Catalina Island
Catalina Island
4
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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- e.catherineBristol, United Kingdom29 contributionsFantastic day out!We booked online directly through scuba carribe at bayahibe. We’re staying at Hilton Romana, the catamaran picked us up directly from the beach at the hotel. Fernando and his crew were amazing …. plenty of room in the boat, free soft drinks before snorkelling and plenty of rum after! Crisps as snacks morning and on our return. 2 snorkelling stops, safety being key with the team looking after us very well in the sea. Then Catalina isl for about 2.5 hrs ….. time to swim, lunch (pasta/sauce, grilled chicken/pork, rice, fruit), drinks and to look at gift shops. There are sun beds and shade under trees. It is a stunning island. Returned via a river tour, back by about 4pm ish. Was thoroughly enjoyable and can’t thank Fernando and his team enough for looking after us all so well!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 September 2023
- ShannonChicago, Illinois117 contributionsSimply breathtakingBook the excursion with Expedia from the company named Passion Paradise Adventures. Pick up and drop off was easy. The whole excursion was great except for me hitting my leg getting on the boat which left a nasty bruise but I was fine after about 4 days. Pedro was amazing with great customer service I recommend this day trip and if you are in La Romana check it out!Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 January 2024
- Kami N2 contributionsBeautiful little islandThis 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 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 May 2024
- Erwin A.Connecticut385 contributionsA Beach Day at Catalina Island is Worth ItA 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 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 July 2024
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4.0
4,259 reviews
Excellent
2,219
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1,132
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513
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218
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177
stacey p
North Andover, MA191 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
I must say I am quite confused with all the positive reviews of this island. Although it is very pretty it is a tourist trap. Please do not waste your money on an excursion here. We had 5 adults and 6 teens and charted a private boat to this island and it was regrettably one of the worst days of our trip.
Upon arrival you are swarmed by natives trying to sell you things. There is nothing to do except sit on the beach or take a small stroll through a walking path but it’s not even at the oceans edge. There are a handful of shops to visit as well. The water is pretty but very disappointing for snorkeling so it’s just for swimming. The teens (and myself) bored pretty quickly.
The buffet doesn’t open until 1 and although it was decent we had far better elsewhere.
Also it states that all food and drink are included but be aware that means beer, wine, water and soft drinks. If you want rum or any other alcohol it is $10 per cup! Plus if you have younger kids and want snacks you should bring them as you can only buy lays chips at $6 a bag. Otherwise you must wait for the buffet to open to eat. Thankfully my kids are not picky however there are no “kid friendly” foods at the buffet so if you have picky eaters beware your $35 dollar already overpriced buffet will go to waste.
In short, save your time and money and either sit on the beach at your resort or visit somewhere else for the day.
Upon arrival you are swarmed by natives trying to sell you things. There is nothing to do except sit on the beach or take a small stroll through a walking path but it’s not even at the oceans edge. There are a handful of shops to visit as well. The water is pretty but very disappointing for snorkeling so it’s just for swimming. The teens (and myself) bored pretty quickly.
The buffet doesn’t open until 1 and although it was decent we had far better elsewhere.
Also it states that all food and drink are included but be aware that means beer, wine, water and soft drinks. If you want rum or any other alcohol it is $10 per cup! Plus if you have younger kids and want snacks you should bring them as you can only buy lays chips at $6 a bag. Otherwise you must wait for the buffet to open to eat. Thankfully my kids are not picky however there are no “kid friendly” foods at the buffet so if you have picky eaters beware your $35 dollar already overpriced buffet will go to waste.
In short, save your time and money and either sit on the beach at your resort or visit somewhere else for the day.
Written 22 April 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.
Wilma H
14 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The tour company sold the trip staiting that the car ride would last 1 hour. But it took 3 hours both sides. They stopped at times on the side of the road so street sellers could get into the car to sell rubbish things to us. We were promised fish meal, pina coladas, all inclusive. It was not all inclusive, they wantet to us pay lots of money, like 10 dollars of a drink. Here it does not cost so much…
They said it would be great snorkeling palce, beautiful coral reef.
There was not even a reef there. Maybe few fish, and you could not see clearly, so much sand floating in the water.
In the dining place there were so much moscuitoes that could not enjoy my food. We were not warned about that.
They served hardly any drinks. We paid 85€/per person. We hears that other people paid lot less.. it is a skam!
We left 7.20 am and were back like 5.30pm. 10 hour trip for nothing. Beach was beautiful, but not worth it.
They said it would be great snorkeling palce, beautiful coral reef.
There was not even a reef there. Maybe few fish, and you could not see clearly, so much sand floating in the water.
In the dining place there were so much moscuitoes that could not enjoy my food. We were not warned about that.
They served hardly any drinks. We paid 85€/per person. We hears that other people paid lot less.. it is a skam!
We left 7.20 am and were back like 5.30pm. 10 hour trip for nothing. Beach was beautiful, but not worth it.
Written 6 October 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.
Cruiser803017
11 contributions
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 29 May 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
Sept 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 29 September 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.
Wander55429545267
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Total rip off.
Snorkeling: Not much to see there, don't bother if it is your main goal.
The company advertise paddleboard, kayak and pedalboat but there are none of these activities. Just a run down installation of beach chairs and palapas.
The ride to the island and back includes loud disco music and screaming animators all along.
We DO NOT recommend.
Snorkeling: Not much to see there, don't bother if it is your main goal.
The company advertise paddleboard, kayak and pedalboat but there are none of these activities. Just a run down installation of beach chairs and palapas.
The ride to the island and back includes loud disco music and screaming animators all along.
We DO NOT recommend.
Written 29 June 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.
JoesTop3Reviews
London, UK67 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Do not believe the photos in the brochures. This is a total tourist trap. The boats are over crowded. The snorkeling is average at best. The food is below average. Once you arrive at the island it's even worse. Small over crowded boats shuttle you to shore. The beachea are dirty and also too crowded. And then you need to do the whole thing in reverse.
Written 26 December 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.
Amanda C
Sao Paulo, SP6 contributions
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 27 August 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.
Alan and Leanne
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Me and my wife are on our honeymoon and booked this experience with Tui before travelling to the Dominican Republic. What an absolute waste of time. We were so excited to go. The duration 8 hours doesn’t mean on the island. We literally spent 2 hours out of nearly 10 hours. Most of that time was coach travel. The speedboat wouldn’t take all of the group as the sea was choppy, so had to wait more than 45 minutes for another one. The snorkelling spot was too dangerous for me and my wife as well as some others. The waves were very rough. The island spot we where on was extremely rocky and not the part I was expecting. Sun beds were uncomfortable and some broken while other groups along the beach had soft sun loungers and shade which we didn’t have. We were harassed literally as soon as our feet touched the sand and continued for the 2 hours we spent there. The food and drinks was poor. When I looked this experience up on YouTube it showed a different part of the island with a wooden jetty and no rocks. It looked beautiful. The part we were on was shocking. We left the island, or should I say hurried off onto the boat. Then spent more time travelling on the coach. They even stopped at a big gift shop to kind of get more money out of us. We just stayed on the coach. £176 spent on this experience minus what we spent on the island. Waste of money and a full day wasted.
Written 1 July 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.
JamesJoseph
New York City, NY59 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I went here three days in a row, the beach is spectacular.
We were lucky to be here when there was hardly anyone here, we were told that sometimes cruise ships will have an excursion to the beach which brings large crowds.
Crystal clear water and white sand beaches, nice place for a walk on the beach, to lounge under an umbrella or for a swim.
We were lucky to be here when there was hardly anyone here, we were told that sometimes cruise ships will have an excursion to the beach which brings large crowds.
Crystal clear water and white sand beaches, nice place for a walk on the beach, to lounge under an umbrella or for a swim.
Written 14 March 2020
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.
EKB802
Boston, MA12 contributions
May 2021
Great to get out on the water, and Catalina is beautiful. We were the only group there (which may be different post-Covid). Some pesky vendors on the beach approached us but not too bad. Price is reasonable but know that nothing is included (i.e. drinks or snorkel equipment) .
Written 23 May 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.
We will be on Catalina Island for one day while on a cruise. They just put this stop on in place of another island, and it doesn't sound to me like there is anything to do here unless you book a catamaran snorkel tour, which we would do, but it doesn't begin here, only in Punta Cana or other islands. Is there anything we can see besides the beach? We have that here at home, so was trying to do as we usually do and just hire a local guide for a tour or boat or something, but I haven't seen anything like that available anywhere I look. I would really appreciate any advice!! Thank you!!
Written 3 January 2024
Is there any half day trips to Catalina Island without snorkeling l?
Written 7 August 2023
Check with any of the salespersons that are at your hotel or check out viator. We went on the trip and snorkeling was part of it.
Written 8 August 2023
Bonjour,
Avez vous une adresse mail ou un no de cell pour Jean Jean
Nous serons là cette semaine,et après vous avoir lu ,j aimerais organiser une visite à cette ile avec son aide.
Merci pour vos conseils.
GUY
Written 27 March 2022
Mi opinión personal es si, dependiendo del tiempo de tu estado, y busquen un operador serio que los lleve en una embarcación moderna , weiler caribbean sea es un operador español con mucha experiencia.
Lleva zapatillas para la playa, a diferencia de isla Saona que es arena, Catalina tiene una franja de piedras, pero sus aguas son iguales de bellas, turquesa y transparentes, si la visitan en un día con sol , tendrán unas fotos maravillosas.
El viaje es de 30 a 40 minutos y por ti estado habrán algunos momentos del viaje que deberás pasar por alto, como el de bajar al agua y bucear con los peces, a excepción de esto, creo puedes disfrutar de esta maravillosa isla.
Saludos
Written 31 January 2020
Alguien sabe Puede contratarse a un lanchero desde la playa en la Romana o Bayahibe para pasar medio día de snorkel en Isla Catalina ?
Written 30 August 2018
has anyone booked a trip to Catalina island from coral costa Caribe resort located in juan dolio? this is where I'll be staying. I was hoping a reputable company you can recommend that won't rip me off only to find out I'll be in a bus picking up other ppl from either LA Romana or Punta Cana resorts???
Written 7 April 2018
Salve, io ci andro' fra un mese, vorrei chiedere se i teli da spiaggia vengono forniti da Costa. grazie
Written 26 January 2018
I teli li può portare direttamente dalla sua cabina. In spiaggia trova i lettini a titolo gratuito di Costa.
Written 26 January 2018
Puis je rendre en taxi ou transport en commun du port à catalans Island, quel est le prix.
Written 28 November 2016
Hola, puede hacer la excursión una persona que usa silla de ruedas, aclaro que viaja con su familia por lo q ellos se ocupan de trasladarlo
Written 31 October 2016
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