Bayahíbe

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Bayahíbe showing tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Bayahíbe which includes a bay or harbor
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
$381 nightly
The price is $381 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$381 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (159 reviews)
"Las mejores playas de RD y el resort super"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana - 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
$440 nightly
The price is $440 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$440 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"**Simply extraordinary!** This hotel exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding — everyone was warm, friendly, and welcoming. A very special mention to our butler, **Daniel**, who was absolutely incredible. He was always there when we needed something, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Dreams 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
$120 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$142 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star all-inclusive hotel in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (411 reviews)
"Pros: Acogedor, fácil de caminar, habitación Junior Suite espaciosa, buffet del desayuno muy bueno, buenas piscinas. Cons: Mattress duro, buffet de almuerzo y cena pueden mejorar, opciones de bebidas limitadas, pocas opciones de restaurantes y el italiano debe mejorar."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

HM Alma de Bayahibe - Adults Only - 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 WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Dominicus Beach and Bayahibe Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Terrific area, terrific property, book it!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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 WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (136 reviews)
"Very clean. The AC needed maintenance. They charge for electricity at check out additional to the night fee"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Los Flamencos Aparthotel
Dimary Apartment
Dimary Apartment
3.5 out of 5
Av. La Laguna, Dominicus, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Dominicus Beach and Bayahibe ...
Dimary Apartment
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bayahíbe

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
172
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
139
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
29
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 3%

5/5 - Excellent

DannyF

Beautiful Beaches and breathtaking views!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Monkeytown was amazing, I'd recommend that excursion to everyone. The resort was great for the most part, would only change a handful of stuff.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We love the Bayahibe area. It is safe for us to walk around with our teen daughters. The people are always so wonderful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful beaches

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

my second visit here, very nice area, wonderful people, beautiful setting, great food, a very safe area for young and old alike

5/5 - Excellent

GregLewis

Wonderful area of the beautiful South side of the Dominican Republic.

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