saona or catalina island

If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! Maximum for 40 people on board. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. 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. 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! Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Dominican Republic does not have strict mandates or lockdown restrictions and you can travel freely. 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. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. 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. Coco Bongo Punta Cana When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. 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, 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. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? . If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. 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. 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. With over 20yrs. DESCRIPTION. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Punta Cana Whale Watching Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. . We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. The ride from Bayahibe to Catalina by boat takes about 25 min. Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Catalina Island Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Social distancing can be enforced. 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! I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. 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. 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. 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. 13 Punta Cana: Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island by Cataraman. 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 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. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). 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. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. 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. History of Saona Island One of the cheapest and most recommended tours is this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people*. Excellent choice highly recommended! Saona Island then remained uninhabited for a long period of time. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. 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. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. 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. 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! In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. I guess it depends on what you want to do! 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. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). Another underrated activity at Saona Island is scuba diving. 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. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. Departing from Bayahibe. 16 Rum Factory Tour. 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. It has an approximate area of 9.6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. 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. Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . 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. 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. But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. 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. Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. 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. GOOD NEWS! Saona.fun is focused on quality tours to the islands of Saona & Catalina. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. We will be there first part of March :). Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. The Saona excursions hit Catuano Beach where the old pier is, the snorkelig can be good or just so so there depending on the conditions because you're closer to shore. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. 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. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Sorry we have not used that outfit. 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. However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that! And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. This excursion is perfect to do with children. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. I'm a little nervous. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. 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. 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. 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. The first one is The Wall which as we mentioned before, is also known as The Wall of Catalina. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! Started June 21, 2021, By With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? 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. 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. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. FULL PACK TOURS . If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island* or continue reading my Isla Catalina guide. B&B Villa Luna. Private tours are not cheap, especially when boat rides or catamaran cruises are included. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . By Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. 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. 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. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. You might be surprised! It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. 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 . 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Best Beaches of Saona Island 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. That was Saona Island! You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. 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. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. 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. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. Some of the ordinary group. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. Choose your destination: Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. 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. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. CC Help Jenn This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. Go with the pros to Saona! The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much morewhen you sign up for our newsletter. The island of Saona is the most visited island in the Dominican Republic. The time on Saona island is priceless. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price: 5$ USD per person. He was able to arrange a private boat at a very good cost to pick up my girlfriend and I right next to our resort on the beach. Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. This island also has a lot to offer you. Hotels Pick-up. The pool is formed because lots of sand naturally gets accumulated in one area, bringing ocean levels to just a couple of feet and making it feel like a pool! DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . Saona Island Let's go there! Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. 3. Best Things To Do on Saona Island 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. 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. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido 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! Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. 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*. $ 120 $ 98 6 - 8 Hours Car SALE 27 Waterfalls Buggies Tour Puerto Plata $ 95 $ 65 3 - 4 Hours buggies SALE 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. What's so amazing about Isla Saona? Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything.

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