When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. Your email address will not be published. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. 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 . Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? If we were seeing what are the differences of both islands, now it's time to put something in common. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Catamaran Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahibe 2023 - La Romana - Viator CC Help Jenn We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. Let's go there! And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. Isla Catalina (Repblica Dominicana) - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. 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. By Saona Sun & Fun - Excursions to Saona Island I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. 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. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. 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. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. Private SpeedBoat Tours Saona or Catalina Islands | WannaBoats 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. Best Saona Island Tours 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. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. 13 Punta Cana: Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island by Cataraman. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? Tourism During Covid There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. 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. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. Un servicio impecable. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Thank you for your review and your trust in us. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. 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. Hotels near Saona Island and Catalina Island | Saona Dreams - Domingo 60 guests. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. Luxury Yacht Charter from Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina Casa de Campo Marina, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic 23 5 Verified Crew Included CLEAN & SAFE 450 US$ ( Per boat ) Private Boat Rental to Saona or Catalina Island Tour Bayahibe, Dominican Republic 12 Verified Crew Included Post a free listing to rent your boat 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. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving attraction reviews - Gabriele 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. 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. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! Book your Saona Island Tour now! The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Dominican Republic does not have strict mandates or lockdown restrictions and you can travel freely. Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. Max. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. 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. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Started August 27, 2021, By ATV + El Valle Beach & Waterfalls, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Pedernales, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Snorkeling & Lunch, Birdwatching in Los Haitises National Park, Birdwatching Punta Cana Birding Tours from Punta Cana to Los Haitises National Park, Catalina Island and Snorkeling with Catamaran Party From Punta Cana Half Day Experience. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. Catalina Island | Hotels, Restaurants & Island Adventures This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. 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. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. Boat Rentals & Yacht Charters in Dominican Republic, The Bahamas & St With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. 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). Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. Catalina Beach. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. You mentioned the wall. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. We are happy to announce that we are in the Bahamas! Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. Isla Saona is the #1 demanded excursion in Punta Cana so Book now to ensure . Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. 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. CC Help Jenn Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. B&B Villa Luna. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. 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. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Social distancing can be enforced. It just depends on what you are looking for. Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. Hotels Pick-up. 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. Starfish proliferate there, which are one of the main attractions for tourists. Saona Sun & Fun 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 why not consider a private tour (from Punta Cana or elsewhere) and setting your own itinerary? Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. 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. Now Saona Island is a welcoming and popular destination with tourists from all over the world because of its natural beauty and unique untouched island atmosphere. In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. 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 island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. Your email address will not be published. SHARING IS CARING! 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. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. Thats when I met Oscar at the other end of the phone He is a super nice and personable guy and immediately understood what we wanted to do and how to do it. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! The captain is included with the boat rental. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. And what about water temp? 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. How to Get to Saona Island? Thats not surprising if you see the photos of this exclusive catamaran, which will bring you straight to paradise! Or maybe you just want to do some cool sightseeing? He knows every captain in the area and every boat. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. 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. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! 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. 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. Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. 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! Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. 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. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. . MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. 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. 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 known as Isla Saona in Spanish is a picturesque island only a short boat ride away from Punta Cana and Bayahibe that offers unparalleled wild nature and beautiful beaches. Saona Island etc. 10 people max. With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. Yes, it's a killer combination. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. Catalina Island is uninhabited. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? Beaches In La Romana, Dominican Republic Near Cruise Port 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. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. FULL PACK TOURS . Or perhaps you're planning your first visit to the island. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Private Catamaran for Rent to Saona, Palmilla or Catalina Los Flamencos Aparthotel. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Take your friends and family (maximum 10 passengers). 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. Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. Saona.fun is focused on quality tours to the islands of Saona & Catalina. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. 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. 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. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. Hotel Bocaino. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. 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. 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. 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. How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? 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. and share your adventures with friends and family. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). Interesting Facts It depends what you meany by "better". Sorry we have not used that outfit. Catalina Island | Saona Dreams Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. You can get a message on a gorgeous white sand beach under the swaying palm trees with a pina colada by your side and feel yourself again. It is 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. 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. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. . You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. The captain is included with the boat rental. There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. 3. That was easy! 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The first tourist boat to dock at Saona was Christopher Columbus in 1494 and Saona has not ceased to amaze visitors for the last 500+ years! Gran Oferta Saona & Catalina | Saona Excursiones Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. Bayahibe: Full-Day Saona Island Excursion | GetYourGuide Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. Hotel Bayahibe. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. 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. Catalina or Saona? - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! 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 . It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . You will start your tour in La Romana and stop at the most famous snorkeling spot in the area, where you can see colorful fish and a tropical reef. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. And even the price seems steep at first glance, if you break it down to 15 people, it is just a bit more than 100 US per person a real bargain for a private full-day catamaran cruise! Go with the pros to Saona! With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. . Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! 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 Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. 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. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? Saona is more recommended if you are looking for a nice beach with no seaweed and great views.