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. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. And what about water temp? I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. : 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 We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. Comfortable and safe transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe. . Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. The yacht features a kitchen, a covered seating area and sufficient space outside to lounge and to enjoy the sun. If you ever get hot during your Saona Island trip, simply go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or drink a cold Presidente! Or perhaps you're planning your first visit to the island. 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. 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. 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 weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. Best Things To Do on Saona Island But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. 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. Coco Bongo Punta Cana DESCRIPTION. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Round Trip. Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . 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. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. The island measures about 9.6 . However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Where to Stay in Saona Island 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. Thank you for your review and your trust in us. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. 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. 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. It's up to you whether you want to discover one of the islands or, if you have enough time, venture to know the two little jewels of the Dominican Republic. By Which one to go to? This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. 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. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. The time on Saona island is priceless. If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. (Click below to navigate) In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. 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. El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. Choose your destination: Catalina Island, also known as Ikiita Island, is considered a Protected Natural Park and is located half an hour by boat from Casa de Campo in La Romana. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. 16 Rum Factory Tour. Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html. And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? It depends what you meany by "better". Some of the ordinary group. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. 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! ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. The captain is included with the boat rental. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. There are two places worth exploring while diving: El Muro, an impressive wall that plunges into the Caribbean Sea, reaching a depth of about 100 meters; and El Acuario, where the dive is 11 meters, full of coral formations, where you can find some of the most typical species of the Caribbean Sea such as seahorses, the famous lion fish or toad fish, among others. 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. 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. 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. Although the difference is minimal, Saona is usually cheaper because it is closer to the tourist sites of Punta Cana. 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. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Sea water has healing properties. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! 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. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. The activity starts at your hotel, where we will pick you up to go to our departure point embark in a catamaran to Saona Island.
saona or catalina island