Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Bayahibe & Dominicus Americanus
POP 2260
Bayahibe, 22km east of La Romana, was originally founded by fishermen from Puerto
Rico in the 19th century. Today, it's a tranquil beach village caught in a schizophrenic
power play. In the morning it's the proverbial tourist gateway, when busloads of tourists
from resorts further east hop into boats bound for Isla Saona. Once this morning rush hour
is over it turns back into a sleepy village. There's another buzz of activity when the resort
tourists return, and then after sunset another transformation. What sets Bayahibe apart is
that it manages to maintain its character despite the continued encroachment of big tour-
ism.
A short drive from Bayahibe is Dominicus Americanus, an upscale Potemkin village of
resorts, hotels and several shops and services centered on a terrific public beach.
