Catalina Island Snorkeling

Discover the “Aquarium of the Caribbean.” If you love snorkeling, this is the tour for you. Unlike Saona Island, which is famous for its shallow pools, Catalina Island is surrounded by deep coral reefs and crystal-clear visibility, making it the premier snorkeling destination in the Dominican Republic.

This exclusive tour offers a unique twist: we begin our journey by navigating the calm waters of the Cumayasa River, a protected sanctuary teeming with mangroves and birds, before heading out to sea to explore the underwater cliffs of “The Wall.”

The Highlight: Snorkeling “The Wall”

We take you to El Muro—a spectacular drop-off where the ocean floor plunges from 5 meters to over 30 meters deep. It is inhabited by vibrant sponges, coral formations, and schools of tropical fish.

Tour Program: How Your Day Unfolds

• Hotel Pick-up We pick you up in a comfortable A/C bus from your hotel in Punta Cana or Bayahibe and head towards the La Romana province.

• River Safari Departure Instead of a busy marina, we board our boat on the Cumayasa River. Enjoy a peaceful cruise through this protected ecological reserve, passing through the largest concentration of mangroves in the region.

• Snorkeling at “The Wall” We arrive at the dive site. Put on your mask, snorkel, and fins (all provided). Jump into the clear blue water to explore the coral reef. You have roughly 45–60 minutes to swim with the fish.

• Beach Time at Catalina Island We land on the pristine white sands of Catalina Island. This is a private beach area equipped with sunbeds.

• Buffet Lunch on the Sand Enjoy a freshly prepared Dominican Feast served right on the island.

  • Menu: Grilled Chicken, Fresh Fish, Rice, Potatoes, Salads, and Tropical Fruit.

  • Drinks: Open bar with beer, rum, water, and soda accompanies your meal.

• Relaxation or More Snorkeling After lunch, the time is yours. Swim in the calm turquoise water right off the beach (also great for spotting smaller fish) or relax under a shade tree.

• Return Journey We boat back to the river mouth and take the bus back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.

Why Catalina over Saona?

1. Better Snorkeling Saona has great beaches, but Catalina has the reefs. If your main goal is to see fish and coral, Catalina is the superior choice.

2. The Cumayasa River Bonus Most tours just leave from a concrete dock. We give you a mini “Jungle Tour” by starting and ending through the beautiful river mangroves.

3. Less Crowded Catalina Island is generally quieter than Saona, offering a more relaxed, private island atmosphere.