About Parquera
Parquera is a prominent deep Caribbean reef located near Saona, offering an engaging dive experience within the Dominican Republic. This site is significant for its well-developed and vibrant ecosystem, characterized by an abundance of both hard and soft corals, alongside numerous large sea fans that create intricate underwater scenery. The dive site maintains a consistent depth of 20 meters, allowing divers to explore a substantial reef system. The topography is defined by its extensive coral formations, which provide structure and habitat across the reef. The clear Caribbean waters typically offer excellent visibility, enhancing the exploration of the diverse marine environment. Parquera serves as a vital habitat, teeming with a wide array of reef fish and various other marine creatures. While specific seasonal marine life encounters beyond general reef inhabitants are not detailed, the healthy coral system supports a rich diversity of life year-round. Divers can expect to observe typical Caribbean species thriving in this environment. Diving here usually involves encountering moderate currents, which may necessitate drift entries and staying close to the dive group. It is considered suitable for intermediate-level divers, given the depth and current conditions, and is a rewarding location for those seeking to experience a healthy, deeper Caribbean reef.
Highlights
Deep Caribbean reefAbundant hard coralsNumerous soft coralsMany sea fansVibrant coral ecosystemWide array of reef fish
Best Season
The dry season, from December to April, offers the best diving conditions with optimal visibility typically ranging from 25 to 40 meters and calm seas. Water temperatures during this period are ideal, between 25-27°C, though the wet season from May to November brings warmer water and can occasionally reduce visibility due to rain, while also presenting a hurricane risk from August to October.
Dive site facts: Parquera
- Depth
- 20–20 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Intermediate
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Dominican Republic
- Coordinates
- 18.4639° N, 69.8585° W
Conditions & Currents
Parquera can experience moderate currents, so divers should be prepared for potential drift diving scenarios. It is advisable to plan for drift entries and to maintain close proximity to the dive group for safety and orientation. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, though occasional rain in the wet season might reduce it. There are no reported thermoclines or significant boat traffic issues. This site is best suited for intermediate-level divers who are comfortable with potential currents and can manage their buoyancy and gas effectively under these conditions.
Why dive Parquera from a liveaboard?
Parquera is one of Dominican Republic's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Parquera on their Dominican Republic itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Parquera
These liveaboards may visit Parquera on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II
Turks & Caicos
18 guests36.6 m
$328/day
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