How to make the most of La Romana in just a few hours

Sophie Chichester

Sophie Chichester

Christopher Columbus dubbed the Dominican Republic "the fairest land under heaven" back in 1492, and, while he had the whole island to explore at the Spanish monarchy's leisure, cruise passengers docking at La Romana today get a convincing argument for his case in just a few hours; plus a few more flushing toilets.

This southeastern corner of the Caribbean* island of Hispaniola (which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, fun fact) packs in an impressive range of experiences: beaches, ancient caves, colonial-style village streets and wild national park landscapes all within easy reach of the port.

Plenty of cruise lines pull up here for the afternoon, including all-inclusive Marella Cruises*, but no matter which ship you're disembarking from, let's make sure you're making the most of your stop. The question is not whether there is enough to do; it is choosing what to do first.

Getting there: sail into La Romana's port for less with Marella Cruises*, which offers a selection of itineraries for different interests throughout the Caribbean.

The cultural classic: Altos de Chavón

Just north of La Romana* port, perched above the gorge of the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón might surprise you slightly.

This is a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village rather than a true historic settlement, but it is beautifully done: honey-hued stone streets, artisan workshops, galleries and even a Roman-style amphitheatre that has hosted global artists including Sting (yes, really!).

The river views are impressive, the craft shops are good for browsing Larimar jewellery (a rare blue stone found only in the Dominican Republic), local cigars and handmade art, and the whole thing has a relaxed atmosphere that suits a cruise stop perfectly.

Those who choose the excursion can combine the village with a boat ride along the Chavón River itself; a scenic stretch of waterway that has doubled as a film location for both Apocalypse Now and Jurassic Park, would you believe. Soaring cliffs and dense rainforest make it one of the more memorable hours you can spend here; zero t-rexes guaranteed.

The easy beach day: Bayahibe

If your ideal Caribbean port stop involves a sunlounger, a plate of grilled seafood and somewhere pretty to look at, Bayahibe delivers without any fuss.

This small fishing village is about 20 minutes from La Romana port and boasts an unhurried charm. Walk the waterfront, find a table near the sea, order fresh fish, shrimp or lobster in season and soak up those Caribbean rays.

It's also a good place to try Dominican staples such as mofongo or la bandera (rice, beans and meat) if you want something a bit more local than that resort burger.

Marella's Bayahibe Beach Break offers access to a Blue Flag private beach with lunch and drinks included, which is hard to argue with if you are travelling with children or simply want maximum relaxation with minimum effort. How about starting that thriller you picked up at the airport?

The Caribbean fantasy: Saona Island

For many cruise passengers, the Caribbean dream is really about one thing: a near-perfect tropical island with sugar-white sand, water turquoise enough for a cocktail and not very much else to worry about.

Saona Island, part of Cotubanamá National Park, is exactly that. It's popular, but the setting is oh-my gorgeous. Keep an eye out for starfish in the shallows; they are common features around the island's natural pools.

Marella runs a Saona Island excursion by speedboat, which takes in a natural swimming lagoon on the way. If you would rather dive into the water than laze above it, the catamaran sail and snorkel trip along the Dominican coast is a livelier, shorter alternative with snorkelling gear provided and rum on deck for the return journey.

A bit different: caves, trucks & forests

La Romana's less obvious side is arguably its most interesting. Cueva de las Maravillas (the Cave of Wonders) is a dramatic underground cave system with ancient Taíno (Indigenous Caribbean) rock art etched into its walls, discovered in 1926 and still remarkable today.

During the excursion, Marella adds a visit to a working cigar factory in La Romana city, which makes for an unexpectedly good half-day of Dominican culture away from the coast if you've got the, ahem, puff.

For something more offbeat, the monster truck excursion rumbles through sugar cane fields, farms and colourful villages in a massive 8x8 truck with an open bar for cheerful, roar-some fun.

And, for those seeking a more immersive experience, Cotubanamá National Park offers guided hikes through tropical forest, wildlife watching in the mangroves and even snorkelling in underground cave pools. It is the wilder, less-visited side of La Romana for the energetic cruiser.

Practical tips

Most attractions are 20 to 30 minutes from the port. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. If you are going to explore independently, taxis and local guides can be arranged at the port, though for a short stop, a pre-booked shore excursion tends to make better use of limited time.

Climate in La Romana

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
29°C maximum daytime temperature in January in La Romana29
30°C maximum daytime temperature in February in La Romana30
30°C maximum daytime temperature in March in La Romana30
31°C maximum daytime temperature in April in La Romana31
31°C maximum daytime temperature in May in La Romana31
32°C maximum daytime temperature in June in La Romana32
32°C maximum daytime temperature in July in La Romana32
33°C maximum daytime temperature in August in La Romana33
32°C maximum daytime temperature in September in La Romana32
32°C maximum daytime temperature in October in La Romana32
31°C maximum daytime temperature in November in La Romana31
30°C maximum daytime temperature in December in La Romana30
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
16 days with some rainfall in January in La Romana16
12 days with some rainfall in February in La Romana12
12 days with some rainfall in March in La Romana12
11 days with some rainfall in April in La Romana11
12 days with some rainfall in May in La Romana12
13 days with some rainfall in June in La Romana13
15 days with some rainfall in July in La Romana15
16 days with some rainfall in August in La Romana16
15 days with some rainfall in September in La Romana15
16 days with some rainfall in October in La Romana16
16 days with some rainfall in November in La Romana16
17 days with some rainfall in December in La Romana17
Sea temperature °C
27°C sea temperature in January in La Romana27
26°C sea temperature in February in La Romana26
26°C sea temperature in March in La Romana26
27°C sea temperature in April in La Romana27
27°C sea temperature in May in La Romana27
28°C sea temperature in June in La Romana28
28°C sea temperature in July in La Romana28
29°C sea temperature in August in La Romana29
29°C sea temperature in September in La Romana29
29°C sea temperature in October in La Romana29
28°C sea temperature in November in La Romana28
27°C sea temperature in December in La Romana27

The above guide shows the climate in La Romana. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in the Dominican Republic.

Ready to experience the Dominican Republic? See the latest online offers on itineraries with Marella Cruises, which include stops at other ports around the Caribbean.

More about the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Sophie Chichester

Sophie Chichester

Posted in: Caribbean Cruises Excursions

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