Why Casa de Campo Is the DR's Premier Yachting Destination
While Punta Cana gets all the tourist headlines, Casa de Campo and Marina La Romana offer something far more exclusive: a world-class marina, protected Caribbean anchorages, and access to some of the most spectacular uninhabited islands and reefs in the eastern Caribbean. Located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic near La Romana, Casa de Campo is a private resort community with a marina that has welcomed superyachts and sailing vessels from around the globe for decades.
For private charter guests, the appeal is the combination of luxury infrastructure with relatively uncrowded waters. The Isla Saona and Isla Catalina area, protected within Cotubanamá National Park, offers pristine marine environments that have been carefully preserved from over-tourism.
Marina Casa de Campo: Caribbean's Finest Marina
Marina Casa de Campo was designed from the ground up as a yachting destination. With over 350 slips accommodating vessels up to 250 feet, five-star restaurants and shops along the waterfront, customs and immigration services, and 24-hour security, it operates at a level rarely found outside the Mediterranean or Fort Lauderdale.
For day-charter guests, the marina is also the gateway to the area's most spectacular boating destinations, with a fleet of well-maintained vessels ranging from fishing center consoles to full-size luxury catamarans available for private hire.
Top Destinations Accessible from Casa de Campo
Isla Saona National Park
Isla Saona is one of the most photographed places in the entire Caribbean — a long, shallow lagoon with translucent water, a natural pool formed by a sandbar, and a backdrop of swaying palms that looks almost too perfect to be real. The island is part of Cotubanamá National Park and receives visitors only by boat. A private charter means you arrive before the large group tour boats and can anchor in spots the crowds never reach. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes from Marina Casa de Campo.
Isla Catalina
Closer to the marina (about 30 minutes), Isla Catalina is a smaller, quieter island with one of the best reef wall dives in the DR — a dramatic underwater cliff that drops to 30+ meters, frequented by eagle rays, turtles, and large pelagic fish. The island also has a wide, calm beach ideal for snorkeling in shallow water. For families and mixed groups who want both snorkeling and beach time, Catalina is the perfect destination.
Cayo Levantado
Part of the Samaná Peninsula (further northeast), Cayo Levantado — known locally as "Bacardi Island" — is a stunning palm-fringed island that famously appeared in early Bacardi rum advertisements. It's a longer journey (1.5–2 hours by fast boat) but worth it for travelers with more time to explore the DR's varied coastline.
Offshore Fishing
The waters off La Romana sit along the edge of a deep oceanic channel where blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, dorado, and wahoo are abundant year-round. The DR's offshore fishing is among the best in the Caribbean, and the protected inner waters support superb reef fishing for snappers, grouper, and lobster. Charter rates for offshore sport fishing start from $600–$1,200 for a half-day depending on vessel and fishing type.
Types of Private Charters Available
The Casa de Campo charter fleet includes options for every group type:
- Luxury catamaran (up to 30 guests): Full-day charters to Saona or Catalina with captain, crew, open bar, and fresh seafood lunch. From $600–$900.
- Private motor yacht (up to 12 guests): More intimate experience with faster transit and greater itinerary flexibility. From $450–$700 per day.
- Center console sportboat (up to 8 guests): Best for fishing or quick island hops. From $300–$500 half-day.
- Sunset cruise (up to 15 guests, 3 hrs): Evening charters along the coast with drinks and appetizers. From $250–$400.
Casa de Campo Charter Experience: What to Expect
Charter operators serving Casa de Campo typically offer a higher baseline level of service than many other Caribbean markets. English-speaking captains are the norm (given the large international guest base at the resort), and catering standards are noticeably higher — fresh ceviche, lobster, and local specialties rather than generic buffet food.
Most operators require a minimum of 48 hours' advance booking and a 50% deposit to confirm. Full payment is typically due 72 hours before departure. Cancellation due to weather is always accommodated with a full rescheduling or refund.
Best Time to Charter in Casa de Campo
The DR's best boating weather is from November through June. The winter months (December–March) are peak season — clear skies, northeast trade winds (good for sailing, manageable for motorized charters), and optimal water visibility. July–September is hurricane season; most experienced operators will proactively cancel or reschedule if any system threatens the area.