is located 20 kms. east of Santo Domingo, opposite the Las Americas International Airport in the nearby village of La Caleta. It is a sheltered bay and shallow waters. Its western boundary begins at the Cave of Swallows in the south is the contour line of 100 fathoms to the extreme southwest of Punta Caucedo. Considered by experts as one of the best diving in the country.
has an area of \u200b\u200babout 12 km ² and an approximate depth of 20 feet of sandy bottom. The main attraction of this protected area are the variety of artificial structures to encourage dive sunk, like the "Hickory" a ship sunk in 1984 specifically for the Underwater Research Group (GIS), with the aim of creating an artificial reef to promote the proliferation of marine life. Furthermore, in the end, live with him two other vessels which can also explore the "Captain Alsina" and "Lemon." Also can visit an underwater trail of sculptures that explain the Taino culture in La Caleta. To arrive by sea anchor coordinates for Caleta beach front, are: 18 ° 26'52 .01 "N, 69 ° 41'4 .69" W.
The park has an irregular topography with 3 well-defined terraces, extending parallel to the coastline. The different background levels reaching depths of 10 to 50 m, found in them reef communities in recovery and a lot of colorful fish using coral colonies as shelter supply of food. Divers can admire corals and huge variety of fish that inhabit the area, as lamps, sunfish, chandeliers soldiers and sergeants major
Within the park is the Taino Archaeological and Ethnological Museum discovered on the beach in 1970 and holder of a large collection of Taino objects which can be accessed by the public . They say that this area belonged to the chiefdom of Higuey whose leader was Cayacoa. It also has an administration office, a restaurant, a police station and public parking. Given the great diversity of flora and fauna associated with the different ecosystems of the area, opportunities for diving and ecotourism are huge, plus enjoy other attractions place. If you love diving and want to spend an unforgettable day watching the sea life, head to La Caleta National Underwater Park, located 22 km east of Santo Domingo, as it is considered by experts as one of the top five diving spots in the Caribbean.
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underwater national park of La Caleta was declared a protected area on September 25, 1986 and ratified on August 18, 2000.
