La Romana, Bayahibe and Altos de Chavón: A Practical Guide

La Romana, on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, is the gateway to Altos de Chavón, the Casa de Campo resort, the fishing village of Bayahibe and the boats to Saona and Catalina islands. It is about 75–90 minutes by road from Punta Cana, and it has its own international airport (LRM), so you can visit it on a day trip or base your whole holiday there.

The area feels quieter and more residential than Bávaro, with calmer Caribbean water on the south coast. Here is what to see and how to organize it.

Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón is a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean-style village built in stone on a cliff above the Chavón River, inside the Casa de Campo estate. Despite its old-world look, it was built in the second half of the 20th century, by craftsmen who cut and laid the stone by hand.

Its narrow cobbled lanes lead to:

• The Church of St. Stanislaus, a small stone church on the main square, popular for weddings.
• The amphitheater, a Greek-style open-air venue that was inaugurated in 1982 with a concert by Frank Sinatra and still hosts concerts and events.
• Shops and galleries selling local crafts, jewelry with larimar and amber, cigars and art.
• Viewpoints over the Chavón River as it winds through green hills toward the sea, one of the classic photos of the country.

Plan on two to three hours, ideally late afternoon for the softer light. Access rules for visitors who are not staying at Casa de Campo can change, so confirm them with your tour or hotel before you go.

Casa de Campo, its marina and golf

Casa de Campo is a large resort community east of La Romana, with villas, a hotel, beach club, equestrian center and a marina with restaurants and shops facing the yachts. Even if you are not staying there, the marina is a pleasant place for lunch or an evening walk, subject to the resort’s visitor policy.

Golf is one of the main draws. Teeth of the Dog, designed by Pete Dye, is the best-known course here, with several holes running right along the sea, and it regularly appears in rankings of top courses in the Caribbean. Casa de Campo has other courses as well. Tee times for non-guests depend on availability, so book well ahead.

Bayahibe and Dominicus beach

Bayahibe, about 20 minutes east of La Romana, began as a fishing village and still has that feel at its core: colorful wooden boats, small seafood restaurants and a relaxed waterfront. It is also the main departure point for Saona Island, so the dock gets busy in the morning and quiet again by mid-afternoon.

Next to it, Dominicus beach (Playa Dominicus) is lined with resorts and has soft sand and calm, clear water that suits children and swimmers. Snorkeling is good just off the shore on calm days.

Bayahibe works well as a base if you want an easier trip to the islands and a slower pace than Punta Cana. If you are coming from the airport, a private transfer from Punta Cana to Bayahibe and La Romana avoids changing buses along the way.

Catalina and Saona islands

Catalina Island

Catalina is a small, protected island just off La Romana. It is known among snorkelers for its shallow reefs, often called the Aquarium, and among certified divers for the Wall, where the reef drops steeply into deep water. Boats leave from the La Romana and Bayahibe area. Cruise ships also call at Catalina on some itineraries, so it can be busier on those days.

Saona Island

Saona, part of Cotubanamá National Park (formerly Parque Nacional del Este), is the most famous trip from this coast: long beaches, a natural pool with starfish and the village of Mano Juan. If you are staying in Bayahibe, you are minutes from the boats instead of an hour and a half. Our Saona Island excursion guide explains the day step by step.

Getting there: road, airport and cruise port

How you arrive	What to know
From Punta Cana (PUJ) by road	About 75–90 minutes by highway to La Romana or Bayahibe
La Romana International Airport (LRM)	Close to Casa de Campo and Bayahibe; mostly seasonal and charter flights, so check schedules
Santo Domingo (SDQ)	An option if your flight arrives in the capital; allow roughly 90 minutes to two hours
By cruise ship	La Romana has a cruise terminal, and some ships stop at Catalina

If you land at LRM, a transfer from La Romana Airport with your driver waiting at the exit gets you to Bayahibe or the resorts quickly. Cruise passengers with a short port call should plan only one main activity, such as Altos de Chavón or a beach, and keep a buffer for the return to the ship.

How to plan your time

• Day trip from Punta Cana: combine Altos de Chavón with lunch in Bayahibe or at the Casa de Campo marina. Saona or Catalina needs its own day.
• Two or three nights: one day for Saona, one for Catalina or golf, and an afternoon at Altos de Chavón.
• Longer stays: use the area as a base and add a day trip west to Santo Domingo.

Carry some cash for small restaurants and boat extras in Bayahibe, and wear good shoes for the cobblestones at Altos de Chavón.

Frequently asked questions

How far is La Romana from Punta Cana?

About 75–90 minutes by road, depending on where in Punta Cana you start and on traffic. Bayahibe and Dominicus are a short drive beyond La Romana.

Can I visit Altos de Chavón if I am not staying at Casa de Campo?

Many visitors arrive on organized tours or by private car. Access arrangements for non-guests can change, so check with your tour operator or hotel before you go.

Is Bayahibe a good base for Saona Island?

Yes. Most Saona boats leave from Bayahibe, so staying there saves you the long road trip and lets you choose earlier departures.