Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. 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. Saona Island Beach Day via Catamaran from Punta Cana 2023 - Viator Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. Isla Saona also has multiple caves that you can explore, but Saona Island beaches are more popular. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. Sea excursions for Cruiseship to Saona Island For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. If we were seeing what are the differences of both islands, now it's time to put something in common. $ 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. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. We got you covered! Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. 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. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. Beaches In La Romana, Dominican Republic Near Cruise Port Boat Rentals & Yacht Charters in Dominican Republic, The Bahamas & St 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. With an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. History of Saona Island Breakfast was a bun and a drink. Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year. 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. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. 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. (the BEST local beer!) This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. and share your adventures with friends and family. Where to Stay in Saona Island In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. 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. 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! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). So if you want to find accommodation near these two islands, we share with you the following list of hotels near Saona Island and Catalina island proposed by TripAdvisor: BAYAHIBE. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Saona Island Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Saona Sun & Fun You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. 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. Catalina Island 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. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a Presidente (the BEST local beer!) Excursion Isla Saona Vip - Related Sites - StatsCrop And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . 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. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. 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. 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. If this sounds perfect to you, then check out the best Saona Island tour offers here* or continue reading my Isla Saona Guide. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. . Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. 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. leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. 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. At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. 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, Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Catalina Beach. . Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . Hotel Bayahibe. 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! . And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. 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 full-day Saona Island tour includes a buffet lunch served beneath shady palm trees, round-trip transport by sailing catamaran, drinks on board the boat, and four hours of free time to experience Saona Island at your own pace. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By 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. 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. Choose your destination: 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. 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. With over 20yrs. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Just if snorkeling is important for you or if you have already been to Isla Saona, Isla Catalina might be the better pick for you. And its not surprising! Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor The staff is just there for you. 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. Hotels Pick-up. 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 . You can define the itinerary. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? 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. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. This excursion is perfect to do with children. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. Catalina Island is uninhabited. As mentioned, there is quite an amount of people visiting Isla Saona (and to a lesser extent Isla Catalina as well). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. 3. Board a small speedboat for the thrilling ride out to the island, including a stop at a natural swimming pool where you can see starfish. Plenty in the sun! Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving attraction reviews - Gabriele Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. Best Beaches of Saona Island ATV + El Valle Beach & Waterfalls, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Pedernales, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Snorkeling & Lunch, Birdwatching in Los Haitises National Park, Birdwatching Punta Cana Birding Tours from Punta Cana to Los Haitises National Park, Catalina Island and Snorkeling with Catamaran Party From Punta Cana Half Day Experience. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. 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. saona island All inclusive: Marine transport: motomaran and catamaran with party and entertainment program. Isla Catalina (Repblica Dominicana) - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. Great info thank you! 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. Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. 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. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. Where Is Isla Saona Located? If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. Saona Island Complete Guide | Best Things to Do | Punta Cana Hero It has an approximate area of 9.6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. It's Catalina Island's secret summer. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Departing from Bayahibe. 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. Water was beautiful. How to Get to Saona Island? Since 24 years I have been living and working together with my better half on the beautiful sun-drenched island called La . Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. Catalina Island vs. Saona Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. 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. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. It is a Mediterranean village located on the banks of the Chavon River, also known as the City of Artists. Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. We will be there first part of March :). . Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? 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. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. 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. Or maybe you just want to do some cool sightseeing? You dont have any strangers on the boat. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price: 5$ USD per person. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. 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. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. 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! 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. Not Bus Pick Up. Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar - Viator 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. 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. 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. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. The time on Saona island is priceless. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. 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. Ready to discover Saona Island? 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. GOOD NEWS! We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. Still, let's take a closer look at the exact location of each of these islands. What's so amazing about Isla Saona? Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? Started August 27, 2021, By We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. 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! Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. 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. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. Started June 21, 2021, By 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! Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. Private SpeedBoat Tours Saona or Catalina Islands | WannaBoats And then go for another relaxing swim! There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. Casa de Campo Sailing Catamaran Charter to Saona or Catalina