We will make our first stop in the middle of the ocean to Snorkel or Dive (depends the program youve booked) with some of our professional guides in the water with the most marine fauna in the Caribbean. Catalina Island | Hotels, Restaurants & Island Adventures 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. That's why today we want you to know the best of each one, so you can decide which one you want to visit on your next vacation in Punta Cana. Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Since it is a part of the national park, Isla Saona and its waters are home to endangered and rare animal species such as rhinoceros iguana, the gentle manatee, and dolphins that you may not see elsewhere! Casa de Campo Sailing Catamaran Charter to Saona or Catalina But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. Although the difference is minimal, Saona is usually cheaper because it is closer to the tourist sites of Punta Cana. It offers seemingly endless miles of white sand beaches, but some of the most popular Saona Island beaches are Canto de la Playa, Playa Bonita, and Playa del Gato. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. It's Catalina Island's secret summer. The captain is included with the boat rental. . Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . LauraS Luxury Yacht Charter from Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina Casa de Campo Marina, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic 23 5 Verified Crew Included CLEAN & SAFE 450 US$ ( Per boat ) Private Boat Rental to Saona or Catalina Island Tour Bayahibe, Dominican Republic 12 Verified Crew Included Post a free listing to rent your boat This is a real island mon! If you are interested in group tours and regular excursions, please check this article for Saona Island and this one for Catalina Island.Are you interested in further Punta Cana tours? FULL PACK TOURS . Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thats when I met Oscar at the other end of the phone He is a super nice and personable guy and immediately understood what we wanted to do and how to do it. The conventional way to visit Saona Island is to go on an excursion on a big boat with a crowd of people you do not know and a mediocre buffet lunch. . Private tours to Saona Island are already starting at 450 USD per group, which is a real bargain considering that you have the crew and boat all on your own. Private SpeedBoat Tours Saona or Catalina Islands | WannaBoats Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. It is led by Negro, a local community organization, that gets turtle eggs from high-risk areas to a safe environment where they can hatch and then be returned to their natural habitat. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. No shoes on the boat. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. Excellent choice highly recommended! Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. How to get to the Saona island is only arriving from the public beach of Bayahibe, from there you can hire us in different options in package tours, or renting a boat or catamaran yacht . There are not as many private tours available for Isla Catalina as for Isla Saona, hence a comprehensive list with different tours and providers doesnt make that much sense. The island of Saona is the most visited island in the Dominican Republic. The staff is just there for you. Saona Island Vs Catalina Island | WannaBoats We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido It is recognized as one of the best diving / snorkeling spots in the Dominican Republic and even the Caribbean and it is not surprising due to its seabed full of corals, sea sponges and tropical fish. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). (Click below to navigate) CC Help Jenn Saona is more recommended if you are looking for a nice beach with no seaweed and great views. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! In the afternoon, you head back to your starting point. Whala!Bayahibe Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. Afterwards, we will head to our open buffet for lunch on the island, where you will also be able to explore its exquisite white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees and jungle. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? Hope this helps! DESCRIPTION. One of the cheapest and most recommended tours is this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people*. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. Let's go there! You dont have any strangers on the boat. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. Gran Oferta Saona & Catalina | Saona Excursiones Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. Palmilla Sandbank is the beach where the natural swimming pool is located. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. Catamaran Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahibe 2023 - La Romana - Viator But why not consider a private tour (from Punta Cana or elsewhere) and setting your own itinerary? It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Catalina Island | Saona Dreams Isla Saona gets visited every day by thousands of tourists. Going on a private boat tour to Saona Island allows you to combine the deserted island atmosphere with the comfort of your own exclusive method of transportation and control over your itinerary. Which one suits what I am looking for? $ 95 $ 70 If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. The first tourist boat to dock at Saona was Christopher Columbus in 1494 and Saona has not ceased to amaze visitors for the last 500+ years! Professional Music Equipment. See a list of all hotels in Saona Island. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . And the Cuba Libres flowed freely at the Natural Pool after:D. But highly recommend Seavis for the OP, they arrange the taxi and are just a top-notch outfit. I guess it depends on what you want to do! Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. Would you like to take advantage of someone with years of experience in the tourism industry (knowing all the travel hacks ) and living right in the place where you would like to spend your holiday?Thats what my personal travel coaching is for. I asked a resident of Bayahibe about the present seaweed conditions and they are very bad around Punta Cana but Bayahibe and areas nearby are very clean, beaches look gorgeous around Bayahibe and Saona. Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Saona Island La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. Isla Catalina, also called Isla Ikiita (also called by local indigenous people like Toeya) is an island in the Caribbean Sea just a few kilometers southeast of Isla La Espaola south of the province of La Romana. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). You will start your tour in La Romana and stop at the most famous snorkeling spot in the area, where you can see colorful fish and a tropical reef. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. The captain is included with the boat rental. Catalina Island, also known as Ikiita Island, is considered a Protected Natural Park and is located half an hour by boat from Casa de Campo in La Romana. Both meet the prototype of Caribbean paradise islands, with crystal clear waters and beaches of fine yellow sand that lend themselves to spend a day of scandal. Especially when you are traveling with 16 people or more, I am happy to get you in touch with the best companies or give you personal recommendations on your tour. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! It also offers a better snorkeling experience. BOAT RULES. Plus, they have not responded to my reservation request. If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. Are you looking for a littleadventure? Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. Hotel Bayahibe. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. Isla Saona also has multiple caves that you can explore, but Saona Island beaches are more popular. Click here to learn more! When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. 3. Starfish proliferate there, which are one of the main attractions for tourists. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. It is also an exceptionally good place to fish, where you can find specimens of guatapan, horse mackerel, king mackerel, and other types of temperate-water fish. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. Isla Saona: Saona Info | Book it*Dune buggy and ATV excursion: Buggy Info | Book it*Punta Cana Ziplining: Zipline Info | Book it*Party boat & booze cruise: Party Boat Info | Book it*Scape Park Cap Cana & Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon Info | Book it*Los Haitises National Park: Los Haitises Info | Book it* Santo Domingo: Santo Domingo Info | Book it*Saman (Salto El Limn & Cayo Levantado): Saman Info | Book it*Helicopter & airplane tours: Helicopter Info | Book it*Whale watching (Jan-Mar only): Whale watching Info | Book it*Looking for more inspiration? I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). Isla Catalina (Repblica Dominicana) - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona, check out this post if you are looking for better snorkeling options, Small Group Private Boat to Saona Island*, Private Premium Catamaran to Saona Island*, Affordable Saona private tour from Bayahibe for medium groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Bayahibe for large groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for small groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for medium groups*, Full-service Saona private tour from Punta Cana for small groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for large groups*, snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic, Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island, Even the Dominican Republic has its own (very extensive) hygiene protocol, 30+ exciting things-to-do in Punta Cana in 2023 (Dominican Republic), Punta Cana itinerary for an easy 1-week road-trip beaches, culture and mountains, 13 Insider tips on how to find the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Excursion to Isla Saona 2023 everything you need to know for your hassle-free Saona Island Tour, further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article, this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people, Check Affordable Isla Saona Private Tour*, this private yacht tour for up to 10 people, the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group, Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Hoyo Claro how you can save 588 USD when visiting a cenote in Punta Cana, Finest Punta Cana a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort, The best dune buggy adventure tours in Punta Cana (Tested and hand-picked), Scuba Diving in Punta Cana your full guide with the best dive sites & dive shops in Punta Cana, Rum Tours in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, Baha de las guilas hotels, glamping, beach info, things-to-do and a secret+quick way to get there, no transfers included (starts from Bayahibe), no transfers included (boat starts from Bayahibe), approx. When staying in Punta Cana, there are tons of group tours to book, but what should you do if you are looking for a private excursion to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Saona Island | Best Tours in Punta Cana For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. Half Day Trip. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! You will see the natural swimming pool with some starfish, have (sometimes) a quick mediocre snorkeling stop (please note that Isla Saona is not a snorkeling excursion check out this post if you are looking for better snorkeling options), cruise along the coastline of the national park with an ocean catamaran and have a speed boat ride the other way back. There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Saona Island Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. You can define the itinerary. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X, Hotels near Altos de Chavon School of Design, Hotels near Altos de Chavon Regional Museum of Archaeology, Hotels near Prestige Car Rentals Services, Hotels near Samana Whale Watching Tour and Excursions. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island Getting to know the way of life on a small Caribbean island is a cultural immersion that can be done in the village of Mano Juan. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo.