We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. Hotels Pick-up. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. Where to begin to describe one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. All Rights Reserved. Tours and Tickets by Saona Dreams - Saona Catamaran Catamaran and Snorkeling Day Trip to Catalina 6 By Saona Dreams Full-day Tours 6+ hours Leaving from Bayahibe or Punta Cana hotels, you'll navigate on board a catamaran to Catalina, the jewel of the Caribbean Free cancellation from $79.00 per adult Reserve Contribute Write a review Upload a photo In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year. 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. Hotel El Eden. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. Wondering if anyone has been to either or both of these islands as I'm trying to choose which option to decide upon. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. It is also an exceptionally good place to fish, where you can find specimens of guatapan, horse mackerel, king mackerel, and other types of temperate-water fish. 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! At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. 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 Then you will go to a privileged space at the beach of Saona, area equipped with chaise longue, canopy beds, open bar and a typical Dominican buffet. 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 ever get hot during your Saona Island trip, simply go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or drink a cold, 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. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! 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. The staff is just there for you. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. You get the boat, the open bar and the food. In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. . 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. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail 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? Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. 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. Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. They make for a gorgeous photo background, too! Excellent choice highly recommended! First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. FULL PACK TOURS . Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. Hence, if you are concerned about Covid-19 in Punta Cana, but still would like to enjoy an easy and worry-free holiday, private excursions are the best choice for you. Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. CC Help Jenn 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. 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. The captain is included with the boat rental. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Where Is Isla Saona Located? Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms. 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. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. GOOD NEWS! Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. BOAT RULES. It is a virgin island of fine white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and full of coconut trees. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. 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. Children under 3 are FREE! Isla Saona is the #1 demanded excursion in Punta Cana so Book now to ensure . 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! I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. 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. 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). Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. 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. $ 95 $ 70 Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island* or continue reading my Isla Catalina guide. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? Which one suits what I am looking for? Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? Muy agradables los marineros. Both meet the prototype of Caribbean paradise islands, with crystal clear waters and beaches of fine yellow sand that lend themselves to spend a day of scandal. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. Sea water has healing properties. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. 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. It just depends on what you are looking for. We hope! 60 guests. 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. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". Since it is a part of the national park, Isla Saona and its waters are home to endangered and rare animal species such as rhinoceros iguana, the gentle manatee, and dolphins that you may not see elsewhere! The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. No shoes on the boat. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Starfish proliferate there, which are one of the main attractions for tourists. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What's so amazing about Isla Saona? Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . 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. If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. And then go for another relaxing swim! 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. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! 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. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! 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. Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. Alternatively, you may use. Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. 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! On the other hand, if your intention is to enjoy a privileged environment where you can also snorkel or dive, you should choose Catalina Island. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. Tourism During Covid Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island 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. Thats particularly important in times of. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. and share your adventures with friends and family. In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Espero volver a verles pronto!! Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? 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! Most. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! The first tourist boat to dock at Saona was Christopher Columbus in 1494 and Saona has not ceased to amaze visitors for the last 500+ years! It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! Book Online! Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. 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. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Bayahibe Travel Guide We are happy to announce that we are in the Bahamas! 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. It depends what you meany by "better". Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. We will be there first part of March :). 10 people max. 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. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. Board a speedboat as soon as you arrive in the village of Bayahibe, towards the island of Saona to do some snorkeling at Catuano Peers. 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. Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! . Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. 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. Refrigerator. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. Maximum 6 passengers. 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 . In the 1940s, Rafael Trujillo, a Dominican dictator, established the small village of Mano Juan and used Saona Island as a place of exile for political objectors. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. covid-19 coverage): Book it*. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. Icebox. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. You can define the itinerary. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. 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. You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. 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! You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. 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. 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! Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. Isla Saona is an important turtle breeding ground and you can visit a turtle conservation project on your Saona Island trip. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. On the catamaran you will have drinks and you will be able to enjoy it with our entertainment group while sailing through the Caribbean Sea. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? 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. Your email address will not be published. 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! Catalina Island is uninhabited. . 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. Any information would be appreciated. Un servicio impecable. Click. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. I'm a little nervous. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. 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. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! Are you looking for a littleadventure? experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. In them we can spend the day in paradise. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. Best Things To Do on Saona Island Although it is located off the coast of the province of La Altagracia, it is administratively part of the province of La Romana. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. And then go for another relaxing swim! Best Beaches of Saona Island This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . 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. All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? 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. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. It's Catalina Island's secret summer. It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. 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.