Some people were born to be underwater. Submerged beneath the waves, their bodies take on skills and movements befitting a marine creature. For them, nowhere under the ocean surface can be left unexplored in the quest for a little piece of submarine magic. And for these born divers, the Dominican Republic is a paradise with two especially fascinating places: the wreck of the St. George and the Padre Nuestro [Our Father] Cave.
The St. George was built in Scotland in 1962 and for twenty years it was used to ship wheat and barley between Norway and America. This 240 meter-long transatlantic vessel ended up abandoned in the port of Santo Domingo. In 1999, it was sunk in the Romana-Bayahibe area in order to covert it into an artificial reef and diving spot. And so it was. Now it's home to a large number of species of flora and fauna, a steel chest at the bottom of the sea with the best and most colorful of treasures. Barracudas, morays, mackerels, groupers and many more species swim about its decks and propellers, pausing to reflect as if strolling down an avenue. But its riches are not just to be found in its exterior; through openings in the side of the hull you can explore the engine room, the bridge, winches etc. in the interior.
And if the diver prefers rocky seascapes, the Padre Nuestro Cave in the Parque Nacional del Este (Eastern National Park) is a challenging 290 meter-long tunnel that is only suitable for experts and the physically fit. The dive begins at an entrance above ground, where the cave walls are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, different rock layers and fresh and saltwater formations. Pondering the long years it took to form these impressive natural constructions is preparation for what lies just up ahead. The walkway ends with some safety ropes that aid the descent for a dive, lasting around half an hour, that is truly unforgettable. Of course, divers should always follow the guides’ safety instructions and not take any unnecessary risks.
The surface of the sea, that undulating horizon that opens up before the land traveler, is only the beginning of the adventure for those thrill-seekers who love wet skin and the taste of salt on their lips.
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