If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dominican Republic, your choice should be Saona Island. 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. 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. 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 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. However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Required fields are marked *. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! 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. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? 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, a must in Dominican Republic | Saona Dreams 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. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. It depends what you meany by "better". 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. 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. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. If you feel that this itinerary might limit your expectations or it is not as much fun as it could be, you should continue reading below, as in this case, a private tour to Isla Saona might be exactly what you are looking for. Catalina Island vs. Saona Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. 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). Book your private, 10 Best Beaches in Punta Cana You Dont Want to Miss, 5 Best Scuba Diving Spots in the Dominican Republic. Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Thank Kanta M . It just depends on what you are looking for. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? RNC: 1-31-25887-5 Tel: +1 829-208-7172 Email: info@saona.fun www.saona.fun Copyright Schau Ma Mal All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy 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. Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. While in most cases the safety measures are fine with hand sanitizer, face coverings and avoiding peoples congestion, the risk of transmitting Covid-19 can never be lowered to 0% especially with 70 other people on the boat. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. 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. Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). 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. Although the difference is minimal, Saona is usually cheaper because it is closer to the tourist sites of Punta Cana. 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. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Lion fish, frog fish and seahorses are the real protagonists. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. During the navigation to Saona, you will enjoy an incomparable landscape, observing the beauty of the Cotubanam Natural Park (also known as Parque Nacional del Este), full of beaches, palm trees and mangroves. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! 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. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. Book Online! Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental 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. Some of the ordinary group. Are you a small group or maybe even just a couple looking in getting away from the huge groups and the crowded Saona excursions? Great info thank you! With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! It is suitable for up to 15 people and comes with a price tag of 1500 USD, lunch and drinks are included. GOOD NEWS! 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). Excellent choice highly recommended! How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. This island also has a lot to offer you. The captain is included with the boat rental. 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. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. Catamaran Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahibe 2023 - La Romana - Viator It's Catalina Island's secret summer. Saona Island vs Catalina Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! 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 Choose your destination: Most of the Saona Island excursions have a set amount of stops. The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? . . Best Things To Do on Saona Island No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. You can define the itinerary. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. Each boat to Saona Island is different. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sea water has healing properties. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. GOOD NEWS! With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. Isla Saona also has multiple caves that you can explore, but Saona Island beaches are more popular. .. 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. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. I'm a little nervous. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Especially when you are traveling with 16 people or more, I am happy to get you in touch with the best companies or give you personal recommendations on your tour. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. Both islands are worth the visit and have their advantages, but your experiences will be a bit different. Some info about your guide Robert: Hello my name is Robert and originally I am Dutch. 16 Rum Factory Tour. With an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. Coco Bongo 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!