saona or catalina island saona or catalina island

Visiting Saona Island is usually a day trip and you will be back in your hotel by the early evening, so there is no need to search for accommodations 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. Catalina Island is uninhabited. It is suitable for up to 15 people and comes with a price tag of 1500 USD, lunch and drinks are included. FULL PACK TOURS . 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. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. Especially when looking for a little extra, a Saona Island private tour can be an amazing deal compared to sharing a catamaran with 70 other people. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. Another underrated activity at Saona Island is scuba diving. Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. Yes, it's a killer combination. Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. Great info thank you! Go with the pros to Saona! Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? If a speed boat is too small for you and you prefer a private yacht to visit Isla Saona, you can check out this private yacht tour for up to 10 people*. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dominican Republic, your choice should be Saona Island. . CC Help Jenn Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! In Mano Juan, a small fishing village on Isla Saona, there is a refuge for turtles that you can visit and you can help the cause with a donation. With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. Departing from Bayahibe. There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. Isla Saona natural pool is the largest natural pool in the world and there are lots of things you can do during your time there, from relaxing in the beautiful waters to dancing merengue on a boat and enjoying some Dominican rum! The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. 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. Catalina is sold as a snorkelling trip rather than a party trip - there is a wall on the east side of the island, the beach is on the west side. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. On the other hand, if your intention is to enjoy a privileged environment where you can also snorkel or dive, you should choose Catalina Island. 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. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. This is a real island mon! Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? That was easy! In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. The best 5 beaches in the Dominican Republic, Rent a boat and discover the best coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, A good profile picture helps you attract customers, Private Catamaran to Saona or Catalina in Bayahibe, SAONA ISLAND Speedboat for private rental in Bayahibe, VIP Speed Boat for Rent in Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina islands, Luxury Yacht Charter from Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. Hotels Pick-up. 60 guests. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! Palmilla Sandbank is the beach where the natural swimming pool is located. Or, if youre feeling adventurous, go scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea to see lots of beautiful fish and interesting sea creatures! Saona Island. Your email address will not be published. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Plenty in the sun! Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Most unique experience in a small group: Authentic rum tasting* (rating 5.00/5)Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo* (rating 4.92/5)Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling* (rating 4.91/5)Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda* (rating 4.78/5)Best excursion for families: Family Buggy Adventure* (rating 4.64/5)Not the right tour for you?Check out the 41 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog! : I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. In the 1940s, Rafael Trujillo, a Dominican dictator, established the small village of Mano Juan and used Saona Island as a place of exile for political objectors. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. 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. Even the particular beach you visit always depends on the company you book with, but chances are that you visit a less crowded part of the island. The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. Thats not surprising if you see the photos of this exclusive catamaran, which will bring you straight to paradise! All Rights Reserved. There is also a Turtle Sanctuary in the village, where you can see both older turtles and hatchlings taking their first steps in the Caribbean Sea. How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. Although the difference is minimal, Saona is usually cheaper because it is closer to the tourist sites of Punta Cana. Hotel El Eden. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 3. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Refrigerator. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Situated 10km from the cruise port and in front of Caleta Beach stated above, Catalina is a tiny uninhabited island consisting of 3.7 square miles. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. etc. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . Whala!Bayahibe If you ever get hot during your Saona Island trip, simply go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or drink a cold, 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. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? How to Get to Saona Island? Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. However, tours are sometimes cheaper than you might think, hence it is worth having a closer look at Catalina Island and Saona Island private tours. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! 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. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. The yacht features a kitchen, a covered seating area and sufficient space outside to lounge and to enjoy the sun. The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. Bayahibe Travel Guide This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! 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. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. 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. Which one to go to? Sorry we have not used that outfit. Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. There is also a growing number of ecolodges and eco-tourism camping sites, but we still recommend going back to your hotel and coming back for another visit if you feel like you still have things you want to do and see! Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? It's up to you whether you want to discover one of the islands or, if you have enough time, venture to know the two little jewels of the Dominican Republic. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. Pros/Cons? Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . 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 Un servicio impecable. Traveling to Isla Saona in your own private boat is the safest way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island. 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. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! We got you covered! Most. The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). It is a virgin island of fine white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and full of coconut trees. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! They all pretty much go to all the same stops. Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. Started August 27, 2021, By Saona island, Catalina island or natural pool of Las Palmillas Let us know your desires we will take care of offering you a tailor-made excursion! I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. 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 is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Hotels Pick-up. LEARN MORE . (Click below to navigate) Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. 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. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. The beach is lovely and long and has many of those type areas for many of the groups to spread out and enjoy the afternoon. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. Catalina Island Our most popular Saona excursion is the Saona Crusoe VIP: an adventure per fast speedboat to the most remote and the most beautiful beaches on Saona Island. 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. 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! Isla Catalina, tambin denominada Isla Ikiita (llamada tambin por los indgenas locales como Toeya), es una isla que se encuentra en el mar Caribe a slo unos kilmetros al sureste de la Isla La Espaola al sur de la provincia de La Romana que es parte de la Repblica Dominicana.Desde La Romana se tarda media hora en llegar a Isla Catalina. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. Hotel Bayahibe. .. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. Not Bus Pick Up. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. Professional Music Equipment. Choose your destination: In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. Saona Island Catamaran Tour 1 Bus Tours from $75.00 $68.25 per adult Saona Blue Paradise from Punta Cana 7 Lunch Cruises from $104.00 per adult Saona Island Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana 19 Bus Tours from $95.00 per adult All-Inclusive Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana (Full Day) Full-day Tours from $85.00 per adult Isla Catalina, also called Isla Ikiita (also called by local indigenous people like Toeya) is an island in the Caribbean Sea just a few kilometers southeast of Isla La Espaola south of the province of La Romana. Aparta-Hotel Villa Baya. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. Oscar himself met us on the beach with our drinks which we paid for on the Internet and even helped us get on our boat. I'm a little nervous. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Board a speedboat as soon as you arrive in the village of Bayahibe, towards the island of Saona to do some snorkeling at Catuano Peers. If you feel that this itinerary might limit your expectations or it is not as much fun as it could be, you should continue reading below, as in this case, a private tour to Isla Saona might be exactly what you are looking for. Water was beautiful. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. Save. 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 tranquilidad (Spanish for tranquility!). My girlfriend and I were visiting vacationing at dreams La Romana and wanted to take a private excursion to saona island without having to go on the 20+ people boats. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. Since 24 years I have been living and working together with my better half on the beautiful sun-drenched island called La . On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? I guess it depends on what you want to do! Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. Both islands have their advantages. Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. 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. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. 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. Each boat to Saona Island is different. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. Those are some of the options you have if you are staying in Punta Cana and are looking for a private yacht or catamaran excursion to one of the islands along the Southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. Plus, they have not responded to my reservation request. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. The captain is included with the boat rental. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. They have beaches worthy of a picture postcard, kilometers of sandy beach surrounded by palm trees and bathed by turquoise waters in a protected natural park. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much morewhen you sign up for our newsletter. 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). US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). No shoes on the boat. 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. However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. It is a Mediterranean village located on the banks of the Chavon River, also known as the City of Artists. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Required fields are marked *. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. BOAT RULES. 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? It also offers a better snorkeling experience. 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. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. Book Online! Looking for a private Saona Island tour? Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. It is known for its coral reefs, which caused shipwrecks of some ships such as that of Captain Kidd, a British pirate who was shipwrecked on the shores of Catalina and nowadays diving enthusiasts can visit his sunken ship in this history museum under the sea. the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. We are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity.