Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee.
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Last updated on April 4, 2021
Nestled in the rocky shoreline of Bayahibe, the small Playa Magallanes is one of the most easy-to-reach snorkeling spots in the area. Above all, snorkelers come here to explore the caves and rock overhangs found along the coastline. It is a good place to look for groupers, moray eels, lobsters and scorpionfish, who appreciate the shelters offered by the crevices of the reef.
Playa Magallanes is located in Bayahibe, on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. From the village, take the dirt road that runs along the coast in the direction of Dominicus. After about a 500 meters walk, you will see the small beach of Magallanes on your right.
Water entrance is from the beach.
Playa Magallanes is less than a hundred meters long. It is edged on both sides by a rocky coastline. Near the shore is a moderately shallow area of boulders and outcrops. A little further, large areas of the reef are covered in sea fans and coral, divided by sand tongues.
It is in rocky areas, where there are many crevices and small overhangs which are worth looking into, that snorkeling is the most enjoyable. Many species find shelter here, especially high-hat, squirrelfish, greater soapfish or small lobsters. Moray eels are also fairly common here, often seen sticking its head out a hole in the reef
In the more open areas, you will easily see foureye butterflyfish, smooth trunkfish, bluehead wrasse, blue tang and many other species that are common at Caribbean reefs. With a bit of luck, you will spot a yellow stingray or a spotted scorpionfish in the sandy areas.
Playa Magallanes is a well-sheltered spot, which generally has a pretty calm sea, perfect for snorkeling. Do not enter the water if the sea conditions are changing.
El Paraíso de Maritza restaurant is located just across the road. Otherwise you will find in the village of Bayahibe (500m away) a wide choice of restaurants and accommodation.
These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
il y a 5 mois Cette plage est réputé pour le snorkeling, mais je peux vous assurer que vous perdrez votre temps à y aller ! J’ai du voir une dizaines de poissons incolores, et pour y accéder vous devez aller dans le courants au dessus de coraux morts .. Dangereux et clairement: moche. Une plage qui devait être magnifique autrefois mais saccagé par l’homme.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
