On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Thats particularly important in times of. If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. It just depends on what you are looking for. Alternatively, you can check out this return transfer option* as well. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. 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. . DESCRIPTION. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. Or maybe you just want to do some cool sightseeing? Most families in Mano Juan make their living by fishing, so you can expect freshly caught local fish accompanied with yummy and healthy sides, such as plantains, rice, and cassava. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. 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. As mentioned, there is quite an amount of people visiting Isla Saona (and to a lesser extent Isla Catalina as well). Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. Maximum for 40 people on board. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. 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. Interesting Facts Started June 21, 2021, By El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. If you are looking for a Saona Island tour from Punta Cana, click. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. 16 Rum Factory Tour. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Choose your destination: Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. $ 95 $ 70 Maximum 6 passengers. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? 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. Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. 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. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. 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. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By You can define the itinerary. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. 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. https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. FULL PACK TOURS . Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. 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. 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. (the BEST local beer!) We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. 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. Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. 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. But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. See a list of all hotels in Saona Island. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail You mentioned the wall. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. 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. : 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. 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. 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. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. Sorry we have not used that outfit. In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Plus, they have not responded to my reservation request. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. As if that were not enough, after visiting this iconic place you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Catalina Island, putting the finishing touch to a perfect day. Not Bus Pick Up. Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. 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. Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. All Rights Reserved. That's why today we want you to know the best of each one, so you can decide which one you want to visit on your next vacation in Punta Cana. Breakfast was a bun and a drink. At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. Saona.fun is focused on quality tours to the islands of Saona & Catalina. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. If the trip is cancelled with less than 14 days notice (for reasons excluding storms/unsafe weather conditions), the full deposit will be transferred to Boat Owner. LEARN MORE . If we were seeing what are the differences of both islands, now it's time to put something in common. Thats not surprising if you see the photos of this exclusive catamaran, which will bring you straight to paradise! However, in this modality, you will have the opportunity to visit parts of the island such as the Canto de la Playa or the Flamingos beach. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. 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. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. 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 The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. 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! Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. The island measures about 9.6 . However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. And what about water temp? La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. 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. 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! Catalina Island For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. 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. CC Help Jenn This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. Hotel Bayahibe. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. Catalina Beach. 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. This island also has a lot to offer you. 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. 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. Most of the Saona Island excursions have a set amount of stops. 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. US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. Half Day Trip. 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. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. But why not consider a private tour (from Punta Cana or elsewhere) and setting your own itinerary? Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. 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. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Sea water has healing properties. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. When staying in Punta Cana, there are tons of group tours to book, but what should you do if you are looking for a private excursion to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina? 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. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. You can roam around freely and create the vibe you want. 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. 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? All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. 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. Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. 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. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. They all pretty much go to all the same stops. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? 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. You have to pay the full boat and the entire crew, doesnt matter how many persons are in your group. That was easy! BOAT RULES. Un servicio impecable. In its interior was found Captain Kidd's Cannon, considered the only pirate cannon found in the Caribbean. 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. 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. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! 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's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. . Take your friends and family (maximum 10 passengers). The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. Which one suits what I am looking for? Save. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. 10 people max. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. 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. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. We got you covered! 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 an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. 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. Another underrated activity at Saona Island is scuba diving. 13 Punta Cana: Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island by Cataraman. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Excellent choice highly recommended! The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. Hotels Pick-up. Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html.