La Romana, on the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast, is a working sugar town that has become one of the country’s most polished holiday bases. Its name is known around the world for Casa de Campo, a 7,000-acre resort of villas, polo fields, a marina and three Pete Dye golf courses, including Teeth of the Dog, and for Altos de Chavón, a stone village in Mediterranean style high above the Chavón River, with an amphitheater, artisan workshops and an archaeology museum. Just east, the fishing village of Bayahibe is the departure point for boat trips to Saona Island and Catalina Island in Cotubanamá National Park, with some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country. La Romana sits on the calmer Caribbean side of the island, about 1.5 hours from Santo Domingo and an hour from Punta Cana, with its own airport and cruise terminal. December to April brings the driest weather; June to November is hotter, wetter and hurricane season.
Right now in La Romana
- Tue 26–33°C 79–92°F 1 mm Light showers
- Wed 25–31°C 78–89°F 6 mm Rain
- Thu 24–31°C 76–88°F 3 mm Light showers
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch
Top tours in La Romana
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La Romana at a glance
- Best for: golf, luxury villas and resorts, boat trips to Saona and Catalina, diving and snorkeling in Bayahibe, and a quieter Caribbean beach holiday.
- How long: 4 to 7 days; combine with 2 nights in Santo Domingo.
- Best time: December to April, with highs of 83–87 °F (28–30 °C) and the least rain. June to November is hurricane season.
- Getting there: fly to La Romana International Airport (LRM) next to Casa de Campo, or to Punta Cana (PUJ, about 1 hour) or Santo Domingo (SDQ, about 1.25 hours); cruise ships dock at the La Romana terminal.
- Getting around: resort shuttles and golf carts inside Casa de Campo, taxis and tours outside; a rental car is useful.
- Before you go: fill in the free e-ticket for arrival and departure if you fly, and read our Dominican Republic travel guide for entry rules, money and safety.
La Romana’s areas and who each one suits
Casa de Campo and the marina
The vast resort on the eastern edge of the city stretches from the sea to the Chavón River, with private villas with staff, hotel rooms and suites, three golf courses, tennis and polo, an equestrian center, a shooting club, the Minitas beach club and a yacht marina with restaurants and shops. It feels like a private town; most guests get around by golf cart. Best for golfers, families in villas and anyone who wants a calm, upscale base.
La Romana city
The city itself is a busy, unpretentious Dominican town built around a large sugar mill, with a central park, a market, baseball (the local team, the Toros del Este, plays in the winter league) and inexpensive restaurants. There are a few business hotels, but most visitors stay on the coast.
Bayahibe and Dominicus
About 20 to 30 minutes east, Bayahibe is a former fishing village of small hotels, dive shops and seafood restaurants on a little bay, where boats leave for Saona and Catalina. Next door, Dominicus beach is lined with all-inclusive resorts on calm, clear water. Best for divers, snorkelers and beach lovers on a budget.
Top things to see in La Romana
Hours and prices change; check with each site or operator before you go.
Altos de Chavón
Built from the 1970s by Dominican craftsmen to the designs of a Paramount film set designer and an Italian architect, Altos de Chavón looks like a 16th-century Mediterranean hill village, with cobbled lanes, stone houses, fountains and the church of St. Stanislaus, set on a cliff above the Chavón River gorge. It houses artisan workshops, galleries, restaurants and an affiliate of the Parsons School of Design. The Greek-style amphitheater, seating about 5,000, hosts concerts, and the small Regional Archaeological Museum displays Taíno pottery, tools and ceremonial objects. Go late in the afternoon for the view over the river at sunset. It is part of Casa de Campo, and non-guests pay an entrance fee at the gate.
Teeth of the Dog and the golf courses
Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog, designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1971, has seven holes along the Caribbean shore and is often ranked the best golf course in the Caribbean. The resort also has Dye Fore, with cliffs high above the Chavón River, and The Links, inland. Tee times for non-guests are limited, so book well ahead.
Saona Island
Saona, the country’s largest offshore island, lies inside Cotubanamá National Park, a protected area of about 306 square miles (792 km²) of forest, caves, reefs and islands spanning La Altagracia and La Romana provinces. Boats from Bayahibe cross in 30 to 45 minutes by speedboat or longer by catamaran, usually stopping at the Natural Pool, a shallow sandbar with starfish, before a beach lunch at Canto de la Playa or Mano Juan, a tiny fishing village with a turtle conservation project. Do not touch or lift the starfish, and choose licensed operators.
Catalina Island
Smaller and closer to La Romana, Catalina has white beaches and one of the best snorkeling and diving sites on the south coast: a shallow coral garden and a dramatic reef wall that drops into deep blue water. It is a popular cruise excursion and an easy half-day trip.
More to see
- Cueva de las Maravillas: a cave between La Romana and San Pedro de Macorís with hundreds of Taíno rock paintings and carvings, lit walkways and an elevator for step-free access.
- Río Chavón: boat trips up the jungle-lined river, where scenes from several films were shot.
- The Bayahibe waterfront: sunset over the bay, fishing boats and fresh fish dinners.
Other things to do in La Romana
Diving and snorkeling
Bayahibe is the country’s diving capital, with calm, clear Caribbean water most of the year, reefs, walls and wrecks such as the St. George, a cargo ship scuttled in 1999. The Guadalupe Underwater Museum, near Bayahibe, displays cannons and anchors from a colonial-era wreck on the seabed. Dive centers in Bayahibe and Dominicus run courses for beginners. Respect park rules: don’t touch coral or animals, and don’t collect shells.
Boat trips and fishing
Beyond Saona and Catalina, take a sunset sail from the Casa de Campo marina, a deep-sea fishing charter for marlin and mahi-mahi, or a river trip on the Chavón.
Beach safety and sargassum
The south coast’s beaches are generally calmer than the Atlantic coast’s, and Bayahibe, Dominicus and Minitas usually have gentle, clear water. Still, swim within marked areas, stay clear of boat lanes, follow flags and be careful on boat trips, where licensed operators should provide life jackets. Sargassum seaweed reaches the southeast coast in some years, usually between about April and September, but generally less than on the east coast around Punta Cana. According to the University of South Florida’s Sargassum Watch, 2026 has been one of the largest sargassum years on record across the Caribbean, with amounts falling by late September; the National Maritime Affairs Authority (ANAMAR) publishes satellite monitoring of Dominican waters. Ask your hotel about recent conditions.
Day trips and onward travel
Santo Domingo
The capital’s Zona Colonial is about 1.5 hours west on the Autovía del Este, an easy day trip or a better overnight; see our Santo Domingo travel guide.
Punta Cana and Higüey
The Coral Highway reaches Higüey and its basilica in about 45 minutes and the Punta Cana beaches in about an hour; see our Punta Cana travel guide.
San Pedro de Macorís and Juan Dolio
West along the coast, San Pedro de Macorís is famous for its baseball players and Victorian buildings, and Juan Dolio has a long beach with hotels.
Nearby destinations
- Punta Cana65 km
- Santo Domingo102 km
- Samaná103 km
- Rincón182 km
- Puerto Plata236 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
La Romana International Airport (LRM), also called Casa de Campo International, is a small airport on the edge of the resort, with seasonal flights from the United States and Canada and many private jets. Most visitors fly into Punta Cana (PUJ), about an hour east, or Santo Domingo’s Las Américas (SDQ), about 1.25 hours west, both with many more flights, including nonstop flights of about 2 hours from Miami. Before you fly, every passenger must complete the free e-ticket at eticket.migracion.gob.do, one for arrival and one for departure; the US$10 tourist card and US$20 departure tax are included in airline tickets issued abroad.
By sea
The La Romana cruise terminal, at the mouth of the Río Dulce on the edge of the city, receives ships on Caribbean itineraries, and is close to Casa de Campo, Altos de Chavón and the boats to Catalina. According to the Dominican Port Authority, La Romana was among the ports receiving cruise calls in January 2026. According to the official tourism site, cruise passengers don’t need the e-ticket.
By road and getting around
The Autovía del Este links La Romana with Santo Domingo, and the Coral Highway with Higüey and Punta Cana; both are good toll roads. Buses run between La Romana and Santo Domingo, and guaguas to Bayahibe. Taxis are available in town and at the resorts; agree fares first. Inside Casa de Campo, guests use golf carts and resort shuttles. A rental car helps for exploring, but avoid driving at night.
When to go and how long to stay
La Romana is hot all year and drier than Santo Domingo, with steady sea breezes. There is no World Meteorological Organization station with 1991–2020 normals in La Romana itself; the table uses the normals the Dominican weather service submitted for the nearest such station, at Punta Cana, about 40 miles (64 km) east, which has a similar coastal climate.
| Season | Average high / low | Rain per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 83–85 °F (28–29 °C) / 70–71 °F (21–22 °C) | 2.5–3.6 in (63–91 mm) | Sunny, breezy and the least humid | Golf, boat trips, villa holidays; peak prices |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 84–87 °F (29–30 °C) / 71–74 °F (22–24 °C) | 2.0 in in March rising to 5.1 in in May (50–129 mm) | The driest months in March and April; showers return in May | Diving, Saona and Catalina, Easter |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 88–90 °F (31–32 °C) / 76 °F (24 °C) | 3.3–4.2 in (85–107 mm) | Hot and humid with short showers and warm, calm sea | Diving, family holidays, lower villa rates |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 89 °F falling to 87 °F (32 to 30 °C) / 75 °F falling to 73 °F (24 to 23 °C) | 4.9–5.3 in (124–135 mm) | The wettest season and the peak of hurricane season | The lowest prices; quiet golf courses |
The Punta Cana station averages about 46 in (1,160 mm) of rain a year.
Hurricane season: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Storms passing south of Hispaniola can bring heavy rain and rough seas to the southeast; boat trips are canceled when the navy closes the ports to small craft. As of 4 October 2026, the 2026 season had brought eight tropical storms and no hurricanes; around 1 September 2026, rain linked to the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly flooded about 100 homes in nearby San Pedro de Macorís, according to the Pan American Health Organization’s hazard monitoring, with no deaths or injuries reported. Follow the NHC, the Dominican weather service (INDOMET) and the Emergency Operations Center (COE) if you travel in season.
How long to stay: 3, 5 and 7 days
3 days: a day at Altos de Chavón and the beach club, a day trip to Saona Island, and a morning on Catalina Island.
5 days: add a round of golf or two, a dive or snorkel day in Bayahibe and the Cueva de las Maravillas.
7 days: add a day trip or two nights in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial.
Where to stay in La Romana and the hotel tax
- Casa de Campo: villas with private staff, suites and hotel rooms inside the resort.
- Bayahibe: small hotels and guesthouses near the dive shops and boat departures.
- Dominicus: all-inclusive resorts on a calm, clear beach next to Bayahibe.
- La Romana city: simple business hotels, convenient for the airport and cruise terminal.
As of October 2026, Dominican hotels add the 18% ITBIS (the national value-added tax) and a 10% legal service charge, 28% in all, to rates quoted before tax; packages bought abroad usually include them. Villa rentals at Casa de Campo often add further resort and service fees, so ask for a total price.
Practical tips for La Romana
- Book golf early: Teeth of the Dog tee times are limited, especially in winter.
- Saona trips: leave from Bayahibe rather than Punta Cana to spend more time on the water and less on the road.
- Money: US$1 was about RD$60 in October 2026; dollars are accepted at the resorts.
- Tipping: the 10% service charge is included, but an extra tip for good service, villa staff and boat crews is customary.
- Water: drink bottled water, never tap water.
- Emergencies: call 911; the CESTUR tourist police has officers in the tourist areas.
What to pack for La Romana
Pack swimwear, a rash vest, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, flip-flops and water shoes for boat landings. Bring a dry bag and seasickness tablets for the Saona crossing, a mask and snorkel if you like your own, and insect repellent for evenings. Golfers can rent clubs, but bring golf shoes and a collared shirt; the clubhouses and some restaurants have dress codes. Add a light rain jacket from May to November and, from outside North America, a type A/B plug adapter.
La Romana travel FAQ
How far is La Romana from Punta Cana airport?
About an hour by road on the Coral Highway. Santo Domingo’s Las Américas airport is about 1.25 hours west, and La Romana’s own airport is next to Casa de Campo.
Can you visit Altos de Chavón without staying at Casa de Campo?
Yes. Non-guests pay an entrance fee at the gate, and tours and cruise excursions stop there. Go late in the afternoon for the sunset over the river.
Is Saona Island better from Bayahibe or Punta Cana?
From Bayahibe: the boats leave from the village, 20 to 30 minutes from La Romana, so you skip the 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Punta Cana.
Where do cruise ships dock in La Romana?
At the La Romana cruise terminal at the mouth of the Río Dulce, close to Casa de Campo, Altos de Chavón and the boats to Catalina Island.
What is the hotel tax in La Romana?
As of October 2026, 18% ITBIS plus a 10% service charge, 28% in total, when rates are quoted before tax.
Is the diving good near La Romana?
Yes. Bayahibe and Catalina Island have calm, clear water, reef walls, the St. George wreck and an underwater museum of colonial-era cannons and anchors.
When is the best time to visit La Romana?
December to April, with the driest weather and calm seas. Summer is hot but good for diving; September and October are the wettest and the peak of hurricane season.
Can non-guests play Teeth of the Dog?
Some tee times are released to non-guests, but they are limited, especially in winter, so book well ahead with Casa de Campo.
Is there sargassum in La Romana?
Sometimes, mainly between about April and September, but the south coast is usually less affected than Punta Cana. 2026 has been a heavy year across the Caribbean.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Casa de Campo’s size, golf courses and Altos de Chavón: Casa de Campo; cruise calls: the Dominican Port Authority; e-ticket rules and cruise passengers: the Dominican Presidency and the Ministry of Tourism; tourist card: the tax authority (DGII); departure tax and tap water: the Ministry of Tourism; ITBIS: the DGII; exchange rate: the Central Bank; climate: the WMO 1991–2020 normals for the Punta Cana station; hurricane season: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; Tropical Storm Dolly: the Pan American Health Organization’s hazard monitoring; sargassum: the University of South Florida’s Sargassum Watch and ANAMAR. The history of Altos de Chavón, the amphitheater’s capacity, Teeth of the Dog’s opening year, Cotubanamá’s area, the Cueva de las Maravillas, dive sites, airport and cruise terminal details and travel times come from general references and are flagged for checking. Prices, fees and timetables change, so check before you go.
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🇪🇸 Useful Spanish phrases for La Romana
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