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Boat Rentals & Yacht Charters in Dominican Republic, The Bahamas & St Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! 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. 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 Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. It is a Mediterranean village located on the banks of the Chavon River, also known as the City of Artists. CC Help Jenn Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? ATV + El Valle Beach & Waterfalls, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Pedernales, Baha de las Aguilas: Beach Day Trip by Boat -Day Pass Snorkeling & Lunch, Birdwatching in Los Haitises National Park, Birdwatching Punta Cana Birding Tours from Punta Cana to Los Haitises National Park, Catalina Island and Snorkeling with Catamaran Party From Punta Cana Half Day Experience. Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! 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. The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. 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. Book your Saona Island Tour now! This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. Catalina Island is uninhabited. 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. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. 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. Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. 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. 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. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. I guess it depends on what you want to do! Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Click. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 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! Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! . Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . 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. US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental In them we can spend the day in paradise. Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. 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. Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. We have several tours to Catalina and Saona islands. Mano Juan is the bigger village on the island but still has only about 500 residents who dedicate their lives to fishing, making art, and living in tranquilidad (Spanish for tranquility!). Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. 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. There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that! Sea water has healing properties. You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. Disappointing - Cheap Shuttles DR - tripadvisor.com 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. Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. 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. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. 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. Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor The island of Saona is the most visited island in the Dominican Republic. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! Sorry we have not used that outfit. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Round Trip. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. How to get to the Saona island is only arriving from the public beach of Bayahibe, from there you can hire us in different options in package tours, or renting a boat or catamaran yacht . Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! 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! Saona Dreams - Saona Catamaran (Isla Saona) - All You - Tripadvisor There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. 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! Best Things To Do on Saona Island 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. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Isla Saona is an important turtle breeding ground and you can visit a turtle conservation project on your Saona Island trip. Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? All our Excursions - Quetzal Cata Excursions I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! 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. Save. Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. The captain is included with the boat rental. 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. 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. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? It just depends on what you are looking for. 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. With an Italian-medieval appearance, this place is famous for being a meeting point for many celebrities. 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. Traveling to Isla Saona in your own private boat is the safest way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island. Hotels near Saona Island and Catalina Island | Saona Dreams - Domingo It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the 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. 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. 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. We will be there first part of March :). 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. Catalina Island: a picturesque oasis in the Dominican Republic The first stop will be Catalina Wall. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Catamaran Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahibe 2023 - La Romana - Viator Bayahibe Travel Guide Excellent choice highly recommended! A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? We are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. Catalina Island, also known as Ikiita Island, is considered a Protected Natural Park and is located half an hour by boat from Casa de Campo in La Romana. Saona Island (Isla Saona) Tours 77 Tours & Activities 4WD Tours 269 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 833 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Saona Island Beach Day 39 Reviews Cap Cana, Caribbean Save to Wishlist From $70.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers He knows every captain in the area and every boat. Dominican Republic does not have strict mandates or lockdown restrictions and you can travel freely. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Thats particularly important in times of. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. Best Saona Island Tours The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. This island also has a lot to offer you. Going on a private boat tour to Saona Island allows you to combine the deserted island atmosphere with the comfort of your own exclusive method of transportation and control over your itinerary. Saona Island- Dominican Republic tours and excursions 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. Each boat to Saona Island is different. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. Most. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. Alternatively, you can check out this return transfer option* as well. (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. 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. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina I guess it depends on what you want to do! Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. 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? Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. You have to pay the full boat and the entire crew, doesnt matter how many persons are in your group. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. Catalina Island | Hotels, Restaurants & Island Adventures It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. 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. Required fields are marked *. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! By On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. Pros/Cons? I'm a little nervous. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. and share your adventures with friends and family. Alternatively, you may use. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Furthermore, Isla Catalina offers one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Southeast of the Dominican Republic. 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. The indegineous Taino people, the native populations of the Dominican Republic, occupied Saona Island before Christopher Columbuss arrival in 1494. Bayahibe: Full-Day Saona Island Excursion | GetYourGuide Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. 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? There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. You can roam around freely and create the vibe you want. 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. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? 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. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching .