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Best Beaches in La Romana
Close your eyes and imagine an idyllic beach in the Caribbean... the chances are you are picturing one of the beautiful beaches of La Romana. The sheltered southern coast keeps the sea calm and clear, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Dive into crystal clear waters and discover a jungle of corals reefs, flocks of colourful fish and shipwrecks! Hop over to Saona and Catalina Island for more dreamy beaches and wonderful places to visit. Catalina is famous for its gorgeous white beaches, history of pirates and amazing dive spots, including the wreck of Capitán Kidd’s boat, located just a few metres deep. Here are some of SNO’s favourite beaches in La Romana, where you can get a slice of that true Caribbean paradise.
Beaches in La Romana
Saona Island
South of mainland (accessed by boat from Bayahibe – or helicopter), this 42 square mile island is edged by some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen, with barrier reefs providing swimming pool-like conditions. Mano Juan is the tiny fishing village where the island’s only inhabitants live. It has a fabulous, long beach where you can laze under palms and paddle in the sea - or visit the village and turtle sanctuary. On the western tip of the island, Catuano beach has palms, white sands, bright blue water and souvenir shops selling knickknacks. The old pier is perfect for snorkelers, with hundreds of fishes in every colour. Saving the best ‘til last, Canto de la Playa’s the most beautiful beach on the island, if not the Caribbean. On the southern edge, this place has serious wow factor, with bright blue, insanely clear waters and the whitest of white sands. Most tours stop off at Palmilla beach, an offshore sandbar or natural swimming pool where you can see starfish through the waist-deep waters.
Catalina Island
Accessed by boat from La Romana, Catalina’s white sands and calm, clear waters make it heavenly for divers, who can explore a mighty wall and Captain Kidd’s pirate shipwreck.
Playa Dominicus
This lovely long, beige sand beach has a bundle of resorts on the seafront and was the first beach in the Caribbean to be awarded a Blue Flag. You can’t miss the tall, striped Lighthouse – a bar belonging to one of the resorts. Diving is popular here, one of a bundle of watersports available. Our favourite hotels near Playa Dominicus are Dreams Dominicus La Romana and Catalonia Royal La Romana.
Playa Bayahibe
Lovely clear water and light, soft sand – with a hive of activity. You’ll find bars and restaurants galore, with boats going to and from on fishing trips or Saona island excursions. Stay at the Hilton La Romana Family Resort or Hilton La Romana adult-only Resort.
Playa La Minitas
A small, staffed private beach in Casa de Campo, where guests can book massages or have a go at snorkelling, kayaking or SUP.
Playa La Caleta
The nearest beach to La Romana city, La Caleta is a locals’ favourite with a mix of sand, rock and pebbles. A place to relax with a beer and eat fresh fish as the world goes by. One of the nearest hotels is Casa de Campo Resort and Villas.
