4,9 / 5 Transport included Food included

One Day. A Coral Reef. An Uninhabited Island. A River Through the Jungle.

Snorkel El Acuario coral reef off Bayahibe. Spend the afternoon on Catalina Island — white sand, turquoise water, no crowds. Dominican buffet lunch and open bar included. Cruise back along the Chavón River.

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What you will experience

El acuario snorkeling

Snorkel the coral garden at El Acuario off Bayahibe — shallow, calm water with high visibility. Equipment provided. Staff in the water with you if it's your first time.

Catalina island beach

A full afternoon on a white sand beach with no hotels, no vendors, no noise. The water is flat and clear — good for swimming, floating, or just doing nothing. Exactly what a beach day should be.

Dominican Buffet & Open Bar

A Dominican buffet spread served on the island, with an open bar running through the afternoon. Budget nothing extra for food and drinks — it's all in the $75.

Chavón River Cruise

The ride back follows the Chavón River through dense jungle. The Casa de Campo Marina comes into view as you approach. It's a slow, scenic end to a full day — better than a highway.

Scuva Diving - optional add-on

Catalina Island is one of the top dive sites in the Caribbean. If you want to go below the snorkel line, scuba diving is available at the island for $144 per person. Not included in the base ticket — paid on-site.

Itinerary

A perfect plan designed for your rest and fun.

  1. Hotel pickup

  2. Transfer to Bayahibe port

  3. Board the catamaran

  4. Snorkeling stop at El Acuario reef

  5. Arrival at Catalina Island — beach time

  6. Dominican buffet lunch and open bar

  7. Return trip along the Chavón River

What is included

  • Hotel pickup and transfer to Bayahibe
  • Motomaran navigation
  • Snorkeling at El Acuario coral reef
  • Buffet lunch and open bar

Not included

Is this tour right for you?

This is your day if...

  • You want a beach day that actually has something to do You're a snorkeler or want to try snorkeling for the first time You're with family, a couple, or a group — buffet and open bar works for everyone You want lunch and drinks covered so you don't think about the bill You've done Saona and want the less crowded version

You might want a different tour if...

  • You want a relaxing resort pool day with no boat travel You have serious motion sickness and can't manage open water You're looking for a night out or a party boat experience You want to dive — diving is available but costs extra ($144/person on-site)

Before you go

Tips for a smoother day

Wear your swimsuit under clothes

You go straight from the bus to the boat. No changing room stop. Swimsuit on from the moment you leave the hotel.

Reef-safe sunscreen only

Required at El Acuario and on the island. Chemical sunscreens damage the coral. Biodegradable only — the crew will check.

Bring a waterproof camera or pouch

The reef is worth photographing. A dry bag for your phone costs less than a ruined one.

Carry $20–30 USD cash

Scuba diving, gratuities, and personal souvenirs are not included. Cash is safer than a card on a boat.

Tell us about any health needs

Motion sickness, allergies, or mobility limitations — let us know before you book. We want your day to go smoothly from the first pickup to the drop-off.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Catalina Island & Chavón River tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and return from your Punta Cana or Bávaro hotel, motomaran transportation to Bayahibe and out to the island, snorkeling at El Acuario coral reef with equipment provided, a full afternoon on Catalina Island beach, a Dominican buffet lunch, an open bar, and the scenic return cruise along the Chavón River. Scuba diving, personal souvenirs, and gratuities are not included.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes. Hotel pickup is included for most hotels in Punta Cana and Bávaro. Pickup runs between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM depending on your hotel location — exact time is confirmed the evening before your tour. Select your hotel at checkout and we calculate the correct pickup.
How long is the Catalina Island tour?
The full day runs approximately 8 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. That covers the drive to Bayahibe, the boat to El Acuario, time on Catalina Island, lunch and open bar, and the Chavón River cruise back. It's a full day — not a half-day excursion.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 24 hours before start for a 95% refund. Between 12 and 24 hours, the refund is 50%. Less than 12 hours and no-shows are non-refundable.
Is scuba diving included in the tour?
No. Snorkeling at El Acuario is included with the $75 ticket. Scuba diving is available as an optional add-on at Catalina Island for $144 per person, paid on-site on the day of the tour. Equipment and a guide are provided for the dive. If you plan to dive, bring cash or card.
What should I bring to Catalina Island?
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes from the hotel — there's no changing room stop. Bring reef-safe (biodegradable) sunscreen; chemical sunscreens are not permitted near the reef. A waterproof camera pouch or action camera is useful at the snorkeling stop. Carry $20–30 USD cash for scuba diving, gratuities, or personal souvenirs. Lunch and drinks are covered.
Is Catalina Island less crowded than Saona Island?
Yes. Catalina Island receives significantly fewer visitors than Saona and has no permanent residents, restaurants, or vendors on the beach. It's a natural reserve — the experience is quieter and more open. If you've done Saona and want something with more space and better snorkeling, Catalina is the right call.
What is the Chavón River cruise?
The Chavón River is a scenic jungle river in the La Romana area. The return trip from Catalina Island follows the river through dense tropical vegetation, passing the Casa de Campo Marina before docking. It's included in the tour — not an add-on. The cruise adds about 30–40 minutes to the return and is one of the things guests mention most in reviews.

Catalina Island fills up fast in high season.

December through April, spots go weeks in advance. If you have a date, lock it in now — free cancellation up to 24 hours before gives you room to adjust.

Reserve my spot — $75/person →

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Starting from
$75.00 per person
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