hey Tom, I have travelled around the same time as you late June/early july and it is a good time to travel. I have also been to Bayahibe for a whole week and I will give you my honest opinion...
I stayed at the Oasis Canoa and it was ok but not that great. The only reason I say this is because I expected the place to be full with people but to my surprise it was very empty and nightlife is nonexistent...I still managed to have a good time but did so by travelling outside the resort and hanging out with locals and checking out nearby cities or towns. I rented a car and know the roads pretty good so I just left on road adventures to La Romana [20 minute drive from Bayahibe] and Higuey [30 minute drive east]. I even went to the actual town of Bayahibe which was a 4 minute drive from the resort itself...the town is not too lively but it is relatively calm and easy going. I spent much of my time at bars by the water and watched the tourists take their boat rides out on little excursions. On my free time I even played basketball with the local kids and even hung out with the friends I made at the resort, who happened to live in the town.
The Dominican Republic is a beautiful island to visit and spend a vacation. I love it so much and have gone back more than 10 times since my first visit in 2003. If you are feeling adventurous I say rent a car and drive and see places. If it is rest and relaxation you are looking for, the resorts are fine for that. The beaches in Bayahibe were very nice but my suggestion if you want to budget yourself out is check out the north coast [Cabarete, Sosua, Playa Dorada] where you will find cheaper accomodations and a more lively night life!
Enjoy! - Jaime
