Does your Caribbean cruise itinerary include a port call at La Romana in the Dominican Republic? Do you want to make the most of your time in La Romana but are unsure of the top attractions and shore excursions? If so, this guide to La Romana Cruise Port is for you.
La Romana has plenty to offer cruise passengers with a day in port. From the historic Altos de Chavón village to relaxing on the stunning beach at Casa de Campo, kayaking, ziplining, and swimming with dolphins, there’s plenty to see and do in La Romana. But with so many choices and limited time, how can you experience the best La Romana has to offer?
In this article, I’ve reviewed the top attractions and shore excursions in the southeastern part of the Dominican Republic. You will learn about spectacular white sand beaches, island excursions, as well as historical and cultural tours.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, La Romana has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and start planning your perfect day in this beautiful Caribbean port in the Dominican Republic.
Where is La Romana Cruise Port?
La Romana Cruise Port is located in the southeastern region of the Dominican Republic. The town of La Romana is 76 miles (129 km) from the nation’s capital, Santo Domingo, although the capital city itself is too far to visit comfortably on a cruise day. The cruise terminal is at the mouth of the Rio Dulce and can accommodate two large cruise ships.
The cruise port is conveniently located near the center of La Romana and the historic Altos de Chavon village. Many cruise lines operate Caribbean cruises departing from La Romana. In this case, most flights for cruises arrive at Punta Cana International Airport, 50 minutes east of the port city.
Several major attractions and amenities are close to La Romana, making arranging shore excursions or independent tours easy. You can easily travel to beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and historic sites. Popular destinations such as Altos de Chavón, Casa de Campo, Catalina Island, and Saona Island are near the cruise port.
La Romana Cruise Terminal
La Romana Cruise Terminal—also called Sugar Breeze Terminal—is close to the downtown area. The port is not a tender port, and your cruise ship docks at the pier. Up to two large cruise ships can be in port simultaneously. The ships dock on each side of the Rio Dulce.
The main cruise terminal is on the east side of the river. This modern port area has plenty of facilities for cruise passengers, like a swimming pool and bar. The pier on the west side has no facilities and is only used when a cruise ship is docked at the other pier.
Royal Caribbean, Regent, Carnival Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the cruise lines using the port on western and eastern Caribbean cruises.
La Romana Cruise Terminal is also a turnaround port, or homeport, where many cruises start or end. It’s conveniently close to two international airports—La Romana International Airport and Punta Cana Airport, both of which offer excellent connections worldwide. La Romana Airport is just about 5 miles (approximately 8 kilometers) northeast of the cruise terminal and provides daily direct flights to Miami among other major cities. When you arrive, you can hop on a shuttle bus that will take you straight to the terminal.
Occasionally, a cruise ship may anchor at the Catalina Island Cruise Terminal, which is a tender port. Tender boats are used to transport passengers ashore to Isla Catalina, offering a seamless connection to explore the island’s pristine beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Map of La Romana
Arriving on a Cruise in La Romana
As you arrive on a cruise in La Romana, Dominican Republic, you’ll be welcomed with stunning views of the city and lush greenery. The port is modern and equipped to comfortably accommodate large cruise ships. It features shops, restaurants, and various transportation options readily available.
Facilities at La Romana Cruise Port
La Romana Cruise Port has limited facilities for cruise passengers without leaving the terminal area. Here are a few facilities that are free to use when docking at the port:
- Swimming pool with swim-up bar: The swimming pool is one of the best features of the cruise port. The area, encircled by many sun loungers, provides free access to the pool and chairs. This is a great place to relax and unwind before returning to the ship.
- Market Square: The market has the usual array of duty-free shops selling chocolate, cigars, and rum. You’ll also find a sizable market with stalls selling jewelry, paintings, and brightly colored painted parrots. You can also enjoy a coffee or drink at one of the cafes or bars in the terminal area.
No beaches are within walking distance of the cruise terminal, so the swimming pool is an excellent addition to the port’s facilities. If you want to spend a day at the beach near the terminal, you should inquire if your cruise line organizes a free shuttle to the nearby Casa de Campo Resort.
Using Terminal Facilities Before Your Cruise Departs from La Romana
If you’re starting your Caribbean cruise from La Romana and you arrive by air into the Dominican Republic, you might wonder whether you can enjoy the port facilities before boarding the ship. Once you’ve passed through the outdoor check-in area at the cruise terminal’s entrance, you’re welcome to use all the amenities available. This includes access to the swimming pool, bars, restaurants, and other facilities where you can relax and unwind as you await your cruise departure.
Discovering La Romana
There are several possibilities if you want to stay close to La Romana on your cruise day. You can visit the recreated Mediterranean village at Altos de Chavon, relax at the Casa de Campo Resort, or spend a day on the beautiful Isla Catalina.
La Romana is a popular cruise destination because of the attractions on the island’s southeastern side. Some cruise day options include kayaking, catamaran excursions, exploring caves, swimming with dolphins, or snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters. You could also plan a tour of the famous town of San Pedro.
Many cruise passengers wonder about visiting the stunning city of Santo Domingo. Unfortunately, the capital of the Dominican Republic is too far away to see on a cruise day. It is 76 miles (129 km) from the cruise terminal, and the round trip lasts over three hours.
Transportation from La Romana Cruise Port
Taxis are the most convenient way to get to tourist destinations from the La Romana Cruise Port. However, shuttle buses are waiting to pick you up if you have booked a shore excursion online or with your cruise line. Also, stop by the information desk at the cruise terminal exit to check the latest taxi fares and get a map.
Taxis
You’ll find a taxi rank just inside the terminal gate, where licensed taxis wait to pick up cruise passengers. Taxis aren’t metered, and there are set fares per person to specific destinations. It’s always worth haggling to get a lower price, and it’s best practice to agree on the fare before traveling.
Outside the terminal area, you’ll find plenty of private taxi drivers offering their services. You can often negotiate cheaper fares, especially if you leave the ship later in the day.
Uber
Uber operates throughout the Dominican Republic and is a great way to travel from La Romana. The benefit of using Uber is that it’s often cheaper than local taxis. Also, you know the fare beforehand and usually have fewer issues with the language barrier.
Bus
Local buses are the cheapest way to get from La Romana Cruise Pier to popular tourist destinations. For example, it only costs $1.50 to get to the popular public beach at Bayahibe. However, navigating local bus services and timetables can be tricky and not advisable on a cruise day.
Shuttle transfers
Shuttle transfers are the best way to travel from Punta Cana or La Romana airports to the cruise terminal. From Punta Cana, the shuttle bus takes around one hour and 35 minutes. You can also pre-book a shuttle bus to take you to and from the port to your destination.
The Best Things to Do on a Cruise Day in La Romana
La Romana is a popular port on Caribbean cruises because it’s close to various historical and cultural attractions. Also, the lush Dominican Republic countryside makes it ideal for exciting activities like horseback riding, ziplining, safari adventures, and exploring caves.
Here are some of the best things to do on a cruise day at a stopover at La Romana.
Visit the village of Altos de Chavón
Altos de Chavón is a charming village designed to mimic a 16th-century Mediterranean town. This popular tourist attraction takes you back in time with its quaint buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater. You also get stunning panoramic views of the Chavon River.
The village is located 5 miles (8 km) from the cruise pier at La Romana. In addition to the fantastic architecture, Altos de Chavon has art galleries, shops, and restaurants. You can also visit the archaeological museum, theater, and church. The museum has over 3,000 artifacts from the early history of the Dominican Republic.
It’s worth mentioning that the entrance fee is steep: $50 per person. Most cruisers love the views of the surrounding countryside but feel it’s overpriced, especially since it’s not an authentic historical site. However, you may want to include a trip to Altos de Chavon as part of an island sightseeing tour.
Tour San Pedro de Macorís
A historic San Pedro de Macorís tour is one of the most popular shore excursions for cruise ship passengers visiting La Romana. The city is one of the best examples of Dominican architecture and culture outside of Santo Domingo. Tours include the Cathedral of St. Peter, a cigar factory, the Old Town, a sugar mill, and a rum distillery.
The charming San Pedro de Macorís town is located about 45 minutes away from the La Romana cruise port. It’s famous for its picturesque streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. You could include the excursion while visiting other tourist attractions west of the cruise terminal.
Marvel at the Cave of Wonders
The Cave of Wonders is one of the most popular attractions near the La Romana Cruise Port. This stunning natural cave system is a series of interconnected underground caverns that stretch over half a mile (0.8 km) long and 80 feet (24 m) deep. You can marvel at the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, Taino petroglyphs, and pictographs in the caves.
Called Cueva de las Maravillas in Spanish, the ancient Taino people used the cave system for religious ceremonies. Experienced guides explain the meaning behind the ancient cave drawings and describe the Dominican Republic’s prehistory.
The Cave of Wonders excursion is one of the most accessible cave tours in the Dominican Republic. The cave features a well-designed lighting system, sturdy paths, an elevator, and accessible ramps. The caves are a 30-minute drive from La Romana on the highway to San Pedro de Macoris.
Take an adrenaline-pumping zipline adventure
If your cruise docks in La Romana and you’re itching for adventure, the Cumayasa Sky Adventure is your best bet. Located just about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the port, this nearby attraction offers a thrilling zip-lining experience through lush tropical forests, featuring beautiful views of the Dominican countryside. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their thrill-seeking time without wandering too far from the cruise ship.
For those who can spare a whole day and don’t mind traveling a bit farther, Punta Cana’s Scape Park offers an extensive zip-lining course acclaimed as the longest in the Caribbean. Situated roughly 47 miles (75 kilometers) from La Romana, it includes multiple lines and platforms, caves exploration, and a chance to swim in hidden underground water holes. While it demands more travel and time commitment, the park’s diverse activities and natural beauty make it worth the excursion for a comprehensive adventure experience.
These options allow you to tailor your activities based on your schedule and interest, ensuring you enjoy the best of the Dominican Republic’s natural wonders whether you prefer a quick jaunt or an all-day adventure.
ATV adventure in the Dominican Republic countryside
If you love off-road adventures, consider booking a buggy or 4×4 excursion during your cruise stop in La Romana. These excursions offer the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path areas, including local sugar cane plantations and the beautiful natural scenery around Bayahibe.
Bayahibe, only about 10 miles from La Romana, provides accessible, thrilling adventure routes that take you through tropical landscapes and along coastal trails, perfect for a day of exploration. While Punta Cana also offers similar adventures, it’s considerably farther, making Bayahibe a more convenient choice for those with limited time.
Monkeyland safari adventure
The Monkeyland safari adventure is a popular shore excursion for families on a cruise day in La Romana. Located a one-hour drive from the cruise terminal, the Monkeyland Sanctuary is in the Dominican jungle. You can get up close to squirrel monkeys and observe them in their natural habitat.
Kids love interacting with playful monkeys. They will eat from your hand and sit on your shoulder, posing for memorable pictures of your day in the Dominican Republic.
Day excursions to Monkeyland in the Anamuya Mountains can also include strolling through botanical gardens and visiting a coffee and cocoa plantation. These activities let you learn about the island’s flora and fauna, wildlife, and rich history in the chocolate and coffee industry.
Horseback Riding at Casa de Campo
The equestrian center at Casa de Campo offers cruise ship passengers horseback riding excursions. The resort is 5 minutes from the port and takes you through scenic trails in the lush Caribbean countryside. For 90 minutes, you can enjoy being at home with nature. The horseback riding excursion is suitable for all skill levels.
If you want to add some fun and excitement to a horseback riding excursion, check out Bayahibe. Here, you can find riding activities that also include cave swimming and relaxing at the beach.
Play a round of golf at the Casa de Campo Resort
If you’re a golf enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to play a round at one of the world-renowned golf courses at Casa de Campo Resort. The resort features three exceptional courses designed by the legendary golf architect Pete Dye. These are:
- Teeth of the Dog: Known for its challenging layout and stunning ocean views, Teeth of the Dog has been ranked as one of the top courses in the Caribbean and provides a thrilling challenge for skilled golfers.
- Dye Fore: Offering spectacular views of the Chavón River, this course is celebrated for its dramatic elevations and challenging greens.
- The Links: Although less intense than the other two, The Links still presents a formidable test with its undulating fairways and tricky wind conditions.
All three courses are located within the Casa de Campo Resort and are about a 10-minute taxi ride from the La Romana cruise port. They are known for their picturesque landscapes, including dramatic holes and challenging greens that overlook the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Each course offers a unique golfing experience with well-maintained fairways lined with palm trees and beautiful cliffside views.
Playing here allows you to enjoy not only the sport but also the stunning natural surroundings that make Casa de Campo a top golf destination. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on the teeth-gnashing holes of Teeth of the Dog or enjoy a more relaxed round on The Links, Casa de Campo’s courses provide an unforgettable golfing experience.
Rum tasting tour at Ron Barcelo
Book an excursion to the Ron Barcelo Rum Factory to learn about this famous Caribbean spirit. This renowned distillery is near San Pedro de Macoris, 50 minutes from La Romana. The distillery tour includes a guided tour of the factory and rum tasting.
The one-hour tour starts with a guide who explains the history of rum production in the Dominican Republic. You learn about harvesting sugar cane, distilling, and the aging process. You also learn what makes Ron Barcelo rum one of the best on the island.
Shopping at La Romana Markets
Shopping is one of the fun pastimes on a cruise day in the Caribbean. La Romana, Alto de Chavon, and the cruise port have many stalls and shops selling souvenirs and gifts. What are the must-buy items when shopping for souvenirs? Here are a few ideas:
- Dominican coffee: The Dominican Republic is one of the top coffee producers in the Caribbean.
- Faceless dolls (Munecas Lime): The dolls represent a mixture of ethnicities and cultures unique to the Dominican Republic.
- Woodwork: Wood carvings are famous in the Dominican Republic, and you can find everything from figurines to carnival masks and trinkets.
- Taino-inspired crafts: You can find many replicas of pottery, engravings, and paintings featuring Taino culture.
The Best Water Activities on a Cruise Day in La Romana
Island excursions, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, sunbathing on catamarans, and swimming with dolphins are some of the most popular water-based activities when spending a day in port in La Romana.
What are the best excursions if you want to explore marine life in the calm, warm waters of the Caribbean? Please read on to find out.
Day excursion to Saona Island
Saona Island is a must-do excursion if you want to spend the day in a tropical paradise. Located just off the coast near Bayahibe, the island is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Here, you can snorkel to explore a coral reef, swim in natural pools, and relax on the soft white sand.
Most cruise lines offer day trips to Saona Island (Isla Saona) from the La Romana cruise port. Tours can include a traditional Dominican barbecue, drinks, and round-trip transportation. You can also opt for a catamaran cruise to add to the fun and relaxation of your day. Many cruise passengers rate Saona Island as the most beautiful island in the Caribbean.
When approaching the island on a boat, you’ll be amazed at the long stretch of white sand, swaying palm trees, and clear azure waters. The island is a protected park, and you will not see any large buildings or hotels.
Day excursion to Isla Catalina
Escape the cruise crowds by booking a day excursion to the nearby island of Isla Catalina, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from La Romana. This stunning island is famous for its idyllic sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Spending a beach day on Isla Catalina gives you a taste of paradise.
The best activities on Catalina Island include lounging on the beach, snorkeling in the coral reefs, and enjoying water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Some excursions include a buffet barbecue lunch, an open bar, and Latin dance lessons to get in the Caribbean mood.
You can also explore the island, which is a protected nature reserve. Nature trails take you through lush forests, where you can explore hidden coves and find secluded beaches.
Exclusive Tours to Saona and Catalina Islands
Enjoy an exclusive, personalized experience with small-group tours to these pristine Caribbean islands, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant marine life.
Saona Island (Isla Saona):
- Distance: Approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Bayahibe.
- Highlights: Speedboat or catamaran rides to the island, snorkeling in coral reefs, swimming in natural pools, and lounging on white sandy beaches. Tours typically include a Dominican-style lunch and opportunities for starfish spotting.
Isla Catalina:
- Distance: About 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from La Romana.
- Highlights: A quieter retreat with excellent snorkeling opportunities around its coral reefs. Enjoy a barbecue lunch, open bar, and activities like kayaking and paddleboarding on less crowded beaches.
What’s Included:
- Activities: Both excursions offer snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation on secluded beach spots.
- Flexibility: These small-group tours provide a more relaxed schedule, allowing you to explore at your own pace and customize your activities, ideal for avoiding the larger crowds and creating a semi-private, intimate experience.
Why Opt for These Excursions?
- Personalized Experience: Smaller groups mean more attention to your preferences, making it almost like a private tour.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage in local traditions with cultural activities included in your tour, enhancing your experience of the Caribbean’s natural and cultural beauty.
Both Saona and Catalina Islands offer idyllic settings for a day away from the typical cruise itinerary, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Caribbean with a touch of exclusivity.
Catamaran and snorkeling excursion
Many tour operators in La Romana offer catamaran excursions with several snorkeling opportunities. This type of trip lets you marvel at the Dominican tropical shoreline, admire the crystal-clear waters, and explore marine life. Many half-day excursions for cruise passengers include lunch, an open bar, and music.
Catamaran excursions in the Dominican Republic typically begin with a scenic sail along the coast, giving you stunning views of crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscapes. You have snorkeling opportunities at some of the best spots on the island’s southern coast. Here, you can explore colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles and stingrays.
Here are some of the things on offer on many catamaran cruises:
- Snorkeling in secluded lagoons, coral reefs, or natural pools
- Snorkeling in areas known for stingrays and nurse sharks
- Unlimited drinks and snacks
- Scuba diving for certified divers
- Buffet lunch
- Stop-off at secluded beaches
- Swimming in natural pools at Playa Palmilla
Deep-sea fishing trip from La Romana
A four-hour deep-sea fishing trip is an ideal way to spend the day while in port in La Romana. Fishing excursions from the port sail to the deeper waters of the Dominican Republic. With an expert angler to guide you, you can hope to catch blue and white marlin, swordfish, mahi mahi, and tuna.
Most fishing yachts have enclosed cabins with air-conditioning and private bathrooms and offer lunch onboard. Some tours also filet and fry your catch on the yacht. But it’s not just fishing on offer. You also get time to visit a beach and go snorkeling or swimming.
Kayaking on the Chavón River and sightseeing excursions
Navigating the Chavón River in a kayak is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a cruise day in La Romana. Kayaking the Chavón River offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty from a different perspective. You paddle through the mangroves and observe native wildlife, birds, and plants along the way.
Depending on the excursion, your kayaking tour may include snorkeling, swimming, and a traditional meat or seafood barbecue. It may be possible to stop at local villages to get a feel for the real Dominican Republic.
Swimming with dolphins at Punta Cana
Experiencing dolphins up close at Dolphin Explorer Marine Park in Punta Cana is truly unforgettable and highly recommended—if the logistics allow. Located approximately 47 miles (about 75 kilometers) from La Romana, reaching Punta Cana requires around 1 to 1.5 hours of travel one way by car. This travel factor is crucial for cruise passengers to consider, given the limited shore time typical of cruise itineraries.
This park offers a variety of interactive dolphin experiences that are ideal for families. You can swim, hug, and kiss the dolphins, making for an intimate and joyful encounter with these magnificent creatures. The tours frequently include other activities such as snorkeling, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and enjoying a sumptuous lunch, rounding out a perfect day trip.
Visit to La Isla Pirata (Pirate’s Island Water Park) at Barceló Bavaro Palace
For those who can extend their stay or are based nearby, La Isla Pirata at the Barceló Bavaro Palace in Punta Cana offers a fantastic adventure for children and adults alike. The water park features thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and cascading waterfalls—perfect for a family fun day. The park is situated within the same approximate 75 kilometers (47 miles) from La Romana as the Dolphin Explorer Marine Park.
Though some cruise excursions might offer a bundled package that includes a trip to Pirate’s Island coupled with the dolphin experience, it’s essential to verify the timing and feasibility of such excursions with your cruise line, considering the travel time involved. Ensuring the excursion fits within your available shore leave is critical to enjoying a stress-free adventure without worrying about missing your ship’s departure.
Snorkeling tour to the Cenotes of Bayahibe
One of the most mesmerizing snorkeling excursions at La Romana is swimming in cenotes near Bayahibe, 25 minutes from the cruise terminal. You travel through the lush tropical rainforest of Cotubanama National Park. You then swim and snorkel in freshwater pools that are natural underground sinkholes.
In addition to the stunning pools, you can admire the geological formations in the caves, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and incredible columns. You also learn about the island’s local flora, fauna, and wildlife during your hike. The snorkeling excursion lasts for three hours.
Spend a Luxurious Day at a Beach Resort
Spending your cruise day at a luxurious beach resort near La Romana is a great way to escape the crowds, relax, and unwind in style. A day pass to an exclusive resort on the beach is usually all-inclusive, so you can access a range of facilities, including unlimited Caribbean food and local drinks.
Spend a Day at the Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Resort
Located 25 minutes from the cruise pier in La Romana at Bayahibe, the Hilton Resort is an all-inclusive beach resort. A day pass gives you access to beach chairs, swimming pools, towels, and a private beach. The resort also features an excellent restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and there’s a barbecue area on the beach.
Casa de Campo Luxury Beach Resort
Enjoy the ultimate luxury by staying at the Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana. The resort is only 5 minutes from the cruise port. This premier destination for cruise passengers offers three private white sand beaches, a spa, an equestrian center, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
One of the highlights of Casa de Campo is its stunning Minitas Beach. Here, you can relax in the sun with palm trees swaying in the background while enjoying Caribbean views.
Casa de Campo offers various day pass packages, depending on how you want to spend your day. Prices range from $99 to $199 for the day. Here are some of the activities on offer:
- One-hour horseback riding with an instructor
- Infinity pool
- Poolside lounge chairs and cabanas
- Beach pergolas
- Private tennis lessons
- Shooting course with 25 rounds of clay pigeons
- Play a round of golf at one of the three golf courses
- Complimentary lunch
Viva Dominicus by Wyndham Beach Resort
Viva Dominicus Beach Resort is an upscale, all-inclusive resort 25 minutes from La Romana cruise port. At the resort, you can enjoy a luxurious and relaxing getaway lounging beside one of the freshwater pools or on the private white sand beach. All meals, snacks, and unlimited cocktails and wine are included.
Other activities at the resort include the following:
- Four freshwater pools
- One seawater infinity pool
- Catamaran rides
- Kayaking
- Tennis courts
- Spa
- Hot tubs
- Free WiFi
- Live entertainment
Closest Beaches to La Romana Cruise Port
No beaches are within walking distance of the cruise pier in La Romana. Obviously, if you want to spend the day at the beach and have limited time in port, you don’t want to be traveling for hours to a beach. You want plenty of time to relax and soak up the Caribbean sunshine. The good news is that plenty of beaches are a short taxi ride from the port.
Here are my reviews of the best nearby beaches in La Romana.
Bayahibe Beach
The most popular public beach for cruise passengers is Bayahibe Beach, 25 minutes from the port of La Romana. This pristine beach is a stunning stretch of white sand shoreline with plenty of beach bars. The water is clean, calm and stays shallow for a long way out, making Bayahibe Beach safe for kids and swimming.
A coconut grove protects the beautiful beach at Bayahibe, and the swaying palm trees give it a distinctly tropical feel. Also, the village is just over a mile from the beach, making eating lunch or grabbing a cocktail convenient.
Bayahibe Beach is also the best place to book boat excursions for snorkeling, visiting Isla Saona, or catamaran excursions.
However, it’s important to note that Bayahibe Beach can become crowded on cruise days due to its popularity. Also, the facilities are not as well-kept as some of the other nearby beaches.
Playa Caleta
If you want to enjoy a beach break on a budget during your cruise day, take a taxi to Playa Caleta, 15 minutes west of La Romana. The beautiful beach is a favorite with locals and is easy to get to from the cruise terminal. The beach and the water can be rocky, so you’ll need water shoes to enjoy your day.
The beach has a distinctly natural feel to it. However, it’s not as well maintained as some of the more popular “touristy” beaches. You’ll find that the waters are calm and suitable for snorkeling. There are also several vendors selling fried flatbreads and seafood treats.
Playa Dominicus
Playa Dominicus is a stunning public beach, 30 minutes from the La Romana cruise port. This pristine stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water is one of the cleanest beaches in the area. You can relax on the fine sand, enjoy the cool sea breezes, and swim in the clear blue waters.
Compared to Bayahibe Beach, Playa Dominicus receives better ratings from cruise ship passengers. You’ll enjoy the great vibe on the beach, with plenty of beach bars, great restaurants, and live music. The water can sometimes be rough, so take care when swimming if you have children.
Top fact: Playa Dominicus was the first Caribbean beach to receive a Blue Flag, a prestigious international award recognizing clean, safe, and environmentally responsible beach areas.
Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana
Bavaro Beach is one of the longest beaches in the Caribbean. Located at Punta Cana, the public beach has stunning white sand, clear turquoise water, and coral reefs close to the shoreline. Even though parts of the beach can get crowded, it’s so long that you can always find a quiet spot.
Relaxing at Bavaro Beach is ideal if you’re planning a shore excursion on the east side of the Dominican Republic. Travel time from the cruise terminal is around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Visiting this beach is best suited for longer shore excursions due to the travel time required.
Activities at Bavaro Beach include:
- Parasailing
- Speedboat rides
- Catamaran cruises
- Snorkeling in coral reefs
- Scuba diving
La Romana Cruise Port: FAQs
When is the best time to visit La Romana on a cruise?
The best time to visit La Romana on a cruise is during the dry season, from mid-November through mid-April, which coincides with the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. This period features day-long sunshine accompanied by cool breezes, making it ideal for shore excursions and beach breaks. However, since it’s peak tourist season in the Dominican Republic, you can expect more crowded beaches and busier tourist sites.
You can usually book cheaper cruises from June through November. But the weather is unsettled, wet, and windy during this time. It’s usually best to avoid Caribbean cruises during the hurricane season.
What currency is used in La Romana, Dominican Republic?
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP), usually written with the symbol RD$ or just $. However, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist and port areas. At smaller, private establishments on public beaches, vendors might only accept pesos. So, it’s a good idea to carry local currency if you plan to visit quieter locations.
Is it safe to explore La Romana on my own?
Walking around La Romana is generally safe for tourists. Like any tourist spot, it’s wise to always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas. So, stick to well-traveled routes and popular tourist destinations. If you feel unsure about safety, booking a shore excursion with your cruise line or online is advisable.
Is tap water safe to drink in La Romana?
Don’t drink tap water when in the Dominican Republic. Stick to bottled water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Ensure you have enough to last the day and stay hydrated, particularly in the hot and humid climate.
Will I be able to communicate in English in La Romana?
In the Dominican Republic, the locals are friendly and helpful, making communication easy. English is commonly spoken in most tourist destinations and big cities, but locals in rural areas may be less fluent. Learning basic Spanish phrases before your Caribbean cruise is a good idea.
Is tipping expected in the Dominican Republic?
Tipping is common in the Dominican Republic, including at restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. Most restaurants add a 10% gratuity; leaving a tip is optional. Tipping taxi drivers and tour guides 10% is also standard practice.
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