Bayahibe 2015 Trip Report

[Dhboner]

John runs a great shop and as I have said many times the Dominican Republic is vastly underestimated as a dive destination. By the way there is a great shore spot not far from town (John has taken me there for night dives). He does his first dives for open water candidates there.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Great pictures! We are going to the Dominican for the first time, staying at Dreams La Romana. and diving with John.

 

[Qnape]

John runs a great shop and as I have said many times the Dominican Republic is vastly underestimated as a dive destination. By the way there is a great shore spot not far from town (John has taken me there for night dives). He does his first dives for open water candidates there.

Your recommendation was spot on. Thanks once again. John's shop deserves additional attention; it's one of the reasons I posted my report. Similarly, I hoped the story and photos would help illustrate that there are indeed worthwhile reefs to dive off Bayahibe , and some great images there waiting to be captured!

 

[drrich2]

Since this thread may become a resource for people considering the D.R. for a trip, and the better diving is said to be near Bayahibe rather than Samana (where cruise ships tend to hit, which was where I visited one day & did an ATV excursion; my point is, we can't just look at a cruise ship excursion list for topside attractions), can some of you who've been there share what the better topside attractions are?

Seems like D.R. is presented as having good diving, but I'm guessing not the 1st choice for the hard-core 'it's all about the diving' tourist (who might hit Bonaire, Curacao, Cozumel, Key Largo or a live-aboard). So I'm guessing it might appeal more to the broader trip market; people looking to dive & do other stuff, or maybe non-divers are on the trip, too.

So, what else does the Bayahibe region offer besides diving?

Richard.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

The 2 main tour companies are Tours - Pro Excursions Punta Cana, Bayahibe and Excursions and Tours Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, DR

 

[Qnape]

Since this thread may become a resource for people considering the D.R. for a trip, and the better diving is said to be near Bayahibe rather than Samana, ... can some of you who've been there share what the better topside attractions are?

.......I'm guessing it might appeal more to the broader trip market; people looking to dive & do other stuff, or maybe non-divers are on the trip, too.

So, what else does the Bayahibe region offer besides diving?

Richard.

On our way to and from the dive shop each day, we saw groups of obvious tourists on horseback. There was a new and very empty casino just down the road from the Iberostar - my daughter and her bf ventured in and said the staff easily outnumbered the guests. Although not a golfer, I do understand that there is a course in the area. The beach at the Iberostar is very nice with little current and a gentle slope - you can swim way out and still be quite shallow; I'm sure the same is true of the neighboring Dreams. These all-inclusives offer much to the non-diver, and divers make up only a percentage of their guests. The area is less built-up than Punta Cana, which I assume is why the majority of the guests seemed to be from the UK and Europe. To me, that makes the area MORE attractive.

So yes, I think the area has appeal to the broader trip market, with special advantages to a group that includes divers. The availability of a top quality local dive shop to work with can make the area a win-win for a mixed group of divers and non-divers - as long as the non-divers are not looking for the glitz and excitement of Punta Cana. To me, less is more, but YMMV.

 

[salsafan]

In the center of the village Bayahibe there are beside Scubafun two more diveshops. All 3 are good, I myself use both Scubafun and Coral Point. Diving in the DR is cheap: about 90 US$ for a guided boatdive with 2 tanks and full rental gear. On the north coast also Las Terrenas is very good for diving.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

These are the 3 dive shops in Bayahibe

SCUBAFUN PADI Dive Center - Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Scuba Diving Dominican Republic
PADI IDC 5 Star Dive Center in Bayahibe - Marine Research - Dominican Republic - dive training, snorkeling excursions to Saona, Catalina, Catalinita, sharks and dolphins with Coral Point Diving

 

[Maros]

So, what else does the Bayahibe region offer besides diving?

Richard.

As was mentioned above, Pro Excursion is doing zip lining, trips, buggy tours. Then in Dominicus that is next to the Bayahibe you can go for a horse riding. There are another excursions to the caves, eco jungle farm with reptiles, birds, butterflies and more with a boat trip on the river Chavon. If you are looking for a water oriented activity you can try Flyboard, Paddleboard, Kayak or Seabob tour (electrical machine for free diving that operates only in Bayahibe). The list of most activities you can find on this website.

 

[RyanNM]

These are the 3 dive shops in Bayahibe

SCUBAFUN PADI Dive Center - Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Scuba Diving Dominican Republic
PADI IDC 5 Star Dive Center in Bayahibe - Marine Research - Dominican Republic - dive training, snorkeling excursions to Saona, Catalina, Catalinita, sharks and dolphins with Coral Point Diving

We'll be going in November. Does anyone know which or do all offer smaller group diving? Don't want to get stuck on any more cattle boats. Thanks