The Tropical Trivia: The difference between Catalina Island and Saona Island

Let me start by saying that Catalina and Saona Islands are like two beautiful models, each handsome and perfect, and it is impossible to decide which is better. Some people will say Saona for its beauty, white sands and blue waters, and snorkeling spots. Still, both places offer the same qualities and same beauty. However, I have to say that Catalina is better for snorkeling at this time because most companies cut out the snorkeling part in Saona due to its popularity and high visitor demand. 

Every Punta Cana visitor is looking for an escapade to paradise these days. Catalina and Saona Islands are both the go-to options for tourists today; often, people need clarification to choose between the two. Here are some differentiating facts that may help you plan your perfect trip, but for starters, both islands are divine in their unique way and are very safe to travel.

Catalina Island: The Seraphic Island Catalina Island, also known as Isla Catalina Island and mentioned as Ikiita Island by its locals, is one of the islands growing in popularity worldwide for all the right reasons! 

The heavenly tropical island is located in the Caribbean Sea on the southernmost tip of the Dominican Republic, 1.5 miles from the mainland, next to La Altagracia and La Romana. The serenity of this island is to die for; its crystalline waters, white sand, blue skies, and the loftiest palm trees groove with a breeze. Despite the serene views, the island is known for Mt. Orizaba as its highest point and is well known for its fauna, scuba diving, lovely seaside towns, and wildlife. On the island, there are two primary tourist destinations: Avalon's picturesque and historic town and the more rural settlement of Two Harbors. The trip to Catalina Island is a complete catamaran experience, and it takes about an hour to sail from the Dominican Republic. This pretty island can be your perfect vacation getaway from rushed city life. 

Catalina Island, in comparison with Saona Island, is much smaller and less touristic, much better for the snorkeling experience and much more relaxing experience due to less traffic from visitors; Catalina will give you the sense of a more romantic, more personal getaway. 

Punta Cana Best Excursions can help you make the ideal package whether it is a romantic honeymoon getaway or a small group of 5 to 10 people, friends or family, Catalina Island Activity is completely customizable talk to one of our representatives, and we will make sure to meet your needs. 

We do not offer regular or classic Catalina Island now; we only provide semi-private or fully private for groups of 10 people and over. 

Starting at $135 per person minimum of 2 people, the more participants, the price will get lower.

Saona Island: Heavenly Tropical Island Isla Saona, known as Saona Island worldwide, is a favorite queen of Punta Cana travel destination for people worldwide because of its pristine natural beauty and hospitable ambiance created by the locals.

Off the coast of the Dominican Republic's southeast corner is Saona Island. It is noteworthy for its mangroves, coral reefs, and palm-lined beaches, including the beautiful Palmilla Beach, and is also a part of the East National Park. The most beautiful thing about this island is that Starfish live in the shallow seas around it, and you can see them when you go scuba dive or snorkeling! PLEASE DO NOT HOLD THEM OUT OF THE WATER. The island offers you to witness the many colors of Sealife. There are 124 mollusk species, ten coral species, 40 fish species, green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, manatees, bottle-nose dolphins, rhinoceros iguanas, and octopus, to name a few in the nearby Caribbean Sea. The island is almost 90 mins away from the Dominican Republic. Apart from snorkeling and the picture-perfect beaches, there are boating activities you can opt for; the lunch shacks can provide you with food and drinks and the availability of bathrooms. Another fun fact about this island is that the infamous bounty chocolate commercials have been filmed here. 

Punta Cana Best Excursions is now offering 

SAONA CLASSIC is $75 per person, getting picked up at about 7 am from your hotel around Bavaro Punta Cana and will take you on a bus with other visitors to Bayahive, stopping a few times on the way, whether to pick up other clients in different hotels, to change to large buses, or at a gift shop store before reaching Bayahive, at the Island, you will be taken on a large share catamaran and returning on a speed boat, at the island you will be given a BBQ meal with a buffet type, usually in the buffet are serve with, Pork Chops, Chicken, Rice, Cold Pasta, Hot Pasta, Egg Plant, Potatoes, Fruits, Green Salad. The meal may vary slightly, but for the most part, it always stays under the delicious Dominican buffet variety. 

SAONA SEMI-PRIVATE starts at $135 pp for a minimum of 2 people the more participants, the lower the price. 

It is suitable for those who want to visit the island without the long bus ride, cutting down the unnecessary stops and having a quicker and much more pleasant drive to Bayahive; the same can be said for the return from Bayahive once the activity is finished your vehicle will be waiting for you to take you straight back to your hotel, for the other inclusive during the activity you will be taken on a large share catamaran and returning on a speed boat, at the island you will be given a BBQ meal with a buffet type, usually in the buffet are serve with, Pork Chops, Chicken, Rice, Cold Pasta, Hot Pasta, Egg Plant, Potatoes, Fruits, Green Salad. The meal may vary slightly, but for the most part, it always stays under the delicious Dominican buffet variety. Same as the classic package 

SAONA FULL PRIVATE OR EXCELLENCE 

Starts at $2300 for a minimum of 8 people 

This package is for those who love luxury and be pampered with the good things that life can offer 

You will be picked up at whatever time you choose on a private vehicle; you will be taken to Saona on a private luxury Catamaran, stopping anywhere you like on the way to do Snorkeling or chill in the water. You will be given a five stars breakfast on the boat together with drinks; at Island, you will be served a full VIP meal with Lobster, Meat, Shrimps, Cold Salad, Hot Salad, Pasta, and a few other delicatessens to make your day a fantastic VIP experience this package is not cheap but it is worth every penny, your self will also determine your return, your private luxury Catamaran will stay with you at your disposition at all times throughout the day. 

I hope this post makes sense and helps clarify some of your questions about the Island Activity; if you find it informative, please leave your comment below or your questions. Safe travels. Cheers.