Are you planning to visit the Dominican Republic?
Bayahibe to be precise, and you're wondering what to do?
Bayahibe is a small fishing village, still very typical, where you can see real local life, enjoy activities and stroll around without any danger.
The charming village is located in the south-west of the island, close to the immense COTUBANAMA National Park, some 800 km away, but also very close to the Bayahibe/Dominicus hotel zone, where there are more than 8 all-inclusive hotels.
There are plenty of activities to suit all tastes and budgets.
- Saona Island for its precious beaches
Saona is a paradise island covered with white coconut sand and boasting two lagoons.
It is part of the Eastern National Park, and the only possible access is by boat (speedboat, motorized catamaran or sailing catamaran).
Depending on the boat, you can visit the south of the island, the village of Mano Juan and Canto de la playa.
Mano Juan is a fishing village where 300 people live year-round.
Canto de la playa is one of the island's only unspoilt beaches. Don't forget your beach towel and bathing suit, as the water is crystal-clear and turquoise.
Dominican Attitude agency propose the visit of this part of Saona Island in a small group.
- Catalina for snorkeling
Catalina second island of the National Park still very wild and much less visited than Saona. Its only access is also by boat. And if you love snorkeling then go see the seabed you won't regret it. Here's our ''favorite'' selection for a snorkeling trip to Catalina Island.
- A local restaurant by the public beach of Bayahibe
If you're looking for a lazy day in Bayahibe, you'll need to head for the public beach and discover the local restaurants.
On the menu you'll find Dominican specialties (fried fish or fish in sauce, white rice and red bean sauce) and lots more, so it's up to you to let yourself be guided.
After a wonderful typical meal, you can go for a swim and mingle with the locals.
Most bars and restaurants are located on the Bayahibe waterfront.
- Go to the colmado (see local life and Dominicans partying)
The "COLMADO" is a grocery store during the day, where you're served whatever goods you want at the counter.
In the evening, the colmado turns into a small open-air discotheque.
After work, Dominicans like to go there to have a drink with friends and listen to local music (bachata, merengue, salsa).
Indulge yourself in the Dominican atmosphere, you won't regret it.
- Walk around the local shops to buy your souvenirs
Take a moment to stroll through the village of Bayahibe to see the locals and their businesses. They sell a lot of paintings drawn by themselves and local crafts
- Have a bath in the cave of Padre Nuestro
Several caves lie hidden within the national park. One is easily accessible from your hotel in Bayahibe/Dominicus, the Padre Nuestro cave.
All you need to do is pay the national park entrance fee of 200 Dominican Pesos (5 dollars) and be willing to walk.
You'll need a pair of sneakers, a swimsuit, a flashlight and a bottle of water.
From the entrance to the national park, it's a 30-minute walk through the rainforest, during which you can listen to the birds and admire the vegetation.
Once you've reached the cave, a swim is in order! The cave has a crystal-clear, turquoise freshwater spring dotted with stalagmites and stalactites.
This spring is the water supply for the entire Dominicus hotel zone and the village of Bayahibe.
- Visit a cigar factory and taste Dominican rum
Cigar lovers and connoisseurs alike, we recommend a visit to the Bayahibe Fine Cigars factory in Dominicus.
The owner, an expatriate Frenchwoman, explains everything there is to know about the artisanal production of Dominican cigars.
Cuba's got nothing on you!
Cathy also offers a tasting of Dominican rum, which is a real bonus!
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