We, as an agency and tour operator, also depend on transportation to the islands, which are independent, so the cost also depends on these factors.Even so, you can book our Saona Island and Catalina Island experiences from these prices: As you can see, both paradises are at your fingertips. Round Trip. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. 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. We started out being picked up with two other people to catch a bus which took us to this restaurant to be loaded on a catamaran . Hotels Pick-up. Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. .. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . Where to begin to describe one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. Saona Island | Best Tours 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). Thats particularly important in times of. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. 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. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. 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. 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. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! Icebox. 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. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. 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. And then go for another relaxing swim! No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. 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. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. Private Tour to Saona or Catalina island | WannaBoats 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. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental In them we can spend the day in paradise. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. The reefs at Saona are considered among the TOP 3 in the country. Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. 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. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! Click here to learn more! 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. Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. 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. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? Seaweed was present around the first snorkel site at the old pier, not over where we were, but the snorkeling is not great there anyway. Yes, it's a killer combination. In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. Casa de Campo Sailing Catamaran Charter to Saona or Catalina Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. Saona and Catalina Island for only $45 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Excursions and Tours Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, DR - SeavisTours You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! Book your Saona Island Tour now! At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? Want to create a unique itinerary for your. 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. Saona Island VS Catalina Island ?? - La Romana Forum 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. Beaches In La Romana, Dominican Republic Near Cruise Port Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. 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. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. Some info about your guide Robert: Hello my name is Robert and originally I am Dutch. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. 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. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. CC Help Jenn Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Saona Island Catamaran Tour 1 Bus Tours from $75.00 $68.25 per adult Saona Blue Paradise from Punta Cana 7 Lunch Cruises from $104.00 per adult Saona Island Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana 19 Bus Tours from $95.00 per adult All-Inclusive Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana (Full Day) Full-day Tours from $85.00 per adult Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. 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. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. This excursion is perfect to do with children. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! Isla Saona also has multiple caves that you can explore, but Saona Island beaches are more popular. Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands - JackCana Tours Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. Since 24 years I have been living and working together with my better half on the beautiful sun-drenched island called La . Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. 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 GOOD NEWS! The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. And its not surprising! Saona Island. Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? Catalina Island In its interior was found Captain Kidd's Cannon, considered the only pirate cannon found in the Caribbean. A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html. You will feel unique in the world, and even more so when you visit the natural pool, where you can see starfish and walk to infinity without being covered by the water. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. Saona Island- Dominican Republic tours and excursions Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. 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. Hotel El Eden. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. Aparta-Hotel Villa Baya. : Catalina Island Excursion From Punta Cana - Excursion Saona Tourism During Covid Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If we were seeing what are the differences of both islands, now it's time to put something in common. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. It just depends on what you are looking for. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the 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. The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher. 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. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. 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. Saona Sun & Fun - Excursions to Saona Island However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. Children under 3 are FREE! Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? 16 Rum Factory Tour. La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. The island of Saona is the most visited island in the Dominican Republic. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. 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! It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. 60 guests. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. 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. 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! 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. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. 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. DESCRIPTION. However, this is different for private tours, which is why I would lean more towards Isla Saona if I had to choose where to go on a private excursion from Punta Cana with my friends or family. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. Started June 21, 2021, By Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Choose your destination: What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? If this sounds perfect to you, then check out the best Saona Island tour offers here* or continue reading my Isla Saona Guide. 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. It has various natural beauties, such as its paradisiacal beaches with white sands and the crystalline waters that surround it live different species of birds and fish. GOOD NEWS! However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. It is led by Negro, a local community organization, that gets turtle eggs from high-risk areas to a safe environment where they can hatch and then be returned to their natural habitat. Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. Both islands have their advantages. But why not consider a private tour (from Punta Cana or elsewhere) and setting your own itinerary? Refrigerator. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. 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. El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. All our Excursions - Quetzal Cata Excursions Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. LauraS Instead of being stuck on a large boat with a crowd of other tourists from different countries, you will be traveling on your own private boat to and from the island. 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! SAONA ISLAND Excursion & Tour with Dressel Divers Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. 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. Saona Island Dominican Republic | Excursions and Tours Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. Water was beautiful. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Punta Cana Currency Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Bayahibe Travel Guide 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. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. Catalina Island | Saona Dreams leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. 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. In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. And what about water temp? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. . The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Starfish proliferate there, which are one of the main attractions for tourists. (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. The first one is The Wall which as we mentioned before, is also known as The Wall of Catalina. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. 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! Hotels Pick-up. Saona Island Vs Catalina Island | WannaBoats Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. 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. They all pretty much go to all the same stops. Traveling to Isla Saona in your own private boat is the safest way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island. 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!