Adventure Travel Itinerary

DAY 1: SAONA ISLAND

Spend the day experiencing some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Caribbean! Saona Island is a popular area within Cotubanamá National Park with native birds, starfish, dolphins, whales, and manatees. It’s also an important turtle nesting site in the Dominican Republic. Not only is the island picturesque—with clear turquoise water, powdery beaches, and tall coconut trees—but it’s also the perfect spot for adventure. The water surrounding Saona Island has excellent visibility and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. And when you need a break, soak up the sun on the beautiful beach.

Most trips depart from Bayahibe and stops may include swimming at Palmilla beach and Mano Juan beach. It’s recommended to book your tour in advance with a local operator or through the concierge at your hotel. See our directory for available excursions to Saona Island.


DAY 2: SCUBA DIVING + SNORKELING

La Romana is an ideal Caribbean destination for snorkeling or scuba diving. Join a boat charter to discover coral reefs, tropical marine life, and shipwrecks just off the coast! For those who love the ocean, the living museums of the sea include a variety of rare species, colorful corals, and ancient artifacts.

As you’re looking for tour operators (see our directory), scan through the possible dive sites that they offer. Catherine Wall, Under the Mine, Rock, and Guaraguao Reef are all excellent spots. There are also a bunch of shipwrecks surrounding La Romana, such as Captain Kidd’s shipwreck, Guadeloupe, and Atlantic Princess, which offer plenty of opportunities to discover local marine life.

Before booking a scuba diving excursion, contact your preferred dive center and gather information about departure times and other specifications. Most scuba diving trips depart from Bayahibe—book your tour in advance to ensure a spot. See our directory for available scuba diving excursions.

For travelers without a diving certification, you can take a Discover Scuba Diving program with most operators, which includes theory classes, practice in the pool, and a dive in the sea. Plus, snorkeling offers equally beautiful opportunities to discover La Romana’s underwater world.


DAY 3: 4WD

There’s something about hopping into an ATV and off-roading on a dirt track that makes for a wild adventure. La Romana 4WD tours are popular with visitors looking for an exhilarating experience. Depending on the tour, you might ride through muddy tracks, stop at local attractions, or visit a sugar mill plantation. Local 4WD tours are a fun adventure for children over 8 years old. Some tours even offer a 4WD + Zipline combo that features the longest cables in the Dominican Republic. How’s that for adventure!

It’s recommended to book your tour in advance with a local operator or through the concierge at your hotel. See our directory for available 4WD and ziplining excursions.


DAY 4: CATALINA ISLAND

Crystal clear waters meet the sandy white shores of Catalina Island; a prime destination for snorkeling, swimming, water sports, and sunbathing. Plus, it’s famous for stellar scuba diving thanks to beautiful coral reefs and Captain Kidd’s shipwreck.

The best way to get to Catalina Island and enjoy the area is via catamaran or boat charter. It’s recommended to book your tour in advance with a local operator or through the concierge at your hotel. See our directory for available excursions to Catalina Island.