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Catalina Island (Isla Catalina in Spanish) is a beautiful uninhabited island known as one of the best sites for snorkeling and diving in the Dominican Republic. Catalina Island lies 1.5 miles from the southeastern shore of the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean Sea, and is formed by coral stone and surrounded by one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea. 

The crystal-clear waters here are home to diverse marine life. The coast is covered with coral reefs, exotic fish, starfish and other colorful species to delight your eyes. It is classified as a national monument with a protected environment and is also the Caribbean beach home port of Costa cruise line. 

Catalina Island is part of the Cotubanama’ National Park and is widely visited every day by tourists, attracted by the unique natural beauty that the island presents in its virgin state. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and Catalinita. Catalina was named after the navigator Christopher Columbus on his voyage through the area in May 1494. 

The island has three main beaches, the East, West and North. Currently, the West beach is the most used and developed, although the other two have enormous potential to be developed for tourism. As we have mentioned before, the island is ideal for all kinds of water activities, of which snorkeling and diving stand out, since the island has an impressive marine fauna.

There are several well-known caves and reefs in the area, as well as famous shipwrecks. The “Wall” is one of the highlights of the island, an impressive coral reef that is located just a few meters from the coast. In the same area you can also view the wreck of 17th-century pirate Captain William Kidd at less than 20 feet below the surface. 

In addition to water activities, Catalina Island also offers a wide range of options for those looking to relax and enjoy the sun. Its beautiful white sand beaches are a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy a day at the beach. You can also explore the lush vegetation of the island on a tour of the nature trails.

 

Better Saona or Catalina?

Both islands are worth the visit and have their advantages, but your experiences will be a bit different. Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists don’t visit it as often as Saona Island. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. If you are not into diving or snorkeling probably Saona Island is more recommended as it offers better beaches; but if you are, then Catalina is the place to go.

 

Catalina Island from Punta Cana

The best way to visit Catalina Island from Punta Cana is to arrive at the port of La Romana by car or bus and from there take the boat to the island. The trip from Punta Cana to La Romana is around 1-1.5 hours. Once you arrive in La Romana, from the port you get on the boat that takes you to the island. The boat ride can range from 25 minutes (motorized boat) to one hour (sailing boat).

Before arriving at the island, it is usual to make a stop near the coast, at The Wall reef, one of the best in the country, to go snorkeling or diving. The Catalina tour from Punta Cana lasts the entire day and once on the island, tourists can have lunch in one of the different comedores, and in the afternoon rest on the beach in one of the many bed chairs, having a drink or simply sunbathing.

 

Important Info

It is important to clarify that the transfer time from Punta Cana to La Romana is 1.5 hours once the clients have all been picked up. When a tourist books a shared tour, he/she has to remember that the transportation, after picking them up at their hotel, also has to go to others hotels, and in addition there are always technical stops for check-in and briefing, reason why the time spent on the bus goes to be always longer, we can say around 3 hours from the pick up until reaching the port of La Romana. As we always suggest, the best way to go on a tour prepared and avoid surprises is to read the reviews of other tourists who have already done the excursions, especially the bad ones!

 

We offer 2 different ways to experience Catalina Island from Punta Cana :

• a relaxing experience visiting the charming village of Altos de Chavon.
• a VIP experience with private beach club and lobster served for lunch.