Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic: A Beautiful Beach Day (Tour)

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Are you planning to book a day trip or tour to Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic from your resort? This Isla Catalina tour is a Caribbean dream come true.

We took a tour with Scuba Caribe during our week’s vacation at the Hilton La Romana, and it was one of our best days there. My husband is still raving about the snorkeling, and I can’t stop thinking about the water—the prettiest crystal blue I’ve ever seen. Catalina Island won a special place in our hearts.

The water is Caribbean blue, the sand is white, and it’s a great escape to another piece of paradise that the Dominican Republic offers. There is Plenty of beauty under the sea if you love to snorkel or dive.

A beautiful beach on Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic, with clear blue water, white sand, and people relaxing under palm trees and umbrellas.

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In this post, I’ll share our day and what to expect so you can plan your unforgettable vacation at Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic.

Table of Contents

Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic

A beautiful view of a beach on Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic, featuring a dock with boats, clear blue water, white sand, and lush greenery with palm trees under a bright blue sky.

Catalina Island is a small, historic island off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic—not to be confused with Catalina Island in California. I call it “the most beautiful island in the Caribbean.” It’s a perfect day tour if you’re staying in Punta Cana or Bayahibe. The private beach is owned by Costa Cruises.

Getting to Catalina Island

To visit Catalina Island, you have to arrange an excursion through your hotel or a tour agency. We booked via Scuba Caribe. The best way to reach the island is by boat.

Climate at Catalina Island

Catalina Island has a tropical climate. The dry season runs from January through June, while the hot and humid season lasts from July through December.

Booking an Isla Catalina Tour

starfish sitting at the bottom of the ocean

We booked our tour with Scuba Caribe (not sponsored or affiliated), but many other tour agencies offer trips to the island. Check with your hotel’s tour specialist for recommendations.

Our snorkeling tour included a boat ride to and from the island, snorkeling at the coral reef, a buffet lunch, snacks, and an open bar. Scuba Caribe also offers scuba diving tours with two dive sites: the Catalina Wall and the Aquarium Reef.

From start to finish, Scuba Caribe focused on safety while ensuring we had a fantastic time. The guides were patient, especially with first-time snorkelers, and assisted non-swimmers with lifesavers and safety floats.

The coral reef was stunning, teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral. I was amazed by the snorkeling opportunities in the Dominican Republic.

Tour Details

Duration: Ours was a full-day tour from 8 am to 5 pm, lunch included.
Snorkel Gear: Included, but you can bring your own.

Other Isla Catalina Tour Options to Consider:
Punta Cana: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island [Book Tour]
La Romana: Catalina Island Full-Day Snorkeling Tour [Book Tour]

What to Do on Catalina Island

A stunning beach on Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic, featuring clear turquoise water, white sand, and people relaxing under palm trees and umbrellas against a bright blue sky.

A close-up of a person holding a large orange starfish while snorkeling in the clear blue waters of Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic, with the horizon and sky visible in the background.

A serene beach on Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic, with clear turquoise water, white sand, and kathy (woman) walking along the shore under a bright blue sky dotted with clouds and palm trees

Kathy (a woman) splashing in the clear turquoise waters of Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic, with her arms raised joyfully, wearing sunglasses and a colorful bikini, under a bright blue sky with a few clouds.

rocky cliffs by turquoise water at catalina islan

When you arrive at Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic, you’ll be amazed by its beauty. Here’s how to make the most of your day:

Enjoy the Beach: Beach chairs are provided as part of your tour. Beach assistants will help you set them up under a palm tree near the shore. Don’t forget to tip them. Enjoy the warm, clear water of Playa Isla Catalina, sink your toes into the soft white sand, and relax with a drink in hand.

Snorkel or Dive: Explore the designated snorkeling spot by the cliff walls. If you love to snorkel, don’t miss out. My husband snorkeled the entire time and saw stingrays, sea urchins, starfish, and various fish. If you prefer diving, discover the Catalina Wall and the Aquarium Reef.

Walk and Explore: Take a stroll along the beach or hike the small trails above the cliffs. Be sure to wear mosquito spray. Capture stunning photos of your time on this beautiful island.

Additional Information

Restrooms: Available on the island.

Lunch Buffet: Enjoy traditional local foods like arroz con gandulez, macaroni salads, pork chops, bread, and salads provided by Scuba Caribe. Your tour operator will direct you to the correct buffet station. The open bar mostly offers soda and beer, with rum served on the boat ride back. There is also a VIP tour option with a lobster lunch.

Tips and Warnings

Beach Seats: As soon as the tour operator finishes with guidelines, seek out the beach assistants to help you secure the best beach seats.

Gift Shop Vendors: Be cautious of the shop owners who may approach you with small gifts. Politely decline their offers if you’re not interested, as they can become aggressive if you shop elsewhere.

Snorkeling: If you love to snorkel, don’t miss out on this experience. My husband was so inspired that he decided to get his Scuba Certification with Scuba Caribe after our trip.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Isla Catalina

While I have a beach packing list you can always reference, there are some things you don’t need for this tour. Keep it simple. Here are the items you should bring with you:

Reef Safe Sunscreen: The sun is powerful. I suggest not bringing anything less than 50 SPF.
Mosquito Spray: Bring mosquito spray if you plan to walk the short trails.
Beach Towels: They are not provided. You can bring your beach towels from the resort; just make sure to bring them back with you.
Swimsuit: Not exactly “packing it,” but don’t leave your hotel without wearing it.
Cover-up: Something dry to throw over yourself for the ride to and from the island.
Flip Flops / Sandals
Snorkel Gear: Your tour guide will likely include it as part of the tour. You may feel more comfortable with your own snorkel; bring it.
Waterproof Camera: Record the memories you’ll be making on vacation.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO THE CARIBBEAN, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.