Underwater Archaeology Reserves of Bayahibe

The Underwater Archaeological Reserves of Guadalupe and Canoa are located in front of the hotel coast of Bayahibe and are today a reality because of the joint efforts of the National Office of Underwater Cultural Patrimony, the University of Indiana and the Association of Romana-Bayahibe Hotels.

The mentioned reserves recreate the remains of shipwrecks dating back to the early 18th century, as they would have originally been found when discovered by marine archaeologists. For this purpose, they've used several cannons from the shipwreck of the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, an anchor from a ship from the same period salvaged original archaeological artifacts, removed from various sites located along the Dominican coast.

To recover these archaeological artifacts and to place them adequately in the sea depth in order to make visits within the marine environment possible, are ways in which to complement the ecotourism and cultural options that sport diving implies. These underwater museums are 5 to 10 meters deep, which makes them very accessible for snorkling as well as for beginners who are learning to scuba dive.

The opportunity to observe the remains of these shipwrecks in their underwater state is a novelty among current museography techniques and marks an achievement in the exhibit of archaeological artifacts from the sea. The Association of Romana-Bayahibe Hotels, as custodians of this priceless underwater archaeological patrimony, makes available its hotels and personnel to protect and promote the Guadalupe and Canoa Archaeological Reserves, so that they may serve as a point of cultural interaction with the past as well as a site offering relaxation and enjoyment for all divers who wish to explore the waters of the Caribbean and discover the magnificent treasures it holds.