Catalina Island: Saona's Quieter, Snorkel-First Neighbor
You've probably heard of Saona — it's the island with the big name. Fewer people know about its neighbor, Isla Catalina, and that's exactly why it's worth going. At about 10 square kilometers, this uninhabited offshore island is ringed by white-sand beaches, leaning palms, and some of the most vibrant underwater reefs in the Dominican Republic. That's the difference in a nutshell: Saona is for beach lovers, and Catalina is for beach lovers who snorkel.
Getting There
The day heads west to the town of La Romana, where you'll board the party boat known as "El Fieston." It's a cruise across clear water with Latin music going, passing the multimillion-dollar mansions and yachts of Casa de Campo before the classic Caribbean shoreline of Catalina comes into view.
The Island
On the island there's a buffet lunch right on the beach, with drinks and snacks served throughout the day, and plenty of palms, white sand and clear water to go around. Not the type to lie still? Pull on some snorkeling gear and explore Catalina's reefs, or grab a spot on the banana boat.
Altos de Chavón
On the way home you'll stop at Altos de Chavón, a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village of cobblestone lanes, restaurants and artisan shops — a nice change of pace to round out the day.
Boat and island trips get booked up fast around here, so lock in your spot on the quieter island for some snorkeling, some history, and plenty of beach.
What's Included
- Round-trip transport
- Professional guide
- Boat transport to Catalina Island
- Snorkeling gear
- BBQ buffet lunch
- Snacks and drinks
What to Bring
- Beach clothing
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Cash
Good to know
- You're collected from your hotel in a minivan or minibus, then transferred to a larger bus out to the launch point for Catalina.
- Altos de Chavón has a dress code — no bathing suits inside. You'll need shoes or sandals, men need a shirt, so bring a change of clothes to cover up.
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