Quick answer: Catalina Island is a small protected island off La Romana on the Dominican Republic’s south coast, known for calm, clear water and some of the best snorkeling near Punta Cana. A Catalina Island day trip from Punta Cana includes hotel pickup, a drive of about 1.5–2 hours to the south coast and a boat crossing. With Bullet Travels it starts from US$110.
Not to be confused with Santa Catalina in California, Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic is a quiet, protected island off the town of La Romana. On Google Trends, people searching for it often compare it with Saona Island – so in this guide we explain both, and help you choose.
Why visit Catalina Island?
- Calm water: the Caribbean south coast is usually calmer than the Atlantic side of Punta Cana.
- Snorkeling: coral reefs and tropical fish close to the beach.
- Protected nature: the island is a protected natural area with no hotels.
- Less crowded than the most popular Saona beaches on many days.
Snorkeling at Catalina Island
Catalina is one of the favorite snorkeling destinations in the country. Divers know it for “The Wall”, a reef drop-off off the island, while snorkelers enjoy the shallower coral gardens nearer the shore. Expect parrotfish, sergeant majors, angelfish and, with luck, rays. Visibility is often excellent on calm days.
Snorkeling tips: use a well-fitting mask, never stand on coral, apply reef-safe sunscreen at least 15 minutes before swimming, and wear a rash guard to avoid sunburn on your back.
How the Catalina Island day trip works
- Hotel pickup in Punta Cana or Bávaro (time confirmed by our agent).
- Drive to the south coast – about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Boat crossing to Catalina.
- Snorkeling stop and free time on the beach; lunch on most itineraries.
- Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Inclusions depend on the operator and date, and are confirmed in writing before payment.
Catalina Island vs. Saona Island
| Catalina Island | Saona Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Snorkeling, calm water | Iconic beaches, Natural Pool |
| Departure area | La Romana | Bayahibe |
| Crowds | Usually quieter | Very popular |
| From (USD) | $110 | $110 |
Still undecided? Read our Saona Island excursion guide or book the Saona Island excursion directly.
Best time to visit Catalina Island
You can visit year-round. December to April brings the driest weather; summer has the warmest water. Tours are rescheduled if sea conditions are unsafe during hurricane season (June to November).
Make it a full holiday
Pair your snorkeling day with something completely different: a Punta Cana buggy tour through the countryside, horseback riding in Punta Cana, or the Punta Cana party boat with friends. History lovers should add a Santo Domingo tour, and winter visitors the Samaná whale-watching trip.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic?
Catalina Island lies just off La Romana on the south (Caribbean) coast of the Dominican Republic, about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Punta Cana hotels.
Is Catalina Island good for snorkeling?
Yes. Catalina Island is one of the best snorkeling spots near Punta Cana thanks to calm water, coral reefs close to shore and good visibility on calm days.
Is Catalina Island better than Saona Island?
It depends on your priority. Catalina is better for snorkeling and calm water; Saona is famous for long white beaches and the Natural Pool sandbank.
How much is a Catalina Island tour from Punta Cana?
With Bullet Travels the Catalina Island day trip starts from US$110 per person with hotel pickup. Final price and inclusions are confirmed before you pay.
Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel at Catalina?
Basic swimming skills are recommended. Life vests are commonly available on snorkeling tours; ask our agent to confirm for your date.
More things to do in Punta Cana
Planning more than one day out? These are the tours our travelers book most, all with hotel pickup arranged by our local team:
- Saona Island excursion – white-sand beaches and the Natural Pool in Cotubanamá National Park.
- Samaná day trip – El Limón waterfall, Cayo Levantado and (January–March) humpback whale watching.
- Catalina Island snorkeling – calm, clear water off La Romana.
- Santo Domingo tour – the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, oldest European city in the Americas.
- Punta Cana party boat – music, sea breeze and a swim stop on the coast.
- Punta Cana buggy tour – off-road, muddy fun through the countryside.
- Horseback riding in Punta Cana – relaxed rides for beginners and experienced riders.
How booking with Bullet Travels works
- Send a request – choose your tour and date on our booking page. You pay nothing yet.
- We confirm – a local agent checks availability, pickup time and inclusions for your exact date.
- Pay securely – only after everything is confirmed.
Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp +1 (829) 282-5168 – a real person in Punta Cana answers. Need a ride from the airport too? See our Punta Cana airport transfers.
Last updated: October 2026 by the Bullet Travels team in Punta Cana. Prices and details are confirmed for your date before payment.