Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. Saona Island Water was beautiful. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Great info thank you! Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! 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. 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. 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. Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. 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. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). 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. We have used Seavis Tours for Saona Island and Pro Excursions for Catalina and would highly recommend both of these, they're both located in Bayahibe. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. And then go for another relaxing swim! We, as an agency and tour operator, also depend on transportation to the islands, which are independent, so the cost also depends on these factors.Even so, you can book our Saona Island and Catalina Island experiences from these prices: As you can see, both paradises are at your fingertips. 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. 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. 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? It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Save. What's so amazing about Isla Saona? 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. (Click below to navigate) Catalina is more recommended if you are in snorkeling and scuba diving. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. Started August 27, 2021, By 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! 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. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . CC Help Jenn The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. You might be surprised! Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. Punta Cana Whale Watching 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. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. 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. You mentioned the wall. Traveling to Isla Saona in your own private boat is the safest way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island. 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. 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. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. Interesting Facts 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. It is a virgin island of fine white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and full of coconut trees. Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. Saona is more recommended if you are looking for a nice beach with no seaweed and great views. However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that! It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. . This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! You get the boat, the open bar and the food. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. 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. So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? LEARN MORE . Saona Island. The time on Saona island is priceless. 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 crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! Thank you for your review and your trust in us. Which one to go to? 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. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. 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. Book your Saona Island Tour now! Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. 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. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. 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! You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. Hotels Pick-up. This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. BOAT RULES. Hotels Pick-up. GOOD NEWS! Transfer and lunch are optional, hence I recommend to make proper arrangements with the organizer of the tour before so that they exactly know what you wish for your private excursion to Saona Island. As you can read in my review about Isla Catalina, it further scores with its catamaran cruise, as you can enjoy it both ways as opposed to the combined speed boat-/catamaran ride to Isla Saona. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. 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. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. 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. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. Social distancing can be enforced. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Best Saona Island Tours Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. Best Beaches of Saona Island Seaweed was present around the first snorkel site at the old pier, not over where we were, but the snorkeling is not great there anyway. 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 . The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. Icebox. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. You may have seen Saona Island in the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Blue Lagoon, since some scenes from these movies were shot on Isla Saona! In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. Aparta-Hotel Villa Baya. However, this is different for private tours, which is why I would lean more towards Isla Saona if I had to choose where to go on a private excursion from Punta Cana with my friends or family. Click. Where to begin to describe one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. I guess it depends on what you want to do! It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. 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. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. Saona Island only has two small villages and a total population of just around 500 residents, but the charming villages of Mano Juan and Catuano are well worth your visit. Sea water has healing properties. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. Catalina Beach. Departing from Bayahibe. 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. . Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. No shoes on the boat. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. At Mano Juan, you will find a few gift shops with typical souvenirs to take back home with you, stands with local art, and a small restaurant that serves fresh island food. We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! 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. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. 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! With an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. Coco Bongo Punta Cana experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. 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. He knows every captain in the area and every boat. Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. By 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! In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. 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. Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. And what about water temp? A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. $ 95 $ 70 Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? Any information would be appreciated. A stop is made at the natural pool in front of Palmilla Beach, where the water will reach your waist and you can enjoy a spectacular natural environment. 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 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 All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. 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. 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. Alternatively, you may use. 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. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. and share your adventures with friends and family. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. 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. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . The island measures about 9.6 . El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Before we are delving into the private excursions to Isla Saona (and Isla Catalina), lets have a look first at Isla Catalina, which can easily be regarded as the little sister of Isla Saona. DESCRIPTION. 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. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island 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. Experience a country of the wonders, one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Dominican Republic, famous for its coral reefs and tropical fish. Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year. Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. Half Day Trip. 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. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. That was Saona Island! Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island* or continue reading my Isla Catalina guide. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. Saona has areas that are contracted by many of the tour operators that do trips there so they have their own little area for each tour group to do their meals and drinks that are included with most trips. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. covid-19 coverage): Book it*. It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. 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. 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? Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. Required fields are marked *. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? 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. Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. 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. It has an approximate area of 9.6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? 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. Most. 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. 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 Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. 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 were about 20 of us, and only two divers. 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. When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. 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. 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! With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. And its not surprising! Saona has basically two types of excursion; the party trip usually using speedboat one way and catamaran the other (imho speedboat out cat back is best for the party) and our best trip was trimaran both ways , and the eco trip run by Seavis Bayahibe which visits empty beaches and the turtle hatchery at Mano Juan using motor boats.