Dominican Republic
El Asfalto (Pedernales)
- Max depth11 m (36 ft)
- CertificationFull cave
- Water temperature≈ 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)estimated, no reports yet
- SpecialExperienced divers
Diving and fills
Dive here with
The dive
Fresh water in a very clean cave. According to the book it is the most richly decorated cave in the country, with off-white walls and ceilings full of formations, and little fauna.
Profile and sections
Fresh water in a very clean cave. According to the book it is the most richly decorated cave in the country, with off-white walls and ceilings full of formations, and little fauna. The cave was first explored by Lamar Hires.
Practical: the book advises at least 100 cave dives because of its fragility.
- Depth and profile
- To -11 m; about 230 m long. A main passage without side passages.
- Configuration
- Single cylinder with a Y or H valve, or sidemount: twins don't fit through the access (2003).
Who can dive where
- At least Full cave
- Configurations: Sidemount / CCR / Small cylinders / no-mount (speleo sumps)
- Goes down to 11 m (trimix or deco may be needed)
- Experienced divers only
This is how the planner decides who in your team may dive this cave. Rules your own trip adds (organizer, a mail, the AI) show with your trip.
How to get there
In Pedernales province near the Haitian border, on the Barahona–Pedernales road (the name comes from the road's asphalt plant). By car to the entrance, then about 100 m through a dry cave: over a large boulder and crawling through narrow cracks to the pool. A second entrance only by rappel. Data from 2003: ask about current access.
Around El Asfalto (Pedernales)
FillsNo fill station known nearby
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