{"id":3002,"date":"2026-02-19T11:13:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T11:13:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/blog\/isla-catalina-punta-cana\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T09:31:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T09:31:19","slug":"catalina-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/catalina-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Catalina Island from Punta Cana: how to get there and what to see"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for a paradisiacal and less crowded corner of the Dominican Republic, <strong>Catalina Island is one of the most recommended excursions from Punta Cana<\/strong>. Covering just 9.6 km\u00b2, this small haven of crystal-clear waters and white sand is a peaceful retreat within the Cotubanam\u00e1 National Park (formerly known as Parque Nacional del Este).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The island, <strong>called Ikiita or Toeya by the indigenous peoples<\/strong> and renamed Catalina by Christopher Columbus in 1494, forms part of a trio of islands in the Dominican southeast, along with Saona and Catalinita. Unlike its neighbour Saona, Catalina is uninhabited and fully protected, preserving its near-pristine condition and exceptional biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to get to Catalina Island from Punta Cana<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catalina Island lies just <strong>2.4 km off the coast of La Romana and about 80 km from Punta Cana<\/strong>. To reach it, you\u2019ll need to take a boat or catamaran from Bayahibe or La Romana, a journey of around 30 minutes from the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most excursions include <strong>transport from your hotel in Punta Cana to La Romana<\/strong>, followed by the boat transfer to the island. There are also combined tours that visit both Saona and Catalina in a single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have time before boarding, it\u2019s worth stopping by <strong>Altos de Chav\u00f3n<\/strong> \u2014 a charming Mediterranean-style village in La Romana, not far from the marina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tour-to-catalina-island.webp\" alt=\"tour to catalina island\" class=\"wp-image-3010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tour-to-catalina-island.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tour-to-catalina-island-768x284.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Catalina Island is a hidden Caribbean paradise where crystal-clear waters and untouched nature invite you to live a unique experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Beaches of Catalina Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although small, Catalina Island offers two true Caribbean treasures that captivate every visitor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Catalina Beach:<\/strong> The most famous and frequented area, known for its fine white sand, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere \u2014 perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun in total serenity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Playa del Este:<\/strong> More secluded and less visited, ideal for those seeking complete disconnection in an unspoilt corner of the Caribbean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both share the same charm \u2014 a sense of calm within a protected natural environment, far less crowded than nearby Saona, ensuring an intimate and authentic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Snorkelling, diving and marine life around Catalina Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What truly makes Catalina Island world famous is <strong>its coral reefs and marine biodiversity<\/strong>. The calm, transparent waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving year-round, particularly at midday when visibility is best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two most popular diving spots are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Aquarium:<\/strong> A shallow coral reef teeming with tropical fish, starfish, seahorses and sponges \u2014 perfect for beginner snorkellers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Wall:<\/strong> An impressive coral wall with vibrant marine life, ideal for more experienced divers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The island also hides a fascinating historical secret beneath its waters: the wreck of the <strong><em>Quedagh Merchant<\/em><\/strong>, a 17th-century pirate ship commanded by Captain William Kidd. Discovered in 2007 at a depth of 21 metres, it is now preserved as a Living Museum of the Sea and attracts divers from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/catalina-island-excursion.webp\" alt=\"catalina island excursion\" class=\"wp-image-3011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/catalina-island-excursion.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/catalina-island-excursion-768x284.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dive into the magic of Catalina Island \u2014 calm beaches, coral reefs and adventures you\u2019ll never forget.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nature and ecological reserve<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catalina Island <strong>is part of one of the Caribbean\u2019s most important natural reserves<\/strong>. The Cotubanam\u00e1 National Park protects over 500 endemic plant species and an impressive variety of wildlife:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Marine species:<\/strong> lionfish, sea turtles, starfish and sea sponges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tropical birds:<\/strong> more than a hundred species fly over the island and its mangroves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mangroves and coastal ecosystems:<\/strong> crucial for maintaining ecological balance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a <strong>protected area<\/strong>, you won\u2019t find large tourist infrastructures here. Everything you need for your excursion \u2014 meals, drinks, snorkelling equipment \u2014 is provided by tour operators or should be brought with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Things to do on Catalina Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catalina Island is a versatile destination suitable for all kinds of travellers \u2014 families, couples looking for romance, or groups of friends in search of adventure. Its natural surroundings and crystal-clear waters offer activities for every taste:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Snorkelling and diving<\/strong> at The Aquarium and The Wall \u2014 two of the Caribbean\u2019s best-known dive sites, full of life and colour beneath the surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exploring historic shipwrecks<\/strong> such as the legendary <em>Quedagh Merchant<\/em>, a 17th-century pirate vessel now turned into an underwater museum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relaxing on idyllic beaches<\/strong> with calm waters ideal for swimming or simply sunbathing in a serene, unspoilt setting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spotting marine life and tropical birds<\/strong> \u2014 from exotic fish and starfish to birds gliding over the mangroves, a true spectacle for nature lovers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Catamaran excursions<\/strong> combining music, cocktails and the sea breeze for the ultimate Caribbean experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every activity on Catalina Island connects you with its essence: a natural refuge where time seems to stand still and the beauty of the Caribbean unfolds in its purest form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tips for visiting Catalina Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make your excursion flawless, consider these recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Book an organised tour<\/strong> that includes transport, guide, meals and snorkelling or diving gear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pack essentials such as<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Swimwear, towel and water-resistant sandals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insect repellent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Respect marine life<\/strong>: never remove starfish from the water, as they cannot survive outside their habitat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For a quieter experience, <strong>choose early-morning excursions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to stay to visit Catalina Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best base for organizing an excursion to Catalina Island is <strong>Punta Cana<\/strong>, where you\u2019ll find top-level hotels and resorts offering organized trips to this and other nearby Caribbean islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Staying at the <strong>Lopesan resorts in Playa B\u00e1varo<\/strong> allows you to combine beachfront relaxation, international cuisine, and a wide range of activities with the convenience of booking excursions directly from your accommodation. From hotels such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/en\/hotels\/dominican-republic\/punta-cana\/playa-bavaro\/costa-bavaro\"><strong>Lopesan Costa B\u00e1varo Resort, Spa &amp; Casino<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/en\/hotels\/dominican-republic\/punta-cana\/playa-bavaro\/caoba-lagoon\/\"><strong>Lopesan Caoba Lagoon<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/en\/hotels\/dominican-republic\/punta-cana\/playa-bavaro\/splash-cove\/\"><strong>Lopesan Splash Cove<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/en\/hotels\/dominican-republic\/punta-cana\/playa-bavaro\/serenity-bay\/\"><strong>Lopesan Serenity Bay<\/strong><\/a>, it\u2019s easy to book trips to Catalina Island, coordinate schedules, and receive practical information to make the most of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this way, a visit to Catalina Island becomes a natural part of a complete vacation in Punta Cana, combining adventure, nature, and the comfort of a resort designed so you can simply enjoy every moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:65px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catalina Island, lying off the coast of La Romana and about 80 km from Punta Cana, brings together tranquil beaches, unique coral reefs, extraordinary marine life and a pristine natural environment. Perfect for snorkelling, diving or simply unwinding, this island has become one of the Dominican Republic\u2019s most exclusive and fascinating excursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re looking for a paradisiacal and less crowded corner of the Dominican Republic, Catalina Island is one of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[59,146],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dominican-republic","category-places-of-interest"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3002"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16225,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3002\/revisions\/16225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}