What to know before you pack — and what to enjoy once you are there.
Dominicus lies on the south-east coast of the Dominican Republic, in La Altagracia province, right next to the fishing village of Bayahibe. La Romana airport (LRM) is 16 kilometres away, roughly twenty minutes by car; Punta Cana (PUJ) about an hour. Unlike Punta Cana with its wall of all-inclusive resorts, Dominicus is a small town where ordinary life happens: a shop, a bakery, restaurants, a few bars and the beach at the end of the street.
A Blue Flag beach with fine white sand, a shallow gradual entry into the water and palms giving shade almost to the waterline. The sea is calm — the remains of the coral reef break the surf, so the beach is safe for small children. Empty in the morning, busy around midday, and quiet again by evening.
Three kilometres along the coast begins Playa Bayahibe — narrower, with fishing boats and a few bars right on the sand. Worth the walk, above all for the sunset.
Dominicus and Bayahibe move slowly. By day you mostly hear cicadas and the sea; in the evening the restaurants open and merengue and bachata play in the streets. Locals are used to visitors, but the town is still theirs — a fishing village where boats head out at dawn and the catch is sold on the shore in the afternoon.
When it comes to food, we recommend starting with fresh ceviche and grilled fish. Around the beach, you’ll find Italian restaurants (there’s a large Italian community in Dominicus), Dominican cuisine featuring rice, beans and meat — and a few places where you can sit back and enjoy a rum and a cigar.
How to visit Saona Island from Dominicus and Bayahibe: speedboat or catamaran, the natural pool with starfish, Mano Juan village and what to pack.
Getting from La Romana, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo airports to Dominicus and Bayahibe: distances, drive times, taxi, private transfer and car hire.
Blue Flag Playa Dominicus, Playa Bayahibe, Tracadero Beach Club, Saona and Catalina islands — the beaches near our apartments and who they suit.
Why Dominicus suits families with children: calm shallow sea, pools with a gradual entry, short journeys and practical tips.
The classic day trip — catamaran or speedboat from Bayahibe, a lagoon full of starfish, lunch on the beach.
Smaller and quieter than Saona, with excellent snorkelling and diving at the Wall coral reef.
Caves with Taíno rock art, cenotes and dry tropical forest just outside town.
Several dive centres in Bayahibe, including the St. George and Atlantic Princess wrecks.
A recreated Mediterranean village above the Chavón river near La Romana, with an amphitheatre and galleries.
An underground cave system with over a thousand Taíno drawings, lit and step-free throughout. Near San Pedro de Macorís, about an hour by car.
Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo (24 km) is world class; Dye Fore is 22 km away.
Three places we regularly send guests to. You rarely need a reservation, though it helps in high season.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Av. La Laguna, Dominicus, Bayahibe 23000.
Daily 7.00 – 23.00
Italian cooking a short walk from the beach. Av. Eladia, Bayahibe, La Altagracia 30001.
Daily 11.00 – 23.00
Avenida Wayne Fuller, San Rafael del Yuma. Phone 809-936-6144, WhatsApp 849-878-1668.
Daily 8.00 – 22.30
| Weather | 28–31 °C on average all year. December to April is driest and most pleasant; September and October are the wettest. |
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| Money | Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted, euros less so. There is an ATM in the town centre. |
| Entry | Most visitors need only a passport valid for the stay and the completed electronic E-ticket form; the tourist card is included in the airfare. |
| Getting around | Taxi from the airport or our transfer (arranged in advance). A rental car or scooter works well locally; Bayahibe is walkable. |
| Electricity | 110 V, US type A/B sockets — bring an adapter. |
| Water | Bottled drinking water is provided in the apartment; do not drink tap water. |
| Language | Spanish; English is spoken in tourist places. We speak Czech, English and Spanish. |
Pick your dates in the calendar — and if you are unsure, write to us. We will tell you which apartment suits you best.
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