Bayahibe,
Dominican
Republic

June 1-8, 2024

Total package price starting at $2167

This package includes ground transportation, all-inclusive hotel accommodations, Coral Gardening specialty....and more!


THIS TRIP IS GREAT FOR DIVERS OF ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS!

NEWER DIVERS WILL ENJOY THE warm AND clear WATERS AS WELL AS THE EXTRA ATTENTION PROVIDED WITH
GUIDED DIVES EVERY TIME.
(if you finish your classroom phase in columbus with Aquatic Adventures,
you can complete your open water dives on this trip for only $50 more!)

MORE EXPERIENCED DIVERS WILL LOVE THE CORAL SPAWNING AND NIGHT DIVE EXPERIENCES.


Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus

Bayahibe, Dominican Republic

June 1-8, 2023

Bayahibe is a charming fishing village that has it all: spectacular beaches, gorgeous natural surroundings, and sea beds teeming with marine life.

At Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, you can take it all in right from the beachfront… or from the iconic lighthouse, whose unique charm will make your photos look like postcards. This 5-star hotel featuring colonial architecture and stunning gardens comes with fun for the whole family: a splash pool, kids’ activities offered through their Star Camp program, coral reef diving, services at the SPA Sensations and an array of dining options that are sure to please everyone, including 5 specialty restaurants.


Dining

Step into a gourmet’s delight in 5 restaurants and 7 bars.

EL INGENIO BUFFET RESTAURANT

Feast for breakfast, lunch and dinner at an international buffet and special dishes prepared in front of your very eyes.

lA HACIENDA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Dine in a typical Mexican Restaurant with an A La Carte Mexican specialties.
(Reservation required.)

LA SPIAGGIA BUFFET AND ITALIAN

Feast during lunch on an international buffet. During dinner this turns into an A La Carte restaurant with the finest Italian dishes.
(Reservation required.)

LA GEISHA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Experience Teppenyaki as well as authentic Japanese specialities like Sushi.
(Reservation required.)

EL COLONIAL GOURMET RESTAURANT

Enjoy A La Carte Gourmet disches
(Reservation required.)
(Dress code is formal wear.)
(Guests must be at least 12 years of age.)

BARS

LA SOMBRITA SNACK BAR

Enjoy a pizza while relaxing on the beach

STARCAFE

Enjoy the experience of a typical cafe with pastries, sandwiches and coffees and teas.

TRAPICHE LOBBY BAR

Relax all day with an assortment of drinks ranging from coffee, juices, cocktails, slushies and much more.

FARO BAR

Enjoy cold drinks and cocktails while relaxing on the beach.

LA SIRENA

Enjoy drinks all day long in the swim up pool bar.

CAPTAIN NEMO

Enjoy cocktails while partying in the nightclub.
(Guests must be at least 18 years of age.)

LOS ARCOS

Watch the nightly show while enjoying cocktails and smoothies.

Things to do

Enjoy 5 dining experiences, 7 bars, 3 different on-site pools, deck chairs on the beach, a Spa, a Fitness Center, Watersports Center, Live Music every night, Spanish language classes, Nightclub or activities led by the entertainment team.
At Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, you’ll have limitless choices when it comes to enjoying every moment of your Caribbean vacation.

POOLS

The ocean, skies and crystal waters merge seamlessly in the main pool complete with swim up pool bar. Embrace the zen of spa pool. On the family island, the pool deck is complete with kids’ pool.

SPA

Embark on a pampering journey with purifying spa rituals. Located next to the ocean, the spa is equipped with a complete outdoor water circuit that includes a pool with waterfall features, whirlpool bath, spa tub, multi-jet shower, ice fountain, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and more. Nourish body and soul with any of the 30 spa treatments
(for an additional charge)

FITNESS

Keep doing what you love during your island getaway. Visit the fitness center or enjoy sports like tennis, beach volleyball, soccer, basketball and more.

(must be at least 16 years of age for entering the fitness center)

The hotel is situated near a superb golf course where you can practice your swing.

WATER SPORTS

If you prefer the ocean for fitness, Playa Dominicus is ideal for kayaking, windsurfing, or catamaran, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving.

STARR CAMP

Thanks to the Star Camp activity program, your kids will not only enjoy every day of their vacation, they’ll learn something new with their new friends and our supervisors. Mini darts, miniature golf, painting, mini-bingo, mini-disco… Kids can participate in programs organized by age group.

Our youngest guests can play in the children’s pool and choose from a kids’ menu at the buffet restaurant. A babysitting service is also available.


Scuba Diving

With this scuba add on you will be visiting and working to grow and restore the resort's own coral reef nursery in the ocean! During the first two days you will get to collect fragments of coral from the nurseries and transplant them on the resorts own reef. The days after that you will have the opportunity to dive and see some ship wrecks and to hunt lions fishes.

Indulge yourself in the clearest water and surround yourself with the ocean wildlife with this add-on.

This Scuba add-on includes 10 day dives, 2 night dives, 2 day coral gardener class, 1 nature hike with cavern snorkel and all required diving gear. See the document below for more information.

Not certified yet?
You've got time!

Aquatic Adventures Ohio has classes going year-round. Open water season in Ohio runs May through October. Now is the perfect time to complete your certification in Ohio so you can enjoy the most diving that Dominican Republic has to offer!
Click the link below for more information!

(and if you aren’t based in Ohio, no worries! You can still do your classroom training close to home and complete the checkout dives on vacation with us for only $50 more!)


June 1:
Arrival in Bayahibe

You'll arrive in the Dominican Republic this morning and be met by your driver at the airport to take you to your hotel.

*Lodging (7nt): Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus


June 2:
Coral Gardener course (Day 1) + Coral spawning sunset dive

8:30am-1pm + sunset dive

This morning, you will go out for a boat dive with 2 dives on the coral nursery sites.

The 2 dives will include some buoyancy exercises to evaluate each participant level, and you will help participate on the maintenance and cleaning of different structures of the coral nurseries.

The dive trip will start at 8:30 am and you will be back around 1 pm.

After a lunch break at the hotel, you will come back to the dive center in the afternoon for a more detailed explanation about corals, threats to coral reefs, coral nurseries, asexual and sexual assisted reproduction, and the Fundemar’s coral restoration program.

Then, you will get ready for another dive from the shore at sunset time to try to observe the spawning of the grooved brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis).

According to our prevision, the coral spawning for this coral should happen in Bayahibe on May 15 or May 16.


June 3:
Coral Gardener course (Day 2) + Coral spawning sunset dive

8:30am-1pm+ sunset shore dive

Today, you will go out again for a boat trip with 2 dives.

During the first dive you will collect fragments of coral on the coral nurseries. You will transport the fragments on the boat, and during the second dive you will transplant the fragments on the reef with different methods (depending on our needs and on the participant level).
You will evaluate and measure all transplanted fragment. Each diver can plant their own fragment!

The dive trip will start at 8:30 am and you will be back around 1 pm.

After a lunch break and some rest in the afternoon, you will get ready for another dive from the shore at sunset time to try to observe the spawning of the grooved brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis).

According to our prevision, the coral spawning for this coral should happen in Bayahibe on May 15 or May 16.

After lunch and before your evening dive you can relax at the beach or at one of the multiple pools.

Or- if you want more time in the water, try some water-sports. Playa Dominicus is ideal for kayaking, windsurfing, or catamaran, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving.


June 4:
Wreck Diving Day

8:30am-1pm

Today will be the day to explore 2 wrecks in Bayahibe!
You will do the deep dive first on St Georges wreck, where you might be able to encounter some bigger fishes.
The second dive will be on the Atlantic Princess, a shallow wreck that is also full of fishes.

The dive trip will start at 8:30 am and you will be back around 1 pm.

After our dives today, take the time to relax at the beach or at one of the multiple pools.

Or embarki on a pampering journey with purifying spa rituals. Located next to the ocean, the spa is equipped with a complete outdoor water circuit that includes a pool with waterfall features, whirlpool bath, spa tub, multi-jet shower, ice fountain, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and more. Nourish body and soul with any of the 30 spa treatments
(for an additional charge)


June 5:
Peñon Reef, Lionfish Hunting and visit of the Natural Pool

8:30am-4:30pm

This excursion combines scuba diving at Peñon Reef, one of the best reef in the area, and the visit of Cotubanama’s National Park.

This is a full day trip starting at 8:30 am and you will be back around 4:30 pm.

Peñon Reef is one of the most beautiful dive sites in the area, where you often see larger animals (turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, …), as well as many fishes and big pillar corals. In the morning, you will do 2 dives in 2 different parts of the reef and try to hunt some lionfishes (invasive fishes in the Caribbean).

After the dives, you will stop at La Piscina Natural (Natural Pool) of Las Palmillas, where you will enjoy a picnic style lunch on the boat. There, you will be able to snorkel with the giant starfishes on the sand bank, in a paradisiac landscape. Then, you will navigate to the mangroves, where you can observe some turtles and rays from the boat.


June 6:
Catalina Island

8:30am-4pm

Today you will go for a full day to Catalina Island.

Catalina Wall is a great underwater cliff with the nicest corals. This dive site is suitable for deeper dives for experienced divers as well as beginners that will stay on the shallow platform.

After the dives, you will have lunch on the boat close to Catalina beach, in a paradisiac landscape.

On the way back to Bayahibe, you will navigate in the Chavon River, a famous river that was the location of some Hollywood movies. You can admire magnificent wild landscapes, and observe birds such as pelicans, vultures, fish eagles.

If you're lucky, you might come across Pepe the manatee.


June 7:
Cotubanama National Park and Padre Nuestro's Cave

9am-12:30pm

This half-day trip combines a guided mini-hike in the National Park of Cotubanama - Padre Nuestro and snorkeling in an underwater lake in Chicho’s cave.

You will follow the guide for a mini-trek in the National Park, where you will learn more about the local vegetation and how the Taïnos Indians used them for living, cross the cactus forest, and enjoy the natural landscape.

Then, you will do down in Chicho’s cave where you will be able to see some bats and snorkel in an underwater lake in the dark with diving lights in a crystal-clear water.


June 8:
Departure

Today is time to say goodbye (for now).
After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight home.


 

TRAVEL DETAILS

TRANSPORT:

Private ARRIVAL Transfer
June 1

Private DEPARTURE Transfer
June 8

RESORT:

Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
June 1-8, 2024

Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus


Dive Insurance

Aquatic Adventures of Ohio requires all divers to have some level of dive insurance to travel on all trips. At minimum, you must have hyperbaric recompression chamber coverage- this may be covered by your current insurance, but if not… you’ll need supplemental dive accident insurance.

NOTE: A DAN membership is separate from DAN insurance.

If you don’t have dive insurance yet, check out the link below for plan options.


Proof of dive insurance will be required prior to departure. If no dive insurance has been purchased/proof provided, AAO reserves the right to cancel your reservation without refund.


REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per person)


CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE FOR THIS TRIP!

If you’d like to interact with the trip leads or others traveling on this trip, please check out our FB Event page.

We also encourage posting questions, comments or suggestions on some of your favorite dives or dive related topics relating to the trip!


F.A.Q.

What airport should I fly into?

While there are several airport options for this trip, we have found the most affordable (and the airport that offers the most flight options) is Punta Cana (PUJ)

If you choose to fly into a different airport that’s totally fine!
We cab arrange your airport transfers for an additional cost.

What time should I arrive in Punta Cana?

Check in time at the resort is not until 3pm.
We suggest arriving in Punta Cana around 2 or 3pm.


What time is the check in to the Resort?

  • Check in at the resort will not be until 3pm at the earliest.

    • If you arrive early, or your room is not yet ready for you to check in when you arrive, you may be able to leave your bags with the front desk and they will keep them securely held behind the desk while you go out and eat or explore the resort until your room is ready.

What if I need a roommate? 

If you would like to have a roommate but don't not have one identified yet, then we will initially only charge the double occupancy rate. Aquatic Adventures Ohio will work to find you a roommate; however, if a roommate cannot be found then you are responsible for paying the single occupancy rate.

Do I have to be certified to go SCUBA diving?

Yes, an Open Water Certification is required to go SCUBA diving.

If you haven’t gotten certified yet, you don’t know what you’re missing!
You can do your classroom work before your trip and then do your checkout dives on vacation!

Can I go diving just a few times? Or do I have to dive every day?

The first rule of diving (well, one of the first rules) is to call a dive if you aren’t comfortable. This means that if you have signed up to go diving one day and you don’t feel comfortable, please don’t get in the water.
That said, this is a personal choice and not one that will result in a refund of money.

If you want to go diving, but don’t want to participate in the active dive schedule we have included, we can arrange a separate dive for you, as often as you’d like!
The great thing about this resort, is that they have a house reef! So you don’t have to go far to get some great diving in.

What are the water temps in Bayahibe in May?

In may, swimming is ideal on the beaches around Bayahibe! With water reaching 84°F at most and 82°F on average, spending time in the water is very pleasant.

A 3mm “shorty” wetsuit is recommended except for rainy days and multiple diving a 3mm "full wetsuit" would be better.

(the local dive shop will have wetsuits available; however, if you prefer to try them on in advance, Aquatic Adventures can assist you with a rental or purchase of a new wetsuit!)

Is Nitrox available?

Nitrox is available for an extra 15 US$ per tank.
We do need to know in advance if you would like to have Nitrox, as this needs to be ordered with the local dive shop.

Can I pay by Zelle?

No, the dive shop does not accept Zelle. Payments can be made by credit card which includes a 3% processing fee.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 3% processing fee, you may pay by check. You can drop this off at the front desk of the dive shop or by mailing this directly to the dive shop.


Pricing details

price Per Person: 

DIVER RATES

$2,233 (quad occupancy (2br))
$2,167 (triple occupancy)
$2,257 (double occupancy)
$2,886 (single occupancy)

NON-DIVER RATES:

$1,228 (quad occupancy (2br))
$1,162 (triple occupancy)
$1,252 (double occupancy)
$1,881 (single occupancy)

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

Payments can be made by a credit card which includes a 3% processing fee or by check dropped off to the front desk of the dive shop or mailed directly to the shop.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

  • Ground Transportation

    • Arrival and Departure: Punta Cana Airport

  • Hotel accommodations

  • All Meals while at the resort

  • Most taxes and fees

    • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

NOT INCLUDED

  • 3% processing fee per payment (if paying w/credit card)

  • Airfare

  • Local taxis

  • Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

  • Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

    • Basic (starting at $148)

      • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

    • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $269)

      • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

    • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

 

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 

Option 1: Full Payment
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon receipt.

*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 2: Two Payments
One payment will be due immediately and the second payment will be due no later than 100 days prior to your trip.

(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
NOTE: Not all insurance policy will allow you to purchase coverage after the initial deposit. It is illegal to purchase insurance with the knowledge and intent that you will be changing or canceling your trip.)

*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

TWO-PAYMENT PLAN:

(price per person)
Due now: $250 + Insurance (suggested)
90 days prior: Remainder due

 

Option 3: Monthly Payments
Payments will be split into the remaining months prior to your trip (ending at 100 days prior to departure)

(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee may be charged at time of payment if choosing to pay with a credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Split amount due into monthly payments.

  • The first payment must be a minimum of $250 + insurance (per person), due upon receipt.

  • The remaining payments will be divided by the months- with final payment due 100 days prior to your trip.

 

REGISTRATION 

  • A completed registration form (one per person)

    • If you have more than 1 person from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms.

 

FINAL PAYMENT

  • Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

  • Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

  • Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

 

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

  • Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

 


Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

EDGE PLAN:
(BASIC PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

  • Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 14 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

  • Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

  • Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

  • Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

  • Medical and Evacuation coverage 



 

WORLDWIDE TRIP PROTECTOR:
(PREMIUM PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

  • Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 21 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

  • Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

  • Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

  • Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

  • Medical and Evacuation coverage