Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? 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 . Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It just depends on what you are looking for. Saona Island then remained uninhabited for a long period of time. At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Aparta-Hotel Villa Baya. 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. Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. Casa de Campo Sailing Catamaran Charter to Saona or Catalina 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. The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! Transfer and lunch are optional, hence I recommend to make proper arrangements with the organizer of the tour before so that they exactly know what you wish for your private excursion to Saona Island. etc. They all pretty much go to all the same stops. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Catalina Island | Hotels, Restaurants & Island Adventures Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. 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. 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. 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. Some of the ordinary group. Sea excursions for Cruiseship to Saona Island Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. The yacht features a kitchen, a covered seating area and sufficient space outside to lounge and to enjoy the sun. The captain is included with the boat rental. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. Tourism During Covid ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. 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. The time on Saona island is priceless. Top Hotels in Saona Island - Expedia 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. 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. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Save. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Round Trip. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms. 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. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . 100% recomendable. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. This island also has a lot to offer you. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. 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. 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. 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. Dreams Saona Island Snorkeling and Diving Punta Cana | Ultra Marine Divers 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. 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. You can roam around freely and create the vibe you want. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. Catalina Island | Saona Dreams Traveling to Isla Saona in your own private boat is the safest way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island. 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. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. By 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. . This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. 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. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. Mano Juan is the bigger village on the island but still has only about 500 residents who dedicate their lives to fishing, making art, and living in tranquilidad (Spanish for tranquility!). Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. You have to pay the full boat and the entire crew, doesnt matter how many persons are in your group. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. Alternatively, you may use. 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! Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. 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 . No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. Our private half-day or full-day boat tours allow you to escape the crowds for a memorable Saona Island tour to experience this slice of Caribbean paradise on your own terms. I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. Great info thank you! 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. The indegineous Taino people, the native populations of the Dominican Republic, occupied Saona Island before Christopher Columbuss arrival in 1494. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. Icebox. 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. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. 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? Sea water has healing properties. Your email address will not be published. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Hotel El Eden. I will design your tailor-made itinerary, tell you how to save money on your trip and send you the best insider tips and recommendations. The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. 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 We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. He knows every captain in the area and every boat. 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. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. If you are looking for a Saona Island tour from Punta Cana, click. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. With Catalina you're snorkeling off the boat or off the Wall so less concerns about sand and you have both the Aquarium and the Wall to snorkel. We have several tours to Catalina and Saona islands. Both islands have their advantages. Saona Island Beach Day via Catamaran from Punta Cana 2023 - Viator Saona Island only has two small villages and a total population of just around 500 residents, but the charming villages of Mano Juan and Catuano are well worth your visit. Those are some of the options you have if you are staying in Punta Cana and are looking for a private yacht or catamaran excursion to one of the islands along the Southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. . Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? Isla Saona is the #1 demanded excursion in Punta Cana so Book now to ensure . It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. Catalina Island: a picturesque oasis in the Dominican Republic Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Punta Cana Whale Watching This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? and share your adventures with friends and family. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. 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. Your email address will not be published. I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. We hope! 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. 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! These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! 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. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. 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. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. The island of Saona is the most visited island in the Dominican Republic. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Hotel Bocaino. Catalina Island vs. Saona Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic Started August 27, 2021, By Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . CC Help Jenn 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! The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. Saona and Catalina Island for only $45 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . 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 Online! Each boat to Saona Island is different. 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. Gran Oferta Saona & Catalina | Saona Excursiones Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). Although it is located off the coast of the province of La Altagracia, it is administratively part of the province of La Romana. Punta Cana Currency 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. Or maybe you just want to do some cool sightseeing? Isla Saona also has multiple caves that you can explore, but Saona Island beaches are more popular. 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! Catalina Island is uninhabited. $ 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. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Required fields are marked *. Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. 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. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. Coco Bongo Punta Cana But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. If this sounds perfect to you, then check out the best Saona Island tour offers here* or continue reading my Isla Saona Guide. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! SHARING IS CARING! 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! Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. 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 guess it depends on what you want to do! The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. $ 95 $ 70 Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! 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 Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. (the BEST local beer!) : CC Help Jenn 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. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. The island measures about 9.6 . Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. 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. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. Maximum 6 passengers. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. Alternatively, you can check out this return transfer option* as well. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? Hotel Bayahibe. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? And what about water temp? Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. and share your adventures with friends and family. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. What's so amazing about Isla Saona? One of the cheapest and most recommended tours is this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people*. Catalina or Saona? - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. Getting to know the way of life on a small Caribbean island is a cultural immersion that can be done in the village of Mano Juan. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. 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. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? Book your private, 10 Best Beaches in Punta Cana You Dont Want to Miss, 5 Best Scuba Diving Spots in the Dominican Republic. experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful ride along the waves to Isla Saona and follow your unique itinerary without feeling rushed or completely dependent on your tour provider and a large group of people you have never met before. Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic.