La Altagracia Province dive sites

Bayahibe offers a mix of wall diving, reef diving, and wreck diving along the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The main wall system runs roughly parallel to the coast and drops from around 15 metres to well beyond recreational limits. Coral coverage is notably healthy due to the protection of Parque Nacional del Este, which encompasses much of the adjacent reef and coastline. The area is also known for macro life including seahorses, frogfish, and spotted drums that hide in crevices along the wall. Several wrecks have been sunk as artificial reefs, adding variety to multi-day dive itineraries.

Yes, Saona Island lies within Parque Nacional del Este and is accessible from Bayahibe by boat. While Saona is primarily known as a day-trip excursion beach, the reef around the island offers additional dive sites that some operators include in their itineraries. The shallow reefs on Saona's northern side are excellent for snorkeling and less experienced divers, while the deeper walls on the southern exposure offer more challenging diving. Some operators offer combined packages that include diving in the morning and a Saona Island beach visit in the afternoon.

Bayahibe is considered the premier dive destination in the Dominican Republic, ahead of Sosua on the north coast and Punta Cana to the east. The wall diving here is more developed and better protected than elsewhere in the country, and the proximity to Parque Nacional del Este ensures marine park regulations maintain reef health. The dive industry in Bayahibe is mature with multiple professional operators, good safety standards, and a variety of sites suitable for all levels. The main advantage over other DR destinations is the wall topography and overall reef condition.