Are there sharks in the Caribbean? Dominican sharks - is there a reason for concern? Where to find cheap tours

Vacation safety is a question that recent times interests many tourists. Due to events in Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and other countries of the Middle East, as well as due to frequent incidents in Thailand and other Asian countries, many tourists, when choosing a place to stay, attach great importance security issues.

Is it dangerous in the Dominican Republic? Despite the fact that crime in the Dominican Republic, as in many other countries Latin America, is not rare occurrence, the safety of tourists is provided here quite well.

There are, of course, dangers in the Dominican Republic, but you cannot name a single country in which there are no dangers. We can only say that in the past few years in this country there has not been a single serious incident with tourists from Russia.

In this article, we will tell you about the main dangers for tourists in the Dominican Republic and give some tips to help you make your stay in this country as safe as possible.

Is it possible to swim at night in the Dominican Republic

Although it is unlikely that someone will forbid you to swim in the ocean / sea at night, we still do not recommend it. Why? The fact is that at night almost nothing is visible under water, and the probability of stepping on sea ​​urchin or some other sea ​​creature much higher at night than during the day. At the same time, there will be no lifeguards on the beach at night, so there will be no one to help you.

As for the pools, in most hotels it is forbidden to swim in them already from 7-8 pm.

Hurricanes in the Dominican Republic

Hurricane season in the Dominican Republic starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. According to the National Meteorological Office, the critical period for the possible impact of this natural phenomenon in the country is from August 15 to September 15. Records over the past 120 years show that the country was hit during this period by at least twenty hurricanes, five of which were the most catastrophic. These are Hurricanes Lilis (1894), San Zeno (1930), Agnes (1966), David (1979) and George (1998). According to researchers, cyclonic activity changed in 1995 to a hyperactive period that can last two or three decades.

About 80 tropical cyclones develop in the world every year, and about half of these cyclones reach the strength of a hurricane. Many cyclones originating in the Atlantic pass just north of the Dominican Republic and go to Mexico or to the south of the United States. Sometimes they reach the eastern part The Pacific where they are given a new name according to a given list for cyclones or typhoons, as it is called in some parts of the Pacific.

Can you get into a hurricane in the Dominican Republic? If you travel to this country from June to November, then there is a risk of getting into a hurricane, but the greatest probability of this is in August and September, and the least in June and November. In general, the probability of getting into a powerful hurricane in the Dominican Republic is small, although if we pay attention to the cyclical nature of the last five powerful hurricanes, we can assume that the next such hurricane will be in the coming years. Nevertheless, even if you are not lucky enough to get into such a hurricane, then you should not worry, since the Dominicans are always ready for this. natural phenomenon... Hotel buildings in this country are built with the possible impact of the hurricane on them. In addition, there are often shelters near hotels.

Tsunami in the Dominican Republic

Are there tsunamis in the Dominican Republic? The last powerful tsunami that struck the shores of the Dominican Republic took place back in 1946. Although it is difficult to predict a phenomenon such as a tsunami, the Caribbean is not a place where powerful tsunamis often occur.

Tsunami in the Dominican Republic in 1946

More than 100 people died and another 20 thousand were left homeless as a result of the tsunami generated by the earthquake of magnitude 8.0, which occurred on August 4, 1946 off the coast of Nagua (northern coast of the Dominican Republic). The tsunami penetrated several kilometers into the Matanzas community, where the wave height was approximately 2.5 meters. The quake is being felt strongly in parts of Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and eastern Cuba. The tsunami severely damaged the northern part of the Dominican Republic, from Samana to Puerto Plata.

Although the wave was only 2.5 meters high, it penetrated several kilometers inland, causing serious damage to Matanzas. Maximum height the waves were rated at 4-5 meters. Such a wave hit Nagua.

Dominican earthquake

Not so long ago, the island of Hispaniola, on which the Dominican Republic is located, experienced a strong earthquake. True, it happened in Haiti on January 12, 2010. This earthquake, preceded by vibrations and small movements, had a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale and killed more than 2,000 people. In addition, hundreds of thousands were affected, not only from the earthquake itself, but also from other disasters caused by it, such as floods, cholera and famine.

There are two fault lines in the Caribbean. The first extends west of Jamaica, while the second fault line runs north-south along northern Cuba and Haiti. This suggests that cities such as Port-au-Prince, Kingston, or Santiago de los Caballeros are most at risk. The Dominican Republic is unlikely to be severely affected by an earthquake, although this cannot be ruled out. In any case, Punta Cana, La Romana and other resort areas of this country are relatively far from the fault line, so the likelihood that the epicenter of the earthquake will be near these resorts is very small.

Diseases in the Dominican Republic

What can you get infected or get sick in the Dominican Republic? In theory, tourists can get sick in the Dominican Republic with malaria, Zika virus and cholera. However, in practice, this is almost impossible. There is only one known case when a tourist returned from the Dominican Republic to Russia with the Zika virus.

In general, if you take all precautions and do not do stupid things, then the risk of contracting some serious illness in the Dominican Republic will be practically zero.

Are there mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic? These insects are in any tropical country and the Dominican Republic is no exception. In resort areas, mosquitoes often disturb tourists, especially those who have not taken any precautions against them. In addition to unpleasant bites, mosquitoes can transmit serious illness such as the Zika virus and malaria. Therefore, it is important to do everything to ward off mosquitoes from yourself.

Mosquito activity may vary depending on the season, time of day, weather conditions and a specific area. In humid areas (natural pools, lakes, swamps), there are usually a lot of mosquitoes. In addition, there are usually more mosquitoes during the rainy periods of the year than during the dry season. Also keep in mind that mosquito activity is usually higher during dusk and dawn. To keep mosquitoes from bothering you, try to use different products, such as repellents, sprays, creams. Avoid mosquitoes entering your room, do not leave windows open. If possible, do not use perfumes, colognes, body creams, hairspray, etc., as the scent attracts mosquitoes.

Despite the fact that currently only one tourist from Russia has contracted the Zika virus in the Dominican Republic, the total number of tourists affected by this virus is more than a hundred. Most of them are American, which is not surprising when you consider that US tourists are the most numerous in the Dominican Republic.

Since the Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, it is important to ensure that you are not bitten by these insects. We wrote about the precautions above.

Malaria in the Dominican Republic

Do not believe those who say that there is no malaria in the Dominican Republic. But the fact is that the country is at the stage of preliminary elimination of this disease. There is a moderate risk of malaria in rural areas of the western regions (bordering with Haiti). V large cities There is no risk of contracting malaria in the Dominican Republic, and in coastal resort areas this risk is very low. Back in 2004, there was an outbreak of malaria in Punta Cana, but now this area is considered one of the safest in this regard.

In the Dominican Republic in last years the number of malaria cases is falling rapidly. Back in 2012, there were about 1200 cases of malaria, but in 2015 the number of such cases dropped below 300.

Dangerous animals of the Dominican Republic are another fear of tourists going on vacation to this country. One of the scariest animals for tourists is the shark. Are there sharks in the Dominican Republic? Yes, these marine animals live in the waters around this country, but the last shark attacks on people in the Dominican Republic were recorded a long time ago.

You don't have to worry too much about sharks in the Dominican Republic, as most of the shark species that can swim close to the coast are actually harmless. Dangerous sharks usually do not swim to the shore at a distance of less than 2-3 kilometers. In addition, in Punta Cana, most hotels have barriers that prevent shark access, and small boats monitor the area to prevent an unpleasant surprise for tourists.

So now you know that you shouldn't be afraid of sharks in the Dominican Republic if you don't plan to swim far.

Snakes in the Dominican Republic

Are there snakes in the Dominican Republic? The bad news is that there are snakes here, and good news- they are not dangerous. It is even difficult to imagine that in a country with large rainforest No poisonous snakes... What's more, to meet here non-venomous snake, you need to try hard. The fact is that some snakes in the Dominican Republic are endangered, while other snakes are caught in order to obtain any medicines and means.

There are only a few species of snakes in the Dominican Republic. The most popular of these is the Dominican boa (boa constrictor). This snake does not pose any danger to humans and, as a rule, approaches houses only because it senses the presence of mice. The Dominican boa constrictor can be up to four meters long. Its color can be anything: from black and brown to gray and red. It feeds on small vertebrates and lives in forests and along river banks. Sometimes boas appear on plantations, but they are beneficial, as they eat harmful Agriculture birds and rodents, frogs and other small vertebrates.

There are three endemic species of "green snakes" on the island of Hispaniola, which live mainly within certain ranges. These snakes can be found in all famous resort areas except Punta Cana. Although all three types of snakes are shy and try to hide when a person approaches, bites do occur. According to those affected by the bites of these snakes, numbness is felt in the area of ​​the bite. But no one in the Dominican Republic died after being bitten by these snakes.

My life in the Dominican Republic has again entered the working track. But the soul at some point rebelled and demanded variety and extreme. "Stop!" I chose Animal adventure park and never regretted it.

What it is?

Animal adventure - this is, first of all, a huge territory (as on land among tropical vegetation and tall palms, and the above-water part, at the bottom bounded by a special net).

The park is located in a place called Cabeza de Toro ("Bull's Head") symbolically separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea, the Catalonia Bavaro hotel is located nearby (if it has not yet been renamed).

This place is an ideal option for meeting animals, learning a lot of interesting things and, most importantly, for a few hours to feel like a real tamer and trainer. Most of the animals are not in cages, you get to know them "live" under the strict guidance of the staff (guys, great! True professionals).

Specificity and how to get there ....

Animal Adventure has a specific policy: clear group formation! It means that it is useless to come there without pre-booking tickets, they will be able to let you into the park, but you will not be able to participate in the programs, and this is the most important thing.

Huge "+": unlike Manati Park (the most popular animal park in Bavaro), Animal Adventure does not have a huge crowd of people, the set in groups is strictly limited and due to its territory the park is not stuffy, but spacious and relaxed.

To visit, you need to call in advance and order a ticket (a round-trip transfer by mini-bus will already be included). The most convenient way to do this is from the hotel reception (if you speak Spanish or English) or buy a tour from a tour operator.

Travel time - about 15 minutes from Punta Cana airport, from the northernmost hotel Bavaro - 45 minutes .

In Animal Adventure you do not need to think about where to go and what else to see, since a certain program has been drawn up, you will be taken by the handle and everything will be shown and explained.

It is forbidden to take photos with your camera in this park! In the end, you will be offered to buy a disc with professional photos. I admit, I still took pictures myself, but bought the disc (about $ 80). This post will contain both mine and professional photos(the size, however, had to be reduced).

So let's go .....

At the same time, there are only 2 groups of tourists in the park (10 people in each), these groups do not intersect with each other, each performs the same program, but in a different order.

Photo of the park itself ....

There are sun loungers with umbrellas on the shore. Since I did not use the return transfer (took a taxi, about $ 25, 20 minutes drive), I had a wonderful time swimming and sunbathing in the ocean ... or was it the sea ???

A standard ticket includes a viewing show (without participation) + the opportunity to pet and feed the animals.

Since I additionally took swimming with dolphins, stingrays, sharks and participation in the shows themselves, upon arrival I was immediately asked to change into a hydro-suit (they will help you choose the size) .

The first thing I started with was acquaintance with a fur seal , which can be fed, stroked. The staff of the park tells in detail about the life of these beautiful creatures ....

"Hello" .... Acquaintance takes place in a covered gazebo

Then everyone can take a picture with him in an embrace. It's a lot of fun ... It doesn't work right away, at the command of the trainer, my darling turns away, shows me her tongue, and then kisses on the cheek (at this moment it's better to hold your nose and not breathe, the smell of the fish market ...)

Those who paid for bathing with a fur seal stay in the pool and complete tasks ....

I apologize, only my hands will be visible in the photo ...

And this is a toucan (as the staff said, well, very characteristic) ...

peacock

cute yellow snake

adorable monkey

with a musical duet

I ordered these photos in printed form (you pick them up ready in an hour). The cost of 1 piece is $ 10.

And we go ... to the tigers

You can feed them yourself and even stroke their paws. Animals are in a cage, therefore, until it is very scary ...

My hand is on the right

In the next room in the open air still lives a couple of tigers together ... with a dog

Park staff said that tigers obey her as an older brother.

This is where the terrestrial part of the program ends and the most interesting begins (though you have to pay for it separately).

Swimming with dolphins! We walk along the pier, where these beautiful charms are already waiting for us in a separate compartment in the water. Everyone goes down the stairs and for 10 minutes is photographed with 2 dolphins. I have these photos only in printed form, unfortunately. Take care of your feet! Dolphins have a very heavy fin, I ran into it several times, I got a couple of bruises right away, but this is nothing. In Animal Adventure, swimming with dolphins happens one person at a time, in the same Manati - you are loaded with a group.

I would not recommend children to participate in these activities. because here you can really ... well, you understand ... to worry very much. The grown men at times turned green and pale with excitement. This is swimming with rays and sharks!

Stingrays also swim with a special compartment fenced with a net. And although you know perfectly well that the thorn from their tail has been removed (the trainer demonstrates this), you still feel the excitement ...

And this is me! You will first be given a fish to feed him, hear him "grunt" while eating, and then take him in your arms and try to make "Chiiiz"

We exhale and think that it was the worst thing, but no, there is a shark ahead. And here a shiver runs through me. Yes, of course I know that these are nurse sharks and they do not feed on people, but seeing how they begin to frantically swim around the instructor, exposing their fins above the water, it becomes rather bad.

This is how it looks ...

About cost ....

As I said, I took full package that cost in the area 250 dollars (now the price may change). In time, the entire program took about 2 hours + I spent another 2 hours in a free "flight", swimming (already simple! no extreme) in the ocean, having lunch in a cafe (in the same park) and drinking a compulsory cup of delicious Dominican coffee.

Going on vacation to warm sea, you always want to be sure that your trip will be perfect in all respects. That is why you should definitely find out in advance if there are sharks in the waters of the proposed resting place. Despite the possible assurances of cunning tour operators, sharks are still found in the Dominican Republic. There are all conditions for their existence.

The Dominican Republic is washed on one side Caribbean, on the other hand, by the Atlantic Ocean, so that wide expanses of vital activity open up for predators. The waters near the island are warm almost throughout the year, which is especially favorable for sharks.

Shark Attack Cases

In spite of good conditions for sharks, attacks on humans are still quite rare. According to statistics, over the past 70 years there have been only 3 cases, despite the fact that in the last episode it is not indicated that the death occurred precisely because of predators. The human body was fished out, eaten by sharks, but there is a version that he himself drowned, and then became the prey of sea inhabitants.

What sharks are found in the Dominican Republic?

Mainly in the Dominican Republic there are shark species that are not dangerous to humans. Most common in these places whale shark, the length of which can reach 14 meters. Also common bigmouth shark, so named due to its special structure oral cavity... Both of these shark species do not pose a threat to swimming tourists, as their diet includes plankton and small Marine life... Nanny sharks are also found in the Dominican Republic, which eat shellfish, crabs, octopuses, small fish, as well as Caribbean reef sharks.

Precautionary measures

Despite the small number of shark attacks, it is still better to observe simple rules security. You can not swim at night, swim behind the reefs, swim with an open wound, as even a drop of blood can attract a predator. Sharks feed seals, seals, dolphins, small fish, which is also preferred by whales.

Therefore, there is a high probability of meeting a shark near whales and a school of dolphins. In general, a predator never attacks a person if he does not see a danger in him or a prospective rival. You should not get too close to them and try to feed them, which is fraught with negative consequences.

Tourism is most developed in the eastern part of the island, which is surrounded by a coral reef. Sharks in the Dominican Republic are thus separated from tourists by a natural barrier, which contributes to the safety of a beach holiday.

Where can I find cheap tours?

Search profitable tours better through a service that compares prices from more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest deals. We do it ourselves and are extremely happy 🙂

When planning a vacation, I want to foresee everything to the smallest detail and the issue of safety is not the last for many. So, let's see if the Atlantic and Caribbean waters of the island of Haiti are dangerous, and are there sharks in the Dominican Republic?

So, the good news is that the entire coast of the Dominican Republic is surrounded by coral reef... This means that sharks are rare guests in coastal waters, since the reef is a natural barrier for them.

In addition, the shark is a predator that feeds mainly on large prey: seals, fur seals, rarely dolphins, well, just all kinds big fish... Of all these individuals, only dolphins are found near the Dominican coast, and even then very rarely.

By the way, the little man is by no means included in the usual shark's diet, so the risk of suffering from a predator in the Dominican Republic is practically zero.

Moreover, there are those who are not only not afraid of meeting a shark, but even dream of it!
For example, at the Dolphin Explorer Dominican Dolphinarium, the "Swimming with a Shark" program is very popular!

Are there sharks in Punta Cana?

As you know, the Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic waters from the north, and the Caribbean Sea from the south. Where is the chance to meet a shark more likely? Ichthyologists have no consensus on this matter. Anyway, sharks in Punta Cana appear very rarely.

But in Samana Bay, the chance to meet a shark is greater, especially during the mating season of Humpback Whales, which lasts from January to March every year.

Well, if you need statistics, then here it is: over the past century, only three cases of shark attacks on humans have been recorded in the Dominican Republic, and only 6 in the Caribbean.

Shark fishing

But what if you are a desperate and fearless fisherman who is ready to go out into the open sea and meet a predator face to face? Yes, shark fishing in the Dominican Republic is possible! In addition, there are also those who like to feast on fatty and rich shark soup. Here, as they say, for your money - any whim!

Shark species

So what kinds of sharks can you find outside the reef?

• Whale shark - despite large sizes, this shark is completely harmless and feeds only on plankton
• Nurse shark - it is with this species of sharks that you can swim in the dolphinarium without fear for your life and health at all. This shark is not only peaceful, but also does not even know how to bite.
• Bigmouth shark - despite its huge mouth, it does not consume anything except plankton
• Caribbean reef shark- theoretically, such a shark can pose a danger to humans. Some individuals reach 3 meters in length. But this species is on the verge of extinction, so it is very rare to meet such a shark.
• Tiger shark. Although such a shark is quite dangerous, it is more often a victim of a person, and not vice versa.
• Blue Shark - This predator does not appear in coastal waters, preferring the open sea. And although some experts talk about its potential danger to humans, so far not a single attack has been recorded.

Safety engineering

To protect yourself from a fatal meeting with dangerous predator, adhere to the following rules:

• Don't swim at night
• Avoid swimming in areas where dolphins, whales and fish are abundant
• Do not go into water with wounds on your body
• Before bathing, remove everything from the sowing shiny objects and decoration
• Don't Swim Too Far: Don't Cross Reef Boundaries

In general, we can safely say that sharks in the Dominican Republic are practically incapable of harming humans in any way. Anyway, meeting with a predator is unlikely. But if you still want to swim with a shark - contact us - we will organize! Have a good and serene rest to you, friends!