Catalina Island: a picturesque oasis in the Dominican Republic The truth is, many tour and excursion providers try to fit as many people as they can on a boat or catamaran and being stuck in a crowd of people you dont know can ruin your entire Saona Island experience. But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. Most families in Mano Juan make their living by fishing, so you can expect freshly caught local fish accompanied with yummy and healthy sides, such as plantains, rice, and cassava. It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. 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. If you are traveling with a large family or a group of friends, the prices of a private tour can be even more affordable than if booked individually. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. 16 Rum Factory Tour. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. Go with the pros to Saona! Thats particularly important in times of. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! It has various natural beauties, such as its paradisiacal beaches with white sands and the crystalline waters that surround it live different species of birds and fish. There are two places worth exploring while diving: El Muro, an impressive wall that plunges into the Caribbean Sea, reaching a depth of about 100 meters; and El Acuario, where the dive is 11 meters, full of coral formations, where you can find some of the most typical species of the Caribbean Sea such as seahorses, the famous lion fish or toad fish, among others. Even the Dominican Republic has its own (very extensive) hygiene protocol, which gets excellent reviews and international recognition, a group tour is still a group tour with many other people. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. He knows every captain in the area and every boat. The captain is included with the boat rental. Most. Excursions and Tours Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, DR - SeavisTours Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. 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. : Saona Island- Dominican Republic tours and excursions In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. Catalina Island, a must in Dominican Republic | Saona Dreams If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. If the trip is cancelled with less than 14 days notice (for reasons excluding storms/unsafe weather conditions), the full deposit will be transferred to Boat Owner. Great info thank you! Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. . These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? This excursion is perfect to do with children. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. This island also has a lot to offer you. How to Get to Saona Island? Saona Island vs Catalina Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. Choose your destination: Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. GOOD NEWS! Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. Instead of being stuck on a large boat with a crowd of other tourists from different countries, you will be traveling on your own private boat to and from the island. 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. Hotel El Eden. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Bayahibe: Full-Day Saona Island Excursion | GetYourGuide We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. Best Things To Do on Saona Island 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. 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. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. Administratively, it also belongs to the province of La Romana, although in this case it forms its own national park called the same as the island. Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. Best Saona Island Tours Private Tour to Saona or Catalina island | WannaBoats As if that were not enough, after visiting this iconic place you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Catalina Island, putting the finishing touch to a perfect day. Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? So if you want to find accommodation near these two islands, we share with you the following list of hotels near Saona Island and Catalina island proposed by TripAdvisor: BAYAHIBE. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Catalina Island | Hotels, Restaurants & Island Adventures It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Departing from Bayahibe. All our Excursions - Quetzal Cata Excursions I will design your tailor-made itinerary, tell you how to save money on your trip and send you the best insider tips and recommendations. Most Saona Island tours with big boats and crowds wont make a snorkeling stop, but Saona can offer an amazing snorkeling experience since it is a part of a large national park, Cotubanam, and a sanctuary to a large number of different species. We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . . Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. Started June 21, 2021, By Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? Water was beautiful. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful ride along the waves to Isla Saona and follow your unique itinerary without feeling rushed or completely dependent on your tour provider and a large group of people you have never met before. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Our private half-day or full-day boat tours allow you to escape the crowds for a memorable Saona Island tour to experience this slice of Caribbean paradise on your own terms. Professional Music Equipment. I guess it depends on what you want to do! 3. There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. You can get a message on a gorgeous white sand beach under the swaying palm trees with a pina colada by your side and feel yourself again. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Let's go there! Some info about your guide Robert: Hello my name is Robert and originally I am Dutch. You will feel unique in the world, and even more so when you visit the natural pool, where you can see starfish and walk to infinity without being covered by the water. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! With Catalina you're snorkeling off the boat or off the Wall so less concerns about sand and you have both the Aquarium and the Wall to snorkel. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Oscar himself met us on the beach with our drinks which we paid for on the Internet and even helped us get on our boat. Saona Island (Isla Saona) Tours 77 Tours & Activities 4WD Tours 269 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 833 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Saona Island Beach Day 39 Reviews Cap Cana, Caribbean Save to Wishlist From $70.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? Catalina Beach. And what about water temp? Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. Saona Island is located just off the coast of Punta Cana and Bayahibe and you can expect the quintessential Caribbean weather: warm, sunny, and simply beautiful! This is a real island mon! 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. Although it is located off the coast of the province of La Altagracia, it is administratively part of the province of La Romana. 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. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Just if snorkeling is important for you or if you have already been to Isla Saona, Isla Catalina might be the better pick for you. Save. Private SpeedBoat Tours Saona or Catalina Islands | WannaBoats Book your Saona Island Tour now! No shoes on the boat. 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. Smaller in size, less popular, fewer visitors and to a certain amount also not as (incredibly) beautiful as Isla Saona thats Catalina Island, just 15 miles away from Saona Island. LEARN MORE . Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and Id love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana. And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It*Guesthouses & AirBnBs: Info | Book It*Excursions: Info | Book It*Rental Car: Info | Book It*Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan ItTravel Insurance (incl. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina The island of Saona is the most visited island in the Dominican Republic. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. The second one will be in a much more relaxed spot, since in The Aquarium we will go down to 8 meters deep, where you will be able to get to know a wonderful underwater world. Thank you for your review and your trust in us. Mano Juan is the bigger village on the island but still has only about 500 residents who dedicate their lives to fishing, making art, and living in, Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. It just depends on what you are looking for. If you want to have a Saona Island day trip, you might be wondering what the best way to visit this beautiful Caribbean island is. Catalina Island I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. All of this is included in your private catamaran excursion to Saona Island for up to 15 people (just lunch and the national park fee is extra in case youd like to book it). Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. Saona Sun & Fun - Excursions to Saona Island The village of Mano Juan is still there and is one of the two charming fishing villages on Isla Saona, along with a village called Catuano. There are some recommendations that are the same for all the excursions: The best time to visit both islands is from January to April, when rainfall is much lower and temperatures are lower. Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. Saona Island known as Isla Saona in Spanish is a picturesque island only a short boat ride away from Punta Cana and Bayahibe that offers unparalleled wild nature and beautiful beaches. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. However, approximately three decades after Columbuss first visit and the Spanish conquest, the Taino population of the Dominican Republic including the Saona Island was diminished by old world diseases, such as smallpox, and brutal work conditions established by the colonizers. If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Another underrated activity at Saona Island is scuba diving. Saona Island Complete Guide | Best Things to Do | Punta Cana Hero Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. If we were seeing what are the differences of both islands, now it's time to put something in common. Started August 27, 2021, By Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! As there are just your people on the boat, you can decide how long you want to stay or if you want to skip a stop completely. You dont have any strangers on the boat. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. The time on Saona island is priceless. Catalina or Saona? - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor ATV + El Valle Beach & Waterfalls, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Pedernales, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Snorkeling & Lunch, Birdwatching in Los Haitises National Park, Birdwatching Punta Cana Birding Tours from Punta Cana to Los Haitises National Park, Catalina Island and Snorkeling with Catamaran Party From Punta Cana Half Day Experience. Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. DESCRIPTION. So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. Half Day Trip. 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. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. You may be very lucky and see a family of dolphins, a turtle, a whale or even a manatee Some of these species are in danger of extinction, so it will not be easy for you to find them, but not impossible, so be attentive. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. This island also has a lot to offer you. As indicated at the beginning of this article, Isla Catalina is less visited than Isla Saona thats also why there are fewer companies for private tours. This full-day Saona Island tour includes a buffet lunch served beneath shady palm trees, round-trip transport by sailing catamaran, drinks on board the boat, and four hours of free time to experience Saona Island at your own pace. Few tourists actually visit Mano Juan when they come to Saona Island, so incorporating a visit to this fishing village into your Isla Saona itinerary will give you a chance to experience this tranquil tropical island off the beaten track! Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). Punta Cana Day-TripsPunta Cana ExcursionsPunta Cana Family ActivitiesPunta Cana Family ResortsPunta Cana Free ActivitiesPunta Cana HikingPunta Cana ItineraryPunta Cana MapsPunta Cana NightlifePunta Cana Public TransportPunta Cana SnorkelingPunta Cana Things-to-DoPunta Cana WaterfallsPunta Cana Weather We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. Ready to discover Saona Island? And when you find yourself in its crystalline waters, you must remember that you are in one of the most important ecological reserves of the Dominican Republic. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. 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 want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! Thats just 100 USD per person for a private tour if you go with 15 people, which is much cheaper than most Isla Saona private tours. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. Punta Cana Currency Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. Board a small speedboat for the thrilling ride out to the island, including a stop at a natural swimming pool where you can see starfish. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. Saona Island VS Catalina Island ?? - La Romana Forum The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. Are you a small group or maybe even just a couple looking in getting away from the huge groups and the crowded Saona excursions? Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido Saona Island Dominican Republic | Excursions and Tours We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Hence, if you are concerned about Covid-19 in Punta Cana, but still would like to enjoy an easy and worry-free holiday, private excursions are the best choice for you. Yes, it's a killer combination. The yacht features a kitchen, a covered seating area and sufficient space outside to lounge and to enjoy the sun. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. By By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. 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.