There is also a Turtle Sanctuary in the village, where you can see both older turtles and hatchlings taking their first steps in the Caribbean Sea. You can relax on the beach with a cocktail or a soft drink or join in a volleyball game. 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! The time on Saona island is priceless. FULL PACK TOURS . Catalina Island, a must in Dominican Republic | Saona Dreams You can roam around freely and create the vibe you want. If this option doesnt suit you, you can check out the following private excursions to Isla Catalina. 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. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. 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. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. 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. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? From exploring the natural swimming pools to spotting rare animals, we got you covered! Hotel Bocaino. The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Want to create a unique itinerary for your. Saona Island | Best Tours in Punta Cana GOOD NEWS! 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. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Hotel Bayahibe. If you cancel the booking for any reason up to 14 days before the trip date, we will refund the deposit to you. He knows every captain in the area and every boat. How to Get to Saona Island? MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. Dominican Republic does not have strict mandates or lockdown restrictions and you can travel freely. Catalina Island features coral very close to the shore that are easily accessible. 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. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? 2-5 (+cruise ships if applicable). Then you will go to a privileged space at the beach of Saona, area equipped with chaise longue, canopy beds, open bar and a typical Dominican buffet. 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. Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. The dives at this point are between 20 and 40 meters, only within the reach of the most experienced divers. Let's go there! Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. Especially in these unprecedented times, private tours are offering an enormous extra value compared to standard group excursions: safety and health. We will be there first part of March :). Best Beaches of Saona Island Saona Sun & Fun Click here to learn more! Saona Island Beach Day via Catamaran from Punta Cana 2023 - Viator Our private half-day or full-day boat tours allow you to escape the crowds for a memorable Saona Island tour to experience this slice of Caribbean paradise on your own terms. to learn more about private tours to Saona Island that are tailored to your preferences! It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Just check out some of the photos here or in my comprehensive guide about Isla Saona. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. The staff is just there for you. SHARING IS CARING! You may be very lucky and see a family of dolphins, a turtle, a whale or even a manatee Some of these species are in danger of extinction, so it will not be easy for you to find them, but not impossible, so be attentive. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. Hotel El Eden. Breakfast was a bun and a drink. Saona Island tourism remains largely unaffected by the pandemic. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. And then go for another relaxing swim! . Are you looking for a littleadventure? Drinks and Food is not included but can be requested at the time of your reservation for an additional price. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! Private Tour to Saona or Catalina island | WannaBoats 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. LauraS All the information I send you are crafted with love and passion and are coming with a money-back guarantee. Or maybe you just want to do some cool sightseeing? 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. It just depends on what you are looking for. Icebox. You will feel unique in the world, and even more so when you visit the natural pool, where you can see starfish and walk to infinity without being covered by the water. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. GOOD NEWS! .. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. 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. Saona Island. The ride from Bayahibe to Catalina by boat takes about 25 min. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Started August 27, 2021, By It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. As if that were not enough, in Catalina there is also the wreck of a ship called Cara Merchant, commanded by Captain Kidd at the end of the 17th century. 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. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for your review and your trust in us. How many islands does the Dominican Republic have? Saona Dreams - Saona Catamaran (Isla Saona) - All You - Tripadvisor 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. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. It is led by Negro, a local community organization, that gets turtle eggs from high-risk areas to a safe environment where they can hatch and then be returned to their natural habitat. 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*. Pros/Cons? 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. Tours to Isla Catalina are offering a relaxed cruise and have a snorkeling stop included. Some info about your guide Robert: Hello my name is Robert and originally I am Dutch. What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! The first one is The Wall which as we mentioned before, is also known as The Wall of Catalina. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The captain is included with the boat rental. 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. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! It is suitable for up to 15 people and comes with a price tag of 1500 USD, lunch and drinks are included. Our private boat tours let you have the experience of your dreams! Excursion Isla Saona Vip related sites: , Diving, Excursions, Dominikanische republik, Punta Cana, Ausflge Punta Cana, Shugaring EKB, Yasunizate, Shopnail Professional Music Equipment. . If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! 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. We later passed by another area and swam again. With Catalina you're snorkeling off the boat or off the Wall so less concerns about sand and you have both the Aquarium and the Wall to snorkel. My girlfriend and I were visiting vacationing at dreams La Romana and wanted to take a private excursion to saona island without having to go on the 20+ people boats. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. This is a real island mon! We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. We will be contacting you shortly with the exact time", "Pickup locations vary by hotel. Punta Cana Whale Watching Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . 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. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. 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. Although it is located off the coast of the province of La Altagracia, it is administratively part of the province of La Romana. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Most of the Saona Island excursions have a set amount of stops. Sea water has healing properties. Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. You choose the type of boat: sailing catamaran, motor catamaran, yacht or motorboat. Half Day Trip. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. By 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. Refrigerator. I asked a resident of Bayahibe about the present seaweed conditions and they are very bad around Punta Cana but Bayahibe and areas nearby are very clean, beaches look gorgeous around Bayahibe and Saona. Book your private Saona Island excursion now! Social distancing can be enforced. Whats Included: Impuestos de parque incluido 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Coco Bongo Punta Cana Motorcycle Gma, August 12, 2015 in Dominican Republic. Alternatively, you may use. 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. . A private tour to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina comes with many advantages. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Michele de Cuneo also later became the first governor of Saona Island. Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth. The beach is lovely and long and has many of those type areas for many of the groups to spread out and enjoy the afternoon. It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. It is a virgin island of fine white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and full of coconut trees. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. 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. And what about water temp? Excursions and Tours Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, DR - SeavisTours Daily PRIVATE Trip in motor catamaran - Max 60 persons $ Duration: Flexible. Saona Island (Isla Saona) Tours 77 Tours & Activities 4WD Tours 269 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 833 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Saona Island Beach Day 39 Reviews Cap Cana, Caribbean Save to Wishlist From $70.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). 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. Click. 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. 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. Most Saona Island tours leave from Bayahibe and arrive straight to the gorgeous wild beaches shortly after. We guarantee you that you will love this Island and it's amazing reefs! Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It belongs to the Cotubanama National Park and is fully protected by the Dominican government because of its abundant and wild natural life. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can also bring your own if you do not want to buy them. 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. 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? The second of the excursions we propose is our classic visit to Catalina Island. We have often done both in the same holiday as they are the most interesting boat trips from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Top Hotels in Saona Island - Expedia Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar - Viator 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 Thats just 100 USD per person for a private tour if you go with 15 people, which is much cheaper than most Isla Saona private tours. 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. 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. Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. 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. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Hotels near Saona Island and Catalina Island | Saona Dreams - Domingo Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much morewhen you sign up for our newsletter. Each boat to Saona Island is different. Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. Saona Island- Dominican Republic tours and excursions There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. Choose your destination: How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? It is about an hour from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to where the boat leaves. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. You will see the natural swimming pool with some starfish, have (sometimes) a quick mediocre snorkeling stop (please note that Isla Saona is not a snorkeling excursion check out this post if you are looking for better snorkeling options), cruise along the coastline of the national park with an ocean catamaran and have a speed boat ride the other way back. 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. 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. Sea excursions for Cruiseship to Saona Island The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. 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. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. SAONA ISLAND Excursion & Tour with Dressel Divers Alternatively, you can check out this return transfer option* as well. Best Saona Island Tours Would you like to take advantage of someone with years of experience in the tourism industry (knowing all the travel hacks ) and living right in the place where you would like to spend your holiday?Thats what my personal travel coaching is for. Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately? This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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 Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. Its a part of the Cotubanam National Park and a sanctuary to unique species of birds and sea creatures. Un servicio impecable. You might be surprised! Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. Catalina Island: a picturesque oasis in the Dominican Republic 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. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . 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! Book an excursion or rent a private boat and enjoy the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, Why choose WannaBoats.com to rent a yacht, catamaran or speedboat to go to Saona or Catalina in Dominican Republic, Renting an all inclusive luxury catamaran yacht in the Bahamas can be done easily through WannaBoats.com, 1 or 2 weeks on a luxury catamaran for 6 people in the Bahamas, Rent a boat and explore the Exuma Islands, an essential visit in the Bahamas, The Bahamas recognized as a sustainable destination by the UNWTO, Why choose WannaBoats over other private boat rental websites, WannaBoats.com has been awarded the Travelers Choice badge on Tripadvisor from 2020 to 2022. Which one suits what I am looking for? Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Interesting Facts The great thing about snorkeling is that all you really need is a mask and a life jacket. Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. Excursion Isla Saona Vip - Related Sites - StatsCrop We traveled to the natural pool which is a beautiful Sandbar and were able to swim privately. 17 Full day buggy Safari with lunch and Chavon River Tour. Espero volver a verles pronto!! This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Plenty in the sun! You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. We only did Catalina, the food was great, beach massage a must, but getting a chair in the shade was tough! 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. 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? Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? Check out here the best tours to Catalina Island* or continue reading my Isla Catalina guide. It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. DESCRIPTION. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Any information would be appreciated. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. It is the second largest island after Saona Island in Dominican Republic and is well loved for its spectacular diving sites. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you .