Thank Kanta M . Hotels Pick-up. 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. On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. 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. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. A few meters away, palm trees and jungle vegetation appear, where we can find endemic fauna and flora of the island. Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. 100% recomendable. Best Saona Island Tours However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. That was Saona Island! 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! All Rights Reserved. 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. leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island With over 20yrs. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. 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. Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail Save. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! This is a real island mon! Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. . . Thats particularly important in times of. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. CC Help Jenn The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. 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. The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. I'm a little nervous. How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? If you need a transfer from Punta Cana, they can organize it as well. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. Visit Saona Island, an idyllic speck of sand and palm trees in the blue Caribbean, during a full-day tour from Punta Cana. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. 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. Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). We started out being picked up with two other people to catch a bus which took us to this restaurant to be loaded on a catamaran . Would you like to take advantage of someone with years of experience in the tourism industry (knowing all the travel hacks ) and living right in the place where you would like to spend your holiday?Thats what my personal travel coaching is for. Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? Choose your destination: 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. In them we can spend the day in paradise. Sea water has healing properties. Sea water has healing properties. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Several families of fishermen, who moved to the island by order of the dictator Lenidas Trujillo, have been living there since 1944. Max. 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. I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Oh, there's also music, animation and open bar. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. 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! However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. Some of the ordinary group. Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. We later passed by another area and swam again. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. Alternatively, you may use. Hotel Bocaino. For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. It has awning and a cooler with ice ready to go! El transporte que nos organizaron super puntual. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. 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. 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! 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. Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. 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. 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 is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. 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. 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. Each boat to Saona Island is different. It is a virgin island of fine white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and full of coconut trees. Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. 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. The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. It just depends on what you are looking for. It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. It is also an exceptionally good place to fish, where you can find specimens of guatapan, horse mackerel, king mackerel, and other types of temperate-water fish. Are you looking for a littleadventure? Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. 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! He knows every captain in the area and every boat. Are you a small group or maybe even just a couple looking in getting away from the huge groups and the crowded Saona excursions? Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). 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. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. 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. At 17:00 it will be time to return by boat, and finally we will take you back to your hotel. 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. Catalina is more recommended if you are in snorkeling and scuba diving. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! 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. Great info thank you! Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. You can define the itinerary. 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. Saona is more recommended if you are looking for a nice beach with no seaweed and great views. See a list of all hotels in Saona 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. Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). I guess it depends on what you want to do! It's Catalina Island's secret summer. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. 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. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. Still, let's take a closer look at the exact location of each of these islands. Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don't visit it as often as Saona Island. Some info about your guide Robert: Hello my name is Robert and originally I am Dutch. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. If you are looking for a Saona Island tour from Punta Cana, click. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. We hope! If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. 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!). In its interior was found Captain Kidd's Cannon, considered the only pirate cannon found in the Caribbean. Or, if youre feeling adventurous, go scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea to see lots of beautiful fish and interesting sea creatures! 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. The captain is included with the boat rental. There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. The first one is The Wall which as we mentioned before, is also known as The Wall of Catalina. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? Saona and Catalina Island for only $45 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? LauraS The yacht features a kitchen, a covered seating area and sufficient space outside to lounge and to enjoy the sun. Required fields are marked *. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. . Hotel El Eden. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. 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. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. You will be able to request those services while completing your booking process. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). 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? What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina How to Get to Saona Island? We will be there first part of March :). From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. 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. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. As if that were not enough, in Catalina there is also the wreck of a ship called Cara Merchant, commanded by Captain Kidd at the end of the 17th century. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. 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.