Welcome to La Romana

La Romana, located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a beautiful port city known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and rich cultural heritage. As a gateway to the Caribbean’s most pristine waters, La Romana offers cruise passengers a chance to relax, explore, and immerse themselves in the Dominican way of life. Whether you’re interested in lounging on a white-sand beach, visiting historical landmarks, or enjoying a day of adventure, La Romana provides plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable visit within 6-10 hours.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships dock at the Port of La Romana, which is located just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the city center. The port offers a modern and well-equipped terminal, providing easy access for passengers to explore the surrounding area. La Romana is a relatively busy port, welcoming around 200,000 cruise passengers annually. From the port, visitors can easily access the city, nearby beaches, or embark on excursions to local attractions such as Altos de Chavón or Isla Saona.

Transportation Options

Getting around La Romana and the surrounding areas is easy, with several transportation options available:

• Taxis: Taxis are available at the port and can take you to nearby attractions, such as Altos de Chavón or Bayahibe Beach. The ride to the city center takes about 5 minutes.
• Shuttle Services: Many cruise lines offer shuttle services to popular destinations such as Isla Saona or Altos de Chavón.
• Public Buses: Public buses and “guaguas” (minibuses) run throughout the region and are an affordable way to travel to nearby towns and beaches.

Nearby Towns and Cities

La Romana is a great base for exploring nearby destinations along the Dominican Republic’s southern coast:

• Bayahibe: 20 km (12 miles) away, about a 20-minute drive. A small fishing village known for its beautiful beaches and access to Isla Saona, one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous islands.
• Altos de Chavón: 8 km (5 miles) away, about a 15-minute drive. A replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, perched above the Chavón River, offering breathtaking views, an amphitheater, and art galleries.
• Punta Cana: 75 km (47 miles) away, about an hour’s drive. One of the Dominican Republic’s top resort destinations, known for its white-sand beaches and luxury resorts.

Local Foods

The Dominican Republic is known for its delicious Caribbean cuisine, rich in flavors and spices. While in La Romana, be sure to try:

• Sancocho: A hearty stew made with various meats and root vegetables, often considered the national dish of the Dominican Republic.
• Mofongo: A dish made from mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings, typically served with a flavorful broth or seafood.
• Tostones: Twice-fried green plantain slices, served as a side dish or appetizer.
• La Bandera: The Dominican Republic’s classic meal, consisting of rice, beans, and meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), often served with salad and fried plantains.
• Passion Fruit Juice: Freshly made juice from local passion fruit, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for cooling down in the Caribbean heat.

Top 5 Attractions

La Romana offers plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are the top five places you shouldn’t miss during your visit:

• Altos de Chavón: A stunning replica of a Mediterranean-style village, complete with cobblestone streets, art galleries, shops, and a cultural center. The amphitheater regularly hosts concerts and events. Entry is about $10 USD per person.
• Isla Saona: A pristine island located in the East National Park, known for its turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and coral reefs. Tours to the island typically cost around $50-100 USD per person, including transport and meals.
• Bayahibe Beach: A beautiful white-sand beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the Caribbean Sea. Free to visit, with optional water sports available for a fee.
• Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders): A fascinating underground cave featuring ancient Taino petroglyphs and stunning rock formations. Entry is around $10 USD per person.
• Teeth of the Dog Golf Course: One of the top golf courses in the Caribbean, offering spectacular views of the sea and challenging holes. Fees start at around $250 USD per round.

Interesting Facts

La Romana is a fascinating destination with a rich cultural and historical background. Here are a few interesting facts about the area:

• La Romana is home to Casa de Campo, one of the most luxurious and well-known resorts in the Caribbean, attracting celebrities and high-profile visitors from around the world.
• Altos de Chavón, the replica Mediterranean village, was designed by a Hollywood set designer in the 1970s and is a popular spot for weddings and events.
• Isla Saona, located off the coast of La Romana, is part of a protected national park and is famous for being featured in numerous movies and commercials for its idyllic, untouched beauty.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

La Romana is located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, along the shores of the Caribbean Sea. The area is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush tropical landscapes, and proximity to some of the country’s most famous attractions, including Altos de Chavón and Isla Saona. The region is surrounded by sugarcane plantations, and the nearby Chavón River provides a stunning backdrop for many of the area’s tourist activities. La Romana’s coastal location makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Local Customs and Culture

The Dominican Republic is known for its warm hospitality, and visitors to La Romana will find the locals friendly and welcoming. It is common to greet others with a friendly “Hola” or “Buenas” (Hello/Good day). Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and taxis, with 10% being the usual amount. Music and dance play a significant role in Dominican culture, with merengue and bachata being the most popular styles. Visitors may come across impromptu dance parties in the streets or local festivals celebrating Dominican traditions.

Family-Friendly Activities

La Romana offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with children of all ages:

• Children up to 6 years old: Visit Bayahibe Beach, where young children can play in the shallow, calm waters and enjoy the soft white sand.
• Children 7-12 years old: Explore the Cueva de las Maravillas, where kids can learn about ancient Taino culture and see fascinating cave formations.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: Take a day trip to Isla Saona for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the island’s tropical beauty. Teens will love the adventure of traveling by boat and discovering the underwater world.

Google Maps

La Romana

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app.*