Catalina Island covers an area of only 10 km2, but despite its modest size, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. The island with its silk beaches, clear water and palm groves is more like a postcard with picturesque views of Bounty Island. Local authorities protect the natural beauty of Catalina, so today the island has the status of a national park. It also has the best conditions for diving and snorkeling in the entire Dominican Republic. If you are intrigued by this place, we offer a sightseeing tour of Catalina Island.
General information
Catalina is often referred to as a lost paradise, because the island is uninhabited, which allows travelers to feel like Robinson Crusoe or owners of their own beach. Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic, of course, is inferior in popularity to Saona, respectively, there are much fewer tourists here and there is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature and even find a secluded corner to take bright photos.
If you see the phrase “paradise for divers in the Dominican Republic” among the reviews, rest assured – this is about Catalina. First, the water near the shore is so clear that visibility reaches 30 meters. Secondly, almost from the beach to the distance and deep into the slope goes, which for many years was covered with a coral kingdom. Although, tourists who have visited Egypt, claim that diving and snorkeling on Catalina Island is inferior in entertainment to the underwater world in Egypt. However, there’s plenty to see in the Dominican Republic, too. The most famous Catalina dive site-Muro’s “wall” – is a slope that goes 100 m deep, it has two steps-25 m and 40 m.
This small piece of beautiful nature is located in the south-east of the Dominican Republic, 2 km from La Romana. The shape of the island resembles a triangle.
Useful to know! The best place for a beach holiday on Catalina Island is the west coast, where the coast is clean, tourist infrastructure is established.
Access to the island is possible thanks to Christopher Columbus, who discovered Catalina in the Dominican Republic in the 15th century. It is noteworthy that the island is one of the few places on earth that is officially recognized as uninhabited. Several people live here permanently – these are border guards who are on duty.
Useful to know! The easiest way to get to Catalina Island is by taking a guided tour group from La Romana. The return route follows the Chavon River, through dense jungle, and past the world’s largest cigar factory.
La Romana has an international airport, but it does not accept flights from all countries of the world. But you can fly to Punta Cana without any problems. Car transfers can be arranged between Punta Cana and La Romana, and you will have to spend about 40 minutes on the road. But from La Romana to Catalina Island there are comfortable liners.
Why you should visit Catalina Island
There are no hotels, bungalows or other places to stay on the island, so travelers come here for half a day as part of sightseeing groups. As part of such a tourist trip, vacationers go diving, swim in a mask, the brave and courageous jump off a cliff, and lovers of tranquility just lie on the beach, sunbathe and swim. A mandatory point of the entertainment program is banana riding.
Holidays with children on Catalina Island are very welcome. There are all the necessary conditions for this – fine sand, clear water, no currents and excellent weather all year round.
Beach
You can only get to the beach of Catalina Island by water, on a comfortable liner or by catamaran as part of an excursion group. All excursions depart from La Romana. During a trip by sea, they offer drinks, snacks, and an entertainment program. Animators will teach you incendiary Dominican dances. A stop is provided at the coral reef for diving.
Important! A mask and fins are given out to those who want to admire the marine life. Some travelers recommend that you take your equipment with you, as the masks of tour agencies are not always of good quality.
After swimming, water transport docks at the shore. The island is of coral origin, so on the shore you can see parts of the reef that came to the surface. Palm trees, which form a natural shade here, give comfort to your stay. There are sun loungers, hammocks, gazebos on the beach, a bar where cocktails are prepared and you can buy real Dominican beer.
As a rule, the tour lasts for 4 hours, during which time treats are prepared for travelers. Vacationers independently manage their free time-they sunbathe, swim, and play volleyball. Those who want to go diving, go to the other part of the island in boats.
Snorkeling and diving
Off the coast of Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic, you can find lobsters and crabs, stingrays and lionfish. Diving here is available to tourists with any level of training-experienced divers and beginners. The island is one of the top three dive sites in the world.
Beginners are recommended to Drop Wall-a sheer wall, along which they dive to a depth of 4 m to 40 m. It is noteworthy that the fish here are absolutely not afraid of tourists.
Another great place to dive is the Dive Seit Aquarium. Here you can see an abundance of marine life.
Important! Fishing on Catalina Island is prohibited, only deep-sea hunting.
Spearfishing
The main treat on Catalina Island is lobster. They are served together with white wine. Tourists can catch lunch on their own – spearfishing is available for vacationers. In addition to lobsters, you can catch mullet, yellowtail, pargo fish, guatapana, mackerel or horse mackerel. The catch is prepared right on the shore. Even if you are not lucky with the catch, the bar will prepare a delicious treat with fresh seafood.
Off the coast of Catalina Island, you are guaranteed to see large fish, such as sea bass. Until recently, populations of large fish in this part of the Dominican Republic were almost destroyed due to regular hunting, which tourists were fond of and continue to be fond of. The country’s authorities decided to correct this situation and today the number of fish in the sea is almost restored. But the coral gardens here are bright and dense. Divers are constantly accompanied by flocks of fluorescent fish.
Kidd the Pirate Underwater Museum
Perhaps the most interesting attraction on Catalina Island is the Kidd Pirate Museum. It has existed since 2011 and is strikingly different from all existing museums. First of all, the fact that it is located on the seabed and is a ship that in the past was owned and operated by the most cruel and greedy pirate William Kidd. Rumor has it that it was here that the corsair hid the looted gold and treasures, but they have not been found to this day. Another amazing feature of the museum is that it is called alive. The fact is that over the years of being on the sea floor, the ship has become a refuge and home for many inhabitants of the sea. If you want to visit the museum at sea, you will not only enjoy a fascinating dive, but also a spectacular theatrical performance during the trip from the shore to the wreck site. The plot of the show is dedicated to the last battle of a pirate, as a result of which his ship went down.
Some interesting facts:
- name of the pirate ship Quedag Merchant;
- the ship was carrying about 45 thousand pounds sterling;
- the surviving parts of the ship – a wooden frame, several anchors, several dozen guns;
- the ship is located at a distance of 3 m from the shore and at a depth of 20 m;
- In addition to the Quedag Merchant, tourists can see another ship, the Guadeloupe, which sank in 1724.
Flora, fauna, and surrounding landscapes
Since human intervention in the nature of the island is minimal, exotic plants and animals are preserved here, but still the main purpose of the trip is a beach holiday. The return trip to La Romana passes through the picturesque artists ‘ village of Altos de Chavon. Back in 1976, artisans built a village in a secluded area near La Roman, stylized as a typical settlement in Spain. Today, this village is well known to tourists, is in demand, so tour agencies include a visit to this place in the program.
You can learn some art in local workshops. Artisans still live in the village, and their works-painted shawls, ceramics, tapestries, wrought-iron decorative elements, jewelry-can be purchased at the souvenir shop.
And in Altos de Chavon there are:
- exhibition halls;
- galleries;
- amphitheater;
- taverns;
- The Church of St. Stanislaus-it was consecrated in the name of the patron saint of Poland to please Pontiff John Pal II, a Pole by birth.
The village has an Archaeological Museum, which presents the history of the Indians who lived on Catalina before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Excursions
Excursions to Catalina Island are best booked in advance, there are many agencies on the Internet that organize trips to the island from La Romana. The hotels also have representatives of tour companies from which you can purchase a trip. The cost of the tour depends on several factors – the duration of the trip, the program. The average price for an adult is$ 75, if you go to the island for the whole day, you will have to pay about$120. The cost of an excursion from Punta Cana is from$ 540 to $ 1400.
The program usually includes the following::
- transfer from the hotel to the marina where the boat or catamaran departs;
- explore beautiful landscapes and natural attractions;
- lunch consisting of seafood dishes;
- entertainment that will be organized and conducted for you by animators.
Excursions start at 9-30-10-00, by 10-30 transport arrives at the first point of the route-the dive site, available depth from 5 m to 40 m. Tourists are given about one hour to dive. During the trip, the group is accompanied by divers who are ready to help beginners.
At approximately 11: 30, transport arrives to the beach or to the second dive site, depending on the excursion program.
By 13: 00, a chef on Catalina Island will prepare a hearty and delicious lunch for a group of tourists. After lunch, tourists are given free time for a leisurely, relaxed holiday. A cocktail bar will complement the relaxing atmosphere.
Departure on the return journey at 15-15 and already at 16-00 tourists arrive La Romana.
This is a classic excursion program. It is also possible to purchase trips where guests visit:
- Bayaibe Village;
- village of millionaires;
- Altos de Chavon settlement and its attractions: St. Stanislaus Church, amphitheater and Archaeological Museum.
Interesting fact! If you are traveling with friends, rent a yacht that can accommodate up to 10 people. The cost of such a comfortable trip is$1400.
Useful tips
- Trips to the island are made by fast boats or slower catamarans. In the first case, the trip will be faster, but it may cause discomfort. In the second case, you will reach the island more comfortably, but it will take longer.
- Take your documents with you – passport, insurance, think about the packaging so that they do not get wet.
- Wear your swimming gear right away at the hotel.
- Be sure to bring a sunscreen with the maximum degree of protection, drinking water, a towel and, of course, a camera.
Catalina Island is included in the list of sites that are under UNESCO protection, since its entire territory is a national nature park. Undoubtedly, this tourist destination is worth visiting if you are flying to the Dominican Republic.
