Best Day Trips from Casa de Campo for Nature Lovers

Many guests at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic crave more than golf and pool days. They may feel stuck choosing a fun nature trip. They just need clear ideas.

Casa de Campo sits close to Catalina Island, Altos de Chavón, and Las Maravillas Cave. This guide covers top trips with coral reef snorkel, village art walks, cave art tours, Chavón River boat rides, and packing tips.

Find your next adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Catalina Island trips rank 4.8 on Tripadvisor and depart daily from Bayahibe, La Romana, offering full snorkeling gear, calm seas from December to April, and reefs alive with parrotfish, angelfish, and brain coral.
• Altos de Chavón sits atop a cliff by the Chavón River and features the Regional Museum of Archaeology (artifacts 4000 BC–1502 AD), open 9 AM–9 PM, with guided tours priced $85–$215 and a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award.
• Las Maravillas Cave tours run Thursdays and Sundays, follow a 200 m lit trail, last about one hour, reveal prehistoric Taino pictographs, and earned the 2003 Gold Prize at the International Landscape Architecture Bienal.
• Río Chavón boat excursions glide past white limestone cliffs, let you spot 10-lb rhinoceros iguanas and 6-ft Caribbean brown pelicans, and supply binoculars and guidebooks for wildlife viewing.
• Parque Nacional del Este hikers tackle 5–6 hour trails with waterproof charts, sturdy shoes, and 2 L of water, birdwatch over 200 species, then sail to Saona Island’s natural pools with 50-ft underwater visibility and 30-minute stops.

Catalina Island Beach Day

Crystal-clear waters around Catalina Island invite you to snorkel through vibrant coral reefs. Rent snorkel gear or climb aboard a catamaran for a relaxing cruise along the white-sand beaches.

Snorkeling and marine exploration

Catalina Island offers a vibrant coral reef just off the shore. Visitors can enjoy clear Caribbean waters and diverse creatures.

• Boats leave from Bayahibe in La Romana province, just minutes from the Teeth of the Dog Marina.
• Tour prices include a full set of snorkeling gear, including face mask, fins, and life vest.
• Guides rate this trip 4.8 in Catalina Island Day Trip + Great Snorkeling and 4.7 in Full Day Snorkeling in Catalina Island.
• Snorkeling conditions shine from December through April when the Caribbean Sea stays calm.
• Reef patches teem with parrotfish, angelfish, and brain coral at the Casa de Campo resort docks.
• Small groups limit crowding and boost safety under updated protocols.
• Operators added extra 30 minutes of water time to fix past shortages and long dock waits.
• Boat crews share expert tips on avoiding crowds and chasing prime spots.

Relaxing on pristine beaches

Visitors find six square miles of soft white sand on Catalina Island. Gentle waves lap against the shore of the Caribbean Sea in the Dominican Republic. Snorkelers explore vibrant coral reefs near Isla Catalina.

Tours depart daily from Casa de Campo Resort & Villas on a catamaran ride that highlights Catalina Island’s natural beauty.

Guests relax under coconut palms and soak up the warm sun. Beach chairs line the coast in La Romana Province. Guides ensure a calm beach experience during the excursion. Families prefer these pristine beaches over crowded spots in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo.

Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón rises on a cliff above the Chavón River with winding stone pathways and grand arches. Visitors grab a map and camera to wander galleries and soak up the site’s rich heritage.

Explore the artist village

Visitors stroll along cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, craft shops, and local restaurants. Artists display paintings and sculptures in open-air studios. The village sits on a ridge above the chavón river.

Hilltop terraces offer stunning views of the caribbean sea. Travelers staying at casa de campo resort & villas can reach the site in minutes. Guides lead cultural tours that spotlight local craftsmanship and history.

Visit the Regional Museum of Archaeology

Altos-de-chavon hosts an archaeological museum in La Romana Province of the Dominican Republic. The site displays aboriginal art and artifacts from 4,000 BC to 1502 AD. It won a Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award.

Guests join curator-led excursions through rich cultural exhibits. Its 4.2/5 rating comes from 63 reviews.

Pricing runs from $85 to $215 for daily expeditions. Doors open at 9:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM every day. Patrons join expert-led tours. Casa de Campo travelers add this stop to cultural tours along the Chavón River.

Many combine this trip with a catamaran ride or a Saona Island excursion.

Las Maravillas Cave Exploration

Park staff lead you into Las Maravillas Cave with headlamps and prehistoric designs. You admire stalactite pillars and trace indigenous carvings on limestone walls.

Discover ancient Taino cave art

Local guides lead small groups through Cueva de las Maravillas. Visitors walk under giant stalactites and across sandy chambers. They study Taino drawings on limestone walls. Experts point out Taino mythology significance and the Great Panel funeral scene.

The site lies in the eastern Dominican Republic near Casa de Campo. Staff earned the 2003 Gold Prize at the International Landscape Architecture Bienal Award for trail design.

Daily guided tours start at Cueva de las Maravillas National Park in La Romana Province. Guests use headlamps for safe passage and enjoy cultural tours led by local archaeologists.

Each trip lasts about one hour. Cameras capture red dye pigments on white limestone walls. Visitors appreciate the cave of wonders near casa de campo resort & villas.

Guided tours through impressive cave formations

Las Maravillas Cave displays ancient formations and art. Tours run on Thursdays and Sundays.

1. Guides lead groups through the cave of wonders along 200 meters of trail.
2. You view ancient Taino pictographs during cultural tours through the cave.
3. Visitors see rock formations and deposits formed over 100,000 years.
4. Each guest wears a helmet and uses a lamp to explore low passages.
5. Pickups occur at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana Province on Thursdays and Sundays.
6. Explorers learn about karst topography as water shaped the limestone over millennia.

Río Chavón Boat Tour

You glide along the wide Chavón River on a sturdy catamaran. You scan lush banks with binoculars and spot birds, fish, and reptiles.

Scenic river views

Tour guides steer the boat down the Chavón River. White limestone cliffs rise on both banks. Palms and ferns cloak the slopes. Film crews shot Anaconda, Jurassic Park and Rambo here.

Guests at Casa de Campo resort & villas marvel at the emerald water. Short bursts of sunlight flicker across the current.

Herons, iguanas and kingfishers appear along the shore. Fishermen cast lines off small canoes near La Romana province in the Dominican Republic. Local farmers grow tobacco for H. Upmann cigars in nearby fields.

Wildlife lovers savor every moment. Guided tours on a catamaran ride make each view more vivid.

Abundant wildlife spotting

After gliding along the Río Chavón in the Dominican Republic, wildlife pops up near Casa de Campo. Guides point out each animal as the boat drifts by cliffs and beaches. Rhinoceros Iguanas bask on sunlit rocks near mangrove roots.

Groups of Caribbean Brown Pelicans dive into the water for fish.

Your camera clicks at iguanas that weigh up to 10 pounds. Birdwatchers record pelican wingspans reaching six feet. Local captains share stories about nesting sites along riverbanks in La Romana province.

Casa de Campo resort & villas staff provide binoculars and guidebooks for each Chavón River voyage.

National Park of the East

Parque Nacional del Este spans emerald coves and coral cliffs on the Caribbean coast. Visitors hike past mangrove forests and spot flamingos near hidden lagoons.

Hiking through lush trails

Trails in National Park of the East wind through lush forests near the Chavón River. Hikers need moderate fitness for 5 to 6 hours of trek and a chance to swim in a natural pool.

1. Navigation chart: A waterproof navigation chart marks key junctions and keeps you on course near casa de campo.
2. Sturdy footwear: Wear shoes with strong soles to climb roots and cross small streams on rugged trails.
3. Hydration flask: Pack two liters of water to stay hydrated in humid dominican republic heat.
4. Optical gear: Carry binocular alternatives to spot vibrant bird species and small mammals by the Chavón River.
5. Medical kit: Include bandages and an antiseptic wipe for scrapes on uneven paths.
6. Photo camera: Use a camera with a zoom lens to capture waterfall cascades and sunbeams through leaves.
7. Swimwear: Bring swimwear for a cool dip in a natural pool after five to six hours of hiking.
8. Phone app: Use an ecotourism app for real time trail updates and wildlife alerts in Parque Nacional del Este.

Birdwatching and diverse ecosystems

After hiking lush ridges in Parque Nacional del Este, you can shift your gaze skyward. Gray Kingbirds patrol coastal pines across La Romana Province. Bright Warblers trill from dense thickets.

House Sparrows flit near mangrove shores. Lesser Antillean Bullfinches dart between palm clusters. Hikers pair field guides with spotting scopes to track each species. Butterflies and small lizards share the canopy with these vibrant birds.

Casa de Campo guides hand out binoculars and field guides at sunrise. They lead small groups along palm-lined creeks and coral reef coves. This eastern Dominican Republic hotspot ranks among top birding sites in the Caribbean Sea.

Visitors log over 200 species, from coastal waders to forest dwellers. Smartphone cameras help capture each flutter and call.

Saona Island Excursion

Isla Saona shows off clear Caribbean Sea waters and vibrant coral reefs for snorkelers. Grab snorkel gear and enjoy a catamaran ride to hidden natural pools full of sea stars.

Crystal-clear waters and coral reefs

Crystal-clear waters around Saona Island host marked coral reefs. Visibility tops 50 feet from December to April. Mask and snorkel gear lets travelers trace vibrant sea creatures and marine reptiles.

Catamaran rides from Casa de Campo port cross into Parque Nacional del Este.

Shallow natural pools harbor giant starfish in waist-level water. Guided tours chart reef ecosystem paths along Portugal Point. Photographers use underwater housings to capture each bright scene.

Tour operators hail this Dominican Republic spot as a top marine escape.

Visit the natural pools

After exploring coral reefs, the speedboat skims the Caribbean Sea toward a sandy sandbar. The captain slows near ledges and reveals a shallow lagoon. Guests make a 30-minute stop at the natural pools.

Shallow waters teem with tiny fish and starfish. Visitors strap on water shoes to navigate rocky spots. Travelers admire this Saona Island highlight in La Romana province.

Dominican Republic vs Mexico: Which Luxury Escape is Right for You?

Explore a quick guide to decide your ideal luxury escape.

Criteria	Dominican Republic	Mexico
Beach Quality	Soft white sand and calm waters	Vibrant reefs and clear surf
Resort Choices	Palladium family resort Barcelo Bavaro Palace	Large all-inclusive complexes Intimate boutique hotels
Accessibility	Ferry link to Isla Mujeres	Direct flights into Cancun airport
Local Vibe	Authentic Punta Cana charm	Blend of heritage and modern luxury
Food & Wildlife	Fresh seafood and birdwatching	Renowned local cuisine and jungle fauna
Excursion Highlights	Río Chavón boat tour and cave art	Cenote swims and ancient ruins
Family Appeal	Shallow beach zones and kids’ clubs	Water parks and interactive wildlife tours
Forum Insights	Choose resort to match your mood	Weigh wildlife trips against food tours

How to Plan Your Day Trips

Use Google Maps and a weather app to map your day trip. Book a car rental with your credit card and pack essential gear for the trail or beach.

Transportation options

Taxis and rental cars operate around Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic. Guests grab a shuttle van from La Romana Province. Drivers accept a credit card or cash for rides to Santo Domingo’s colonial zone, Altos de Chavón and the Teeth of the Dog golf course.

Charter a boat at the marina. Rent a two-person boat on the Chavón River and guide yourself past lush banks. Book a catamaran ride to Catalina Island or Saona Island. Scan coral reefs with a snorkel and marvel at natural beauty.

Packing essentials for nature excursions

Smart packing boosts comfort on Casa de Campo excursions. Coastal and inland tours demand diverse gear.

• Water shoes: you need slip-resistant shoes for rocky shores at Isla Catalina and shallow lagoons along the Chavón River.
• Moisture-wicking shirts and pants: you want breathable gear for hikes in Parque Nacional del Este and spelunking at Las Maravillas Cave in the Dominican Republic.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: you protect skin under the tropical sun during a catamaran ride to Saona Island and coral reefs near Playa Minitas.
• Lightweight neck gaiter: you shield face and neck from dust on guided tours through Altos de Chavón and cultural tours in Santo Domingo.
• Dry sack: you secure camera, drone, and phone during rafting on the Chavón River and boat trips in the Caribbean Sea.
• Headlamp or flashlight: you explore Taino art in cave of wonders with reliable light after sunset in Las Maravillas Cave.
• Binoculars: you spot coastal birds and big game along the Teeth of the Dog golf course near Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
• Hydration bladder: you carry fresh water for long treks through La Romana Province and visits to the archaeological museum.
• Swim shirt and towel: you stay comfy at coral reefs off Isla Catalina and relax at Saona Island’s natural pools.
• Travel first aid kit: you treat minor scrapes after a hike on Altos de Chavón’s rocky trails or a slip in a sea cave.

Proceed to the conclusion to seal your itinerary.

Conclusion

10. Conclusion: Trips to Catalina Island, Altos de Chavón, Las Maravillas, Chavón River, El Este Park, and Saona Island reveal diverse wild settings. Guests book tours with our concierge service in minutes.

Each route stays smooth with private transfers and catamaran sails. These escapes refresh your spirit and boost your nature awareness. Check our Casa de Campo app for maps, gear lists, and guide contacts.

I once watched a heron glide above the river at sunrise.

Unsure if a luxury escape to the Dominican Republic or Mexico is more your style? Find out in our comprehensive comparison.

FAQs

1. What day trip shows Rio Chavón and Altos de Chavón near Casa de Campo?

You can join guided tours in La Romana Province to visit Rio Chavón and stroll the stone streets of Altos de Chavón. You will see an archaeological museum and enjoy cultural tours.

2. Where can I swim in clear water and see coral reefs?

You can take a catamaran ride from Casa de Campo Resort & Villas into the Caribbean Sea. You land on Isla Catalina or Saona Island in Parque Nacional del Este. You will float above bright coral reefs and soak up the natural beauty.

3. What caves can I explore near Casa de Campo?

You can explore Las Maravillas Cave on a guided tour. You will walk through cool halls and admire rock shapes that sparkle in torchlight.

4. How can I enjoy scenic views and golf at Casa de Campo?

You can drive the coastal road to view the Caribbean Sea at Teeth of the Dog golf course. You also can play or watch at the Dye Fore course on the Casa de Campo grounds.

5. Is there a city day trip from Casa de Campo?

You can book a trip to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. You will stroll cigar country, tour the colonial zone, and visit more archaeological museum sites on cultural tours.

References

1. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g16884615-d17647185-Catalina_Island_Snorkeling_Full_day_Trip-Cap_Cana_Punta_Cana_La_Altagracia_Provi.html
2. https://quetzalexcursions.com/excursion/day-trip-catalina-island/
3. https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/excursions/
4. https://simplydominican.com/top-10-excursions-from-casa-de-campo/ (2024-08-21)
5. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147292-d670241-Reviews-Altos_de_Chavon_Regional_Museum_of_Archaeology-La_Romana_La_Romana_Province_Domini.html
6. https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/altos-de-chavon/
7. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cueva-de-las-maravillas-cave-of-wonders (2010-06-30)
8. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g3458418-d2037534-Reviews-Rio_Chavon-La_Romana_Province_Dominican_Republic.html
9. https://casadecampoliving.com/an-adventure-up-the-chavon-river-in-speed-boat/
10. https://theabroadguide.com/national-park-of-the-east-private-hiking-tour-with-swimming/
11. https://meadowhawk.wordpress.com/2019/02/05/birding-with-explora-ecotour-in-the-national-park-of-the-east/
12. https://puntacanatourstore.com/blog/Saona-Island-snorkeling-excursions/
13. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g7351269-Activities-c42-Isla_Saona_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html
14. https://theabroadguide.com/saona-island-day-trip-lobsters-included/
15. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147293-i28-k13848393-Dominican_Republic_vs_Mexico-Punta_Cana_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html
16. https://postcardsfromhawaii.co/home/packing-guide-excursions-tours-day-trips