Catering to the local residents and the occasional tourist that strays from the all-inclusive resort, a handful of casual restaurants and shops dot the Dominicus beach strip hotels. There is an unrestricted access to Dominicus beach between Dominicus Palace and Iberostar Hacienda hotels. La Laguna Beach (Dominicus) in the municipality of Bayahibe is a proud recipient of the prestigious European Blue Flag International certification. Local hotels participating in the Blue Flag certification program are the Coral Canoa Resort, Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Palace, and Venta Club Gran Dominicus. The Blue Flag designation honors high standards for water quality, environmental education, environmental management and safety and services.

   Catalina is a 15-square kilometer uninhabited offshore wildlife reserve located five miles south of La Romana, easily accessed by sea. Tourists visit for the snorkeling and scuba diving. For the least adventurous, glass bottom boats take tourists out to observe the submarine world.

   Located in the National Park of the

East, the excursion to Saona Island is the most popular all-day trip taken by tourists visiting the southeastern or eastern coast. The ride along the shallow coastline is one of the fine points of reaching this palm-studded paradisiacal island, whose 115-square kilometer area makes it the largest in the Dominican Republic. Also of interest is a visit to Palmilla (la piscina natural) with its shallow crystalline waters and underlying sea stars that span a large area on the way to the island of Saona. Saona is the living image of the best of the Caribbean with its many fine, whitesanded beaches and a small picturesque community for island-shopping.

   This ecolodge built up on a hill overlooking Cumayasa River offers horseback riding excursions and boat rides to Catalina Island, with an excellent Dominican lunch included.

   420-square kilometer flora and fauna reserve that is also a major archaeological center for Taíno Indian culture. Botanists have counted 539 flora species there, while 14 types of birds are also known to make the park their home. Hikes can start from Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma towns, and a certified guide is required.

   Observe the marine life at the underwater sanctuary created by the sunken St. Georges cargo vessel off the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach. Thousands of colorful sea creatures make scuba diving a major attraction for those vacationing in the area. The area is well known for the dive operations located at the resorts. For the less adventurous, glass bottom boats take tourists out to watch the underwater view.

Casa de Campo, La Romana
Tel: (809) 523-8115
Fax: (809) 523- 8800
Year opened: 1971
Number of holes: 18 holes par 72
Course description: World renown championship course fronting the Caribbean on seven holes.

Casa de Campo, La Romana
Tel: (809) 523-8115
Fax: (809) 523-8800
Year opened: 1975
Number of holes: 18 holes par 72
Course description: Championship course within the resort-residential community of Casa de Campo.