A beloved Dominican destination — especially for those wanting to escape the winter and find some glorious Caribbean sun — Punta Cana welcomes travelers from all around the world with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and eccentric city life.

While the city itself is a haven for visitors, with adventure, culture and sightseeing opportunities aplenty, it also acts as a convenient jumping-off point for a slew of exciting excursions.

One of the most popular is a day trip from Punta Cana to Catalina Island (Isla Catalina), a tranquil oasis renowned for its world-class snorkeling, relaxing beaches and slow-paced atmosphere. It's a relatively small island, only about 9.6 square kilometers in total, but it's brimming with natural beauty.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Catalina Island, one of the most idyllic day trips from Punta Cana.

How to get to Catalina Island From Punta Cana?

Catalina Island, a tropical gem in the Caribbean, is situated just off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, near the seaside town of La Romana. The island lies a short distance from the mainland (about 2 kilometers), making it an easily reachable destination from Punta Cana.

From Punta Cana to Catalina Island by car

To reach Catalina Island by car, drive west for about 1 hour and 10 minutes along Highway 3 until you reach La Romana. You can park your car here and take a boat to the island.

From Punta Cana to Catalina Island by boat

If you hire a boat from Punta Cana, you can usually get to the island within an hour by following the coastline southwest, past the Cotubanamá National Park. There are several boat rental companies in Punta Cana, which provide the option for skippers and guides to make the experience more enjoyable.

Guided tour to Catalina Island From Punta Cana

The most popular and hassle-free way to reach Catalina Island is through a guided tour. These tours will typically pick you up from your hotel in Punta Cana, so you don't have to worry about transport. Equipment, boats, food and drinks are all usually included.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Catalina Island day trips tours from Punta Cana will start with convenient hotel pickup in the morning. From there, you'll either go directly to a catamaran in the Punta Cana region and sail along the coast, or you'll drive to La Romana, where another boat is waiting to take you to the island.

Once on the island, you'll have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in its warm waters. Usually, you'll stop at the Wall, a snorkeling spot that is about 30 feet deep, as well as the Aquarium, which is about 4 meters deep and full of colorful fish.

After some time in the water, you'll typically have lunch on Catalina Beach before heading back to the mainland.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Catalina Island?

You have several options when it comes to organizing your day trip to Catalina Island from Punta Cana.

Guided tour to Catalina Island with snorkeling from Punta Cana

Usually lasting between 8 and 9 hours, these day trips with snorkeling tours provide you with experienced tour guides, all the necessary equipment for snorkeling, as well as a delicious lunch. You'll usually visit the Wall and the Aquarium snorkeling spots, with time for lunch on the beach.

Some of these tours also pay a visit to the Rio Chavon (Chavon River), where shots from Anaconda, Rambo and Jurassic Park were filmed.

Guided tour to Catalina Island with scuba diving from Punta Cana

Suited to adventurous travelers eager to explore the depths of the Caribbean Sea, these scuba diving tours provide you with experienced guides and all the necessary PADI-certified equipment.

Similar to snorkeling tours, you'll also have time for lunch on the beach or at a local restaurant.

Private catamaran trip to Catalina Island from Punta Cana

Ideal for large groups and families who want a more intimate experience, these private boat tours provide you with a catamaran specifically tailored to your needs. You'll have your own skipper and crew at your disposal who will take you to the best snorkeling spots around the island.

This tour also includes a delicious lunch on board and plenty of refreshments for all passengers. And, being private by nature, you can easily customize it to your liking.

How much does a day trip to Catalina Island from Punta Cana cost?

The price of a day trip to Catalina Island from Punta Cana varies depending on the type of tour and the number of passengers but generally speaking, prices start at around US$60 to US$80 per person.

For a snorkeling tour, you can expect to pay around US$60 to US$100 per person, while a PADI-certified diving tour will cost more, usually between US$150 and US$230 per person, depending on the number of dives included in the package.

Finally, private catamaran tours to Catalina Island are the most expensive, starting from a minimum of US$800. This, however, is per group, not per person (with group sizes of between 10 and 15 depending on the boat), meaning that it's not as expensive as it sounds.

What will you see and do?

There's not a lot to do on Catalina Island, which is exactly why it's so special. With its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and lush greenery, it acts as a private oasis and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Punta Cana.

On a day trip to Catalina Island, you can expect to spend a couple of hours snorkeling or diving in its waters — the warm, calm seas are known to be full of colorful fish, coral reefs and all sorts of marine life, not to mention the Living Museum of the Sea and Captain Kidd’s shipwreck.

You can also relax and sunbathe on the beach, either at Playa de la Isla Catalina on the west side or Playa del Este on the eastern.

On land, the Cabeza de Morgan rock formation (that looks like a face) is a notable landmark, and there are plenty of trails to wander if you'd like to go birdwatching for the 300+ species that call this place home.

When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?

If you prioritize warm weather and outdoor activities like swimming and sunbathing, the best time to visit are the summer months (June through August). However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect more crowds.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the shoulder seasons. During these times, the weather is still pleasant (though a bit cooler, especially in the evenings), and there are fewer tourists. This might be the ideal time if you're looking to explore the island without the summer throngs of people.

Are there any tours to Catalina Island from other cities in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, there are day trips to Catalina Island from La Romana.

Travel tips

Make sure to pack a towel, swimwear and beachwear as you'll be spending most of your time either swimming or sunbathing.
Pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. You'll be needing it!
Bring along extra cash for small purchases.
If you get an opportunity, enjoy some local delicacies like grilled fish or lobster.

Catalina Island: Day Trips and Tours from Punta Cana