: Sea water has healing properties. Hotels Pick-up. 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. As mentioned, there is quite an amount of people visiting Isla Saona (and to a lesser extent Isla Catalina as well). 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. 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. That was Saona Island! 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. In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or with the organizer. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. Transfer and lunch are optional, hence I recommend to make proper arrangements with the organizer of the tour before so that they exactly know what you wish for your private excursion to Saona Island. You mentioned the wall. 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. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. 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. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! (Click below to navigate) Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html. 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. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. . LEARN MORE . You might be surprised! the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. For further information, check out the following table with the cheapest Isla Saona private tours. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Ready to discover Saona Island? Maximum 6 passengers. 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. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. Looking for a private Saona Island tour? Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. I'm a little nervous. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Click here to learn more! We got you covered! Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! It has an approximate area of 9.6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? Book your private Saona Island excursion now! 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 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. 100% recomendable. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! 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. BOAT RULES. Round Trip. 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. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. 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. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. The island measures about 9.6 . Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. GOOD NEWS! You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. 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. If you dont find the right offer among those private tours and you are looking for other excursions to Isla Saona, feel free to send me an email to puntacanatravelblog (at) gmail (dot) com. This island also has a lot to offer you. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! 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. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. .. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! Hotel Bocaino. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. 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. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. One of the cheapest and most recommended tours is this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people*. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Dominican Republic does not have strict mandates or lockdown restrictions and you can travel freely. (the BEST local beer!) However, be careful not to touch the starfish you find because your sunscreen is toxic for them. 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. Not Bus Pick Up. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. If the trip is cancelled with less than 14 days notice (for reasons excluding storms/unsafe weather conditions), the full deposit will be transferred to Boat Owner. Saona Island is located just off the coast of Punta Cana and Bayahibe and you can expect the quintessential Caribbean weather: warm, sunny, and simply beautiful! Plenty in the sun! Best Beaches of Saona Island They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Isla Saona is an important turtle breeding ground and you can visit a turtle conservation project on your Saona Island trip. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. Still, let's take a closer look at the exact location of each of these islands. It's Catalina Island's secret summer. It is suitable for up to 15 people and comes with a price tag of 1500 USD, lunch and drinks are included. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Saona.fun is focused on quality tours to the islands of Saona & Catalina. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. 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! The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. $ 95 $ 70 Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. 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. The first one is The Wall which as we mentioned before, is also known as The Wall of Catalina. It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. Punta Cana Currency experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. 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. Then you will go to a privileged space at the beach of Saona, area equipped with chaise longue, canopy beds, open bar and a typical Dominican buffet. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. Both islands have their advantages. The time on Saona island is priceless. 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. Whala!Bayahibe It is recognized as one of the best diving / snorkeling spots in the Dominican Republic and even the Caribbean and it is not surprising due to its seabed full of corals, sea sponges and tropical fish. Comfortable and safe transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. And what about water temp? Wondering if anyone has been to either or both of these islands as I'm trying to choose which option to decide upon. Whatever it is, Mano Juan has brightly colored homes that show a Caribbean carefree way of living. 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! It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. 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!). Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. 3. 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? Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. 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. FULL PACK TOURS . I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. 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. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. You dont have any strangers on the boat. Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It*Guesthouses & AirBnBs: Info | Book It*Excursions: Info | Book It*Rental Car: Info | Book It*Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan ItTravel Insurance (incl. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. 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. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. Click. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! Are you looking for a littleadventure? Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Choose your destination: Punta Cana Whale Watching Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I guess it depends on what you want to do! Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. 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. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! 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. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! 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. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. 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 It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Required fields are marked *. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. 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. Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. 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 has areas that are contracted by many of the tour operators that do trips there so they have their own little area for each tour group to do their meals and drinks that are included with most trips. On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. We are happy to announce that we are in the Bahamas! 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. We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. CC Help Jenn Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? 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. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If this sounds perfect to you, then check out the best Saona Island tour offers here* or continue reading my Isla Saona Guide. Catalina Island The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? We have several tours to Catalina and Saona islands. Punta Cana Day-TripsPunta Cana ExcursionsPunta Cana Family ActivitiesPunta Cana Family ResortsPunta Cana Free ActivitiesPunta Cana HikingPunta Cana ItineraryPunta Cana MapsPunta Cana NightlifePunta Cana Public TransportPunta Cana SnorkelingPunta Cana Things-to-DoPunta Cana WaterfallsPunta Cana Weather Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. 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. 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. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? 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. DESCRIPTION. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By In this case, have a look at the cheapest Saona Island private tours which are more affordable than you might think. 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. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. 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. etc. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. 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. 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. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! This is a real island mon! Traveling to Isla Saona in your own private boat is the safest way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island. And then go for another relaxing swim! 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? If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. 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. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. 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. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? 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. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. Or perhaps you're planning your first visit to the island. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. That was easy! So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. We hope! Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Saona Island known as Isla Saona in Spanish is a picturesque island only a short boat ride away from Punta Cana and Bayahibe that offers unparalleled wild nature and beautiful beaches. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. 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.