saona or catalina island
and share your adventures with friends and family. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. 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. Tours and Tickets by Saona Dreams - Saona Catamaran Catamaran and Snorkeling Day Trip to Catalina 6 By Saona Dreams Full-day Tours 6+ hours Leaving from Bayahibe or Punta Cana hotels, you'll navigate on board a catamaran to Catalina, the jewel of the Caribbean Free cancellation from $79.00 per adult Reserve Contribute Write a review Upload a photo Maximum 6 passengers. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. 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. 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. If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. 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. There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. Saona Island then remained uninhabited for a long period of time. Children under 3 are FREE! Breakfast was a bun and a drink. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! They make for a gorgeous photo background, too! Take your friends and family (maximum 10 passengers). 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. Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. Icebox. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. Departing from Bayahibe. Lion fish, frog fish and seahorses are the real protagonists. Saona.fun is focused on quality tours to the islands of Saona & Catalina. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. This is a real island mon! The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. In them we can spend the day in paradise. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. As if that were not enough, in Catalina there is also the wreck of a ship called Cara Merchant, commanded by Captain Kidd at the end of the 17th century. Interesting Facts Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? 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 are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island* or continue reading my Isla Catalina guide. 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. The captain is included with the boat rental. 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. The captain is included with the boat rental. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. This island also has a lot to offer you. The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. 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. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! We started out being picked up with two other people to catch a bus which took us to this restaurant to be loaded on a catamaran . From there we went to Tao restaurant on saona island which was recommended by Oscar and was exceptional we had a luxurious lunch on a beautifully arranged table on the sand From there our captain Moiset took us to an area where we anchored offshore and were able to swim in the most clear blue water you can imagine. Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. You dont have any strangers on the boat. Click here to learn more! You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. Sea water has healing properties. Max. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. If you ever get hot during your Saona Island trip, simply go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or drink a cold Presidente! Pros/Cons? http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. GOOD NEWS! 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 The time on Saona island is priceless. Or perhaps you're planning your first visit to 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. Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? The staff is just there for you. 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. 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. : Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year. And what about water temp? 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. 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. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the 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. 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. Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". On the catamaran you will have drinks and you will be able to enjoy it with our entertainment group while sailing through the Caribbean Sea. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. He knows every captain in the area and every boat. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. 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 ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. In case youre looking for some other Saona Island private tours among them some with food, drinks and transfers included there are plenty of options for groups of up to 6 people. Comfortable and safe transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. We have several tours to Catalina and Saona islands. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. . The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms. Catalina Island is uninhabited. Then you will go to a privileged space at the beach of Saona, area equipped with chaise longue, canopy beds, open bar and a typical Dominican buffet. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. 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? In our catalog you can also find a visit similar to the previous one, but in this case going from Altos de Chavn to the paradisiacal island of Saona. 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. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. Hotel El Eden. 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. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing 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. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. . Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. I was scuba diving down there in November and the water temp was around 80 F. We like the Pro Excursions Saona tour because you are on a 45 ft. catamaran (with bathroom) both ways. the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. Coco Bongo Punta Cana Required fields are marked *. Saona and Catalina Island for only $45 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. However, in this modality, you will have the opportunity to visit parts of the island such as the Canto de la Playa or the Flamingos beach. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. Most. Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. You get the boat, the open bar and the food. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Hotel Bayahibe. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. 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. Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? 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. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! Saona Island BOAT RULES. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? While in most cases the safety measures are fine with hand sanitizer, face coverings and avoiding peoples congestion, the risk of transmitting Covid-19 can never be lowered to 0% especially with 70 other people on the boat. This excursion is perfect to do with children. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. SHARING IS CARING! Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. Where Is Isla Saona Located? 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. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? You mentioned the wall. On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). See a list of all hotels in Saona Island. Any information would be appreciated. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! At 17:00 it will be time to return by boat, and finally we will take you back to your hotel. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price: 5$ USD per person. In the afternoon, you head back to your starting point. Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! 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. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! It is suitable for up to 15 people and comes with a price tag of 1500 USD, lunch and drinks are included. So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? . It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. Perhaps the best known of the island is its beautiful natural pool, where you can walk dozens of meters without the water covering more than your hip. Affordable private Saona Island tours for families and small groups (up to 6 people), Private yachts and boats to Saona Island (up to 10 people), Private Catamaran to Isla Saona (up to 15 people), Saona Island private tours for 16 guests and more. Book an excursion or rent a private boat and enjoy the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, Why choose WannaBoats.com to rent a yacht, catamaran or speedboat to go to Saona or Catalina in Dominican Republic, Renting an all inclusive luxury catamaran yacht in the Bahamas can be done easily through WannaBoats.com, 1 or 2 weeks on a luxury catamaran for 6 people in the Bahamas, Rent a boat and explore the Exuma Islands, an essential visit in the Bahamas, The Bahamas recognized as a sustainable destination by the UNWTO, Why choose WannaBoats over other private boat rental websites, WannaBoats.com has been awarded the Travelers Choice badge on Tripadvisor from 2020 to 2022. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail The first stop will be Catalina Wall. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Aparta-Hotel Villa Baya. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido 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. Muy agradables los marineros. La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! 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. Private tours are not cheap, especially when boat rides or catamaran cruises are included. And then go for another relaxing swim! .. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. They are Saona Island and Catalina Island, located southwest of the island of Hispaniola. 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. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. And the best of all is that you will practically only have to leave your hotel room, as we will pick you up to take you to La Romana , and then go by catamaran to these dive sites. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? It is a Mediterranean village located on the banks of the Chavon River, also known as the City of Artists. And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. For further information, check out the following table with the cheapest Isla Saona private tours. Round Trip. Thank Kanta M . Visit the Tiki Bar, dance merengue, visit the Tiki Bar, play volleyball, visit the Tiki Bar, walk the beach, visit the Tiki Bar, hit the buffet.