Dominican Republic · La Romana and La Altagracia · southeast

What to see and do in La Romana and Bayahibe

Chavón architecture, public beach and an optional crossing.

This guide connects options in La Romana and Bayahibe through independent transfers. Altos de Chavón has conditional access; Dominicus offers a public beach and Saona needs to organize a trip within the Cotubanamá National Park.

3 days suggestedModerate budgetBeach and sea · Culture and towns · Nature

Duration, budget and itinerary: editorial suggestions adjustable to your trip. No prices or availability in real time.

Altos de Chavón
Andreas Volkmer Original photography · Public domain · Reduced version of Wikimedia; without editing the content. The website may show a frame crop.

What to visit in La Romana and Bayahibe · coast and Saona Island

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in La Romana and Bayahibe · coast and Saona Island

culture

Altos de Chavón · conditional access

This architectural complex inspired by a Mediterranean village brings together workshops, galleries, an archaeological museum and an amphitheater over the Chavón River. It is located within Casa de Campo and maintains specific access conditions.

Activities for your visit

  • Contemplate the architecture and viewpoints if your visit is authorized.
  • Know the cultural spaces included in the confirmed modality.

Tips for this place

  • Confirm your entry authorization before moving.
  • A concert or educational visit is not equivalent to free general admission.
Check access ↗

Limited access to guests, residents and invited guests, in addition to educational visits and pre-arranged sessions. Confirm your authorization with Casa de Campo before you go.

Reference sources and location

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.4206062, -68.8908629.

Ministry of Tourism · Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón
Altos de Chavón Andreas Volkmer Original photography · Public domain · Reduced version of Wikimedia; without editing the content. The website may show a frame crop.

beach

Dominicus Beach Bayahibe

Dominicus is a long beach in the Bayahibe area, bordered by resorts but open to the public. Its stretches of light sand allow you to enjoy the seascape and the coastal environment of La Altagracia.

Activities for your visit

  • Arrive through the public access and walk along the shore.
  • Get to know the booths and businesses on the public section.

Tips for this place

  • Distinguish beach access from private hotel facilities.
  • Check the state of the sea before swimming or practicing activities.
Check access ↗

Free public beach. It does not require a hotel day pass; Parking, sun loungers, meals, diving and other services are paid separately if you choose them.

Reference sources and location

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.3374877, -68.815589.

Ministry of Tourism · Dominicus Beach

nature

Saona Island · excursion from Bayahibe

Saona is part of the Cotubanamá National Park and can be visited by boat from the coast. This SeavisTours proposal departs from Bayahibe and includes a crossing and stops determined by your itinerary and maritime conditions.

Activities for your visit

  • Sail from Bayahibe towards the landscapes of Saona.
  • Enjoy the authorized stops of the chosen excursion.

Tips for this place

  • Check port, transfers and return in your reservation.
  • Observe wildlife without touching or removing starfish from the water.
Book excursion ↗

Saona Special excursion from SeavisTours. Confirm departure and return from Bayahibe, park fees, pickup and inclusions before booking.

Reference sources and location

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.1336884, -68.716194.

Ministry of Tourism · Saona Island

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

3-day itinerary in La Romana and Bayahibe · coast and Saona Island

  1. Day 1

    Altos de Chavón, with authorization

    Visit the complex only if Casa de Campo has confirmed your access method.

  2. Day 2

    Dominicus Beach

    Get to know the beach by its public access and organize the services you want to hire separately.

  3. Day 3

    Saona Island optional

    Choose an excursion with confirmed departure, return, taxes and inclusions, subject to maritime conditions.

Tips for visiting La Romana and Bayahibe · coast and Saona Island

  • Do not travel to Altos de Chavón without confirming an authorized access method.
  • The excursion to Saona is not necessary to enjoy Dominicus.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in La Romana and Bayahibe · coast and Saona Island

Mangú, la bandera dominicana and a Holy Week dessert: six flavors that introduce Dominican cuisine. The photos show actual dishes for reference; every home and restaurant has its own variations.

Mangú with onion, fried eggs, cheese, salami and avocado
Mangú con los tres golpes and avocado, photographed in the Dominican Republic. Danimsosa · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic · Creole breakfast

Mangú con los tres golpes

Boiled, mashed green plantains served with salami, fried cheese and eggs. This breakfast combination is known as los tres golpes; the photo also includes onion and avocado.

Reference: Dominican Embassy · Gastronomy

Plate of white rice, meat and salad with beans served separately
La bandera dominicana: rice, meat and beans, served with salad. Asalas03 · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic Lunch every day

La bandera dominicana

White rice, beans and meat make up this Creole combination. It is prepared with chicken, beef or pork and can be served with different accompaniments; The beans can be served in a separate container.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Dominican dishes

A bowl of Dominican sancocho with meat, root vegetables and corn on the cob, served with rice
Dominican sancocho served with a portion of white rice. LittleT889 · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic · Broth to share

Dominican sancocho

Meat stew with groceries and vegetables, linked to meetings and special occasions. There are different recipes, including the seven meat version; The photo shows a Dominican preparation with rice on the side.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Sancocho

Fried fish slice with golden plantains and green onion
Fried fish with plantains; a reference Dominican presentation. Arlene Campusano · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican coasts · Taste of the beach

Fried fish

Seasoned and fried fish, a classic from the Dominican coast. It can be accompanied with tostones and other fried plantains; The fish and garnish change depending on the preparation.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Fried fish

Golden pieces of pica pollo resting on paper after frying
Freshly fried pica pollo, Santo Domingo style. fugzu · Original photography · CC BY 2.0

Dominican Republic Crispy fried food

Pica pollo

Pieces of chicken coated and fried until golden brown. Tostones are a common accompaniment; The photograph shows the chicken freshly fried, before the garnishes are served.

Reference: Dominican Embassy · Pica pollo

Bowl of sweet beans covered with small milk cookies
Sweet Dominican beans with milk cookies. Arlene Campusano · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic Holy Week Tradition

Habichuelas con dulce

Dessert of beans with milk, sugar and spices, closely associated with Holy Week. Its common ingredients include coconut milk, cinnamon and raisins; It is usually served with small milk cookies.

Reference: INESPRE · Tradition of beans with sweet

Sources to prepare your visit

Reference location: Ministry of Tourism · Altos de Chavón.

Reference of a place in the guide; It does not represent the entire area nor a route between visits.

Editorial content by SoyTurista PR, based on the linked sources. Confirm details with each provider before traveling.

Report a change to this guide. Include its URL and an official source if available.

Continue discovering the Dominican Republic

Check out more guides and combine places that fit your interests.

All Dominican Republic guides →