Bayahibe

Conveniently located near the La Romana [1] airport and flanked to the south by the Parque Nacional del Este [2], the Bayahibe area is fast becoming a tourist destination. Traditionally, the area has been known as the doorway to the Parque Nacional del Este and the launching point to Isla Saona [3]. But today, it is growing out of its “pit stop” reputation and becoming more of a hub for the resort-weary needing a change of scenery. Bayahibe’s calm and low-key vibe provides a nice contrast to the sometimes over-stimulating poolside atmosphere of the all-inclusive resorts.

Until the late 1990s, this little seaside town was nearly untouched by tourism. Now, the resorts that populate the surrounding area are drawing tourists in record numbers. But the publicity has not turned this traditional fishing village into a cookie-cutter tourist trap yet. Bayahibe has been a favorite spot for independent travelers for many years and is still a good location for bargain hotels, cheap meals, and the quaint Caribbean experience that many are expecting when they book their trips to the Dominican Republic [4].

Enjoying the slow pace of village life—hanging out in an open-air seafood restaurant and watching the fishermen haul in their day’s catch—is a favorite way to spend time here. But action isn’t too hard to find either. If you’re not making use of the excursion desks at the mega-resorts, this is the place to find a local company to take you deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, or snorkeling. Some of the best diving in the country can be enjoyed at the offshore coral reefs and islands.

Despite the bulging tour industry waistline of the area, there is still no tourism office and very few services in the town of Bayahibe, but you will find small restaurants, cafés, a church, and some gift shops.

Getting to Bayahibe

Bayahibe is only 25 minutes east of La Romana [1], two hours east of Santo Domingo [5], one hour and 45 minutes west of Punta Cana [6], and 40 minutes south of Higüey [7]. La Romana international airport is the most convenient arrival port for Bayahibe and Dominicus Americanus. Highway 3 will lead you to a southbound road about two kilometers long that forks off leading you to the two beaches. Go right and you’ll get the dirt road to Bayahibe. Choose left and you’ll get the paved road to Dominicus Americanus.

A público from La Romana to Bayahibe will cost you US$2.50. A guagua to and from La Romana (every 20 minutes all day long until 7 p.m.) is US$1.50, and to or from Higüey (every 40 minutes) will run you US$2. To catch a guagua, check across from the Super Colmado Bayahibe in the town center. Try to have small bills or exact change.

Taking a taxi is a more expensive option, but perhaps the most reliable form of transport: From La Romana Airport it’s US$45; Higüey, US$65; Las Américas international airport, US$90; Punta Cana airport, US$90. Prices can vary from taxi to taxi, so definitely haggle and settle on the rate and if you’ll be paying in dollars or pesos before getting into the car. It is best to have correct change. Taxis tend to stop outside the major resort area of Dominicus Americanus (outside Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach) or in the center of Bayahibe.

If you are staying at one of the big resorts, arranging transportation with their shuttle services is a breeze, and the cost is usually included in your package. Ask while booking your trip.