⏰ Book for 2 people+ & Save 7% on Your Excursions! CODE: PUNTACANA7

Isla Catalina – A must visit Island from Punta Cana

Isla Catalina or Catalina Island is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands in the Dominican Republic and also one of the least visited.
Catalina Island tour Punta Cana
Contents
Isla Catalina – A must visit Island from Punta Cana

Isla Catalina or Catalina Island is an island that flies under the radar in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands in the country and also one of the least visited. We’ll tell you why it’s an ideal island getaway destination whether you want to relax on the beach or try your hand at scuba diving and snorkeling in the clear blue waters. 

With so many excursions and tours to consider during your stay in Punta Cana, here’s what you can expect if you choose to visit Catalina Island as well as some things to do on your trip.

Where is Isla Catalina located and how do I get there?

Isla Catalina is part of La Romana Province on Hispaniola (the island shared by Haiti and DR). It’s one of two islands in El Este (Eastern) region. With a protected area larger than 7 miles long and 4 miles wide, Isla Catalina offers an idyllic Caribbean escape only 40 minutes from La Romana by fast boat.

Location:

Isla Catalina is located on the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic near the provinces of La Altagracia and La Romana. It’s a popular location for snorkelers, its shallow waters and small size make it ideal for newbies who want some help getting comfortable in deep water.

Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republi

Getting there

Making a trip to Isla Catalina is not like visiting your run-of-the-mill resort destination. It’s more of a full-day excursion. 

There are no flights to Isla Catalina. You must take a boat from La Romana. If you’re staying in Punta Cana, Cap Cana, or at a resort around Bávaro, you can also you can book the tour from a qualified operator that will take you to Catalina Island and back to your resort. 

Catalina Island full-day tour from Punta Cana

The water on Isla Catalina is crystal clear

Most days it’s so blue that it looks like you can see straight to the bottom. When you’re snorkeling or diving, you feel like a mermaid. The water is so crystal clear that some people claim you can see down as far as 20 feet.  

The seabed is filled with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. If you want to try scuba diving for the first time (or your 100th), there are plenty of dive shops on Isla Catalina where instructors will happily teach you how to use their equipment and explore the ocean depths.

Coming to Punta Cana?
Book your Excursions & Tours in advance. We provide roundtrip transportation from all hotels in Punta Cana.
No Payment Required - Schedule your activities today using our pay later option!

Visting Isla Catalina does not need to cost a lot

You can visit Isla Catalina without burning a hole in your wallet.

The common tour to Catalina Island costs anywhere from $89 to $99 USD and it includes the following: 

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Snorkel at “the Wall” (incredible underwater rock formations where often Eagle Rays, morays, rays, and a lot of different kinds of fish can be seen)
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Buffet lunch style
  • Roundtrip transportation from and to your hotel

Isla Catalina is an incredibly popular destination for day trips from Punta Cana. It’s close enough to spend a day on but far enough away to get a bit of peace and quiet. If you want to visit, book the tour with us!

What to pack?

Wear a light bathing suit with a cover-up so you can change into something dry if necessary. 

Recommended: 

  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Sunglasses 
  • Towels 
  • Cap or hat
  • Bug spray
  • Cash in the form of small denomination bills for tips and Pina Coladas.

Also consider always bringing your official IDs and personal documents required during the trip within reach.

Catalina Island full-day tour from Punta Cana

What other tourist say about the trip to Catalina Island (reviews)

Beautiful beach for a day trip!

Visited Catalina Island beach for a day trip and had an enjoyable time with family and friends.

The beach is pristine with crystal clear waters, great for snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving, lots of coral reefs in the area. They have picnic tables and bathrooms, which is good because no one lives on the island.

Take bug spray with you to avoid insect bites, there are mosquitoes and horse flies in the area. If you like fishing this is also a great spot to fish from a boat or beach.

Most do (Jul. 2021)

Nice excursion for a private beach and snorkeling. Catamaran boat ride was fun. All day excursion from Punta Cana.

Excellent

Find your way out here. There is a beach on the west side of the island that is absolutely gorgeous. I recommend this to anyone.

Read more reviews

Image Gallery

These are some images of Catalina Island

Coming to Punta Cana?
Book your Excursions & Tours in advance. We provide roundtrip transportation from all hotels in Punta Cana.
No Payment Required - Schedule your activities today using our pay later option!

Booking the tour

At Punta Cana Adventures we specialize in arranging all your Punta Cana tours and excursions before you arrive. You can book our Catalina Island full-day tour from Punta Cana here.

Fun Fact: Captain Kidd’s lost ship “The Quedagh Merchant” found

In 2007, while snorkeling off the coast of Catalina Island, a snorkeler found cannons and contacted the Dominican Republic’s National Office of Underwater Cultural Heritage (ONPCS), which in turn contacted Indiana University.

Indiana University concluded that the archaeological record matches very well with the historical record therefore the wreck was the long-lost “Quedagh Merchant” which belonged to William Kidd.

We invite you to read about it on Indiana University’s research website.

(The tour to Catalina Island does not include a visit to the wreck’s site)

Catalina Island full-day tour from Punta Cana

Pre-book Your Punta Cana Adventures & Tours

Plan your Punta Cana adventure with us. We offer direct pick-ups from your resort. Secure your spot today!
Speedboat and Snorkeling Excursion in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure from Punta Cana (Shared)

Rev up your visit to Punta Cana by piloting your very own speedboat along the pristine Dominican coastline...
Punta Cana Safari Cultural Tour: Higuey Basilica Tour
Book Now, Pay Later

Safari Punta Cana Cultural Tour: City, Macao Beach, Plantations, Countryside & Coffee

Take a safari in Punta Cana through sugar cane and rice fields, then to Anamuya Mountains where you'll...
Monkeyland tour from Punta Cana by Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Monkeyland tour from Punta Cana

Monkeyland tour from Punta Cana. A guided tour that allows you to interact in close proximity to our...
Punta Cana Buggies
Book Now, Pay Later

Off-Road Dune Buggy Adventure with Cenote Cave Swim

Get off-road with a 4x4 buggy on this eco-adventure from Punta Cana! If you're looking for an off-road...
Party Boat tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Party Boat and Snorkeling in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Party Boat & Snorkeling excursion is for people who love great music, friendly people, delicious tropical...
Dune Buggy and Parasailing Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Dune Buggy and Parasailing Multi-day in Punta Cana

Save money and have more fun with our Dune Buggy Punta Cana and Parasailing Punta Cana Combo!...
UTV Solo Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Honda UTV Off-Road Tour from Punta Cana (Solo)

A powerful UTV buggy, which will drive you and your family easily and safely through the natural landscapes...
rum tasting in punta cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Rum Tasting & Pairing Experience in Punta Cana

Enjoy many incredible activities at Scape Park, a natural theme park with a variety of attractions including, Hoyo...
Scape Park Buggies in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Scape Park & Can-Am 4×4 Off-Road Adventure (Daily)

Enjoy many incredible activities at Scape Park, a natural theme park with a variety of attractions including, Hoyo...
Dolphin Royal Swim in Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Dolphin Royal Swim in Punta Cana

Dolphin Royal Swim in Punta Cana! Swim with dolphins, interact with them as they kiss you, snuggle with...
Dune Buggy, Party Boat & Snorkeling Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Dune Buggy and Party Boat Multi-day Combo from Punta Cana

Enjoy the best of the Caribbean on a Booze Cruise. White sandy beaches, coconut palms, crystal-clear turquoise waters,...
Triple Adventure ATV from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Punta Cana ATV Triple Adventure – Ride Through the Beach, River & Mountains (Single)

This listing is for 1 person driving their own ATV. Click here to Book the Shared version. Explore...

Private boat in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Small Group Private Party Boat in Punta Cana (Up to 14 people)

Private boat charter in Punta Cana. Explore the ocean, drink coconuts at a virgin beach, and party in...
Sunset Horseback Riding Tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Sunset Horseback Riding tour from Punta Cana

Imagine horseback riding through the white sandy beaches of Punta Cana along with your significant other, or even...
Swimming with dolphins in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Punta Cana Dolphin Swim Adventure

Dolphin Swim Adventure in Punta Cana invites you to do as you immerse yourself underwater is to take a...

Latest posts

Dreams Onyx Punta Cana
Best Dreams Resort in Dominican Republic: Top Punta Cana Picks

Dive into the luxurious world of Dreams Resorts in Punta Cana. From family-friendly water adventures at Dreams Macao Beach to the intimate boutique experience of Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa, discover the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure in the Dominican Republic.

Dreams Onyx Punta Cana
Best Dreams Resort in Dominican Republic: Top Punta Cana Picks

Dive into the luxurious world of Dreams Resorts in Punta Cana. From family-friendly water adventures at Dreams Macao Beach to the intimate boutique experience of Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa, discover the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure in the Dominican Republic.

Coming to Punta Cana?

Schedule your Excursions &
Tours before arriving.

Our activities include roundtrip transportation from every Punta Cana resort!
ATV Tour from Punta Cana

Coming to Punta Cana?

Did you know you can plan and schedule your activities before arriving? Doing so will save you time & money!

Enter your email below & we’ll show you how: