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. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! I know it is sometimes boring to read all those articles with all my personal experiences and recommendations. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! Saona Island Catamaran Tour 1 Bus Tours from $75.00 $68.25 per adult Saona Blue Paradise from Punta Cana 7 Lunch Cruises from $104.00 per adult Saona Island Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana 19 Bus Tours from $95.00 per adult All-Inclusive Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana (Full Day) Full-day Tours from $85.00 per adult Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. 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. Catalina or Saona? - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor FULL PACK TOURS . Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. 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. 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. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. 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. Yes, it's a killer combination. 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. Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! 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! 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. The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. 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. Saona Island is located southeast of the Dominican Republic. On the catamaran you will have drinks and you will be able to enjoy it with our entertainment group while sailing through the Caribbean Sea. . Thats not surprising if you see the photos of this exclusive catamaran, which will bring you straight to paradise! SAONA ISLAND Excursion & Tour with Dressel Divers Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. We will be there first part of March :). Where to begin to describe one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. If this sounds perfect to you, then check out the best Saona Island tour offers here* or continue reading my Isla Saona Guide. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. 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. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Which one suits what I am looking for? Most. And then go for another relaxing swim! Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. And if Catalina impresses underwater, it also does so on the surface. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. Gran Oferta Saona & Catalina | Saona Excursiones Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. 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. DESCRIPTION. Thats when I met Oscar at the other end of the phone He is a super nice and personable guy and immediately understood what we wanted to do and how to do it. There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. Started August 27, 2021, By We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. 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. 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. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. and share your adventures with friends and family. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. The second one will be in a much more relaxed spot, since in The Aquarium we will go down to 8 meters deep, where you will be able to get to know a wonderful underwater world. Ready to discover Saona Island? Great info thank you! Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. 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. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Maximum 6 passengers. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? As you can read in my review about Isla Catalina, it further scores with its catamaran cruise, as you can enjoy it both ways as opposed to the combined speed boat-/catamaran ride to Isla Saona. The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. . Instead of being stuck on a large boat with a crowd of other tourists from different countries, you will be traveling on your own private boat to and from the island. Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. This is why we are sharing this Complete Guide to Saona Island with you. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). Check out the following options for some additional Isla Saona private tours for up to 10, sometimes even 12 people. Not Bus Pick Up. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Take your friends and family (maximum 10 passengers). Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands - JackCana Tours Muy agradables los marineros. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! Luxury Yacht Charter from Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina Casa de Campo Marina, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic 23 5 Verified Crew Included CLEAN & SAFE 450 US$ ( Per boat ) Private Boat Rental to Saona or Catalina Island Tour Bayahibe, Dominican Republic 12 Verified Crew Included Post a free listing to rent your boat I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. The tours also include a free buffet with typical Dominican food, where you can eat as much as you want. 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. Departures from 9am onwards, arrival to Bayahibe to 5.30 pm maximum. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. 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. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. In them we can spend the day in paradise. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a Presidente (the BEST local beer!) Do you remember the gorgeous Bounty Chocolate commercials that showed off a deserted island with a gorgeous white sand beach and turquoise waters? 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. La travesia espectacular y el barco una pasada. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. Saona Island They all pretty much go to all the same stops. We're talking about 110 sq kilometers. 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. We hope! If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dominican Republic, your choice should be Saona Island. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. 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. 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! 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. Saona VIP is our most complete tour to visit this beautiful island. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? Excellent choice highly recommended! Wondering if anyone has been to either or both of these islands as I'm trying to choose which option to decide upon. Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Each boat to Saona Island is different. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . Un servicio impecable. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. Any information would be appreciated. saona island All inclusive: Marine transport: motomaran and catamaran with party and entertainment program. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Water was beautiful. The Dominican Republic is famous for its incredible seafood, and Saona Island lives up to the expectations! Thank Kanta M . For further information, check out the following table with the cheapest Isla Saona private tours. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? 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. Saona is more recommended if you are looking for a nice beach with no seaweed and great views. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. It is a Mediterranean village located on the banks of the Chavon River, also known as the City of Artists. If a speed boat is too small for you and you prefer a private yacht to visit Isla Saona, you can check out this private yacht tour for up to 10 people*. Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Saona Island | Best Tours in Punta Cana It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! 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. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. 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. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. 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. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. 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. That was Saona Island! Isla Saona: Saona Info | Book it*Dune buggy and ATV excursion: Buggy Info | Book it*Punta Cana Ziplining: Zipline Info | Book it*Party boat & booze cruise: Party Boat Info | Book it*Scape Park Cap Cana & Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon Info | Book it*Los Haitises National Park: Los Haitises Info | Book it* Santo Domingo: Santo Domingo Info | Book it*Saman (Salto El Limn & Cayo Levantado): Saman Info | Book it*Helicopter & airplane tours: Helicopter Info | Book it*Whale watching (Jan-Mar only): Whale watching Info | Book it*Looking for more inspiration? We will make our first stop in the middle of the ocean to Snorkel or Dive (depends the program youve booked) with some of our professional guides in the water with the most marine fauna in the Caribbean. This island also has a lot to offer you. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. 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. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. the best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. I would like to thank Oscar who even gave me a generous refund because the boat was not exactly as originally described. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. GOOD NEWS! 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. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? With its white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of palm trees, it truly looks like a slice of Paradise! 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 . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. We are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. 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. The indegineous Taino people, the native populations of the Dominican Republic, occupied Saona Island before Christopher Columbuss arrival in 1494. All Rights Reserved. And when you find yourself in its crystalline waters, you must remember that you are in one of the most important ecological reserves of the Dominican Republic. Visit Saona & Palmilla (natural pool) or Catalina Island in this confortable sailing catamaran for rent. The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. You have to pay the full boat and the entire crew, doesnt matter how many persons are in your group. .. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. Lion fish, frog fish and seahorses are the real protagonists. 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. Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving discounts - what to see at Dominicus - check out reviews and 4 photos for Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? 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. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Even the Dominican Republic has its own (very extensive) hygiene protocol, which gets excellent reviews and international recognition, a group tour is still a group tour with many other people. The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms. Hope this helps! 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 Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. 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 Dreams - Saona Catamaran (Isla Saona) - All You - Tripadvisor Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? $ 95 $ 70 Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. Few tourists actually visit Mano Juan when they come to Saona Island, so incorporating a visit to this fishing village into your Isla Saona itinerary will give you a chance to experience this tranquil tropical island off the beaten track! Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). 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. Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. Saona Island- Dominican Republic tours and excursions Saona island, Catalina island or natural pool of Las Palmillas Let us know your desires we will take care of offering you a tailor-made excursion! 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher. B&B Villa Luna. Your email address will not be published. Catalina is more recommended if you are in snorkeling and scuba diving. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. Private tours are not cheap, especially when boat rides or catamaran cruises are included. Beaches In La Romana, Dominican Republic Near Cruise Port Bayahibe: Full-Day Saona Island Excursion | GetYourGuide It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat.