Scuba diving in

Bayahibe

Bayahibe is situated on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, some 15-kilometres away from La Romana, and is often said to be the quieter counterpart to the popular city of Punta Cana. Facing the calm Caribbean Sea and protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the Parque Nacional del Este, Bayahibe enjoys the perfect beachfront location, making it an ideal spot for a sun-soaked getaway. But the benefits of Bayahibe’s privileged position don’t end there, because this secluded settlement is backed by a stunning natural setting of diamond-white sand, freshwater springs, and jungle-covered caves.

Once a secluded fishing village, Bayahibe has pivoted towards tourism in recent years and is quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. But, with its scenic origins forming part of the allure, this charming coastal getaway seems unwilling to expand beyond recognition. From the pastel-coloured wooden houses to the quaint street craft stalls and friendly fishermen, Bayahibe still boasts a distinctly Dominican flavour. Yet the settlement’s refined restaurants, inviting accommodations, and Blue Flag certified beaches ensure even the most discerning visitors are appeased.

Bayahibe is situated in between the Dominican Republic’s two major airports – with Santo Domingo around a 90-minute drive to the west and Punta Cana roughly an hour’s drive to the east. The international airport in Santo Domingo receives regular flights from as far away as Frankfurt, Paris and Madrid, as well as Montreal, Toronto, New York, and of course, Miami. Flights also arrive from throughout Central and South America, as well as elsewhere in the Caribbean. Punta Cana’s international airport is equally well connected, with direct flights arriving from London, Amsterdam and Zürich, as well as Vancouver, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.

La Romana’s international airport lies just 15-minutes from Bayahibe by car and, while smaller than Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, also receives direct flights from countries as far away as Germany, Italy and Canada. All three airports provide easy access to Bayahibe by road, with buses, taxis, and car hire all viable travel options. The village itself is quite compact, meaning most places are within walking distance. But if you’re looking to venture further afield, taxis, boats and buses are likely a better option. Rental cars can also be organised from the airport, with one or two additional options within Bayahibe.

Visitors to Bayahibe can find almost any kind of accommodation they desire, from cosy guest houses dotted throughout the village, to a variety of hotels, villas and apartments available to rent. The ultra-luxury resorts are fewer in numbers here than they are in nearby La Romana, but a small selection of five-star hotels can still be found strung out along the coast between Bayahibe and Dominicus. In any case, the relatively restrained development of such expansive resorts helps to keep this area peaceful and picturesque.

Bayahibe is a fantastic year-round vacation destination with consistently pleasant temperatures and reliable diving conditions. As with many tropical destinations, the two main seasons here are dictated by the amount of rain, with the dry season running from December through April and the wet season spanning June through November – though thankfully, downpours are typically short-lived and cause minimal disruption to diving. Keep in mind that hurricane season also runs between June and November, and strong winds can cause choppy conditions and reduced visibility.

Overall, Bayahibe delivers quality scuba diving experiences no matter what time of year you visit. But, for optimal conditions along the south coast and the least chance of tropical storms, the dry season is by far your best bet.