Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta

Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta is the Dominican Republic's first and most accessible marine protected area, located just 22 kilometers east of Santo Domingo near Las Americas International Airport. Despite its small size — roughly 10 square kilometers — the park packs an extraordinary amount of underwater interest into a compact area.

The park protects a fringing coral reef system featuring hard and soft corals, sponges, and a rich diversity of tropical reef fish. The main attractions for divers and snorkelers are two deliberately sunk ships — the Hickory (a 40-meter salvage vessel) and the El Limon (a former cargo ship) — that now serve as thriving artificial reefs encrusted with corals and swarming with marine life. The terrestrial portion of the park includes the remains of a Taino cemetery, making it both a natural and cultural heritage site. The proximity to Santo Domingo makes La Caleta the most convenient diving destination for the capital's residents and visitors.