If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. 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. What is the best option for a private excursion: the difference between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. Powered by Invision Community. Thank Kanta M . They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! 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. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. Your email address will not be published. (the BEST local beer!) Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . Since 24 years I have been living and working together with my better half on the beautiful sun-drenched island called La . Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? 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. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. With over 20yrs. Another underrated activity at Saona Island is scuba diving. 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! Of the 539 species found in the park, the small island of 110 km2 is home to most of them. Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. Some of the ordinary group. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. 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. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Visiting Saona Island is usually a day trip and you will be back in your hotel by the early evening, so there is no need to search for accommodations on Saona Island. 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. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? experience in tourism in the Dominican Republic. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". That was easy! If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. 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. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! On the way to Isla Saona, theres a gorgeous natural pool, a large area with waist-deep shallow and crystal clear water. Pros/Cons? Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. Punta Cana Currency The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. Hotel Bayahibe. Still, let's take a closer look at the exact location of each of these islands. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. 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. Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! 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. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price: 5$ USD per person. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. 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. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. It just depends on what you are looking for. 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. This island also has a lot to offer you. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. Best Beaches of Saona Island ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. 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 . We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! We are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. 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 best reefs are there.the island itself is not that great and the beach at your hotel is probably better. Any information would be appreciated. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. Both islands have their advantages. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. After your visit to the natural pool, youll be on your way to Saona island to enjoy its wild beaches! Sea water has healing properties. Check out the Saona Island Tour and Catalina Island Tour and the Saona Gallery and the Catalina Gallery for some impressions, enjoy! 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. The first stop will be Catalina Wall. 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 . Espero volver a verles pronto!! 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. And then go for another relaxing swim! This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. CC Help Jenn SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. 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. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. I guess it depends on what you want to do! 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. 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. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? 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. It depends what you meany by "better". 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). It just depends on what you are looking for. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. 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. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. 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. 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. 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. Book your Saona Island Tour now! 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. Where Is Isla Saona Located? 13 Punta Cana: Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island by Cataraman. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. Book your, Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts, Ready to discover Saona Island? LauraS Interesting Facts Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. 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. Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. Our excursions to the island usually depart from the port of La Romana just 45 minutes by boat to Catalina. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. The pool is formed because lots of sand naturally gets accumulated in one area, bringing ocean levels to just a couple of feet and making it feel like a pool! Where to begin to describe one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. I will design your tailor-made itinerary, tell you how to save money on your trip and send you the best insider tips and recommendations. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful ride along the waves to Isla Saona and follow your unique itinerary without feeling rushed or completely dependent on your tour provider and a large group of people you have never met before. Afterwards, we will head to our open buffet for lunch on the island, where you will also be able to explore its exquisite white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees and jungle. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. Coco Bongo Punta Cana All of this is included in your private catamaran excursion to Saona Island for up to 15 people (just lunch and the national park fee is extra in case youd like to book it). Alternatively, you may use. The best private excursion I can recommend for Isla Catalina is this private boat tour*. Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Where to Stay in Saona Island Let's go there! There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. 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! 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. 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. Land and Jungle Excursions: And we don't forget the land part of the park. . It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. Thats particularly important in times of. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Social distancing can be enforced. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. You might be surprised! Catalina Beach. Are you a small group or maybe even just a couple looking in getting away from the huge groups and the crowded Saona excursions? MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. 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. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. 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. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? Its pristine beaches surrounded by vegetation are also worth seeing, and enjoying its white sand for a couple of hours. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? and share your adventures with friends and family. 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 $79.00 per adult Reserve Contribute Write a review Upload a photo Your email address will not be published. A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. Thats when I met Oscar at the other end of the phone He is a super nice and personable guy and immediately understood what we wanted to do and how to do it. Luxury Yacht Charter from Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina Casa de Campo Marina, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic 23 5 Verified Crew Included CLEAN & SAFE 450 US$ ( 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 16 Rum Factory Tour. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. This route also starts at 7 am at your hotel, then you will go by catamaran from La Romana to Catalina Island. 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. The captain is included with the boat rental. If you are interested in further excursions that are Covid-19 safe or certified, check out this article. All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! .. 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.
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