The waters around La Romana offer the Dominican Republic’s most worthwhile boat excursions. Two islands stand out for day trips: Catalina, perfect for snorkeling and beach time, and Saona, with its postcard-perfect white sand beaches. The best value comes from shared catamaran tours to either destination, typically running 6-8 hours. For a splurge, private yacht charters deliver a more intimate experience and flexible scheduling.
We’re especially fond of the Quetzal Catamaran‘s Saona Island tour – it’s well-organized and includes quality snorkeling gear. The Catalina Island catamaran trip is another favorite, offering the clearest waters for marine life viewing.
Let’s explore the top boat tours worth your time and money in La Romana.
Key Points
-
The Prestige Catamaran Cruise to Catalina Island offers a full-day excursion with snorkeling, beach relaxation, and an included buffet lunch and drinks.
-
The Quetzal Catamaran Cruise to Saona Island provides an 8-hour immersive adventure with visits to Saona Island, Catuano reef, and a natural swimming pool.
-
Punta Cana Catamaran Excursions offer various tour options, including Saona Island and Catalina Island day trips, with pricing ranging from $63 to $119 per person.
-
Luxury private yacht excursions to Catalina, Saona, or Palmilla Islands are available, starting from $2,500 for groups of up to 10 participants.
-
The Saona Island Tour is a popular and highly-rated 8-hour tour from La Romana or Punta Cana, offering pristine beaches, a natural pool, and an all-inclusive experience.
Prestige Catamaran Cruise to Catalina Island
A popular choice for visitors to La Romana is the Prestige Catamaran Cruise to Catalina Island.
This full-day excursion lasts around 8 hours and offers snorkeling at two popular dive sites, The Wall and The Aquarium. Guests can relax on the island’s shores while enjoying a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks.
The cruise includes live commentary from a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off for select locations, and souvenir photos available for purchase.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and the tour accommodates a maximum of 28 travelers.
This experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking.
Read our full review: Prestige Catamaran Cruise to Catalina Island Review
Book now: Check availability
La Romana Airport (LRM): Transfer to La Romana Cruise Port
After arriving at La Romana Airport (LRM), travelers can conveniently arrange a private transfer to the La Romana Cruise Port.
The service costs €143.00 per group (up to 2 people) and takes 20-40 minutes. Booking is easy – reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The vehicles are fully licensed, insured, and equipped for various weather conditions, and the English-speaking drivers are professional and well-dressed.
The transfer includes 60 minutes of waiting time at the airport/port, and there are no hidden charges.
Travelers should provide details like luggage quantity and flight information, and check availability for their preferred starting time.
Read our full review: La Romana Airport (LRM): Transfer to La Romana Cruise Port Review
Book now: Check availability
Quetzal Catamaran Cruise Prestige to Saona Island
The Quetzal Catamaran Cruise Prestige to Saona Island offers travelers an immersive 8-hour adventure, whisking them away to some of the most captivating natural wonders in the Dominican Republic.
The tour highlights include visits to Saona Island, Catuano reef, and Las Palmillas natural swimming pool, with ample opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
Accommodating up to 30 guests, the cruise provides an intimate experience on a 75-foot catamaran. Theres some good a delectable lunch menu, unlimited snacks and beverages, and a specialty Dominican cocktail.
The friendly, multilingual crew ensures a memorable excursion, consistently earning 10/10 ratings from satisfied travelers.
Read our full review: Quetzal Catamaran Cruise Prestige to Saona Island Review
Book now: Check availability
La Romana Cruise Port: Private Transfer to La Romana City
Upon arriving at the La Romana Cruise Port, travelers can seamlessly transfer to their accommodations in the city center with a private transfer service.
This 20-40 minute transfer costs $150.13 per group of up to 2 participants. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment, and receive instant confirmation.
The service uses air-conditioned, licensed, and insured vehicles with professional, English-speaking drivers. Pickup is included from designated locations in La Romana city, with ample waiting time.
Child seats are available upon request, and there are no hidden charges. Guests are advised to provide their luggage information and addresses for a smooth transfer experience.
Read our full review: La Romana Cruise Port: Private Transfer to La Romana City Review
Book now: Check availability
Punta Cana: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Buffet Lunch
Travelers seeking a day of sun, sand, and sea can embark on a captivating catamaran excursion to the renowned Saona Island, located near the picturesque shores of Punta Cana.
This 8-hour tour offers a thrilling speedboat ride and the opportunity to explore Saona’s pristine beaches and a natural swimming pool with potential starfish sightings.
Included in the $100 per person price tag are hotel pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch with drinks, snacks, and the services of a live tour guide in multiple languages.
Flexible booking options, such as reserve now and pay later and free cancellation, make this an accessible and convenient choice for a memorable island adventure.
Read our full review: Punta Cana: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Buffet Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Catalina Island Tour: Boat, Beach Stay, Lunch & Free Drinks
Catalina Island Tour: Boat, Beach Stay, Lunch & Free Drinks offers an unparalleled day of sun-soaked adventure and relaxation. Priced at $119 per person, this 9-hour excursion includes a boat trip, beach stay, lunch, and complimentary drinks.
With 5-star ratings, this popular tour allows visitors to explore Catalina Island’s pristine beaches, snorkel in the turquoise waters, and enjoy a delicious meal.
The tour’s convenient departure from La Romana and inclusion of all necessary equipment make it a hassle-free way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
Whether seeking a relaxing day or an adrenaline-filled adventure, this Catalina Island tour provides an unforgettable experience for all.
Read our full review: Catalina Island Tour: Boat, Beach Stay, Lunch & Free Drinks Review
Book now: Check availability
Santo Domingo: Catamaran With Snorkel, Open Bar and Lunch
Setting out on a day of sun-drenched adventure, the Santo Domingo: Catamaran With Snorkel, Open Bar and Lunch excursion transports visitors on a 6-hour journey to explore the serene waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic’s capital city.
Guests can snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, and enjoy an open bar and a delicious lunch served onboard the catamaran.
This activity, priced at $83.99 per person, offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the region while indulging in the luxuries of a well-curated excursion.
Read our full review: Santo Domingo: Catamaran With Snorkel, Open Bar and Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Punta Cana: Catamaran Day Trip to Catalina Island With Lunch
For those seeking a day of sun-drenched adventure, the Punta Cana: Catamaran Day Trip to Catalina Island With Lunch offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.
This 8-hour excursion takes you from Punta Cana to the picturesque Catalina Island, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour, snorkeling at The Wall, and a beachside buffet lunch.
The trip includes roundtrip transportation, a catamaran ride, and an open bar on the return journey.
While customer reviews mention some limitations, the overall experience highlights the island’s stunning beaches, live entertainment, and photo opportunities.
Wheelchair accessibility makes this tour accessible to all.
Read our full review: Punta Cana: Catamaran Day Trip to Catalina Island With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Punta Cana: Saona Island Full Day With Catamaran and Buffet
Departing from Punta Cana, this full-day excursion to Saona Island promises a day of sun-soaked leisure and exploration.
Priced at $63 per person, the 8-hour tour includes transportation, a safety briefing, sailing to the island, free time, a buffet lunch and cocktails, and an optional visit.
Highlights include sailing on a catamaran and speedboat, relaxing on the white sands of Fanatics Beach, and discovering the natural pool, home to giant sea stars.
With a 3/5 rating based on 2 reviews, the tour receives praise for efficient transportation and communication, though some aspects may warrant improvement.
Read our full review: Punta Cana: Saona Island Full Day With Catamaran and Buffet Review
Book now: Check availability
Taxi Punta Cana Airport (PUJ): Transfer To La Romana Cruise
After exploring the natural wonders of Saona Island on a full-day excursion from Punta Cana, travelers can turn their attention to the next leg of their journey – getting to the La Romana Cruise Terminal.
For a hassle-free arrival, a private transfer from Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) to the La Romana Cruise Terminal is available. The 45-minute journey is priced from Kč 3,246 per group of up to 5 people, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers can expect a private, air-conditioned vehicle and a friendly, multilingual driver to ensure a comfortable and efficient transfer to their cruise embarkation point.
Read our full review: Taxi Punta Cana Airport (PUJ): Transfer To La Romana Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Visit Palmilla, Saona or Catalina Island on a Private Yacht
Travelers seeking a luxurious day on the water can opt for a private yacht excursion from La Romana or Casa de Campo to the picturesque islands of Catalina, Saona, or Palmilla.
Priced from $2,500 for a group of up to 10 participants, the 8-hour tour includes a 1-hour journey to the destination and 6 hours of free time for swimming and snorkeling.
The experience offers a premier private luxury yacht with a fully fueled vessel, complimentary beverages, and snorkeling equipment.
Guests can choose from vibrant marine life at Catalina, the secluded beauty of Saona, or the picturesque landscapes of Palmilla.
Advance reservations are recommended, with a flexible cancellation policy.
Read our full review: Visit Palmilla, Saona or Catalina Island on a Private Yacht Review
Book now: Check availability
Saona Island Full Day: Natural Pool & Catamaran Cruise
A popular day trip from La Romana or Punta Cana, the Saona Island tour takes visitors on a catamaran cruise to explore the idyllic natural pool and pristine beaches of this Caribbean paradise.
Priced at ₹10,929 per person, the 8-hour tour includes pickup, lunch, and free drinks. Guests can snorkel and spot wildlife before relaxing on Saona’s white sand beaches.
With a 4.8 rating from 299 reviews, this small-group tour is a must-do for those seeking an all-inclusive island getaway.
For travelers looking to combine Saona with other activities, there are also options to add on experiences like dune buggies or horseback riding for a more adventurous day.
Read our full review: Saona Island Full Day: Natural Pool & Catamaran Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book a Private Yacht Tour From La Romana?
To book a private yacht tour from La Romana, travelers can contact local tour operators or yacht charter companies. They’ll need to provide details like group size, duration, and any specific itinerary requests to get a personalized quote and make a reservation.
What Type of Amenities Are Available on the Catamarans?
Catamarans typically offer a range of amenities, including ample deck space, comfortable seating, and refreshments. Some may also provide snorkeling or fishing equipment, and some offer catering services for a more luxurious experience.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for My Cruise or Boat Tour?
Yes, many boat tour operators offer the flexibility to customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. You can often work with the tour company to adjust the route, duration, and activities to create a personalized experience.
What Is the Dress Code for the Boat Tours and Cruises?
The dress code for boat tours and cruises is typically casual and comfortable. Passengers are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the deck. Formal attire is generally not required.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Tours and Cruises?
Most boat tours and cruises don’t have age restrictions, though some may have minimum age requirements for safety reasons. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm any age policies.
The Sum Up
La Romana offers a variety of cruise and boat tour options, from exploring Catalina Island on a catamaran to visiting the picturesque Saona Island. Travelers can opt for private yacht excursions or join group tours with buffet lunches. These activities provide opportunities to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Dominican Republic’s coastal regions.