Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. The weather is still great and there are fewer crowds,which means it's time to plan your next vacation! Saona Island vs Catalina Island - Dominican Republic - Cruise Critic We have several tours to Catalina and Saona islands. It depends what you meany by "better". Another difference between visiting Saona Island and Catalina Island is the price. The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. Saona Island is a must if you come to spend your vacation in the Dominican Republic and its popularity is well deserved. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. 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. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! Muy agradables los marineros. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! I guess it depends on what you want to do! Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. If you want to snorkel, Catalina island has better snorkeling. Best Saona Island Tours It's an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Gabriele il Toscano Escursioni & Diving attraction reviews - Gabriele 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. If you are 9 or older, you must pay the Adult fare. For more information about both islands, check out my comprehensive Isla Catalina and Isla Saona guide. Click. Saona Sun & Fun - Excursions to Saona Island In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. It just depends on what you are looking for. Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. 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. And the Cuba Libres flowed freely at the Natural Pool after:D. But highly recommend Seavis for the OP, they arrange the taxi and are just a top-notch outfit. I only went to Catalina, but here's something that might make a distance. Plenty in the sun! Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. FULL PACK TOURS . 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? You can get to Saona Island from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. 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. Saona Sun & Fun At 17:00 we will head towards La Romana , from where we will return you to your hotel. 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. You will practically be standing in the middle of the Caribbean SeaHow cool is that?! Explore our exciting land and seaactivities & adventures, hotel packages, and otherspecial offers. 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. Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. 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. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. In the section below I am recommending you the best private excursions with competitive pricing. Our excursions also include transportation from Punta Cana to the embarkation , so you don't have to worry about anything. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. Catamaran Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahibe 2023 - La Romana - Viator covid-19 coverage): Book it*. You can get a message on a gorgeous white sand beach under the swaying palm trees with a pina colada by your side and feel yourself again. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! We're taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. As if that were not enough, after visiting this iconic place you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Catalina Island, putting the finishing touch to a perfect day. This is where you can relax in shallow waters and search for starfish. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. 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. Saona Island ( Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa) (+$130.00 USD ), How many Passengers? Social distancing can be enforced. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019 - 2023 Punta Cana Hero. . Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Isla Saona gets visited every day by thousands of tourists. Sea water has healing properties. By It is very difficult to make a comparison between both islands. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Drinks & Food options available for an extra fee and depending number of passengers. Saona Island is located just off the coast of Punta Cana and Bayahibe and you can expect the quintessential Caribbean weather: warm, sunny, and simply beautiful! Catalina or Saona? - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. The natural park bracelets (tax) are not included in the price:5$ USD per person. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. 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! Departing from your hotel at 7 am, the tour includes the same stops as our classic Saona Island excursion. Comfortable speed boat for private rental in Bayahibe for up to 12 people. Check out the following options if traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends. Its easy to say that both are the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic as well. 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. 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. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. The first tourist boat to dock at Saona was Christopher Columbus in 1494 and Saona has not ceased to amaze visitors for the last 500+ years! Book Online! You get the boat, the open bar and the food. 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 (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 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 tranquilidad (Spanish for tranquility!). The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. Boat Rentals & Yacht Charters in Dominican Republic, The Bahamas & St And then go for another relaxing swim! https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html, Awesome thank you for lmk your experience :). We will make our first stop in the middle of the ocean to Snorkel or Dive (depends the program youve booked) with some of our professional guides in the water with the most marine fauna in the Caribbean. Hotel Bayahibe. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? (Click below to navigate) Usually, on those big group tours, there is not much that can be done if you are not satisfied. You might be surprised! At the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy your private lunch, the beautiful beach and refreshing drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. FROM USD175 P/P Diving Equipment, Instructor, Open Bar and Lunch . 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. 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. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? A much more affordable dive is that of The Aquarium. Motor catamaran for rent and private tours to Saona Island, Palmilla (natural pools) and Catalina Island with departures from Bayahibe. The reefs at Saona are considered among the TOP 3 in the country. You may also be interested in these articles, Difference between Saona and Catalina Islands, Hidden treasures of the Dominican Republic. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. The island measures about 9.6 . We are sure that the crystal clear water of this place will not disappoint you. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. You dont have any strangers on the boat. 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. 15 Dominican Republic: Saona Sailing Tour with Lunch and Drinks. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. Shop - Saona Island Tour & Excursion SALE (Ermitano Beach) Playa Ermitao Boat tour and Playa Onda, Half - Day Trip, Saman - Dominican Republic. 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. Most Saona Island tours with big boats and crowds wont make a snorkeling stop, but Saona can offer an amazing snorkeling experience since it is a part of a large national park, Cotubanam, and a sanctuary to a large number of different species. Saona Island is a beautiful Carribean destination to visit, but HOW you visit it matters a lot. You can define the itinerary. Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. At Mano Juan, you will find a few gift shops with typical souvenirs to take back home with you, stands with local art, and a small restaurant that serves fresh island food. On the catamaran you will have drinks and you will be able to enjoy it with our entertainment group while sailing through the Caribbean Sea. What Is the Weather Like at Saona Island? 10 people max. In between all of this, youll enjoy a simple but tasty Dominican lunch and, of course, a lot of rum. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. Is a pleasure for us to know that you had such a great experience! . SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. Now Saona Island is a welcoming and popular destination with tourists from all over the world because of its natural beauty and unique untouched island atmosphere. Alternatively, you may use. I'm a little nervous. Saona Island The Wall, is a slope that plunges to 100 meters deep and where a great variety of marine life proliferates. and share your adventures with friends and family. Diving in Catalina Island reaches its maximum expression in places like The Wall or The Aquarium. 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 . LEARN MORE . 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. 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. Isla Catalina (Repblica Dominicana) - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. Bayahibe Hotel El Pulpo. Best Things To Do on Saona Island By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. 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. 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? Saona Island only has two small villages and a total population of just around 500 residents, but the charming villages of Mano Juan and Catuano are well worth your visit. A stop is made at the natural pool in front of Palmilla Beach, where the water will reach your waist and you can enjoy a spectacular natural environment. At 17:00 it will be time to return by boat, and finally we will take you back to your hotel. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. When traveling with up to 15 people, there are also other options available you can book online. Catalina Island We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. Want to create a unique itinerary for your Saona Island excursion? 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. Yes, it's a killer combination. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Book your Saona Island Tour now! Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. 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.