📌Location
Catalina Island (also called Santa Catalina Island) is a small island in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, off the coast of La Romana, in the Caribbean Sea. It's an uninhabited island of just over 9 km², low-lying, with white-sand beaches, palm trees and, above all, spectacular coral reefs that made it famous among divers and snorkelers. It's part of a protected area and is visited on day excursions, mainly for diving, snorkeling and the beach.
📌Service city
Catalina is visited on a day excursion and has no tourist infrastructure. The service and entry point is La Romana, an important city in the southeast with its International Airport (La Romana / Casa de Campo, LRM), hospitals, banks, supermarkets and services; the boats to the island leave from its port area and from nearby Bayahíbe. La Romana is also a cruise port, and many cruise passengers visit Catalina on excursions. The capital, Santo Domingo, is about 2 hours away by highway.
📌Best time to go
The best time to visit Catalina runs from December to April: dry season, with sunny days, calm seas and excellent underwater visibility, ideal for diving and snorkeling (also the most in-demand). From May to November is low season, hotter and with brief rains; the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak between August and October, when rough seas can affect the outings and visibility. For diving and snorkeling it's best to choose days with calm seas and clear water.
📌Suggested days
Catalina is a day (or half-day) excursion, not an overnight destination. The outings usually leave in the morning from La Romana or Bayahíbe and include diving or snorkeling on the reefs, beach time and, in many cases, lunch. The ideal is to devote a day to it within a longer stay in the southeast (La Romana, Bayahíbe or Casa de Campo), combining it with the excursion to Saona Island, the artistic village of Altos de Chavón and the area's reefs.
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🌤️ Clima en Catalina Island
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Catalina Island is a small paradise off the coast of La Romana, in the Dominican southeast: an uninhabited island of white sand, palm trees and turquoise waters that hides, below the surface, one of the best diving and snorkeling settings in the country. While its neighbor Saona is famous for its beaches and its festive excursion atmosphere, Catalina earned its fame above all for its coral reefs, its underwater wall (the famous 'Wall') and the richness of its marine life.
Although smaller and less crowded than Saona, Catalina offers the same Caribbean postcard on its surface —a fine-sand beach, coconut palms, transparent sea— and, on top of that, an underwater world that captivates diving lovers. Its reefs are home to corals, colorful fish, turtles and rays, and its famous wall, dropping toward the deep blue, is one of the most recognized dive sites in the Dominican Republic. It's also a popular destination among the cruise ships that call at La Romana.
This guide covers Catalina with a practical eye: what the island is like, what it offers for diving, snorkeling and enjoying the beach, where the excursions leave from, when to go, how much the packages cost and how to care for this protected setting. It's an ideal outing to combine a Caribbean beach with the thrill of exploring the reefs, on a quieter, less crowded island than the great classics of the east.
📖 History of Catalina Island
Catalina Island has a history tied, like the whole eastern region, to the Taíno and the arrival of the Europeans. Before the conquest, the area was part of the Taíno chiefdom of Higüey, and the island was known and frequented by the native peoples. Its current name comes from the colonial era: it was Christopher Columbus who, on his second voyage (1494), navigated these coasts, and the island received the name of Santa Catalina, in the tradition of naming places after saints of the Christian calendar. For centuries, Catalina remained uninhabited and apart from development, frequented only by fishermen and, according to tradition and some findings, linked to the activity of pirates and corsairs who prowled these Caribbean waters in the 16th and 17th centuries (in fact, off its coasts historical shipwrecks of great archaeological interest have been documented). In the 20th century, with the rise of tourism and diving, its coral reefs were 'discovered' by divers and the island became a recognized diving and snorkeling destination. Today it's part of a protected area and is visited on day excursions from La Romana and Bayahíbe. The deep history of the region —the Taíno, the conquest, the pirates and the creation of the protected areas— is on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
The Aquarium and the snorkeling reefs
A shallow-reef area, called 'the Aquarium', with corals and colorful fish, ideal for snorkeling.
One of Catalina's great attractions is snorkeling on its shallow reefs, among which the area known as 'the Aquarium' stands out: a sector of calm, crystal-clear waters where the coral reef is near the surface and you can observe a great number of colorful tropical fish, corals, starfish and other marine creatures without needing to dive with a tank.
The Aquarium owes its name precisely to the abundance and variety of marine life you see floating over it, as if you were inside a giant natural fish tank. It's perfect for beginners, families and for those who want to enjoy the underwater world with just a mask, snorkel and fins. The warm, transparent Caribbean water makes for excellent visibility on good-weather days.
It's one of the most visited spots on the island's snorkeling excursions, and it's usually combined with beach time. The health of these corals is fragile, so it's essential not to touch or step on them and to use reef-safe sunscreen.
Getting there: with a snorkeling excursion from La Romana or Bayahíbe. Best time: sunny days with calm seas, for better visibility. Tips: use reef-safe sunscreen, don't touch or step on the corals, don't chase or feed the fish, and follow the guide's instructions to care for the reef. Snorkeling gear is usually included in the excursion package.
ℹ️ Distance: In Catalina's shallow waters (excursion stop) · Best time to go: Sunny days with calm seas (December to April) · Entry: Included in the excursion (snorkeling gear included in most packages, 2025) · Duration: A stop of 45 to 90 minutes
2
The Wall (dive wall)
A famous underwater wall that drops toward the deep blue, one of the best dive sites in the country.
The 'Wall' is the most famous dive site of Catalina Island and one of the most recognized in the whole Dominican Republic. It's an underwater wall (a drop-off) where the bottom, which in the Aquarium area is shallow, suddenly falls vertically toward the deep blue, descending tens of meters. That drop creates a spectacular ecosystem, covered in soft and hard corals, gorgonians, sponges and sea fans.
Along the wall a rich marine life concentrates: schools of fish, turtles, rays, lobsters and, with luck, larger species. The combination of the vertiginous wall, the colors of the coral and the transparency of the water makes this a memorable dive, appreciated both by experienced divers and by those doing their first dives (there are spots for different levels).
Diving the Wall is booked through the area's dive centers (Bayahíbe concentrates the largest offering), with a guided dive. It's the great reason Catalina is famous among divers and a must for those who practice this sport.
Getting there: with a diving excursion from La Romana or Bayahíbe, through PADI dive centers. Best time: days with calm seas and good visibility (December to April). Tips: it's an activity for certified divers (or with a discovery dive/course depending on the case); respect the rules, don't touch the corals or wildlife, control your buoyancy and always follow the guide.
ℹ️ Distance: At the edge of Catalina's reef (dive site) · Best time to go: Days with calm seas and good visibility (December to April) · Entry: US$ 60–90 for two dives with a PADI dive center (source: Bayahíbe dive centers, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half-day outing (one or two dives)
3
Catalina Island beach
A fine white-sand beach, with palm trees and calm turquoise waters, ideal for resting between dives.
The beach of Catalina Island is a classic Caribbean corner: fine white sand, leaning palm trees and a turquoise, warm and shallow sea, ideal for swimming and resting. Although the island is famous for its diving, its beach on its own justifies the visit and is the perfect complement to a day at sea.
The excursion usually includes beach time to swim, sunbathe under the palm trees and relax between dives or snorkeling stops. Being an uninhabited island and quieter than other eastern destinations, it keeps a serene atmosphere, though on cruise days or days with many excursions the landing area can receive quite a few people.
The services on the island are basic (they're usually set up for the excursions, with restrooms and a lunch area), so it's best to bring what you need. It's a good place for a relaxed day of beach and sea, far from the big tourist buildings.
Getting there: with the organized excursion, which lands on the island. Best time: sunny days in the dry season. Tips: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water and some cash for extras; take advantage of the palm-tree shade, leave no trash and respect the protected environment. Don't stray from the group or the return times.
ℹ️ Distance: On the island (excursion landing) · Best time to go: Sunny days in the dry season (December to April) · Entry: Included in the excursion (protected-area fee included in the package) · Duration: Several hours (excursion beach time)
4
Combined diving and snorkeling excursion
A day outing from La Romana or Bayahíbe combining dives, snorkeling and beach in one trip.
The most complete way to get to know Catalina is through the combined excursions offered by the dive centers and operators of La Romana and Bayahíbe, designed to make the most of what the island offers: diving the Wall, snorkeling in the Aquarium and beach time, all in the same day at sea.
These outings usually leave in the morning by boat, and include one or two dives for the certified, snorkeling stops for everyone, and time on the beach to swim and rest. Most also include a buffet-style lunch with Dominican food and drinks. It's an ideal day for groups where divers and non-divers mix, since everyone enjoys the island in their own way.
The excursions are also very popular among cruise passengers who call at La Romana, because of the island's proximity. It's best to book with a trusted operator or dive center and confirm what each package includes.
Getting there: with an organized excursion from La Romana or Bayahíbe (and transfer from Punta Cana or Juan Dolio with some operators). Best time: days with calm seas and good visibility (December to April). Tips: confirm what the package includes (dives, snorkeling, gear, lunch), bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit and cash; if you're going to dive, check the center's PADI certifications.
ℹ️ Distance: Departure from La Romana or Bayahíbe (part of the excursion) · Best time to go: Days with calm seas and good visibility (December to April) · Entry: US$ 85–105 adults, US$ 65 children under 12 (includes lunch, snorkeling, gear and park fee) (source: Otium Tour, Pro Excursions and Dressel Divers Bayahíbe, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a full day
5
Discovery dive for beginners
A first guided dive for those who have never dived, with no prior certification needed.
For those who have never dived but want to try the experience without doing a full course, the dive centers of Bayahíbe and La Romana offer discovery dives (discover scuba diving) in the waters of Catalina. It's a short, guided dive, with a certified instructor, designed for beginners: it includes a brief theory and safety explanation before going down.
It's an accessible way to get to know Catalina's underwater world, its corals and its wildlife, without needing a prior PADI/SSI certification. The depth is limited and there's always an instructor very close, which makes it suitable even for those who feel a bit unsure in the water.
Many operators combine the discovery dive with the beach and snorkeling excursion, so the rest of the group can enjoy the island while the beginners do their first dive.
Getting there: booked directly with dive centers in Bayahíbe or La Romana, or as part of a combined excursion. Best time: days with calm seas. Tips: it doesn't require prior experience, but you do need to be in good general health; tell the instructor about any medical condition before the dive.
ℹ️ Distance: In Catalina, departing from Bayahíbe or La Romana · Best time to go: Days with calm seas and good visibility · Entry: US$ 70–100 the discovery dive with an instructor (2025; check when booking) · Duration: Half a day (includes theory and dive)
6
Shipwrecks and underwater heritage of the area
Waters with historical shipwrecks of archaeological interest, part of the rich underwater heritage of the southeast.
The waters around Catalina Island and the Dominican southeast hold a valuable underwater heritage, the result of centuries of navigation, trade and piracy in the Caribbean. Off these coasts historical shipwrecks of great archaeological interest have been documented, linked to the colonial era and to the activity of corsairs and pirates who prowled the area in the 16th and 17th centuries.
One of the most famous wrecks associated with the Catalina area is that of a historical pirate ship, the object of underwater archaeological studies. These remains are a fascinating testimony to the region's maritime past and are part of the cultural and historical appeal of diving in these waters, beyond the natural reefs.
It's important to remember that the underwater heritage is protected: nothing can be extracted or damaged from the wrecks and archaeological remains. Those who dive at wreck sites must do so with authorized operators and strictly respecting the conservation rules of the underwater cultural heritage.
Getting there: with authorized dive centers in Bayahíbe or La Romana (check the availability of the specific dive). Best time: days with calm seas and good visibility. Tips: diving at archaeological sites requires authorized operators and absolute respect for the heritage regulations; don't touch or extract anything, and check with the dive center which sites can be visited legally.
ℹ️ Distance: In southeastern waters, around Catalina · Best time to go: Days with calm seas and good visibility · Entry: Included in specialized dive packages with authorized centers (check availability, 2025) · Duration: Depending on the dive outing
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Snorkeling and beach excursion to Catalina (full day, with lunch) | US$ 85–105 adults, US$ 65 children under 12 (source: Bayahíbe operators, verified July 2026) |
| Diving excursion (two dives) on the Wall / Aquarium | US$ 60–90 per person without rented gear (source: Bayahíbe dive centers, verified July 2026) |
| Discovery dive for beginners | US$ 70–100 with an instructor (source: Bayahíbe dive centers, verified July 2026) |
| Additional transfer from Punta Cana / Juan Dolio (when not included) | US$ 20–25 per person round trip (source: southeastern operators, verified July 2026) |
| Protected-area fee (Cotubanamá National Park) | Included in the excursion price (source: authorized operators, verified July 2026) |
| Full dive-gear rental (if you don't bring your own) | US$ 15–30 additional (source: Bayahíbe dive centers, verified July 2026) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Diving the Wall of Catalina, two dives | US$ 60–90 per person (2025) | Half a day (one or two dives) | PADI dive centers in Bayahíbe / La Romana (Scuba Fun, Dressel Divers, among others) |
| Snorkeling in the Aquarium (full-day excursion) | US$ 90–105 per person, includes lunch and gear (2025) | Full day | Bayahíbe operators (Otium Tour, Pro Excursions, Scuba Caribe) |
| Combined diving, snorkeling and beach excursion with lunch | US$ 95–115 per person (2025) | Full day | La Romana / Bayahíbe operators |
| Beach and snorkeling day at Catalina Island from Punta Cana | US$ 105–130 per person (includes a long transfer from Punta Cana, 2025) | Full day (with transfer) | Punta Cana / Bávaro agencies |
| Discovery dive for beginners | US$ 70–100 with a certified instructor (2025) | Half a day | Authorized Bayahíbe dive centers |
| Combined excursion Catalina + Saona (different days) | Each excursion is paid separately: Catalina US$ 90–110; Saona US$ 70–90 (2025) | Two days of excursions | Southeastern agencies |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Organized excursion with transfer included | Included in the excursion price from Bayahíbe/Dominicus; US$ 20–25 extra from Punta Cana or Juan Dolio (verified July 2026) | Variable | The usual way to visit Catalina: the operator handles the transfer to the departure port and the boat crossing. No own transport needed on the island |
| Excursion boat | Included in the excursion package | About 25 minutes of crossing | The crossing from La Romana or Bayahíbe to Catalina (the first snorkeling stop is 'The Wall') is done by boat; the trip is short, about 25 minutes |
| Guagua to reach the pier (La Romana ↔ Bayahíbe) | RD$ 50 the guagua, IN CASH; taxi US$ 65–80 (verified July 2026) | 35 to 45 min by guagua (about 25 km) | If you go on your own to the Bayahíbe boarding port: the La Romana–Bayahíbe guagua costs RD$ 50 and is paid in cash to the driver; there's no rechargeable card or QR. A motoconcho for the last stretch costs RD$ 50–100, also in cash |
| App to get around / plan | Free (the app) | — | There's no real-time guagua-location app in Bayahíbe/La Romana: Google Maps works to orient yourself by road and see the route, and for the local guaguas the practical option is to ask at the stop. Moovit has limited coverage in the area (source: Moovit coverage and traveler forums, verified July 2026) |
| Cruise transfer | Depending on the cruise package or excursion booked at the port (check with the cruise line) | Variable | For cruise passengers who call at La Romana, there are usually excursions to Catalina with transfer from the port |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| La Romana (port) → Catalina Island (by boat) | La Romana excursion operators and dive centers | Included in the excursion | Short crossing (part of the excursion) |
| Bayahíbe → Catalina Island (by boat) | Bayahíbe operators and dive centers | Included in the excursion | 20 to 40 min crossing |
| La Romana Airport (LRM) → La Romana / Bayahíbe | Taxi, transfer or rental car | US$ 20–35 by taxi/transfer (2025) | About 10 to 30 min |
| Punta Cana / Bávaro → La Romana / Bayahíbe (excursion) | Organized excursion with bus transfer | US$ 20–25 additional to the excursion price (2025) | 1 to 1.5 h transfer + crossing |
| Santo Domingo → La Romana (by car / Coral highway) | Rental car or private transfer | US$ 70–100 in a private transfer (2025) | Approx. 2 h (about 110–120 km) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| On the island | $$$$$ | Catalina Island is uninhabited and part of a protected area: it has no hotels or lodging, and is visited only on a day excursion. To stay nearby, the base is La Romana, Bayahíbe or Casa de Campo. (No lodging applies on the island) |
| Budget and mid-range hotels in Bayahíbe/La Romana | $$$$$ | US$ 37–70 per night; simple hotels and inns in the town of Bayahíbe and the city of La Romana, a good base for independent divers (2025) |
| All-inclusive resorts in Bayahíbe / Dominicus | $$$$$ | US$ 170–250 per night all-inclusive; e.g. Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, Dreams Dominicus La Romana, with snorkeling and kayaking activities included, minutes from the piers (2025) |
| Luxury resorts in Casa de Campo (La Romana) | $$$$$ | US$ 300–600+ per night; an emblematic complex with golf, marina and private beach, ideal as a luxury base for excursions to Catalina and Saona (2025) |
| Adults-only and spa in La Romana | $$$$$ | US$ 190–280 per night all-inclusive; e.g. Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, with water activities and diving included in some packages (2025) |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Lunch on the island (depending on the excursion) | $$$$$ | US$ 90–110 (included in the full-day excursion price); a buffet with grilled chicken or fish, rice, salads and tropical fruit, served on the beach (2025) |
| Seafood and fish in Bayahíbe | $$$$$ | US$ 15–35 per dish; the town of Bayahíbe is known for its fresh fish and seafood restaurants (lobster, shrimp, grilled fish) by the sea, plus international cuisine (2025) |
| Dining in La Romana and Casa de Campo | $$$$$ | US$ 25–60 per dish; La Romana and especially Casa de Campo and Altos de Chavón offer good-level restaurants, from Italian and international cuisine to gourmet options with views (2025) |
| Traditional Dominican cuisine | $$$$$ | US$ 6–15 per dish; to try authentic Creole food —mofongo, sancocho, tostones, 'la bandera' (rice, beans and meat)— it's best to look for local eateries and restaurants in La Romana or Bayahíbe (2025) |
❓ Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Catalina Island and Saona Island?+
Both are paradisiacal islands of the southeast, but with different profiles. Saona is bigger, famous for its beaches and its festive catamaran excursion, with the 'natural pool' of starfish; it receives more people. Catalina is smaller, quieter and known above all for its diving and snorkeling: its reefs, the Aquarium and the 'Wall'. If you're interested in the underwater world, Catalina is unbeatable.
How much does the Catalina Island excursion cost?+
A full-day excursion with snorkeling, beach and lunch costs between US$ 90 and US$ 110 per adult (2025), with a discount for children. If you leave from Punta Cana or Juan Dolio, an additional transfer of US$ 20–25 is usually added. Diving with two dives runs about US$ 60–90 per person with a specialized center, not counting the transfer. Check the exact price when booking depending on season and operator.
Do you need to know how to dive to visit Catalina?+
No. Although Catalina is famous for its diving, you can also enjoy it with snorkeling (in the Aquarium, accessible to everyone) and as a beach destination. The combined excursions let divers and non-divers share the day. If you want to dive and don't have certification, some centers offer discovery dives for about US$ 70–100.
Where do the excursions to Catalina leave from?+
Mainly from La Romana (including its port, also a cruise port) and from nearby Bayahíbe, where the dive centers and operators are. From Punta Cana, Bávaro or Santo Domingo you can go on excursions that include a land transfer to the boarding point. The boat crossing to the island lasts between 20 and 40 minutes.
What's the best time to go?+
The dry season from December to April is ideal: sun, calm seas and excellent underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling (also the most in-demand). From May to November it's hotter and there are brief rains; hurricane season runs from June to November (peak between August and October), when rough seas can affect the outings and visibility.
Can you sleep on the island?+
No. Catalina Island is uninhabited and part of a protected area; it has no hotels or lodging, and is visited only on a day excursion. To stay nearby, the recommended base is La Romana, Bayahíbe or Casa de Campo, with hotels from US$ 37 per night up to luxury resorts of over US$ 300, all a short distance from the piers.
How do I care for the reef when snorkeling or diving?+
Catalina's reefs are fragile and the key to preserving them is not to touch or step on them, not to chase or feed the wildlife, not to extract corals, shells or anything from the bottom, and to use reef-safe sunscreen (which doesn't harm the corals). If you dive, control your buoyancy well so as not to hit the coral and always follow the guide's instructions.
Is Catalina a good plan for cruise passengers?+
Yes; being very close to the La Romana port (which receives cruise ships), Catalina is one of the most popular excursions for cruise passengers, ideal for a day of beach, snorkeling and, if desired, diving. It's best to book the excursion with a trusted operator and keep in mind the return times to the ship.
How do I get to the pier on my own and how do I pay for transport?+
If you don't go on an excursion that includes pickup, you have to get to the port of Bayahíbe or La Romana. The La Romana–Bayahíbe guagua costs RD$ 50 (35–45 min) and is paid IN CASH to the driver; a taxi costs US$ 65–80 and a motoconcho for the last stretch, RD$ 50–100. In the area there's no rechargeable card or QR payment, so bring small bills in pesos. To orient yourself by road, Google Maps works; there's no real-time guagua-location app, so it's best to ask at the stop.
Sources consulted (17)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Isla Catalina (República Dominicana)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isla_Catalina_(Rep%C3%BAblica_Dominicana)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «La Romana (República Dominicana)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Romana_(Rep%C3%BAblica_Dominicana)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Cacicazgos de La Española»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacicazgos_de_La_Espa%C3%B1ola
- Go Dominican Republic (Ministry of Tourism) — «Isla Catalina / La Romana»: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/es/
- Ministerio de Medio Ambiente RD — protected areas: https://ambiente.gob.do/
- Wikipedia (EN) — «Catalina Island (Dominican Republic)»: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_Island_(Dominican_Republic)
- La Romana International Airport (official): https://www.aeropuertolaromana.com/
- Rome2rio — La Romana to Bayahíbe (guagua RD$ 50, taxi US$ 65–80): https://www.rome2rio.com/s/La-Romana/Bayah%C3%ADbe
- HolaBayahibe — Transport guide to Bayahíbe (cash payment, guaguas): https://holabayahibe.com/guides/airports/santo-domingo-to-bayahibe-transfer-guide
- Visit Dominican Republic — Public transport (cash payment): https://visitdominicanrepublic.com/es/transporte/transporte-publico/
- Go Dominican Republic — «La Romana and excursions»: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/es/
- Pro Excursions Bayahibe — Snorkeling on Catalina Island: https://www.proexcursionsbayahibe.com/es/excursion/snorkeling-en-la-isla-catalina.html
- Otium Tour Bayahibe — Excursion to Catalina Island: https://www.otiumtour.com/en/tours/bayahibe/catalina-snorkeling
- Dressel Divers — Catalina Island Excursion: https://www.dresseldivers.com/excursions/dominican-republic/catalina-island-excursion/
- Expedia — Hotels in Bayahíbe: https://www.expedia.com/es/Bayahibe-Hoteles.d6131807.Guia-Viajes-Hoteles
- Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales RD: https://ambiente.gob.do/
- Wikipedia (EN) — «Catalina Island (Dominican Republic)»: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_Island_(Dominican_Republic)
