The remains of over 15 sunken galleons from the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries lie in shallow waters off the shores of Montecristi and are accessible to beginner snorkelers. Among them are Los Cañones de Tebo, Los Perfumes, Bolas de Mosquete, Los Ladrillos, Las Pipas, Las Porcelanas, Grandes Cañones, and Punta Luna. Excursions are available daily year-round when weather conditions allow.
Formed by coral sands, they offer a world of underwater exploration and wildlife. Around the cayes’ shores, you’ll spot cacti, iguanas, and crabs. Underwater, submerged forests, sandy bottoms, and large rocky walls make this area a one-stop site for snorkeling, day or night diving.
On the northwestern side of the country, Montecristi is for experienced divers. There are dozens of real shipwrecks from the time of the Spanish armada sunk due to weather and in battle with English and Dutch pirates. Snorkeling is wonderful at the Cayo Siete Hermanos islands. The infamous pirate Francis Drake used Montecristi as a base for supplying his ships and hiding from the Spanish fleet in the 16th century. He and other pirates attacked countless Spanish ships, looting the treasure and sinking the vessels off the coast of Montecristi. Many of the estimated 150 shipwrecks have been discovered and a number of them are close to shore and at depths shallow enough for the adventure diver.
A paradise for snorkeling fans, this area boasts some of the most abundant marine life in DR, with corals and sponges that surround the cay, including schools of surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, angelfish, and yellowtail snappers swimming around your feet.
The remains of over 15 sunken galleons from the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries lie in shallow waters off the shores of Montecristi and are accessible to beginner snorkelers.
©2006 - 2023 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF TOURISM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Send this to a friend
