There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. covid-19 coverage): Book it*. 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? Which one suits what I am looking for? Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. This is a real island mon! 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. Pros/Cons? Hotel El Eden. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Save. That was easy! And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. However, approximately three decades after Columbuss first visit and the Spanish conquest, the Taino population of the Dominican Republic including the Saona Island was diminished by old world diseases, such as smallpox, and brutal work conditions established by the colonizers. 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. Refrigerator. 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. The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. Social distancing can be enforced. 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 Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. Hotels Pick-up. Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. 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. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. Departing from Bayahibe. Choose your destination: 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. It just depends on what you are looking for. 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. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Started August 27, 2021, By I guess it depends on what you want to do! As mentioned, there is quite an amount of people visiting Isla Saona (and to a lesser extent Isla Catalina as well). This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Icebox. Catalina 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. : 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. You mentioned the wall. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? 3. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. 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. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. 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. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. If this sounds perfect to you, then check out the best Saona Island tour offers here* or continue reading my Isla Saona Guide. . Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. 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. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). It has an approximate area of 9.6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. 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. All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. We have several tours to Catalina and Saona islands. Great info thank you! Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . Thank Kanta M . 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! Each one has different activities, and they are perfect for adults and children, either with family, friends or as a couple. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. I'm a little nervous. This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. Getting to know the way of life on a small Caribbean island is a cultural immersion that can be done in the village of Mano Juan. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. DESCRIPTION. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. We are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. And what about water temp? 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. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? 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 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. 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. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. 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. It depends what you meany by "better". Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. Each boat to Saona Island is different. We hope! You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! 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. Most unique experience in a small group: Authentic rum tasting* (rating 5.00/5)Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo* (rating 4.92/5)Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling* (rating 4.91/5)Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda* (rating 4.78/5)Best excursion for families: Family Buggy Adventure* (rating 4.64/5)Not the right tour for you?Check out the 41 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog! 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. Powered by Invision Community. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms. There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Plus, they have not responded to my reservation request. 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. B&B Villa Luna. If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from 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, 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. All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. Although it is located off the coast of the province of La Altagracia, it is administratively part of the province of La Romana. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. FULL PACK TOURS . The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. In its interior was found Captain Kidd's Cannon, considered the only pirate cannon found in the Caribbean. SHARING IS CARING! We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! Isla Saona is the #1 demanded excursion in Punta Cana so Book now to ensure . These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". . Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the 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. Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. 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. Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . 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 You get the boat, the open bar and the food. And then go for another relaxing swim! We will make our first stop in the middle of the ocean to Snorkel or Dive (depends the program youve booked) with some of our professional guides in the water with the most marine fauna in the Caribbean. Saona and Catalina Island for only $45 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? CC Help Jenn With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! 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. Book your Saona Island Tour now! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. Isla Saona is an important turtle breeding ground and you can visit a turtle conservation project on your Saona Island trip. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. In Mano Juan, a small fishing village on Isla Saona, there is a refuge for turtles that you can visit and you can help the cause with a donation. 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. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Looking for a private Saona Island tour? This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. Best Things To Do on Saona Island 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. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. 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. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. Hotels Pick-up. Max. 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 staff is just there for you. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. Muy agradables los marineros. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. I guess it depends on what you want to do! Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. CC Help Jenn Most of the Saona Island excursions have a set amount of stops. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? Lion fish, frog fish and seahorses are the real protagonists. 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. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. 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 Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. 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. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. 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 island measures about 9.6 . However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? 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! Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. The first one is The Wall which as we mentioned before, is also known as The Wall of Catalina. Required fields are marked *. Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. 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. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). Our most popular Saona excursion is the Saona Crusoe VIP: an adventure per fast speedboat to the most remote and the most beautiful beaches on Saona Island. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites.