Catalina Island

Catalina Island

Catalina Island
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About
Bask under the Caribbean sun at Catalina Island, known for its gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by tropical palm trees. The crystal-clear waters here are home to diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving—you’re bound to spot some tropical fish and even sea urchins if you’re lucky. You can’t stay overnight as the island is part of a nature reserve. Instead, pick a boat tour that will take you there, stopping along the way for snorkeling and sightseeing. Many island hopping tours often include Catalina as a stop, too. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Ml
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dominican experience music rum sun beach
    A catamaran or fast shuttle takes you to Catalina Island. You take another boat to go to the snorkeling location to discover the maritime wildlife. Then return to Catalina for a Dominican meal and enjoy the beach. Small downside for the prices of products sold on site. 8 dollars for a pineapple or 6 for a coconut… it’s just excessive.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 15, 2024
  • Inna_Toni
    Gruenheide, Germany3,355 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sunbathing on the disco beach and again no relaxation...
    How highly this island is praised... but why? OK, we think it would be nice to spend the day on a quiet side of the island. However, where the cruise ship tourists are taken is anything but nice. Loud, music all the time, crowded, you can't go far into the water because the yachts are already anchoring there. And this is supposed to be a nature reserve??? To find a little peace and quiet you can stroll a little along the nature trail - but it takes about 30 minutes. You have to change in the toilets because there are no cubicles for that. But the toilets are clean, at least somewhat. The boat ride there and back was quite nice. A coconut cost 5 dollars there. Well, at least we were in the water a little, even if it was surrounded by lots of people. We wouldn't recommend it, but if you book a restaurant and find another place that is quiet it might be very nice there. As always, this is our purely subjective opinion and may differ from that of other guests.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 16, 2024
  • Ger
    Luxembourg City, Luxembourg656 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful island
    We were on Isla Catalina at the end of March 2024 as part of a Mein Schiff cruise and we really enjoyed it. The palm trees are closer and closer to the water and the beach directly at the ferry dock is not that wide. The view is very beautiful and varied due to the shape of the bay. Although we were there on a Mein Schiff excursion, it didn't feel like mass tourism. The loungers and umbrellas are brought to your "desired palm" by the service providers and set up.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 18, 2024
  • Ylenia C
    Massarosa, Italy11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful discovery 🤩
    Unexpectedly beautiful even if it often takes second place compared to the more popular Saona. Don't imagine snorkeling like in Egypt because it is not comparable. However, the beach is very beautiful and the colors of the sea have nothing to envy of Saona. Highly recommended with Mariposa Tours. Top experience with catamaran and at the end visit to Alto Chavón.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 2, 2024
  • Kami N
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful little island
    This was such a fun little island to visit. We didn’t do an excursion and just walked the whole day. But it is small enough that we covered quite a bit of area. The island was clean and tropical and flowers were so pretty. Lots of cute shops and restaurants to eat at. It was the highlight of our 4 night cruise.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 7, 2024
  • Erwin A.
    Connecticut393 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Beach Day at Catalina Island is Worth It
    A 40-min boat ride from Casa de Campo is Catalina Island. It has a pretty stretch of a beach but if you are into the underwater world, you will have a great time as the island has great diving and snorkelling areas. Chairs, towels and umbrellas are complimentary. There is a bar with overpriced drinks and chips and souvenir shops.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 23, 2024
  • Sonia L
    Quebec City, Canada7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful tropical paradise
    The excursion to the Isla Catalina was an overall very pleasant experience, with some notable highlights and some aspects to improve. Strengths: The beach was simply beautiful. The fine white sand combined with crystal clear turquoise water created an idyllic setting for relaxation and swimming. It is a true paradise for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty. In addition, the food served was excellent. The dishes were tasty, well prepared, and reflected the richness of the local cuisine. This is a real treat for the taste buds! Areas for improvement: However, it is important to point out that the cleanliness of the bathrooms left much to be desired. For such a paradisiacal destination, it is regrettable that the sanitary facilities were not up to standard. Better maintenance and more frequent cleaning would be required to improve the visitor experience. In short, Isla Catalina is a dream destination for those who want to enjoy nature and good food. With increased attention to the cleanliness of the facilities, the tour could offer an even more exceptional experience.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles4,263 reviews
Excellent
2,220
Very good
1,132
Average
515
Poor
218
Terrible
178

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Natachauberti
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family

nan-ouche
3 days
Our trip to the Dominican Republic would never have been the same without the excursions with Jean jean, he loves his country, and does everything to help us discover it with kindness, a smile and kindness. He speaks 5 languages French English German Spanish Italian and Creole! !
It was recommended to us by friends who come every year, and we were more than delighted
We did 3 excursions
-Saona with the village of Mano Juan, lobster meals
Discovery of mangroves, snorking, visit to a turtle protection site, natural swimming pool, in short, paradise on earth
-Catalina with snorking, Chavon river…
-and finally we couldn't leave without returning to Saona, on another beach with small wooden houses for lunch facing the sea with decoration and a landscape of absolute beauty and romance...ideal for a special request: revolving_hearts::relaxed:

Thank you Jean jean!! thanks to him we had unforgettable moments
See you soon
Google
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DrDanJ
39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Friends
Visiting Punta Cana, my companion got his PADI Open Water certification at SeaPro. I really wanted to dive Isla Catalina again. As a protected dive site the coral/ sponges/ fish etc. are impressive. The visibility is great and minimum current. For nondivers snorkeling is an option. After diving a beach lunch is included, with the option to buy a nice lobster or whole fish.
Yeah, I got the lobster.
For the same price of diving in Punta Cana ,$130 US, you get transportation to La Romana, fun boat ride out, 2 tank dive on a great site, equipment, decent buffet lunch, ( I'd also pay the extra $25 for a grilled lobster) time to splash around and hang with the
new friends you made, then back to your hotel by 8pm.
I booked through Antonio De Leon 1 828 903 5792, he will hook you up. Expect a 10% surcharge for credit cards, which is typical
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aabbady
New York712 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Friends
We took the boat from La Romana. Around 30 minutes ride. They allow you 45 minutes snorting before you get to the island. Then they travel around to transfer you to the beach in smaller boat. The beach is beautiful clear water but full with rock which make it very difficult to get in or out. They include open bar and lunch which all included for around $50-60 dollars. It will be good for younger generations up and down the stair and transfer between the small, the large boat and walking on the sand all the way to your assigned space in the island
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

didier B
Ventabren, France6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
Outing announced for 30 people, there are at least 90 of us on the boat
We take 1h45 to arrive on the island without making the promised snorkeling stop
Long wait for the relay boat used to disembark
Meal announced at 1 p.m. We are going to swim
On our way back we learn that Za starts at 12:15 p.m.
20 minutes of waiting nevertheless, since 4 other boats have disembarked
There are 600 of us on the desert island…
Departure announced at 2:45 p.m., so a little time for swimming and diving
At 1:45 p.m., shrill whistles: we must leave immediately
…???
We are transferred to the boat on which we wait… 3/4 hour in the roll
On the way back, a snorkeling stop in the middle of turbulent waves
As they consider that ultimately it may be dangerous, they throw a rope and you have to do the “dive” 50 cm from your neighbor while holding a piece of rope.
Returning to La Romana, half deaf, the thunderous music accompanied us throughout the journey

I have never experienced such a crazy activity, without any organization
Oops I forgot to say that only about ten people were wearing life jackets
Google
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amanda C
Sao Paulo, SP6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
The island is beautiful, just be careful with the tour operators. Our tour operator Dolin Dive Center in Grand Palladium told us that it would be US$110 per person with scuba diving. When we got there, we were not allowed to do scuba diving and when we tried to tell them what happened to get the money back, they just told us they had informed us that it was US$110 without scuba diving. I have screenshots of all the conversations and even that way they would not refund us.
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

timidopibiza
Ibiza, Spain35 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Moved sea trip, 1st snorkel stop, clean, non-crystalline water.
2nd boat stop 4 trips to disembark all passengers from the catamaran. Surprise beach with few palm trees, unlike Saona, and very dirty with marine debris such as logs and plastics, you pay an entrance fee to the Ministry of the Environment but I see that it does little for the maintenance of the place... that is if the staff of the place can stop Selling mojitos, coconuts and massages without a problem... terrible excursion food and hammocks that since we couldn't walk around were already sold out. A total disappointment on Catalina Island...they should take more care of the environment in the present future, otherwise, what do I say otherwise, if everything happens here... nothing, nothing to continue living.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Google
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Val G
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
We booked a full day snorkeling tour at Catalina island from SoulTour in Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine. The tour agent promised all inclusive trip to island for staying for whole day, from start at 7.25am at hotel and back 6pm. He said it 40min from port to island. What he did not said that it's 3.5 hours drive to port, picking peoples from other hotels. There was 30min snorkeling stop and then 2 hours at the island. Or yes we stopped at restaurant for some lousy meal. And then 4 hours back. Avoid it! Waste of time and money (120$ per person)
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicoletta Z
4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Nothing special... better than Saona. In the sand to go to the sea there are many stones, it does not have a totally sandy bottom. And the coconut and pineapple sellers or masseuses pester you to sell at unaffordable prices.
Google
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cruiser803017
11 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
My husband and I have been in the DR 5 times. In the past we visited Saona Island and decided to try something different this time. We booked thru Amstars representative at the resort which we stayed at. We were probably the oldest of the people on this excursion and You could easily tell that the tour guide Valentine had no patience for the 50+ crowd. We stopped at one point to snorkel. What a mistake. We had no idea how incredibly choppy the water would be. My husband and I spent our time trying to return to the boat once we were in the water. It was scary. It was awful. Once everyone got back on the boat, my husband and I were still trying to get back to the boat. Rather then throw a life preserver to us, instead they started the boat and pulled it back in. Valentine yelled to us “are you coming or are you going to stay there”? I honestly thought he was serious. The beach was just ok. The dinner that was served was actually very good. It was a pretty short excursion as we left the island around three. Valentine’s demeanor changed the closer we got to him collecting tips. My husband and I tend to be very generous tippers.This time not so much. Big mistake Valentine. The young girls aren’t going to line your wallet! You should’ve treated your “family” as you referred to your group a little kinder. If you want to take a day to go on an excursion, head to Saona Island and try to get placed in Victors group. I believe he leaves out of Punta Cana. He is so much fun and so is his excursion!
Written May 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tanja T
18 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had specifically booked Isla Catalina because we had heard that Isla Saona was quite crowded. The trip in a boat with a few snorkelers and divers was good. Then we got a shock at the first snorkeling stop: swimming in a carpet of algae and in plastic bags, no wonder, as this snorkeling spot off the island was in the estuary of the Rio Dulce. The second stop was fine on the island itself, away from the river mouth. You could sunbathe and snorkel there and there weren't too many tourists. There was a simple meal for lunch. All in all, a mixed experience, especially since letting tourists swim in polluted waters is irresponsible.
Google
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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Catalina Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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