All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. Sorry we have not used that outfit. You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. Catalina Island, a must in Dominican Republic | Saona Dreams ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. They all pretty much go to all the same stops. covid-19 coverage): Book it*. 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. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. 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. 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. You might be surprised! There are not as many private tours available for Isla Catalina as for Isla Saona, hence a comprehensive list with different tours and providers doesnt make that much sense. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. This island also has a lot to offer you. Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that! However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Saona is more recommended if you are looking for a nice beach with no seaweed and great views. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. Most of the Saona Island excursions have a set amount of stops. 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! 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. We have used Seavis Tours for Saona Island and Pro Excursions for Catalina and would highly recommend both of these, they're both located in Bayahibe. 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. Those are some of the options you have if you are staying in Punta Cana and are looking for a private yacht or catamaran excursion to one of the islands along the Southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. I guess it depends on what you want to do! Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . The ride from Bayahibe to Catalina by boat takes about 25 min. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Icebox. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? 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. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. Isla Saona also has multiple caves that you can explore, but Saona Island beaches are more popular. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! Book your Saona Island Tour now! 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. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Yes, it's a killer combination. See a list of all hotels in Saona Island. Catalina Island Excursion From Punta Cana - Excursion Saona $ 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. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Gran Oferta Saona & Catalina | Saona Excursiones Pros/Cons? 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. 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. Best Things To Do on Saona Island Another underrated activity at Saona Island is scuba diving. 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. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. GOOD NEWS! Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. 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. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . Best Beaches of Saona Island more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. Catalina Island vs. Saona Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. Required fields are marked *. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. The staff is just there for you. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much morewhen you sign up for our newsletter. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. 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. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. 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. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. In them we can spend the day in paradise. How to Get to Saona Island? Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Lion fish, frog fish and seahorses are the real protagonists. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. And its not surprising! Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? It just depends on what you are looking for. And what about water temp? Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? It is known for its coral reefs, which caused shipwrecks of some ships such as that of Captain Kidd, a British pirate who was shipwrecked on the shores of Catalina and nowadays diving enthusiasts can visit his sunken ship in this history museum under the sea. SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. SAONA ISLAND Excursion & Tour with Dressel Divers No shoes on the boat. Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Saona Island Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! and share your adventures with friends and family. In the afternoon, you head back to your starting point. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Book your private, 10 Best Beaches in Punta Cana You Dont Want to Miss, 5 Best Scuba Diving Spots in the Dominican Republic. Most. .. 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. : Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. You may be very lucky and see a family of dolphins, a turtle, a whale or even a manatee Some of these species are in danger of extinction, so it will not be easy for you to find them, but not impossible, so be attentive. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. Disappointing - Cheap Shuttles DR - tripadvisor.com We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. 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. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Espero volver a verles pronto!! Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. 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. Private Catamaran for Rent to Saona, Palmilla or Catalina Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. Are you looking for a littleadventure? Saona Island vs Catalina Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic 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. 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 This is the Caribbean Sea folks. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. At Mano Juan, you will find a few gift shops with typical souvenirs to take back home with you, stands with local art, and a small restaurant that serves fresh island food. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! Max. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. Excellent choice highly recommended! 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. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Dominican Republic does not have strict mandates or lockdown restrictions and you can travel freely. You can get a message on a gorgeous white sand beach under the swaying palm trees with a pina colada by your side and feel yourself again. 3. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? 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 Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Let's go there! Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. Saona and Catalina Island for only $45 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. Catalina Island | Hotels, Restaurants & Island Adventures The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. Isla Saona gets visited every day by thousands of tourists. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. 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. 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. 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. He was able to arrange a private boat at a very good cost to pick up my girlfriend and I right next to our resort on the beach. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. 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. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. 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. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. In fact, from this town in the south of the Dominican Republic we can perfectly see Catalina Island. PRIVATE DAY WITH A YACHT - Quetzal Cata Excursions The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! 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. 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. 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. Dreams Saona Island Snorkeling and Diving Punta Cana | Ultra Marine Divers Thats particularly important in times of. It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? Los Flamencos Aparthotel. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. 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. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. 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. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Saona Island Beach Day via Catamaran from Punta Cana 2023 - Viator Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? 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. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Social distancing can be enforced. Boat Rentals & Yacht Charters in Dominican Republic, The Bahamas & St This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. 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. 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. 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. LEARN MORE . Casa de Campo Sailing Catamaran Charter to Saona or Catalina It depends what you meany by "better". Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. The captain is included with the boat rental. The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. 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. 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. You will start your tour in La Romana and stop at the most famous snorkeling spot in the area, where you can see colorful fish and a tropical reef. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. Saona Island Dominican Republic | Excursions and Tours You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! Thank you for your review and your trust in us. 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. Private tours to Saona Island are already starting at 450 USD per group, which is a real bargain considering that you have the crew and boat all on your own. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. If you are interested in group tours and regular excursions, please check this article for Saona Island and this one for Catalina Island.Are you interested in further Punta Cana tours? This excursion is perfect to do with children. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Children under 3 are FREE! 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. Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. 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! But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Where to Stay in Saona Island If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. Click. Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. Started June 21, 2021, By the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. Choose your destination: Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. 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. History of Saona Island Most families in Mano Juan make their living by fishing, so you can expect freshly caught local fish accompanied with yummy and healthy sides, such as plantains, rice, and cassava. 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. It's Catalina Island's secret summer. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. 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! In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. 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. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? You dont have any strangers on the boat. Sea water has healing properties. 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. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. 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. 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. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html.