Date of publication 16/06/2025
Dream escapes: a guide to experiencing the magic of Bayahíbe
This travel guide is inspired by our latest stay at one of the best hotels in Bayahíbe. There, right on a paradisiacal beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, we experienced the magic of the Dominican Republic with all the comforts and attentive service of an exclusive beachfront resort—while still staying true to our values of sustainability (something we always consider when choosing where to stay) and keeping our plans family-friendly.
Are you thinking of visiting the island soon? In the sections that follow, we’ll show you what to see and do in this Caribbean destination so you can fully connect with its one-of-a-kind energy.
Dreamy beaches
Bayahíbe Beach
Our first stop was Bayahíbe Beach—an impressive oasis of white sand, swaying palms, and crystal-clear waters that welcomed us to the Dominican Republic and stole our hearts. Coral reefs fringe the entire coastline. As the hours passed—and we surrendered to the postcard-perfect setting, letting go of everything else—we began to truly understand the environmental importance of the Caribbean’s coral ecosystems.
Bayahíbe Beach is located in the fishing village of the same name, just two kilometers from Cotubanamá National Park (formerly known as the Eastern National Park). During our stay, we were also lucky enough to visit the coral nursery at one of Bayahíbe’s most distinctive family-friendly hotels, where we learned a great deal about reef preservation and protection.
Dominicus Beach
Dominicus Beach is right next to Bayahíbe Beach, in the municipal area known as La Romana–Bayahíbe. As soon as we arrived, we learned that it was the first beach in the Caribbean to fly the Blue Flag, a recognition of its ecological quality and facilities. The surrounding area features artisan shops, bars, traditional restaurants, and even a casino! Standing at the water’s edge, the now-iconic black-and-white lighthouse of Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus rises against the horizon—our five-star resort, complete with its own coral nursery.
When searching for hotels in Bayahíbe, we knew we wanted an all-inclusive option with a sustainable philosophy—somewhere that would inspire us to protect and explore the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. To make the most of our stay, we booked a beachfront junior suite. With five restaurants, extensive wellness and leisure options, fully equipped sports facilities, and the Star Camp kids’ program—not to mention the kindness and professionalism of the entire team—we truly felt at home. No doubt, we’ll be back.
Minitas Beach
After getting to know it well, we can confidently say that Minitas is one of the best beaches in Bayahíbe for water sports—from swimming among colorful fish to snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, or renting a pedal boat (there’s even a designated area for these activities). This coastline is also a popular departure point for diving trips and excursions to nearby islands. While somewhat lesser-known and privately accessed, it’s just as idyllic as the others and, in our opinion, incredibly convenient. It also features a beach club with DJs and live music. The verdict? Its 300 meters of shoreline offer plenty of space for all kinds of enjoyment.
La Playita
There’s no shortage of things to see in Bayahíbe, but we definitely recommend setting aside some time to visit La Playita—a semi-wild coastal spot that’s perfect for soaking up the Caribbean sun in total tranquility. We were mesmerized by the turquoise color of its waters. The beach has an area with tables and chairs right on the sand, as well as hammocks and umbrellas available to rent. Its laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of local visitors, makes it a great option for families with kids or a seaside picnic. And if, like us, you’re planning to spend the whole day by the water without checking the time, these tips on what to pack in your bag will definitely come in handy.
The heart of Bayahíbe: village and harbor
Bayahíbe Harbor and its main pier
A stroll along the main pier of this historic village—founded in 1874 by Juan Brito and his Puerto Rican family—is one of those must-do experiences in Bayahíbe. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. The colorful wooden houses, fishing boats, traditional Dominican restaurants, and the charm of every corner give this place a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s worth noting that Bayahíbe Harbor is also the main departure and arrival point for boat excursions to nearby spots like Saona Island (more on that later).
Artisan stalls
In both the towns of La Romana and Bayahíbe—as well as the surrounding communities—local crafts play an important role. We were especially captivated by the handmade jewelry stands showcasing organic designs crafted from tree seeds, wood scraps, and seashell fragments, often set up in the most unexpected corners. Around Bayahíbe’s main hotels, you’ll also find small markets offering locally made jewelry, textiles, woven goods, ceramics, decorative items, paintings by regional artists, and hand-carved figures. Iconic symbols of the destination—like dolphins and the Bayahíbe rose (a rare flower found only in this part of the world)—appear frequently in these pieces. It’s a great way to take home a unique souvenir while supporting local artisans.
Street art
Looking for more ways to explore Bayahíbe’s unique artistic identity? In our case, we wanted to experience the charm of the Dominican Republic beyond the clichés, so we set out to discover the different forms of creative expression thriving in this part of the country, including its vibrant street murals. We had heard about them before, but seeing them in person far exceeded our expectations. It was fascinating to watch how Dominican street artists transform the streets into personal galleries, bringing walls and façades to life with colorful works often inspired by local culture and history. Native animals and plants, marine scenes, and stories from the past are recurring themes in these striking paintings.
Cotubanamá National Park
Hoyo de Pelempito trail
Here’s some good news for more adventurous travelers: during our vacation, we realized that staying at a family-friendly hotel in Bayahíbe doesn’t mean you have to miss out on active pursuits or adrenaline-filled experiences, especially with Cotubanamá National Park so close by. One great option for all ages is hiking or easy trekking along the Hoyo de Pelempito trail, a dramatic 700-meter-deep depression below sea level. The terrain features towering vertical rock walls, winding paths through forests of centuries-old trees, and mysterious caves. There are several route options available, with varying levels of difficulty and duration to suit every type of visitor.
Chicho Cave
One of our favorite activities in Bayahíbe was visiting Chicho Cave, located within Cotubanamá National Park. Our local guide explained that this swimmable underground chamber—with its astonishingly turquoise, crystal-clear waters—is just one of nearly 400 caves in the reserve. Inside, centuries-old mineral formations intertwine with traces of ancient art. Among the most remarkable are the Taíno petroglyphs that decorate parts of the cave walls. We highly recommend asking at your hotel reception about joining a guided tour, especially if you’re planning to dive during your visit.
Paradise beaches
Here’s a fact worth knowing: Cotubanamá National Park spans 80 kilometers of coastline—including the entirety of Saona Island. It’s no wonder that some of Bayahíbe’s most stunning beaches are found within this protected reserve. After a morning of exploration and a relaxing swim along an untouched shoreline, we decided to continue embracing sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic by joining a guided birdwatching tour. Observing endemic species like pelicans, herons, gulls, and crowned pigeons in their natural habitat was a highlight, especially since this protected area also includes wetlands and mangrove zones. Back in the hotel zone of Bayahíbe, we wrapped up the day with a cocktail in hand, watching one of the most unforgettable sunsets we’ve ever seen.
Ocean adventures and excursions
Trip to Saona Island
Saona Island might just be the most frequently mentioned attraction in Bayahíbe travel guides—and for good reason. We understood why the moment we arrived. It felt like stepping into another world, with powdery white sand and water so clear it seemed unreal. Towering palm trees and rustic beach huts complete the scene. It’s like walking into a living Caribbean postcard.
We learned that the island is now a global sanctuary for protected flora and fauna. We visited the fishing village of Mano Juan and, after snorkeling through vibrant marine landscapes, ended up dancing bachata with locals at a beachside shack. During the excursion, we also discovered what regenerative tourism is all about—and why it’s crucial to leave nature better than we found it, especially in areas where endangered species make their home.
Snorkeling at Catalina Island
From Bayahíbe’s family-friendly resort area, you can also reach other nearby gems like Catalina Island—one of the world’s top spots for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles in the wild. It’s easily accessible by boat from the main coast. The dive site known as “La Muralla” or “The Wall,” part of a coral reef, is home to yellow rays, lobsters, moray eels, and exotic fish of every color and size, along with other marine creatures whose beauty and behavior left us speechless. Depths range between 3 and 6 meters. With hardly any waves and pleasantly warm water, at times it felt like we were swimming in a natural pool.
Diving the St. George wreck
Pairing wellness and relaxation on Bayahíbe’s top beaches with more active sea adventures like snorkeling and diving turned out to be the perfect balance, allowing us to experience a wide variety of moments during our stay. If, like us, you’re new to diving, note that exploring the St. George shipwreck requires a basic scuba certification, which you can obtain at one of the local dive schools. The reward? A one-of-a-kind underwater world, home to some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures—including angelfish, grunts, and both nurse and reef sharks.
Kayaking and paddleboarding through mangroves
Exploring the Dominican mangroves by kayak or paddleboard is a highly recommended way to uncover the hidden secrets of Bayahíbe’s coastal ecosystems—places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our local guide led us through stunning, secluded corners along a route that lasted nearly two hours. These coastal rivers and their shores, shaped by narrow channels and lined with towering mangrove trees, are naturally sheltered from wind and waves. In fact, mangroves act as protective barriers against storms and hurricanes, while also filtering water and purifying the air. In this lush, water-rich environment, small mammals, aquatic birds, mollusks, and crustaceans coexist with fish that thrive in the nutrient-rich, marshy floor, creating an extraordinary level of biodiversity.
With this image of thriving nature and vibrant life, we bring our journey to a close. Keep this guide close as you enjoy the very best of Bayahíbe’s hotels and natural wonders.
