Dive Site: Ray Point

About Ray Point

Ray Point, often referred to as Big Ray Point, is a premier dive site located close to Bayahibe, specifically near the famous "Natural Pool" or "Palmillas." This site is celebrated for its shallow depths, making it accessible to a wide range of divers, and its consistently vibrant marine life. The reef here remains in excellent condition, partly due to its relative distance from other heavily dived locations. The topography features a beautiful, healthy coral reef that thrives with diverse species. Depths at Ray Point typically range from 12 meters, allowing for extended bottom times and thorough exploration. It often experiences a gentle current, which makes it an ideal spot for drift diving, allowing divers to cover a greater expanse of the reef effortlessly. Marine life sightings are frequent and varied, with large southern stingrays being a key attraction and giving the site its name. Green sea turtles are commonly observed interacting with divers, and the healthy corals host numerous tropical fish. The site's ecological richness is sustained by its protected location and consistent, favorable conditions, especially during the peak diving seasons. For divers, the experience at Ray Point is typically a relaxed drift dive, negating the need to swim against currents back to the boat. This allows for an immersive exploration of the reef's intricate ecosystems. It is a site that can be enjoyed as part of a full-day charter to Saona Island or a half-day private dive charter, offering flexibility for itinerary planning.

Dive site facts: Ray Point

Depth

12 m

Typical dive

12 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

24–29°C (75–84°F)

Entry

Boat / drift

Level

All levels, comfortable with drift diving

Dive type

Reef, drift, marine life encounters

Region / port

Bayahibe

Coordinates

19.756, -70.515

Conditions & Currents

Ray Point is characterized by a gentle and often consistent current, making it an excellent location for drift diving. Divers typically enter and allow the current to carry them along the reef, covering a longer section of the site without significant exertion. This minimizes the need for swimming back to the entry point and allows for an extended exploration of the reef. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, contributing to a clear and enjoyable experience. The mild currents and shallow depth make it suitable for divers of various skill levels, though comfort with drift diving is beneficial.

Marine life & sighting chances

Southern Stingray

common

Green Sea Turtle

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Parrotfish

common

Nurse Shark

occasional

Angelfish

common

Barracuda

occasional

Trumpetfish

occasional

Butterflyfish

common

Porcupinefish

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Ray Point typically begin with a tender or back-roll entry from the dive boat, positioned to facilitate a drift dive. Upon entry, divers descend to the reef at approximately 12 meters. The dive then follows the gentle prevailing current, allowing for effortless navigation along the extensive coral formations. The route typically involves a slow drift over vibrant hard and soft corals, where divers can observe southern stingrays, green sea turtles, and various tropical fish. Turnaround is usually determined by air consumption, although the drift nature means you don't return along the same path. The safety stop is conducted as the dive concludes, often near the end of the reef before surfacing to meet the boat.

Underwater photography

Ray Point's shallow depth and excellent visibility make it an ideal location for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive coral reefs and the frequent sightings of southern stingrays and green sea turtles. A wide-angle lens will best convey the scale of the reef and marine animal interactions. For closer subjects like moray eels or smaller reef fish, a macro lens can be effective, though the emphasis here is on the broader seascape. Natural light is often sufficient given the shallow conditions, but a strobe can enhance colors and reduce backscatter. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the healthy corals and marine life, allowing for stable shots and respecting the environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Saona Island Reef

  Often combined in full-day charters.

• St. George Wreck

  A deep artificial reef with barracudas and groupers.

• Catalina Island Wall

  Features a dramatic drop-off with sponges and tubes.

• Guaraguao Reef

  An underwater archaeological museum with cannons.

• Atlantic Princess Wreck

  A shallow shipwreck teeming with fish schools.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Ray Point is typically via boat charters originating from Bayahibe, a popular departure point on the Dominican Republic's southeast coast. Divers often arrive in the Dominican Republic through Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) or Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo, followed by a transfer to Bayahibe. Dive trips to Ray Point are commonly offered as part of half-day or full-day excursions, sometimes combined with visits to Saona Island or other nearby dive sites. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Ray Point itself, but national park fees may apply for combined itineraries to other protected areas.

Safety & environment

While Ray Point is generally considered a safe dive site due to its shallow depth and mild currents, divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Santo Domingo, which is a significant distance from Bayahibe, making emergency evacuation a multi-stage process. Divers should adhere to their dive computer limits and maintain good buoyancy to protect the delicate coral reef. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow their briefings and local site rules. Awareness of boat traffic, especially during surfacing, is crucial.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ray Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ray Point

These liveaboards may visit Ray Point 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