Destination · Bayahibe
Bayahibe: the Caribbean’s best diving, 75 minutes from Punta Cana
A fishing village turned gateway to Saona Island and the richest dive sites in the Dominican Republic. We get you there privately, or take you diving and island-hopping for the day.
- Drive time
- ≈ 1h 15m
- Transfer from
- $90 / vehicle
- Water temp
- 26–29 °C
- Saona tour from
- $70 / person
Why Bayahibe is worth the trip
Bayahibe sits on the southeast coast between La Romana and the Parque Nacional del Este (officially Cotubanamá National Park). The drive from Punta Cana heads west on the Autovía del Coral and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, which makes it an easy day trip or a relaxed base for a few nights in the Dominicus area.
What makes it special is the sea. The coast is protected by the national park, the water stays warm all year and the reefs, walls and wrecks are close to shore. It is the main departure point for Saona Island catamarans and speedboats, and home to most of the country’s professional dive centers.
If you are staying in Punta Cana, the simplest plan is a tour that includes round-trip transport. If you are moving hotels, arriving through Punta Cana airport or diving for several days, a private transfer lets you travel on your own schedule with all your gear.
Top dive sites and experiences in Bayahibe
- 01
St. George wreck
A 72-meter cargo ship sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef. It rests upright around 40 meters deep, with the upper structure reachable by advanced divers.
- 02
Atlantic Princess wreck
A shallow wreck at about 12 meters, full of reef fish — a favorite for first dives and Discover Scuba programs.
- 03
Guadalupe Underwater Museum
A living museum where cannons and anchors from an 18th-century Spanish galleon lie among the coral just offshore.
- 04
Catalina Wall
A dramatic reef wall off Catalina Island that drops into deep blue water, famous for sponges, turtles and visibility.
- 05
Saona Island
White-sand beaches, a shallow natural pool with starfish and catamaran rides through the national park, departing from Bayahibe.
- 06
Cotubanamá National Park
Coastal trails, caves with Taíno rock art and the protected coastline that keeps Bayahibe’s reefs healthy.
Bayahibe tours with pickup in Punta Cana
All tours
Water Sports & DivingBuceo Bayahibe - Scuba Diving
Bayahibe's warm, gin-clear waters harbour some of the Caribbean's healthiest reefs and most photogenic wrecks. Two tank dives, PADI-certified instructors, and all gear included -- open to total beginners and certified divers alike.
Island EscapeSaona Island Full day Tour
Spend the day on the Dominican Republic's most famous island -- wade through the shallow natural pool, feast on a seaside buffet with unlimited drinks, and soak up hours of uninterrupted Caribbean sun on powder-white sand.
Snorkel & DiveCatalina Island Full Day Tour
Trade the resort pool for a wild Caribbean reef. Catalina Island's untouched coral gardens and secluded white-sand coves offer some of the best snorkelling on the Dominican coast, paired with a beachside Dominican lunch.
Plan your trip
Our local guides go deeper on routes, timings and what to expect.
Bayahibe FAQ
How far is Bayahibe from Punta Cana?
Bayahibe is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Punta Cana International Airport, heading west on the Autovía del Coral. From hotels in Bávaro or Uvero Alto add 20 to 40 minutes.
How much is a private transfer from Punta Cana to Bayahibe?
A one-way private transfer from Punta Cana airport to Bayahibe starts at $90 for a minivan (up to 5 passengers) and $100 for a 7-seat van. The price is for the whole vehicle.
Can beginners dive in Bayahibe?
Yes. Sites like the Atlantic Princess wreck are shallow and calm, and dive centers offer Discover Scuba programs with an instructor. Deeper sites such as the St. George wreck require advanced certification.
What is included in the Bayahibe scuba diving tour?
Our full-day Bayahibe diving tour includes round-trip transportation from Punta Cana hotels, two tank dives at different sites with a PADI-certified instructor, all scuba equipment and lunch. Certification courses are extra.
When is the best time to dive in Bayahibe?
You can dive year-round: water stays around 26–29 °C. Seas are usually calmest outside the peak of hurricane season (August to October), when trips can occasionally be rescheduled for weather.
Ready for Bayahibe?
Fixed price per vehicle, bilingual drivers and support on WhatsApp before, during and after your ride.