Alternatively, you may use. In the 1940s, Rafael Trujillo, a Dominican dictator, established the small village of Mano Juan and used Saona Island as a place of exile for political objectors. Los Flamencos Aparthotel. On the shore of the beach, the white sand is perfect for relaxing on it. Explore our exciting land and sea activities & adventures, hotel packages, and other special offers. In its interior was found Captain Kidd's Cannon, considered the only pirate cannon found in the Caribbean. But the highlight of the activity is the visit to the village of Mano Juan, where you can meet the inhabitants of the island. You can also enjoy plenty of time at the beach and a local Dominican lunch. SHARING IS CARING! 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. .. We later passed by another area and swam again. 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. However, you can check out the following tour which is one of the best private tours to Isla Catalina. Most unique experience in a small group: Authentic rum tasting* (rating 5.00/5)Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo* (rating 4.92/5)Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling* (rating 4.91/5)Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda* (rating 4.78/5)Best excursion for families: Family Buggy Adventure* (rating 4.64/5)Not the right tour for you?Check out the 41 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog! 16 Rum Factory Tour. 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. SAONA.FUN Plaza Punta Cana, Local B#54 Bavaro/Punta Cana D.R. This article is exclusively about private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. LauraS Isla Saona offers more things-to-see and more spectacular spots. The time on Saona island is priceless. For lunch, you dont have to line up with 30 or more unknown people. Lion fish, frog fish and seahorses are the real protagonists. Do you have a private boat or maritime excursion and do you want to get benefits? Click here to learn more! Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures?? Its transparent waters in beaches such as the East, West and North, make putting on your goggles and diving an experience. The weather will accompany us and we will be able to bathe in the transparent water of the Caribbean. A good question deserves several good answers: Mornings"Pickup times vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Passion Paradise is a smaller operation. In case you just have 2 minutes and want to find the best Saona Island private tour immediately, check out the following table. You can roam around freely and create the vibe you want. To get to Saona and Catalina there is only one method of transportation: boat or catamaran. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There, around the coral reef, we can see all kinds of fish of different colors. 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. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By The cheapest private boats to Saona Island. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. You might be surprised! CC Help Jenn Book your private, 10 Best Beaches in Punta Cana You Dont Want to Miss, 5 Best Scuba Diving Spots in the Dominican Republic. Most of the Saona Island excursions have a set amount of stops. 14 From Los Melones: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch. It is easy to reach Saona Island by boat or yacht. Catalina for Scuba or just lazing, Saona for a BBQ and snorkelling X. They are Saona Island and Catalina Island, located southwest of the island of Hispaniola. Punta Cana Day-TripsPunta Cana ExcursionsPunta Cana Family ActivitiesPunta Cana Family ResortsPunta Cana Free ActivitiesPunta Cana HikingPunta Cana ItineraryPunta Cana MapsPunta Cana NightlifePunta Cana Public TransportPunta Cana SnorkelingPunta Cana Things-to-DoPunta Cana WaterfallsPunta Cana Weather 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. (Click below to navigate) Catalina Island tour, snorkeling, paddle boarding , kayak on a beach with breakfast and lunch. If you are looking for a Saona Island tour from Punta Cana, click. The natural pool is so stunning it's not really fair. Catalina Island is uninhabited. And surely in its sand and turquoise water you will feel in one of the most spectacular paradises on the planet. One of the cheapest and most recommended tours is this Private Saona Island Cruise for up to 6 people*. Any thoughts on which is a better excursion? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112198899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Cana. Isla Saona (or in English Saona Island) is the most popular tourist destination for day-trips in the Dominican Republic. 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. Below as well as above the surface you will be astonished by the natural beauty. However, any time of the year is perfect to visit these natural wonders. Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! Sorry we have not used that outfit. Especially when traveling with a large family or small group, the prices are absolutely affordable. Some of them are: Those are just a few of the advantages when booking a private excursion to Saona Island and Catalina Island. Any information would be appreciated. Advantages of private tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Once in Saona, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and vegetation at your leisure. Seaweed was present around the first snorkel site at the old pier, not over where we were, but the snorkeling is not great there anyway. All Rights Reserved. If youve been wanting to reconnect with your natural side, visiting Isla Saona should be a must-do for your Caribbean vacation! It is an island in the southeast of the country, dotted with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by incredibly blue turquoise waters. There were about 20 of us, and only two divers. The second one will be in a much more relaxed spot, since in The Aquarium we will go down to 8 meters deep, where you will be able to get to know a wonderful underwater world. The captain is included with the boat rental. 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. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. You will only have contact with your traveling party and social distancing to other people like staff members can always be guaranteed. The element that contributes most to the marine fauna is the coral reef that surrounds the island. Catalina Beach. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata. However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that! If you are seriously interested in private excursions to Isla Saona, you might ask now about the price tag they are coming with. We swapped the waters of Saona for those of Catalina Island. . It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. 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. 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. 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. 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. The island is also part of a Protected Natural Park of the East. Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog . This price is for Children 4 to 8 years of age. Be the first to receive special offers, event announcements, exciting tour updates, and so much more when you . Saona island, Catalina island or natural pool of Las Palmillas Let us know your desires we will take care of offering you a tailor-made excursion! 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. Both islands are an essential part of the beauty that makes up the Dominican Republic. We have used Seavis Tours for Saona Island and Pro Excursions for Catalina and would highly recommend both of these, they're both located in Bayahibe. Furthermore, there are some companies which are taking the hygienic protocol not too seriously. 1 on Tripadvisor (out of 54 water sports and excursion companies in Bayahibe, the departure port to go to Isla Saona). It's Catalina Island's secret summer. Full Day (8 hours) Boat Rental for 12 passengersmax. It is part of the National Park Cotubanam (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este). Enjoy the National Park of the East in Dominican Republic, the beautiful Saona Island or Catalina . 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. Punta Cana Currency Isla Saona is an important turtle breeding ground and you can visit a turtle conservation project on your Saona Island trip. Catalina is sold as a snorkelling trip rather than a party trip - there is a wall on the east side of the island, the beach is on the west side. Espero volver a verles pronto!! Saona Islands beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! It also offers a better snorkeling experience. 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. Interesting Facts Spend a relaxing time on Catalina Island, an uninhabited nature reserve and national park, and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch on the island. Shaded areas, comfortable lounge seats. You will be limited in time and your itinerary will be determined by your tour guide. Here we can find all kinds of marine life, from lobsters and multicolored fish to large rays. Not Bus Pick Up. 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. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides. Saona Island, Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts. 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. ), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. Thats not surprising if you see the photos of this exclusive catamaran, which will bring you straight to paradise! B&B Villa Luna. In case the proposed option is not to your liking, there are plenty of other yachts you can charter. The cruise to the island epitomizes the genuine Caribbean holiday feeling. The scenery is spectacular, but in addition, Saona Island has permanent population centers, something that is very interesting for tourists. The famous Bounty Chocolate commercials were actually filmed on the white sand beaches of Saona Island! 4 EXCURSIONS FOR USD250 P/P . It is an area of the island that barely reaches 11 meters deep. Catalina & Saona are on the Caribbean Sea, so the water will be warm. This is why we offer private and exclusive Saona Island tours, with no-one else on board apart from the crew and your group! 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! There were lots of vans picking up to go to Saona/Catalina. 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. 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 What's so amazing about Isla Saona? Saona Island is a beautiful destination to visit during your Punta Cana or Bayahibe vacation. Mainly, tourists who come to Catalina Island do so for two reasons: snorkeling and diving. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea? Private charters from La Marina at Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana. Enjoy the Saona or Catalina Islands with this private tour to suit your group. Are you ready to explore the deserted beaches of Isla Saona? We use the same quality standards as for our boat tours. This excursion should be preferred if you only want to visit some of the must-see sights of Saona Island. Private tours are not cheap, especially when boat rides or catamaran cruises are included. 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. That was easy! Pirates would wait for Spanish ships to sail through their waters to attack and rob them of their riches. Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/en/index.html. When arriving at this picture-perfect island with its stunning coastline, you will feel like you are in paradise. That was Saona Island! $ 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. However, the finishing village of Mano Juan does have a small hotel where you can rent a cheap room for the night. So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this? Thank you for your review and your trust in us. It's your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. We hope! Saona Island's beaches are more scenic and overall it is a more popular experience and for a reason! Although the difference is minimal, Saona is usually cheaper because it is closer to the tourist sites of Punta Cana. If you want to snorkel, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? So, now you are wondering: Where is Saona Island?. Furthermore, you get a customized itinerary and the full personal attention from a company rated No. We were back by 5 PM and everything went great. Come to enjoy them in Saona or Catalina Island in Dominican Republic. 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. This is why we are committed to providing Dominican Republic visitors with an alternative and more exclusive way to experience Saona Island. If you are traveling with a large family or a group of friends, the prices of a private tour can be even more affordable than if booked individually. Ask Kanta M about Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana. Finally, I came across wannaboats.com I decided to call the contact number directly. ATV Samana Adventures ATV Tours & Excursions in Samana Dominican Republic. (the BEST local beer!) All you have to do is float on the surface and appreciate what's below it. We got you covered! There are two jewels in the Dominican Republic that you must visit before the end of your vacation. Excellent choice highly recommended! Thank Kanta M . Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours! Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? 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! Best Saona Island Tours Catalina Island is also located southeast of the island of Hispaniola, although much closer to important population centers such as La Romana. We will be there first part of March :). It brings you to the most beautiful places of Isla Saona with a private speed boat. However, the most famous of the island are its dive sites. Afterwards, we will head to our open buffet for lunch on the island, where you will also be able to explore its exquisite white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees and jungle. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! GOOD NEWS! (mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table). For groups of 10 or more, please contact us directly. Saona island is an island where you have to go to disconnect, to relax after a few days in the busiest tourist areas. 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. We start approximately 8:00 am from Bavaro - Punta Cana to Bayahibe. If you ever get hot during your Saona Island trip, simply go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or drink a cold, The village of Mano Juan is still there and is one of the two charming fishing villages on Isla Saona, along with a village called Catuano. Book your Saona Island Tour now! Saona is the only populated island in the archipelago. Click. Christopher Columbus renamed the island to commemorate his friend Michele de Cuneo, an explorer from the city of Savona in Italy. 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. We are stopping at La Romana DR this October on the Carnival Conquest. 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. Hotel El Eden. They drop you off at a central location and there's a lot of people going to Saona, not so many to Catalina. Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. Plenty in the sun! Find out in this article what other advantages you have on Saona Island and Catalina Island when booking a private tour. I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to do any type of boating activity. I recommend you to discuss the details with your host/organizer after booking and before the tour. It just depends on what you are looking for. 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! Despite those hordes, it is a beautiful place (I couldnt believe it before I was there for the first time). Catalina Island 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 . Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. 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.