Things to do in

La Romana

Climb aboard the gleaming white “Paradise” catamaran for a full-day of fun in the sun of Catalina Island, and discover the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful underwater eco system. Departing from the marina at around 10:00, set course for the east side of Catalina Island to snorkel in the turquoise waters of “The Wall,” offering superb visibility conditions for spotting the rich marine life of the Caribbean Sea. An adventure team will be on hand to assist you with your snorkel equipment requirements. Next, set sail for a beach on the west side of the island to find the perfect spot for the rest of the afternoon. An acclaimed chef of Catalina Island will have been busy preparing an incredible Dominican feast for you, which will be served at around 13:00. Enjoy servings of barbecued pork and chicken, as well as abundant salads, pasta, and local fruits. Those on the VIP package will get a serving of barbecued lobster, served with a glass of cold white wine. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the island at leisure. Stroll along white sand beaches, or relax under palm trees, listening to the waves break on the shore. The beach bar is carefully positioned so that you can take in the cool breeze of the ocean, while trying a selection of refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. At around 15:15, climb aboard the catamaran, where you can expect light refreshments at the bar and dancing from the entertainment team. Cruise back to La Romana marina for an approximate 16:00 arrival. A transfer bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

After hotel pick-up from your Punta Cana or Bavaro hotel, arrive at the marina. Be welcomed aboard "Paradise" by the team with tropical refreshments. Your PADI-certified dive team will give health and safety procedures and a snorkeling briefing to ensure your experience is unforgettable but safe. Leave the marina and head for the east side of Catalina Island to the snorkel site "The Wall," catering to both novice and expert snorkelers. Life jackets are available here. During the journey, enjoy light refreshments and music. After approximately 30 minutes, arrive at the snorkel site and enjoy just under an hour of snorkeling. Expect clear turquoise waters, incredible visibility, and an amazing underwater ecosystem. After snorkeling, board the boat and head to the west side. On arrival, head to a private beach. There is a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available. Snorkeling equipment is available at the bar so you can enjoy the snorkel sites near the beach. Lunch will be served at around 13:00. The Dominican feast will be prepared by a renowned local chef. Enjoy fresh lobster caught that morning (VIP package only), pork, chicken, salads, pasta, and local fruits. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free. Relax while listening to the waves breaking on the shore, snorkel in the clear turquoise waters, or enjoy the open bar. Finally, board the boat and arrive back at the marina at 4:00 PM. From there, board a bus back to your Punta Cana or Bavaro hotel.

Head to Altos de Chavón to see a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River. Admire the work of artisans from the Dominican Republic who crafted the village in detail. Board a catamaran and cruise to Saona Island and get back to nature in the government-protected reserve. Relax on the beach and top up your tan, or go for a swim. Explore the tropical surroundings at leisure and discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Marvel at the white sand and coconut palms before a BBQ buffet lunch of typical island fare. Make use of the open bar and sample local drinks before you return to Punta Cana.

Enjoy a relaxing day on the beaches of Catalina Island. Board a riverboat and experience a jungle cruise through the breathtaking gorge of the Chavon River to get to the island. Once at Catalina Island, grab a snorkel set and dive underneath the waves. Swim in the clear blue waters, relax in beach chairs, or explore the white beach. During your 4-hour stay, you can enjoy drinks, lunch, and snacks in the sun. On the journey back, experience a live bachata and merengue demonstration — practice your dance skills and join in, closing your beach day with a fun dance.

Try a new experience with scuba diving during your holiday in the Dominican Republic. Take a half-day boat tour with a scuba diving instructor and explore the underwater flora and fauna. Check out local marine life as well as a famous shipwreck. Start your half-day with a brief orientation to the program with a theoretical session and then a practical session in confined waters. Watch as your instructor shows you how to dive safely, breathe underwater, and how to use your diving gear properly. Now get ready for a sub-marine adventure. Accompanied by your PADI instructor, explore the famous site known as the Atlantic Princess, home to a 30-meter long shipwreck. Marvel at the rich marine life of this part of the world. Descend to a depth of up 12 meters depending on your level of comfort and enjoy a wondrous sea adventure before the tour concludes at midday.

Leaving from La Romana, this tour combines leisure and culture on a perfect day out, fit for the whole family. Head first to Altos de Chavón to see a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River. Admire the work of artisans from the Dominican Republic who crafted the village in detail. Board a catamaran and cruise to Saona Island and get back to nature in the government-protected reserve. Relax on the beach and top up your tan, or go for a swim. Explore the tropical surroundings at leisure and discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Marvel at the white sand and coconut palms before a barbecue buffet lunch of typical island fare. Make use of the open bar and sample local drinks before you return to La Romana.

Waiting in line with your luggage at the airport taxi rank can be just as stressful an experience as trying to navigate a new city's public transport system for the first time, but fortunately, you don't need to do either of those things! Whether you are at La Romana Airport/cruise terminal or your accommodation you can pre-book your transportation to hotels all around the Dominican Republic. You will be met by the driver to enjoy your smooth ride in a new air-conditioned minivan. Save yourself the hassle and uncertainty of finding a reliable local taxi and transfer in comfort, and arrive in style!

Experience a great day at Catalina Island, snorkeling in various spots and hitting the beach. Begin by stopping at ''the Wall," a snorkeling spot that is about 30 feet deep and is host to a variety of colorful fish. Next, stop at another snorkeling spot, ''the Aquarium'', which is about 4 meters deep. For more fun, take advantage of an opportunity to jump from the boat. Finally, eat lunch on Catalina beach, where you will have about two and a half hours to relax, lounge, swim, and snorkel some more. Later, get back to the sail catamaran and continue on to the Chavon River, a unique a tranquil place where scenes from "Anaconda" and several other movies were shot. To return, cruise on the catamaran along the coast and enjoy a beautiful view of the mansions and villas before arriving back in Bayahibe.

After being collected from your accommodation, you will make your way to your jungle buggy. There your specialized guides will teach you everything related to the safety and driving of the buggy, which you will discover are very easy to drive. Once departing, you will begin exploring the incredible terrain in the unique style that only a 4x4 can provide. You'll then continue your tour with a visit to the coconut house or “Casa del Coco” to learn how coconut oil is produced. There you will also taste fresh organic products such as exotic Caribbean fruit, roasted coffee, and cacao. The next 45 minutes will be spent taking a guided tour of Monkeyland, where you will interact in close proximity with the park's beautiful and friendly squirrel monkeys. These charming and intelligent monkeys have been formed by a Canadian couple with more than 35 years of experience working with animals, including 12 years at the Toronto Zoo teaching monkeys to trust and enjoy the company of humans. You will later finish your adventure by winding down at the Mountain Ranch and feasting on some delicious and traditional Dominican food.

Discover the flawless panoramas and rustic beauty of the Dominican Republic on a 5-hour tour of the towns of Altos de Chavón and La Romana. Learn about the local beliefs and customs of an unrivalled Caribbean setting. Following a transfer by comfortable bus at dawn, start your memorable expedition with rugged views set against a secluded backdrop on the eastern coastline of Hispaniola. See where the Caribbean Sea lures the skyline with heavenly turquoise blues and mild rustling waves. Discover an artisan village dangling over the edge of a hill, and marvel as it looks like it has come to a screeching halt just before as it topples over. Altos de Chavón is an architectural marvel; an accurate replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village erected in the Caribbean. Admire its broad terraces with countryside backdrops. Created by the filmmaker Robert Coppa, its cobblestone alleys and country décor are alluring. Learn about the craftsmanship of the town and its stone-paved streets and picturesque buildings. As you stroll, you will be roused by memories of a mythical past, etched by contemporary art. Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum, enriched with pre-Columbian artifacts that illustrate the island’s past. See a wealth of antique objects and archaeological relics. Admire the geodesic dome of the Altos de Chavón amphitheater, the largest outdoor venue in the Dominican Republic. Watch master craftsmen rolling cigars at the world’s largest cigar factory. Be seduced by the aged fragrance of tobacco, before going to Jumbo, the largest superstore in the city, to scour the aisles in search of authentic souvenirs. End with a visit to Columbus Plaza, and purchase artisan handicrafts and locally-made products in the mall.