Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. And even the price seems steep at first glance, if you break it down to 15 people, it is just a bit more than 100 US per person a real bargain for a private full-day catamaran cruise! The captain is included with the boat rental. Posee una superficie aproximada de 9,6 . The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! Even the Dominican Republic has its own (very extensive) hygiene protocol, which gets excellent reviews and international recognition, a group tour is still a group tour with many other people. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. What can be better than a big plate of fresh seafood after a day full of adventure? Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? Coco Bongo Punta Cana In Mano Juan, a small fishing village on Isla Saona, there is a refuge for turtles that you can visit and you can help the cause with a donation. The island is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the country along with the Saona and the Catalinita. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. And then go for another relaxing swim! It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. 10 people max. The indegineous Taino people, the native populations of the Dominican Republic, occupied Saona Island before Christopher Columbuss arrival in 1494. Are you a small group or maybe even just a couple looking in getting away from the huge groups and the crowded Saona excursions? This is a real island mon! Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. Are you ready to escape the crowded beaches of Bavaro or Bayahibe and explore the untouched natural beauty of the Caribbean? 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. 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. Lunch will be prepared just for your group, which means there is no queue at the buffet. Day Trip Saona Island - Quetzal boat; Day Trip Saona Island - Small group; Day Trip Catalina Island; Whale watching . I guess it depends on what you want to do! You get the boat, the open bar and the food. The time on Saona island is priceless. Which one to go to? Book your Saona Island Tour now! I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. As mentioned, there is quite an amount of people visiting Isla Saona (and to a lesser extent Isla Catalina as well). They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. If, in addition to enjoying paradisiacal beaches, you are a lover of diving or snorkeling, your destination is Catalina Island. How to Get to Saona Island? You have to pay the full boat and the entire crew, doesnt matter how many persons are in your group. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. Full-day Saona Island tour from Bayahbe Travel by sailing catamaran Buffet lunch on the island The crowds (which are currently not present due to Covid-19) dont matter that much if you have your own tour anyway. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Isla Saona is generally reached by boat from Bayahibe. Is the snorkeling low key or more advanced? I guess it depends on what you want to do! 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. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! 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. The best 5 beaches in the Dominican Republic, Rent a boat and discover the best coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, A good profile picture helps you attract customers, Private Catamaran to Saona or Catalina in Bayahibe, SAONA ISLAND Speedboat for private rental in Bayahibe, VIP Speed Boat for Rent in Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina islands, Luxury Yacht Charter from Casa de Campo to Saona or Catalina. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. Saona Island Is It Safe to Travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. If you want to have a Saona Island day trip, you might be wondering what the best way to visit this beautiful Caribbean island is. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. Muy agradables los marineros. Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? In them we can spend the day in paradise. Thank Kanta M . 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Both islands have their advantages. Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. 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. Those are some of the options you have if you are staying in Punta Cana and are looking for a private yacht or catamaran excursion to one of the islands along the Southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. This full-day Saona Island tour includes a buffet lunch served beneath shady palm trees, round-trip transport by sailing catamaran, drinks on board the boat, and four hours of free time to experience Saona Island at your own pace. Children under 3 are FREE! It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Isla Saona is not connected to the Dominican Republics electricity grid and runs entirely on solar panels! Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It is also an exceptionally good place to fish, where you can find specimens of guatapan, horse mackerel, king mackerel, and other types of temperate-water fish. In addition, you should know that all excursions include round trip transfers to and from the hotels where you are staying. It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. Food, Transfers and Drinks are NOT INCLUDED. Some of them have even been married in some of its beautiful chapels and amphitheaters. No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island offers something for you. Best Beaches of Saona Island RNC: 1-31-25887-5 Tel: +1 829-208-7172 Email: info@saona.fun www.saona.fun Copyright Schau Ma Mal All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Half Day Trip. First of all, we show you our classic excursion to Saona Island. Powered by Invision Community. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. Saona Island is located to the south of Punta Cana, just 12 miles off the coast. 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. Thats particularly important in times of. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half Day Trip, Saman Dominican Republic. The native Taino population called Saona Island Adamanay in the native Arawak language. Snorkeling at Saona is nothing special. 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. We'll be contacting you shortly with the exact location". Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. 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. 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. In case youre looking for some other Saona Island private tours among them some with food, drinks and transfers included there are plenty of options for groups of up to 6 people. 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. You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! Or perhaps you'replanning your first visit to the island. 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! It is known for its coral reefs, which caused shipwrecks of some ships such as that of Captain Kidd, a British pirate who was shipwrecked on the shores of Catalina and nowadays diving enthusiasts can visit his sunken ship in this history museum under the sea. Are you looking for a littleadventure? With a private tour, you can have a more exclusive experience. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. Some of Mano Juan residents make colorful paintings and art objects that they sell at typical shops and stands. Board a speedboat as soon as you arrive in the village of Bayahibe, towards the island of Saona to do some snorkeling at Catuano Peers. Isla Saona offers more spectacular scenery and picture-perfect views, Isla Catalina is quieter and has better snorkeling. Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html. Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Book Online! . Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. SHARING IS CARING! You mentioned the wall. You will start your tour in La Romana and stop at the most famous snorkeling spot in the area, where you can see colorful fish and a tropical reef. 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. We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. 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. Isla Catalina is another beautiful Caribbean island, just a short boat ride away from Isla Saona. Each one offers different options, so it is up to you to decide which experience you choose. 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*. Enjoy a nice plate of lobster with local rice and a Presidente (the BEST local beer!) SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. Hope this helps! Smaller in size, less popular, fewer visitors and to a certain amount also not as (incredibly) beautiful as Isla Saona thats Catalina Island, just 15 miles away from Saona Island. See a list of all hotels in Saona Island. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are two of the most popular excursions when staying in Punta Cana. 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. Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. Click, What Is Better: Isla Saona vs. Isla Catalina. It just depends on what you are looking for. In case you want to try this particular exclusive experience, check out the offers in the widgets further below in this article. .. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. Private boat rental for full day tour to visit Saona Island or Catalina Island. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112206916', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catalina island has better snorkeling. Hop on board, sail along the Caribbean Sea, feel the ocean breeze and sip on an ice-cold beer or a delicious Cuba Libre. Caribbean Life & Travel magazine has selected Isla Saonas unspoiled beaches as the best beaches of the Caribbean. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email), Saona Island Vs Catalina Island. Catalina Island not only for divers but also for snorkeling is a wonderful vacation experience. CC Help Jenn 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. These cheerful objects that soaked up the quintessential Dominican lifestyle are guaranteed to brighten up your home! 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . 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. We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine. Whala!Bayahibe 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 This is not to say that there's not big boats going to Catalina. Which one suits what I am looking for? Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? The Turtle Sanctuary is our other visit in the small town, to get to know these fascinating animals. 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. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Also, Saona seems to be more of a party. covid-19 coverage): Book it*. However, this shouldnt mean that a visit to Isla Catalina is not worth-to-go by no means. Sea water has healing properties. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! 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. CC Help Jenn However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. They are Saona Island and Catalina Island, located southwest of the island of Hispaniola. Catalina is more recommended if you are in snorkeling and scuba diving. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. Just like many other areas in the Caribbean, Catalina Island served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 to the 1720s. Especially when looking for a little extra, a Saona Island private tour can be an amazing deal compared to sharing a catamaran with 70 other people. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. Max. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. Our last activity is for those who love scuba diving. Includes Captain, boat fuel, and cooler with ice. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. MP3 / MOBILE MUSIC plugin. Boats with Clean & Safe badge on WannaBoats, On-Board Covid-19 Safety Protocols (email). Wondering if anyone has been to either or both of these islands as I'm trying to choose which option to decide upon. Punta Cana Whale Watching 100% recomendable. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It*Guesthouses & AirBnBs: Info | Book It*Excursions: Info | Book It*Rental Car: Info | Book It*Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan ItTravel Insurance (incl. We are happy to announce that we are in the Bahamas! You might be surprised! The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Framed within the Cotubanam National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este, it is one of its most important parts. 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! Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! There is one more geographic curiosity about Saona. Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Ready to discover Saona Island? This is by far the most elegant private tour to Isla Saona a full cruising-style catamaran exclusively for your group*. If you are long overdue for a relaxing SPA day or vacation, a day trip to Saona Island might be just what you need! B&B Villa Luna. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. Espero volver a verles pronto!! and share your adventures with friends and family. There is currently a push to go back to this original name for Isla Saona. Palmilla Sandbank is the beach where the natural swimming pool is located. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. Isla Saona is a relatively small island just 42 square kilometers long but it has a rich history. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. 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. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling. Check out the following widget with some alternative tours. A catamaran trip to the island is one of the most attractive excursions you can do while vacationing in Punta Cana. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . $ 120 $ 98 6 - 8 Hours Car SALE 27 Waterfalls Buggies Tour Puerto Plata $ 95 $ 65 3 - 4 Hours buggies SALE 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. It also offers a better snorkeling experience. 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. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? Maximum 6 passengers. Moreover, Saona Islands more secluded beaches that you can reach on a private tour make social distancing much more enjoyable! Isla Catalina offers a more intimate experience because it is a quieter island and tourists dont visit it as often as Saona Island. 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! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There is also a growing number of ecolodges and eco-tourism camping sites, but we still recommend going back to your hotel and coming back for another visit if you feel like you still have things you want to do and see! Then a Saona Island trip is just what you need! Whatever request you have, you get their full attention and chances are high that it gets fulfilled. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Do you want to take some beautiful pictures during your Saona Island trip? For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. DIVING + CATALINA ISLAND . Icebox. When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. We will be there first part of March :). 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. And dont forget to set some time aside to search for the gorgeous starfishes that are abound there! Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. Muchas gracias Antonio por tu amable comentario! Saona Island has natural sandbars offshore that make the water very shallow, about waist-deep. We hope! 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. Caribbean cruise ships used to call at Catalina pre-Covid. Estoy contento de saber que disfrutaron de la lancha para ir a Isla Saona y las piscinas naturales de forma privada! The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Still, let's take a closer look at the exact location of each of these islands. Board a small speedboat for the thrilling ride out to the island, including a stop at a natural swimming pool where you can see starfish. Started August 27, 2021, By If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. 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. Both islands are worth the visit and have their advantages, but your experiences will be a bit different. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Hotels Pick-up. There is an extensive and diverse coral reef system around Saona Island and you can even find mysterious shipwrecks! Valid on days: Monday Wednesday and Friday. 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. I looked all over the Internet and it was very confusing/expensive to take a private tour. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. Although very similar, they also have some differences between them. I have summarized the best Saona private tours for you in this comprehensive overview. 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 . Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. 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. If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. Hotel Bocaino. 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. Saona Island has numerous beaches to choose from. 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.