Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. Saona Island 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. You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. Save. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. GOOD NEWS! 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. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. The captain is included with the boat rental. Round Trip. Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. 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. Which one to go to? Book your Saona Island Tour now! With over 20yrs. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. Private tours are not cheap, especially when boat rides or catamaran cruises are included. Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving attraction reviews - Gabriele Saona Island Catamaran Tour 1 Bus Tours from $75.00 $68.25 per adult Saona Blue Paradise from Punta Cana 7 Lunch Cruises from $104.00 per adult Saona Island Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana 19 Bus Tours from $95.00 per adult All-Inclusive Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana (Full Day) Full-day Tours from $85.00 per adult They are Saona Island and Catalina Island, located southwest of the island of Hispaniola. Half Day Trip. The ride from Bayahibe to Catalina by boat takes about 25 min. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. Social distancing can be enforced. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . The staff is just there for you. Let's go there! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. Sorry we have not used that outfit. Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. 16 Rum Factory Tour. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! You might be surprised! Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Hotel El Eden. Saona Island Beach Day via Catamaran from Punta Cana 2023 - Viator Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. And then go for another relaxing swim! Hotels near Saona Island and Catalina Island | Saona Dreams - Domingo Catamaran Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahibe 2023 - La Romana - Viator (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. 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. Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. Catalina Island vs. Saona Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. If you are interested in group tours and regular excursions, please check this article for Saona Island and this one for Catalina Island.Are you interested in further Punta Cana tours? 100% recomendable. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Punta Cana Whale Watching No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. Book Online! 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. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! 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 Top Hotels in Saona Island - Expedia And its not surprising! Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina Catalina Island is uninhabited. 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. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. 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. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. And what about water temp? Take your friends and family (maximum 10 passengers). Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . Disappointing - Cheap Shuttles DR - tripadvisor.com 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. I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. 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. Choose your destination: 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. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. I'm a little nervous because they are way down the list on TA, but they do have decent reviews and have been responsive via email. Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . Catalina Island: a picturesque oasis in the Dominican Republic Of course, we would recommend visiting both, but if you can only decide on one, we leave you a brief comparison to help you choose. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. Excursion Isla Saona Vip - Related Sites - StatsCrop The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. 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. the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. Catalina Beach. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! 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. And then go for another relaxing swim! You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. Saona Sun & Fun However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. Refrigerator. LEARN MORE . Both islands have their advantages. Your email address will not be published. Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. Sea water has healing properties. 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! 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. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. 3. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. There are some recommendations that are the same for all the excursions: The best time to visit both islands is from January to April, when rainfall is much lower and temperatures are lower. . Un servicio impecable. 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. DESCRIPTION. 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. 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. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Where Is Isla Saona Located? The first stop will be Catalina Wall. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. Breakfast was a bun and a drink. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? 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. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. 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). It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. 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! 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. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. 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. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! With an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. You can define the itinerary. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. RNC: 1-31-25887-5 Tel: +1 829-208-7172 Email: info@saona.fun www.saona.fun Copyright Schau Ma Mal All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Alternatively, you may use. 13 Punta Cana: Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island by Cataraman. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic.