Underwater Museums Feature Ships from the XVII and XVIII Centuries

The opportunity to observe the remains of the "Cara Merchant" shipwreck, off the shores of Catalina Island, as well as other similar underwater museums situated in Bayahibe, has turned the La Romana-Bayahibe tourism region into one of the Caribbean's most important attractions. With a population of 200,000 the city of La Romana became one of the Dominican Republic's most important tourism destinations. The city features an important cruise ship port, a sports marina and "Altos de Chavon," the city of artists. "Chavon," as it is known in the Dominican Republic, is an interesting replica of a medieval European village. It was built in the 1970s. All these attractions are part of the residential and tourism destination known throughout the world as "Casa de Campo," one of the first resorts of its kind built in the Caribbean. "Casa de Campo" currently fea- HOTELS Other popular hotels found in the region: Be Live Canoa, Catalonia Gran Dominicus, Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa, Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace and the Gran Bahia Principe La Romana. Other tourism complexes: Cadaques Caribe and Casa de Campo. For more information, please visit: www.explorelaromana.com. tures five golf courses. One of these, the "Teeth of the Dog" has remained during the last four decades as one of world's 50 best golf courses. The region also features a modern international airport. Bayahibe, on the other hand, was once a sleepy fishing village. It has reached international status because of its top-rated white-sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets. It has become one of the country's most important tourism destinations. The Viva Wyndham chain of hotels features two all-inclusive hotels in Bayahibe. This company is one of the sponsors of this innovative and important underwater project. This community was once an important enclave of Taino Indians, the native inhabitants of the island. Also found in the region is the National Park of the Eastern Region, a sprawling natural reserve with hiking trails, natural waterholes and pristine beaches. The park also includes Saona Island, which is visited annually by some 400,000 tourists.