently located just five minutes by boat from Sosúa Bay, making it easily accessible for day trips from the Sosúa and Puerto Plata region of the Dominican Republic. The nearest major airport is Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata. Divers typically reach Sosúa via direct flights or connections, then take local transport to their accommodation, which could be the Sosúa by the Sea hotel or other resorts in the area. Dive operators in Sosúa arrange boat departures directly to the site, often combining it with other nearby reefs in the same outing. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site. Trips are generally flexible, allowing for single or multiple dives based on diver preference and local conditions. Liveaboards operating in the wider Dominican Republic may visit the region, but this site is primarily serviced by local day boats, offering a flexible and efficient dive experience.

Safety & environment

For diving at Larimar I & II, it is advisable to ensure you have comprehensive dive insurance that covers recompression chamber treatments and emergency evacuations. While specific recompression chamber locations are not detailed for the immediate Sosúa area in the provided sources, the capital Santo Domingo would likely host the nearest major medical facilities. Evacuation realities would involve transport to a larger medical center if required. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to the generally calm conditions and lack of strong currents, making it suitable for a range of diver levels. However, as with all wall dives, careful buoyancy control is essential to avoid accidental deep excursions and to protect the delicate marine environment. Always dive with a reputable local operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and adhere to responsible diving practices such as maintaining distance from marine life and avoiding contact with corals. Always ensure your dive computer and gauges are functioning correctly and that you plan your dive within no-decompression limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Larimar I & II FAQ

Liveaboards diving Larimar I & II

These liveaboards may visit Larimar I & II 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