Aquatic EmotionRD · La Romana
Aquatic EmotionRD drives you from Punta Cana to the La Romana cruise port, then takes you by catamaran to a coral reef for snorkelling and on to Catalina Island for the beach, a buffet and an open bar. Choose it if snorkelling and fewer people matter more to you than Saona's starfish and long beaches.
Catalina is a separate island off La Romana, not Saona and not Isla Catalinita. It is small, about 9.6 square km of coral stone with dunes, mangroves and reefs, and Columbus named it Santa Catalina in 1494, according to Wikipedia. Cruise ships stop there now and then.
The day starts with hotel pickup in Punta Cana and a drive to the La Romana cruise port. A catamaran takes you to a coral reef for a snorkel stop, with gear included, and then anchors off Catalina. You have the rest of the day on the beach, with drinks served on the boat and a buffet of Dominican food at lunch, between 12 and 1 pm. Then the catamaran sails back to La Romana and the vehicle drives you to your hotel, about 9 hours after pickup.
What you give up: the natural pool with its starfish, and Saona's long palm beaches. What you get: a reef that snorkellers rate and far fewer people. The listing notes that lunch comes late and there is little time to buy food on the way, so bring a snack. One recent guest complained about food hygiene at lunch, which is worth knowing. Our Saona or Catalina guide sets the two side by side.
A minibus or coach collects you at the agreed time.
To the cruise port, where the catamaran waits.
The catamaran stops at a coral reef. Masks and snorkels on board.
Anchor off the island, buffet lunch and free time on the sand.
Catamaran to the port, then the drive to your hotel, about 9 hours after pickup.
★★★★★The snorkeling session among the corals was worth it on its own.
★★★★★There were far fewer people than on Saona Island, which we really appreciated.
★★★★★Beautiful island, excellent meal, and perfect atmosphere on the boat.
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No. Catalina Island lies off La Romana. Isla Catalinita is a small islet near Saona. This tour goes to Catalina Island.
For a reef, yes. This tour stops at a coral reef with gear included. Saona's highlight is the shallow natural pool with starfish. See Saona or Catalina.
About 9 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.
Yes, a buffet of typical Dominican food served between 12 and 1 pm, with soft drinks, water, rum and beer.
Ready to book
A catamaran to Catalina Island with a reef snorkel, buffet lunch and open bar. Fewer people than Saona.
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