The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Before we are delving into the private excursions to Isla Saona (and Isla Catalina), lets have a look first at Isla Catalina, which can easily be regarded as the little sister of Isla Saona. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. Which is better Catalina Island or Saona - Tripadvisor Great info thank you! . Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. If you are looking for a Saona Island tour from Punta Cana, click. You might be surprised! 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 reefs at Saona are considered among the TOP 3 in the country. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Saona has basically two types of excursion; the party trip usually using speedboat one way and catamaran the other (imho speedboat out cat back is best for the party) and our best trip was trimaran both ways , and the eco trip run by Seavis Bayahibe which visits empty beaches and the turtle hatchery at Mano Juan using motor boats. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. Isla Saona gets visited every day by thousands of tourists. Punta Cana Currency 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 . Which one suits what I am looking for? We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! They make for a gorgeous photo background, too! Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. Aparta-Hotel Villa Baya. Choose your destination: Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. Private Catamaran for Rent to Saona, Palmilla or Catalina 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! experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. Most Saona Island tours with big boats and crowds wont make a snorkeling stop, but Saona can offer an amazing snorkeling experience since it is a part of a large national park, Cotubanam, and a sanctuary to a large number of different species. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. DESCRIPTION. Required fields are marked *. 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*. 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. Bayahibe: Full-Day Saona Island Excursion | GetYourGuide You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. Saona Island | Best Tours in Punta Cana So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? Hotel Bocaino. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. Both islands are worth the visit and have their advantages, but your experiences will be a bit different. Saona Island Complete Guide | Best Things to Do | Punta Cana Hero If you ever get hot during your Saona Island trip, simply go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or drink a cold Presidente! leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. 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. Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. They all pretty much go to all the same stops. Catalina Island: a picturesque oasis in the Dominican Republic Most. 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! Icebox. 3. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Or perhaps you're planning your first visit to the island. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. Whala!Bayahibe 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. Despues a la llegada al barco habia un chico super amable para recibirnos y explicarnos todo. On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Boat Rentals & Yacht Charters in Dominican Republic, The Bahamas & St 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. SAONA ISLAND Excursion & Tour with Dressel Divers 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. 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. Beaches In La Romana, Dominican Republic Near Cruise Port 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. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Sea excursions for Cruiseship to Saona Island A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. 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. Everything is included: gourmet food, service, alcohol, water sports, scuba, linens with a Captain, Chef/Hostess, and first mate. Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. 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. The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. I'm a little nervous. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). Which one to go to? Save. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. Interesting Facts However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. I guess it depends on what you want to do! 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. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! 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? B&B Villa Luna. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. Starfish proliferate there, which are one of the main attractions for tourists. 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! Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. 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 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. 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. Our most popular Saona excursion is the Saona Crusoe VIP: an adventure per fast speedboat to the most remote and the most beautiful beaches on Saona Island. 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. Perhaps the best known of the island is its beautiful natural pool, where you can walk dozens of meters without the water covering more than your hip. 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. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. The captain is included with the boat rental. Yes, it's a killer combination. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. It depends what you meany by "better". We hope! Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. 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. 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. 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. 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! As mentioned, there is quite an amount of people visiting Isla Saona (and to a lesser extent Isla Catalina as well). Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed: Youll have much smaller groups just the people from your traveling party. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. Dreams Saona Island Snorkeling and Diving Punta Cana | Ultra Marine Divers Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? And its not surprising! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. Oscar himself met us on the beach with our drinks which we paid for on the Internet and even helped us get on our boat. Water was beautiful. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. They have beaches worthy of a picture postcard, kilometers of sandy beach surrounded by palm trees and bathed by turquoise waters in a protected natural park. Drinks and Foodis not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? For a head-to-head comparison of Isla Catalina vs Isla Saona, you can also use the following table. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. Excursion Isla Saona Vip - Related Sites - StatsCrop With the current price of 450 US (subject to change), it is just 75 US per person an unbeatable bargain. 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. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. 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. 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 . 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. Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. So if you want to find accommodation near these two islands, we share with you the following list of hotels near Saona Island and Catalina island proposed by TripAdvisor: BAYAHIBE. Maybe you'd like to spend a relaxing day with family at the beach? If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? US$ 5 / Person (Mandatory for Saona and Catalina). Departing from Bayahibe. 100% recomendable. Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. 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 If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. There are two places worth exploring while diving: El Muro, an impressive wall that plunges into the Caribbean Sea, reaching a depth of about 100 meters; and El Acuario, where the dive is 11 meters, full of coral formations, where you can find some of the most typical species of the Caribbean Sea such as seahorses, the famous lion fish or toad fish, among others. Hotel El Eden. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year. From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! 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. 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. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. This is the most basic experience to visit the Catalina Island National Park, where you will be able to see its most famous places. 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. Some info about your guide Robert: Hello my name is Robert and originally I am Dutch. 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. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. . Bayahibe Travel Guide 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. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much morewhen you sign up for our newsletter. 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! Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . Comfortable and safe transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe. 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. Gran Oferta Saona & Catalina | Saona Excursiones We got you covered! Saona.fun is focused on quality tours to the islands of Saona & Catalina. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Saona Dreams - Saona Catamaran (Isla Saona) - All You - Tripadvisor (Click below to navigate) The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. Both islands have their advantages. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). 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. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. 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. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. LEARN MORE . Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. . 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. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. One of the cheapest and most recommended tours is this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people*. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. 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, Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? 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. History of Saona Island In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. If you are traveling with a large family or a group of friends, the prices of a private tour can be even more affordable than if booked individually. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Excursions and Tours Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, DR - SeavisTours Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Professional Music Equipment. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. It just depends on what you are looking for. Book your Saona Island Tour now! The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. 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. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! 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!
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