Bayahibe is a relatively remote town located in the southeast end
of the Dominican Republic. Before the town rose into popularity,
Bayahibe was
just another small fishing village. But because of the
natural beauty of its waters, the town slowly became one of the most
sought after tourist destinations.
The town is not as popular as
Puerto Plata and Punta Cana but it's still a great place to visit for
tourists. There are also a couple of adult themed resorts
The main attraction of the town is the beach itself. The Bayahibe
Beach is a public beach located no more than 2 kilometers from the
town center. What makes
this beach different is that the authorities
are very aggressive in preserving the beauty of the shores and the
water. For that reason, buildings are not that close
to the shores as
they are constantly maintained. Because of their efforts the beach
was awarded with Green Globe Award. Another option for tourists is the
Dominicus Beach, which is
located three miles from the public beach but can be crowded as well,
especially during peak season. For those who seek privacy or
areas
without too many tourists, there are a good number of resorts near
the public beach and Dominicus.
Saona Island
Another reason why tourists flock to Bayahibe Beach is its close
proximity to a small island called Saona. Boats that take tourists to
this island are station in
Bayahibe Beach. Saona is very popular
among tourists because it's a small island virtually surrounded by
white sanded shores. Some take the time to visit the
island as they
visit in the morning and stay there until the afternoon where they
enjoy the sun, the sand, and the water. The island is part of the
national park
which is a protected area by the government.
Underwater Beauty
Because of the strict control of the government in keeping the
place clean, the underwater beauty of the Bayahibe has become a well
known tourist attraction.
Divers from around the world visit the town
to look at the natural beauty underwater. Those unfamiliar with
diving can also snorkel and have the same experience.
You can also
rent a boat where you watch a good variety of sea creatures such as
schools of flying fish or even dolphins. If you're lucky, you will
also have a chance
to see manatees.
Getting Around Bayahibe
The best way to enjoy Bayahibe is to tour the place on foot. Of
course if you're planning to go to Dominicus, you could find a taxi
or even go there on foot if
you follow the shores. Just make sure
that you're protected from the heat or at least walk on the beach
when the sun is about to set. If you're not staying in
Bayahibe, the best way to get there is
through a taxi which will cost no less than $10 (from the nearest
airport) or more depending on the original point.
If you're staying
in other parts of the Dominican Republic, there are also guaguas and
buses that will take tourists to and from Bayahibe.