Most visitors to Punta Cana hear about Saona Island. Fewer hear about Catalina, a small island a few kilometres off La Romana that many people who love the sea like better — because the best part is under the water.
What it is#
Isla Catalina is a small, protected, uninhabited island off the south-east coast of the Dominican Republic, near La Romana. It has white-sand beaches, calm, clear water on its sheltered side, and some of the best reef in the country close to shore. There are no hotels; it's visited on day trips.
The two snorkel spots#
- "The Aquarium" — a shallow reef area close to the beach, with lots of colourful fish and calm water. Good for beginners and families.
- "The Wall" — a spot where the reef drops off steeply into deep water. Spectacular for divers and confident snorkellers; the boat takes you out to it.
Bring or rent a mask that fits, use reef-safe sunscreen, and don't touch or stand on the coral.
How to get there#
- From La Romana or Bayahíbe: a short boat ride. Bayahíbe is the easiest base: the Bayahíbe guide.
- From Punta Cana: a full-day tour, with about 1.5 hours by road each way before the boat. Many combine the island with a visit to Altos de Chavón.
- From Santo Domingo: roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road to La Romana or Bayahíbe.
Cruise ships calling at La Romana also bring visitors to Catalina on some days, so it can be busier then.
Catalina or Saona?#
| Catalina | Saona | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Snorkelling, calm water | The long postcard beach |
| Size | Small | Much larger |
| Crowds | Usually fewer | Busy, with many boats |
| Vibe | Quiet, sea-focused | Boat party, music, buffet |
| Natural pool stop | Not usually | Often, on the way back |
If you love being in the water, choose Catalina. If you want the classic Caribbean beach day with music on the boat, choose Saona — our honest guide: the Saona Island day trip.
What to bring#
- Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes
- Mask and snorkel if you have your own
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses
- Cash for drinks and tips
- Motion-sickness tablets if boats bother you
Is it worth it?#
Yes, especially if you like snorkelling. It's one of the best sea days in the country. From Punta Cana it's a long day, so combining it with Altos de Chavón makes the drive worth it.
Plan it with a local#
The south-east coast is full of places tours go past without stopping — a village beach, a fish lunch where the boats come in. Local Friends in Punta Cana are locals you message directly on Roavi to plan a day around what you like. More options: Punta Cana excursions worth it.
Plan a sea day with someone who knows the coast.
Meet Local Friends in Punta CanaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Catalina or Saona better?
Catalina is better for snorkelling and calm, clear water, and it's usually less crowded. Saona is better for a long, classic Caribbean beach and a lively boat day. Many people who love the sea prefer Catalina.How do you get to Isla Catalina?
By boat from La Romana or Bayahíbe, a short ride away. From Punta Cana, tours include road transport of roughly 1.5 hours each way before the boat.Is the snorkelling good at Isla Catalina?
It's among the best in the Dominican Republic: a shallow reef area with lots of fish, often called the Aquarium, and a steep underwater drop-off called the Wall, popular with divers and confident snorkellers.Can you stay overnight on Isla Catalina?
No. It's a protected natural area visited on day trips; there are no hotels on the island.
