We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. 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. 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. The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. With an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. See a list of all hotels in Saona Island. From there we went to Tao restaurant on saona island which was recommended by Oscar and was exceptional we had a luxurious lunch on a beautifully arranged table on the sand From there our captain Moiset took us to an area where we anchored offshore and were able to swim in the most clear blue water you can imagine. Private tours are not cheap, especially when boat rides or catamaran cruises are included. How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? 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. Started June 21, 2021, By Breakfast was a bun and a drink. 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. 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. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. 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 second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. 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! I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. Thank Kanta M . 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. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. 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. Whala!Bayahibe Departing from Bayahibe. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. In them we can spend the day in paradise. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Instead of being stuck on a large boat with a crowd of other tourists from different countries, you will be traveling on your own private boat to and from the island. It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. Social distancing can be enforced. 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. Interesting Facts Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. .. . Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! No shoes on the boat. Punta Cana Whale Watching With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. Which one suits what I am looking for? 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. 3. Sea water has healing properties. It is led by Negro, a local community organization, that gets turtle eggs from high-risk areas to a safe environment where they can hatch and then be returned to their natural habitat. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! 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. 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. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 10 people max. If a speed boat is too small for you and you prefer a private yacht to visit Isla Saona, you can check out this private yacht tour for up to 10 people*. Thats particularly important in times of. The reefs at Saona are considered among the TOP 3 in the country. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. . Since 24 years I have been living and working together with my better half on the beautiful sun-drenched island called La . We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. 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. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. 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. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? Especially when looking for a little extra, a Saona Island private tour can be an amazing deal compared to sharing a catamaran with 70 other people. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Comfortable and safe transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. 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. Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! 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. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. And then go for another relaxing swim! We will be there first part of March :). This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Maximum 6 passengers. 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. : . Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. 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. As you can read in my review about Isla Catalina, it further scores with its catamaran cruise, as you can enjoy it both ways as opposed to the combined speed boat-/catamaran ride to Isla Saona. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. 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. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. You might be surprised! 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. and share your adventures with friends and family. Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. And what about water temp? 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 native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! CC Help Jenn Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. GOOD NEWS! 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. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. You can define the itinerary. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. It is suitable for up to 15 people and comes with a price tag of 1500 USD, lunch and drinks are included. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Although the difference is minimal, Saona is usually cheaper because it is closer to the tourist sites of Punta Cana. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. Hope this helps! Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. 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. This island also has a lot to offer you. When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. Hotel El Eden. 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. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. Take your friends and family (maximum 10 passengers). And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. 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. 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. Water was beautiful. With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. 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! Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Plenty in the sun! All Rights Reserved. Saona Island What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Hotels Pick-up. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! He knows every captain in the area and every boat. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. 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. The staff is just there for you. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. 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. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. Refrigerator. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! 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. 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. . With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. By FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. 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? Click. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. covid-19 coverage): Book it*. Are you looking for a littleadventure? Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. You may have seen Saona Island in the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Blue Lagoon, since some scenes from these movies were shot on Isla Saona! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. Starfish proliferate there, which are one of the main attractions for tourists. Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? 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! Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. 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 ride from Bayahibe to Catalina by boat takes about 25 min. However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that! Want to create a unique itinerary for your. There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. And then go for another relaxing swim! It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. 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. Best Saona Island Tours It has various natural beauties, such as its paradisiacal beaches with white sands and the crystalline waters that surround it live different species of birds and fish. 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. This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? Save. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. Coco Bongo Punta Cana You dont have any strangers on the boat. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and Id love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana. 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!