Happy Dive Center
Happy Dive Center
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Diving is fun and safe! More over, it is easily included in the vacation planning.You do not have any experience, would like to try diving? Then, you are in the right place!!! We are located in the Dominican Republic. We have a 100% safety record. Canadian/Dominican Company.
Bavaro, Dominican Republic
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Travellers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
301 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
20
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
7
John A
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Mar. 2023 • Friends
Happy Dive Center operates out of the Bavaro area near the Occidental Punta Cana resort and the owner Debbie is very responsive to inquiries or requests. They prefer you pay cash or via PayPal since the country adds another 28% ibis tax (website states 18%) to your excursion cost. I appreciated her transparency with this.
We chose the half-day Bahahibe excursion. Yohan was our driver transporting us from the hotel to the dive shop (Scuba Fun) near the dock from where we took off. This dive shop manages all the gear/tanks and boat operations for our excursion.
As for the actual dive experience I will give 5/5 stars to Eileen/Ilene (sorry about the spelling) from Uruguay who was our dive master. Our group consisted of my friend who is an avid diver, another guy who had close to a 1000 dives, and myself who completed his PADI certification in 2007 and took an SSI Review course 2 weeks ago(so quarry and pool dives). This was my first “real” dive in saltwater and I thank my scuba buddies and my dive master for for being patient with me. The other two divers were experienced so the dive master stuck close to me to to guide me through the dives. It was AWESOME and FANTASTIC ! ! ! Highly recommend the dive center and crew for this experience for a novice diver like me. Highly recommend.
Technical Notes:
- The boat we used had exits on each side of the stern for giant leap entries into the water.
- Ladder in the center back of the stern to enter the boat.
- Guide ropes were anchored for novice descents and ascents.
- My excursion was a 2 tank/dive half day package for about 40 minute dives each. Plenty for my first time.
- Sweet cake snacks and Coca Cola available between dives and plenary room for your own drybags/additional diving gear. No place to change until dive shop on shore.
- They will help you set up your rig if you need it.
- 1st dive was shallow (9m/29 ft) perfect to get used to water and work on your buoyancy. Corals fish and sandy bottom
- 2nd dive Atlantic Princess shipwreck (12m/39ft)- very cool and it was technical enough for me. Look out for anchors, canons, and canon balls.
We chose the half-day Bahahibe excursion. Yohan was our driver transporting us from the hotel to the dive shop (Scuba Fun) near the dock from where we took off. This dive shop manages all the gear/tanks and boat operations for our excursion.
As for the actual dive experience I will give 5/5 stars to Eileen/Ilene (sorry about the spelling) from Uruguay who was our dive master. Our group consisted of my friend who is an avid diver, another guy who had close to a 1000 dives, and myself who completed his PADI certification in 2007 and took an SSI Review course 2 weeks ago(so quarry and pool dives). This was my first “real” dive in saltwater and I thank my scuba buddies and my dive master for for being patient with me. The other two divers were experienced so the dive master stuck close to me to to guide me through the dives. It was AWESOME and FANTASTIC ! ! ! Highly recommend the dive center and crew for this experience for a novice diver like me. Highly recommend.
Technical Notes:
- The boat we used had exits on each side of the stern for giant leap entries into the water.
- Ladder in the center back of the stern to enter the boat.
- Guide ropes were anchored for novice descents and ascents.
- My excursion was a 2 tank/dive half day package for about 40 minute dives each. Plenty for my first time.
- Sweet cake snacks and Coca Cola available between dives and plenary room for your own drybags/additional diving gear. No place to change until dive shop on shore.
- They will help you set up your rig if you need it.
- 1st dive was shallow (9m/29 ft) perfect to get used to water and work on your buoyancy. Corals fish and sandy bottom
- 2nd dive Atlantic Princess shipwreck (12m/39ft)- very cool and it was technical enough for me. Look out for anchors, canons, and canon balls.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emmanuel S.
15 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
Debbie helped me book a last minute fishing charter when it was quasi impossible. Because of her help and contacts, my friends and I had a memorable day. Thanks Debbie for all your help, you Rock!
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa R
5 contributions
Feb. 2023
They were great, had two amazing dives and couldn’t have been more pleased. Debby (the owner) and Mario very freindly and nice persons. Beutifull dives spots and reasonable price with great service. I will return and dive with Happy Dive center again!
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin Parsakia
Vienna, VA3,000 contributions
Dec. 2022
Amazing dive company for the DR area! Called them a couple months ago in advance to get the details for my december trip. I was able to book a two dive trip where we went to The wall and the Aquarium near Catalina Island. I would recommend stopping by the shop a day in advance to get the paperwork done early. I brought my mask, regs, and flashlight since my plan was just a day of diving. The equipment was in excellent shape so using rentals wasn't a bad thing. Debbie did an amazing job of getting me setup and my dive master was awesome. Very organized and fun crew to be around. I've got 56 dives logged with own my gear. The next time I visit the DR I will be calling them again. After doing research on some of the smaller companies I saw it was more of a tourist trap. You should allocate most of the day when doing their activities because of the boat ride, stops along the day,etc.
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
McKenna Family
1 contribution
Dec. 2022 • Family
Debbie arranged all efficiently via WhatsApp and email. Her crew especially instructor Mario were top knotch and very fun, they had warm relations with all the other dive boats and instructors and created a very fun festive atmosphere. My hubby and daughter got certified and never had a moment of discomfort or fear. Great experience, highly recommend.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adam S
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Dec. 2022
We had a terrific experience scuba diving with Happy Diver Center. We booked our dive last minute and Deb was very responsive.
Our instructor Mario was first class, and was very professional. The day started perfectly with the Taxi arriving on time, we stayed a TRS CAP Cana Hotel.
Further.
The dive boat was well equipped, in terrific working condition. Scuba equipment rental was in great shape.
We recommend Happy Dive Center and calling Deb for a wonderful day of diving.
With gratitude, we would come again (if) we travel back to DR!
Thank you again,
Our instructor Mario was first class, and was very professional. The day started perfectly with the Taxi arriving on time, we stayed a TRS CAP Cana Hotel.
Further.
The dive boat was well equipped, in terrific working condition. Scuba equipment rental was in great shape.
We recommend Happy Dive Center and calling Deb for a wonderful day of diving.
With gratitude, we would come again (if) we travel back to DR!
Thank you again,
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rwendt
Macomb, MI2 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Solo
I am VERY happy with my experience with HDC!!!
Dep did a great job answering all my many questions (I would of liked some ball park suggestions on tipping for the area tho ) .
I was coming into DR for the first time from the US and Deb took the time to explain everything, she gave me options and her suggestions with were spot on with other professionals and those who have dove the area before .
I stayed at Breathless Punta Cana and did a 3 tank dive in Bayahibe which is about 1.5 drive nonstop .
Johnathan who was both our driver and dive master was excellent !!!
Johnathan arrived five minutes early he was friendly and welcoming , as I speak NO Spanish I was very relieved that his english was great, The van was clean and well maintained .
We stopped to pick up 1 other 3 tank diver and off we went , during the drive Johnathan told us about the areas and had us fill out our paperwork to save time once we arrived .
Once in Bayahibe Johnathan got the other diver set up with gear (I brought my own ) and on to the boat . Because we were doing 3 tank dives we were lucky enough to get a boat with just us 3 and a captain . The boat was also clean & well maintained they had water, pop and some small packaged cakes.
Johnathan gave safety briefs & explained the dives he also said once we’re in we’d do a weight check which both the other diver & I needed more weight that Johnathan got us . I’ve dove in Cancun & Florida and have never had a dive guide/DM do a weight check which I really appreciated and the extra weight helped me do a better safety stop .
After the dives Johnathan took us down the street from the dive shop for a Real authentic Dominican lunch which was great .
The dive spots were Coco Wreak / Guanguao 1 and Coco reef which were all pretty similar but throughout the 3 dives besides the usual tropical life I saw 2 different types of eels , a sea turtle , crabs , a few smalls rays and 1 big one (eagle and another species) , statues and barracuda.
I would with out a doubt recommend HDC & Johnathan when I return to DR I will dive with Happy Dive Center and schedule my dive days to dive with Johnathan .
Dep did a great job answering all my many questions (I would of liked some ball park suggestions on tipping for the area tho ) .
I was coming into DR for the first time from the US and Deb took the time to explain everything, she gave me options and her suggestions with were spot on with other professionals and those who have dove the area before .
I stayed at Breathless Punta Cana and did a 3 tank dive in Bayahibe which is about 1.5 drive nonstop .
Johnathan who was both our driver and dive master was excellent !!!
Johnathan arrived five minutes early he was friendly and welcoming , as I speak NO Spanish I was very relieved that his english was great, The van was clean and well maintained .
We stopped to pick up 1 other 3 tank diver and off we went , during the drive Johnathan told us about the areas and had us fill out our paperwork to save time once we arrived .
Once in Bayahibe Johnathan got the other diver set up with gear (I brought my own ) and on to the boat . Because we were doing 3 tank dives we were lucky enough to get a boat with just us 3 and a captain . The boat was also clean & well maintained they had water, pop and some small packaged cakes.
Johnathan gave safety briefs & explained the dives he also said once we’re in we’d do a weight check which both the other diver & I needed more weight that Johnathan got us . I’ve dove in Cancun & Florida and have never had a dive guide/DM do a weight check which I really appreciated and the extra weight helped me do a better safety stop .
After the dives Johnathan took us down the street from the dive shop for a Real authentic Dominican lunch which was great .
The dive spots were Coco Wreak / Guanguao 1 and Coco reef which were all pretty similar but throughout the 3 dives besides the usual tropical life I saw 2 different types of eels , a sea turtle , crabs , a few smalls rays and 1 big one (eagle and another species) , statues and barracuda.
I would with out a doubt recommend HDC & Johnathan when I return to DR I will dive with Happy Dive Center and schedule my dive days to dive with Johnathan .
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vseslav Morozov
2 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Friends
Many thanks to Debbie and Mario. They are do process very helpful and friendly.They were professional and very exprienced divers. They picked us up from the lobby where we had an 50 min drive to Catalina Island (The Caribbean parts of DR).Tanks and equipment are in good condition when they are clean and function. Highly recommend Happy dive center!
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott D
1 contribution
Nov. 2022 • Couples
Debbie and her team are great. Mario was our instructor. Being we were new to diving, he took his time with the instructions and made sure we were comfortable. After the instruction, Mario took us to Tropical Shallow for our dive. It was beautiful. Mario kept his eye on us the entire time and made sure we were safe and having a good time. We enjoyed it so much, we booked a second dive the next day. I highly recommend Debbie and her team.
Written November 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pedro G
Martorell, Spain53 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Buceé hace poco con este Centro y lo pasé fatal, había que estar pendiente del guía constantemente porque se marchaba sin ver si estaban todos siguiéndole, unos se quedaron desde el inicio viendo el barco hundido y se quedaron atrás, al rato, cuando el guía se dio cuenta, nos paro a todos dejándonos solos para irse a buscarlos. No repetiré si vuelvo.
I recently dived with this Center and I had a terrible time, you had to be constantly aware of the guide because he left without seeing if everyone was following him, some stayed from the beginning watching the sunken ship and stayed behind, after a while, when the guide realized, he stopped us all leaving us alone to go look for them. I will not repeat if I return.
I recently dived with this Center and I had a terrible time, you had to be constantly aware of the guide because he left without seeing if everyone was following him, some stayed from the beginning watching the sunken ship and stayed behind, after a while, when the guide realized, he stopped us all leaving us alone to go look for them. I will not repeat if I return.
Written November 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola Pedrog196.
Es una lastima que tras haber hecho tan solo una excursión hayas decidido que fue una experiencia "fatal".
Déjeme explicarle que nuestros guías tienen grupos de no más de 5 buzos certificados.
Al ser certificados, conocen los estándares de buceo y los procedimientos básicos para realizar las inmersiones. Además, el guía realiza un "briefing" antes explicando cómo sera la experiencia y como comunicarse bajo el agua.
Si bien es responsabilidad del guía mantener el grupo unido, se trata de una inmersión de un grupo de buzos certificados, no de un curso de buceo en el cual el instructor tiene toda la responsabilidad de corregir acciones de sus alumnos.
En caso que parte del grupo quedé rezagado, el guía les comunica a un aparte que acciones tomará, para unir la grupo. Es normal que grupos deban tratar de disfrutar de su
inmersión con gente que no están acostumbrados. Todos tenemos diferentes costumbres. Solo debemos ser pacientes con nuestros compañeros.
Nos hubiera gustado que le hubiera indicado su incomodidad la guía al finalizar la primera inmersión así poder organizar la segunda en forma distinta para que la experiencia fuera de su agrado.
Esperamos nos de otra oportunidad si vuelve a bucear por ésta zona.
Saludos cordiales
Written November 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
limarali
Bogota, Colombia5 contributions
Hola, que planes de buceo tienes entre el 8 de abril y 13 de abril para dos buzos advance por favor?
If I’m scuba certified but my 2 friends are not, is there a way for them to either scuba dive with a special instructor or to snorkel while I scuba dive?
rgfellow
Vancouver12 contributions
Some shops will take uncertified people on a dive, but there is a depth limit. (need to check with the shop)
Most shops will take snorkelers on the same boat with the divers, but depending on the dive there may not be much to see. My sister always comes with me and snorkels.
RuthiePoo81
Edinburgh, UK59 contributions
Hi,
Do you offer a level one free diving course please? We are visiting in April. Thanks, Adam
Hi Adam,
Are you visiting Punta Cana or Rio San Juan?
Debbie
lurdesvillanueva1
General Roca, Argentina
Como los contacto? Como se llama la empresa?
Happy Dive Center
Nicolas V
Bogota, Colombia
Hi, I'm staying at Bávaro Beach until next Saturday. I´ll love to go diving in the Caribbean with my wife next Friday . We are both Open Water divers. Can you send me some info
Thank you for your email.
bikeinvictus
Manchester, UK70 contributions
Hi I'm going to punta cana in December staying at the royalton I am a advanced padi certified diver and wondered how far happy dive centre is from the royalton and wether they use nitric as I'm certified in this also hope to hear from someone soon .
Thank you for your inquiry into diving options in the Dominican Republic.
Nitrox is available in Bayahibe or Saona dives. They are an extra $10.00 US per tank and must be pre-ordered.
We are about 15 minutes from the Royalton.
When was your last dive? If it has been more than 1 year since your last dive, you will need to take a refresher course. The cost is $20.00 US per person.
Our Instructor is fluent in English, Spanish, German, Italian and French.
Happy Dive Center focus is on Customer and VIP services. We take a maximum of 5 divers on any dive. We offer diving on the Bavaro/Punta Cana side which is the Atlantic ocean as well as on the Caribbean side (Bayahibe and Catalina Island). We can plan any number of dives. We are a Canadian/Dominican dive company.
In the Dominican Republic there are many beautiful reefs, wreck dives, deep dives, wall dives and drift dives the possibilities are endless. On the Punta Cana/Bavaro side there are 12 different dives sites. The Caribbean side offers 25 dive sites and 2 wrecks.
Sometimes, the Atlantic side visibility is poor during the winter months, with only a few days of good diving. The only good diving for an experienced diver at this time of year is on the other side of the island which is the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean side of the Island is approximately 1 hour by car from most Hotels or Condos in Punta Cana/Bavaro.
You have the option to choose from 2 or 3 dives in Bayahibe in 1 day.
We do 2 dives in the morning and come home or 3 dives with a break for lunch before going back out for the 3rd dive. Cost for 2 dives in Bayahibe is $150.00 US per person and 3 dives plus lunch is $220.00 US per person.
Saona Island is a Full day tour with a 2 tank dive. The cost includes all dive equipment, transportation, buffet lunch and refreshments. The cost is $170.00 US per person. Please note, this excursion only goes out on Wednesdays and Fridays.
We travel via our own Private transportation VIP, so no huge buses, no multiple pickups, drop offs and getting back to the hotel hours later. We only stop if you ask us to.
We also have Catalina Island Full day with 2 dives at the Wall and the Aquarium, however, this is a shared catamaran with other divers and snorkelers but you still dive only with us. The dives here are worth diving. The cost for the Catalina trip is $160.00 US per person with buffet lunch, refreshments, equipment and transportation. Also, snorkelling is offered here. You snorkel the Wall, then when the divers go to the second site to dive, the snorkelers are taken to the Island, where you can continue to snorkel from the beach or lounge on the beach. The cost is $80.00 US per person.
Night dives can only be done in Bayahibe due to the Marine regulations on the Punta Cana side. We offer the following options:
1 tank dive in the late afternoon dive, followed by a night dive. The cost is $185.00 US per person,
2 tank dive in the afternoon starting at 1 pm, a break for dinner, then the night dive. The cost is $250.00 US per person.
1 tank night dive is $120.00 US per person.
Please note, there is an extra charge $10.00 US for the rental of the night light per person.
Diving in Punta Cana is $45.00 US per person per dive. Please note, all the dive sites in Punta Cana are 3 to 15 meters only or let me know how many dives you would like and where and I will do a dive package for you.
We will discount our pricing if you bring all your own equipment except weights and tanks.
So the choice is yours.
We pick you up at any hotel/condo in the Punta Cana/Bavaro area at no additional cost. We include the cost of the dive equipment in our pricing.
You can also check out our reviews from Trip Advisor at Happy Dive Center if you want more information.
Also, we have a photographer to take photos either in Punta Cana, Bayahibe or Catalina Island. The cost for Punta Cana is $40.00 US and Bayahibe or Catalina Island is $60.00 US and I require 1 day notice to arrange.
We can arrange for you any of the following:
Horseback riding
Zip Line
Boogies
Party Boat
Deep Sea Fishing
Private tours of Santo Domingo
Private tour of the Island
And much more.
We accept American dollars, Canadian dollars, Pesos and Euros. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards. If you pay by crédit card, we charge an extra 10% to the pricing and then convert from US dollars to Dominican Pesos. This is due to the banking and tax system in the Dominican Republic. Sorry, we do not accept Paypal at this time.
If you have any other questions, please let us know.
Thank you,
Debbie
Happy Dive Center
829-447-2060
Trixybell63
York, UK4 contributions
My Husband an I tried diving 2years ago in Turkey, we were both fine on our first dive, but when we went on our second dive, my ears would not equilize, so I had to come back up, but my husband was ok and continued with the dive.
We would both love to do the 3day course, but I'm unsure due to not being able to get my ears to equilize.
Retired1811
Menomonee Falls, WI258 contributions
All you can do is try it again. The experience in Turkey might have been a one only, possibly some congestion in your inner ear. I have 400 dives and a couple of times I had to ascend to a shallower depth and work on it for a few moments and I finally cleared and I'm 69. Good luck.
chanel b
Houston, TX3 contributions
How do we go about getting certified to dive? How much does it cost?
Thank you for your inquiry into diving course options in the Dominican Republic.
Our Instructor is fluent in English, Spanish, German, Italian and French.
Happy Dive Center focus is on Customer and VIP services. We are a Canadian/Dominican dive company.
We offer the following courses:
1. The Discover Scuba Diving program is ½ day course and is for divers without certification. 1 pool class and 1 open water dive-$80.00 US per person. The program is from 9 am to about 2 pm.
First you go to the pool with the Instructor to learn about the safety of diving, all the equipment used for diving and basic skills. The pool is a very safe environment to learn how to scuba dive. Once everyone is comfortable with the equipment and skills, then you do an open water shallow dive. A shallow dive is anywhere from 3 meters to 12 meters depending on all of your comfort levels. The dive will last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
It is possible to make the open water dive ( and an extra dive) at Catalina Island, when the theory and pool training are done any day before the Catalina Island excursion at an additional cost of $80.00 US per person.
2. Scuba Diver Course- 2 (½) day course that results in a dive certification that is valid for life and allows you to dive up to 12 meters under the guidance of a dive professional. 3 academic sessions, 3 pool dives, 2 open water dives-$280.00 US.
3. Open Water Course that will give you full certification which allows you to dive independently, with a buddy- 3 (½) day course. 5 academic sessions, 5 pool dives and 4 open water dives-$360.00 US.
So the choice is yours.
We pick you up at any hotel/condo in the Punta Cana/Bavaro area at no additional cost. We include the cost of the dive equipment in our pricing.
You can also check out our reviews from Trip Advisor at Happy Dive Center if you want more information.
We accept American dollars, Canadian dollars, Pesos and Euros. Republic.
If you have any other questions, please let us know.
Thank you,
Debbie
Happy Dive Center
829-447-2060