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. Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. The time on Saona island is priceless. It just depends on what you are looking for. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. Bayahibe Travel Guide It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. Catalina Beach. Powered by Invision Community. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. 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. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. Sea water has healing properties. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. 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. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. Most. CC Help Jenn 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. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. Afterwards, we will head to our open buffet for lunch on the island, where you will also be able to explore its exquisite white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees and jungle. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . Both islands are worth the visit and have their advantages, but your experiences will be a bit different. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Which one to go to? Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Some of the ordinary group. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. Saona Island then remained uninhabited for a long period of time. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation. You have to pay the full boat and the entire crew, doesnt matter how many persons are in your group. leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! 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 best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. This island also has a lot to offer you. The captain is included with the boat rental. Alternatively, you may use. For further information, check out the following table with the cheapest Isla Saona private tours. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Palmilla Sandbank is the beach where the natural swimming pool is located. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a Presidente (the BEST local beer!) 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. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. 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. Departing from Bayahibe. Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. Since 24 years I have been living and working together with my better half on the beautiful sun-drenched island called La . Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. LauraS 16 Rum Factory Tour. With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! Perhaps the best known of the island is its beautiful natural pool, where you can walk dozens of meters without the water covering more than your hip. (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). 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! (Click below to navigate) 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. All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina 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. Catalina is more recommended if you are in snorkeling and scuba diving. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. Alternatively, you can check out this return transfer option* as well. I asked a resident of Bayahibe about the present seaweed conditions and they are very bad around Punta Cana but Bayahibe and areas nearby are very clean, beaches look gorgeous around Bayahibe and Saona. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? And last but not least, the island and the beach of Catalina are beautiful in their very own way. Professional Music Equipment. Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona 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. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. 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. 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. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? And then go for another relaxing swim! We later passed by another area and swam again. 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. We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. You will see the natural swimming pool with some starfish, have (sometimes) a quick mediocre snorkeling stop (please note that Isla Saona is not a snorkeling excursion check out this post if you are looking for better snorkeling options), cruise along the coastline of the national park with an ocean catamaran and have a speed boat ride the other way back. 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. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. 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! Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! With us, with the help of professional guides, you will be able to dive in some of the best spots in the Dominican Republic. 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. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. Half Day Trip. As there are just your people on the boat, you can decide how long you want to stay or if you want to skip a stop completely. Round Trip. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? 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. Wondering if anyone has been to either or both of these islands as I'm trying to choose which option to decide upon. It just depends on what you are looking for. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). This island also has a lot to offer you. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. 100% recomendable. Isla Saona is an island with very few inhabitants and has a small hotel in Mano Juan. He knows every captain in the area and every boat. DESCRIPTION. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. You get the boat, the open bar and the food. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! We got you covered! Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Click here to learn more! In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. It is a virgin island of fine white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and full of coconut trees. In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Where to begin to describe one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! We are happy to announce that we are in the Bahamas! Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? When staying in Punta Cana, there are tons of group tours to book, but what should you do if you are looking for a private excursion to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina? Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. 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. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Hotels Pick-up. 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. This is a real island mon! You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Let's go there! 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. Tourism During Covid Isla Catalina, tambin denominada Isla Ikiita (llamada tambin por los indgenas locales como Toeya), es una isla que se encuentra en el mar Caribe a slo unos kilmetros al sureste de la Isla La Espaola al sur de la provincia de La Romana que es parte de la Repblica Dominicana.Desde La Romana se tarda media hora en llegar a Isla Catalina. LEARN MORE . Now Saona Island is a welcoming and popular destination with tourists from all over the world because of its natural beauty and unique untouched island atmosphere. $ 95 $ 70 It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. . (the BEST local beer!) Isla Catalina, also called Isla Ikiita (also called by local indigenous people like Toeya) is an island in the Caribbean Sea just a few kilometers southeast of Isla La Espaola south of the province of La Romana. 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. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail and share your adventures with friends and family. El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. Comfortable and safe transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. and share your adventures with friends and family. Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. 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. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Experience a country of the wonders, one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Dominican Republic, famous for its coral reefs and tropical fish. Children under 3 are FREE! Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island* or continue reading my Isla Catalina guide. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. 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. . Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Click. 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 Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. 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. 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. Refrigerator. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. 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. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? Best Saona Island Tours 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. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . 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. in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona, check out this post if you are looking for better snorkeling options, Small Group Private Boat to Saona Island*, Private Premium Catamaran to Saona Island*, Affordable Saona private tour from Bayahibe for medium groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Bayahibe for large groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for small groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for medium groups*, Full-service Saona private tour from Punta Cana for small groups*, Affordable Saona private tour from Punta Cana for large groups*, snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic, Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island, Even the Dominican Republic has its own (very extensive) hygiene protocol, 30+ exciting things-to-do in Punta Cana in 2023 (Dominican Republic), Punta Cana itinerary for an easy 1-week road-trip beaches, culture and mountains, 13 Insider tips on how to find the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Excursion to Isla Saona 2023 everything you need to know for your hassle-free Saona Island Tour, further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article, this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people, Check Affordable Isla Saona Private Tour*, this private yacht tour for up to 10 people, the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group, Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Hoyo Claro how you can save 588 USD when visiting a cenote in Punta Cana, Finest Punta Cana a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort, The best dune buggy adventure tours in Punta Cana (Tested and hand-picked), Scuba Diving in Punta Cana your full guide with the best dive sites & dive shops in Punta Cana, Rum Tours in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, Baha de las guilas hotels, glamping, beach info, things-to-do and a secret+quick way to get there, no transfers included (starts from Bayahibe), no transfers included (boat starts from Bayahibe), approx. How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? It depends what you meany by "better". Saona has basically two types of excursion; the party trip usually using speedboat one way and catamaran the other (imho speedboat out cat back is best for the party) and our best trip was trimaran both ways , and the eco trip run by Seavis Bayahibe which visits empty beaches and the turtle hatchery at Mano Juan using motor boats. The Saona excursions hit Catuano Beach where the old pier is, the snorkelig can be good or just so so there depending on the conditions because you're closer to shore. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! GOOD NEWS! Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. Hotel El Eden. It's Catalina Island's secret summer. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . 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. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. 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. . Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much morewhen you sign up for our newsletter. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. : See a list of all hotels in Saona 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! There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? 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 are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? 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? How to Get to Saona Island? The conventional way to visit Saona Island is to go on an excursion on a big boat with a crowd of people you do not know and a mediocre buffet lunch. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. 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. Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. . 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. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. Where to Stay in Saona Island Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Go on the website and if you cant find exactly what you are looking for, call Oscar and he will set you up. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. 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. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. 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. Maximum 6 passengers. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. Sorry we have not used that outfit. Plenty in the sun! 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. SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. However, tours are sometimes cheaper than you might think, hence it is worth having a closer look at Catalina Island and Saona Island private tours. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. 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. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! It has an approximate area of 9.6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. 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. Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. 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.
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