La Romana Excursions — Saona Island, Catalina & Day Trip Adventures

The most popular excursion from La Romana takes you to this protected island within Parque Nacional del Este. The journey includes a stop at the famous natural swimming pool where waist-deep turquoise water extends hundreds of meters over a sandbar. Starfish congregate in the shallow grass beds near the shore. The island's Mano Juan fishing village offers a glimpse of traditional Dominican coastal life. Most tours include a catamaran ride, Dominican lunch, and open bar.

A smaller, less crowded alternative to Saona Island located about 1.5 miles offshore. Catalina is renowned for its exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving, with the famous Wall dive site dropping from 15 to 150 feet along a dramatic coral cliff. The island has two beaches and is a popular stop for cruise ships docking in La Romana. Private charters offer access to quieter areas of the island.

Paddle down the scenic Chavon River surrounded by tropical forest, limestone cliffs, and the dramatic backdrop of Altos de Chavon village perched 300 feet above. The river is calm and suitable for all skill levels. Tours typically cover 3-4 miles and include stops at small beaches and swimming holes. Bird watching opportunities are excellent, with herons, kingfishers, and tropical parrots commonly spotted.

A guided walking tour of this remarkable recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. Explore the working artist studios, the Regional Archaeological Museum with its collection of pre-Columbian Taino artifacts, St. Stanislaus Church where many celebrity weddings have taken place, and the 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater. The village overlooks the Chavon River from a cliff 300 feet above.

The waters off La Romana's coast offer exceptional deep-sea fishing for blue marlin, white marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), wahoo, and yellowfin tuna. Half-day and full-day charters depart from the Casa de Campo Marina and Bayahibe. The Mona Passage to the south is one of the Caribbean's most productive fishing grounds. Most charters include all equipment, bait, beverages, and an experienced captain and mate.

La Romana's history is deeply tied to the sugar industry, and several former plantations offer tours showcasing the region's agricultural heritage. Learn about the sugar production process from field to finished product, explore historic mill ruins, and sample fresh cane juice and locally produced rum. Some tours include visits to Batey communities where plantation workers traditionally lived.

Ride through tropical landscapes, along beaches, and through rural Dominican countryside. Casa de Campo offers trail rides from their equestrian center through 7,000 acres of resort grounds. Independent operators in Bayahibe offer beach rides along the coastline. Multi-hour excursions can combine riding with swimming stops and visits to local communities. Suitable for beginners through advanced riders.