Saona Island and Catalina: Day Trips from Casa de Campo

Two protected islands lie off the coast near Casa de Campo, and both make easy boat trips. Saona Island, the larger and better known, has long palm-lined beaches inside a national park. Catalina Island, closer to La Romana, is smaller and known for snorkelling and diving. Here is how to choose between them.

Saona Island at a glance

Saona Island covers about 110 square kilometres off the country’s southeast coast and is part of Cotubanamá National Park. It is the Dominican Republic’s most important sea-turtle nesting site and home to more than a hundred bird species, and its southern and western shores have the best beaches. Only a small community lives there, mainly in the fishing village of Mano Juan. It is also the most visited protected area in the country, so expect company on the popular beaches. The Ministry of Environment, announcing its Saona Sostenible project in March 2023, said visitors exceed one million a year and that Mano Juan has around 500 residents.

How a Saona Island trip works

Most trips leave from Bayahibe, east of La Romana, by catamaran or speedboat. A typical day combines time on Saona’s beaches with a stop at a shallow sandbank, often called the natural pool, where starfish gather, plus lunch. Private charters are another option and give you more control over timing and stops. Ask operators what the price includes, including park fees, and how many passengers they carry. The tourism board puts Bayahíbe 20 minutes from La Romana and about an hour from Punta Cana, and Saona 19 kilometres south of the mainland; see getting to Punta Cana for the east-coast side.

Catalina Island at a glance

Catalina Island lies a short boat ride from La Romana and covers under 10 square kilometres. It is uninhabited and protected, with dunes, mangroves and reefs. Columbus named it Santa Catalina in 1494, and the wreck of Captain William Kidd’s ship, the Quedagh Merchant, found nearby in 2007, lies within a marine protected area known as a Living Museum in the Sea. Cruise ships also call at Catalina, so check schedules if you want a quieter day.

Saona Island or Catalina?

• Choose Saona Island for long beaches, the natural pool and a classic full-day outing.
• Choose Catalina for snorkelling or diving and a shorter day on the water.
• Choose a private boat if you have young children or a large group, or want to avoid peak crowds.

Responsible visiting

• Do not lift starfish out of the water; handling can harm them.
• Use reef-safe sun protection and take all rubbish back with you.
• Follow the rules set by park staff and your captain.
• Check sea conditions and your operator’s cancellation policy before you go.

Fitting a trip into your stay

Both trips work best early in the day, before the heat builds and the wind picks up. Plan a Saona Island day for the middle of your stay, when you are settled, and keep Catalina as a flexible half day.

A Saona Island trip is the classic choice, while Catalina is the easy half day. For the resort itself, read what is Casa de Campo, and for arrival, getting to Casa de Campo.