Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. The staff is just there for you. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. Icebox. Saona Island Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. Best Things To Do on Saona Island It depends what you meany by "better". It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. 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 best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! Best Saona Island Tours During the navigation to Saona, you will enjoy an incomparable landscape, observing the beauty of the Cotubanam Natural Park (also known as Parque Nacional del Este), full of beaches, palm trees and mangroves. Going on a private boat tour to Saona Island allows you to combine the deserted island atmosphere with the comfort of your own exclusive method of transportation and control over your itinerary. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. You may be very lucky and see a family of dolphins, a turtle, a whale or even a manatee Some of these species are in danger of extinction, so it will not be easy for you to find them, but not impossible, so be attentive. 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. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. If you are traveling with a large family or a group of friends, the prices of a private tour can be even more affordable than if booked individually. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina LauraS This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. Our most popular Saona excursion is the Saona Crusoe VIP: an adventure per fast speedboat to the most remote and the most beautiful beaches on Saona Island. GOOD NEWS! Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. If you dont find the right offer among those private tours and you are looking for other excursions to Isla Saona, feel free to send me an email to puntacanatravelblog (at) gmail (dot) com. Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. . 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. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. 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. 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. Book Online! Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? 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. 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. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Hotels Pick-up. You might be surprised! 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. From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! 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. saona island All inclusive: Marine transport: motomaran and catamaran with party and entertainment program. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. . $ 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. 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. Half Day Trip. Hence, if you are concerned about Covid-19 in Punta Cana, but still would like to enjoy an easy and worry-free holiday, private excursions are the best choice for you. 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. Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. In the afternoon, you head back to your starting point. 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. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). 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. 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. 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. Which one suits what I am looking for? Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? Thats just 100 USD per person for a private tour if you go with 15 people, which is much cheaper than most Isla Saona private tours. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Most. Plus, they have not responded to my reservation request. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona, check out this post if you are looking for better snorkeling options, Small Group Private Boat to Saona Island*, Private Premium Catamaran to Saona Island*, Affordable Saona private tour from Bayahibe for medium groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Bayahibe for large groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for small groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for medium groups*, Full-service Saona private tour from Punta Cana for small groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for large groups*, snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic, Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island, Even the Dominican Republic has its own (very extensive) hygiene protocol, 30+ exciting things-to-do in Punta Cana in 2023 (Dominican Republic), Punta Cana itinerary for an easy 1-week road-trip beaches, culture and mountains, 13 Insider tips on how to find the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Excursion to Isla Saona 2023 everything you need to know for your hassle-free Saona Island Tour, further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article, this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people, Check Affordable Isla Saona Private Tour*, this private yacht tour for up to 10 people, the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group, Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Hoyo Claro how you can save 588 USD when visiting a cenote in Punta Cana, Finest Punta Cana a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort, The best dune buggy adventure tours in Punta Cana (Tested and hand-picked), Scuba Diving in Punta Cana your full guide with the best dive sites & dive shops in Punta Cana, Rum Tours in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, Baha de las guilas hotels, glamping, beach info, things-to-do and a secret+quick way to get there, no transfers included (starts from Bayahibe), no transfers included (boat starts from Bayahibe), approx. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Catalina Island is uninhabited. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? 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 The captain is included with the boat rental. Or, if youre feeling adventurous, go scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea to see lots of beautiful fish and interesting sea creatures! I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. 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. The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! Whala!Bayahibe Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? . BOAT RULES. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? 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. They all pretty much go to all the same stops. 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. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. 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. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. And what about water temp? It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). Any information would be appreciated. Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. Departing from Bayahibe. Espero volver a verles pronto!! This excursion is perfect to do with children. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. 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. Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. 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. Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. 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. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving discounts - what to see at Dominicus - check out reviews and 4 photos for Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving 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. 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. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. No shoes on the boat. Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. I'm a little nervous. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. The indegineous Taino people, the native populations of the Dominican Republic, occupied Saona Island before Christopher Columbuss arrival in 1494. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. 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! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? . Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. Maximum 6 passengers. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina.