Bayahíbe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Bayahíbe
Bayahíbe
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Bayahibe Beach featuring food

Despite being one of the most popular resort areas in the region, this former fishing village still captivates with its lovely beaches and laid-back tropical charm.

Set in a scenic bay, the seaside village of Bayahibe is one of the most popular resorts in the Dominican Republic. Visitors are attracted by the low-key vibe, lovely beaches and the unparalleled scuba and snorkeling opportunities in the nearby Parque del Este national park. Spend your days reveling in the beauty of the area's beaches and coral reefs and your nights eating the daily catch at romantic waterfront restaurants.

Bayahibe was originally settled by Puerto Rican fishermen in the 19th century. Although it remained a sleepy little fishing village for more than a century, it is now a tourist-oriented resort where a slow pace of life endures.

Life revolves around the beach here. Laze on public sands of Playa BayahibeOpens in a new window or sunbathe on the extensive Playa Dominicus south of the town, home to several major tourist resorts. If you visit the latter, look for the striped lighthouse bar, a great spot for a sundowner.

Go to the harbor in the morning and join the crowds waiting to board ferries to Isla Saona. This island, part of the Parque del Este national park, boasts breathtaking beaches, complete with snow-white sand, palms and warm, aqua water. Bars, live music and hawkers add to the lively atmosphere. Find a more peaceful scene on the smaller Isla Catalina, where a coral reef and a shark-frequented dive site lure scuba divers and snorkelers.

For a culture fix, make the journey to Cueva del Puente. Inside the stalagmite and stalactite-adorned interior are cave paintings completed by the island’s early Taíno inhabitants. Further south, the Cueva Peñon Gordo also features pictographs.

To further explore the national park, consider hiring a guide to show you around. The park is vast, spreading out across 120 square miles (310 square kilometers). A fascinating array of species live here, including more than 500 different types of flora, over 100 different bird species and gorgeous sea creatures including bottlenose dolphins and West Indian manatees.

Bayahibe is located on the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast. The nearest airport is La Romana, which is about 20 minutes away by car.

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana - All Inclusive

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Playa Dominicus, 22000, Bayahibe (La Romana), San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (164 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana - All Inclusive
HM Alma de Bayahibe - Adults Only - All Inclusive

HM Alma de Bayahibe - Adults Only - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Los Corales s/n, Bayahibe, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
The price is Rp2.004.525 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.004.525
Rp2.365.339 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star all-inclusive hotel in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (435 reviews)
"They should improve the waiting time... I arrived at 1:45pm and they didn't give me the room until 5:42pm... They kept me there without anyone informing me why the delay... In fact, I had to make an international call to find out why... Now my phone company charged me $18.00 for the 33 minutes I ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

HM Alma de Bayahibe - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Dreams Dominicus La Romana - All Inclusive

Dreams Dominicus La Romana - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Playa Bayahibe, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
The price is Rp5.085.839 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp5.085.839
Rp5.085.839 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"We had a great time with our family at this hotel. The food and drinks were very good. The service was amazing as well. Alvaro from the Asian restaurant was super nice and helpful. Rafael in the Seagrill restaurant was also super quick in serving us and very nice. Merihan from concierge was constantly ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Dreams Dominicus La Romana - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club

Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club

2 out of 5
Av. La Laguna, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this condo in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Dominicus Beach and Bayahibe Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"The facilities are modern and exactly as shown in the photos. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you might need. Great care has been taken to provide a comfortable and functional environment. I was genuinely impressed by how accurate the listing was compared to the ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club
Los Flamencos Aparthotel

Los Flamencos Aparthotel

3.5 out of 5
Avenida Fuller, Dominicus Americanus Bay, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (138 reviews)
"Very clean. The AC needed maintenance. They charge for electricity at check out additional to the night fee"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Los Flamencos Aparthotel
Blue beach Eco-hotel by Sanfabini

Blue beach Eco-hotel by Sanfabini

3 out of 5
Calle 4 Botijuela - Bayahibe, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3-star cottage in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, a beach shuttle (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bayahibe ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"I love this place, but I feel a bit weird writing a review, because after our vacation, I feel like our family has become friends with the host family... This place wonderful -- but maybe not for everyone! This place is still evolving. When we went there, it had only been in business for about six ..."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Blue beach Eco-hotel by Sanfabini
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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