On the Caribbean side of the east coast, La Romana and the fishing village of Bayahibe are the gateway to the two islands everyone comes to see. Saona lies inside Cotubanamá National Park, a short crossing from Bayahibe; Catalina, with its reefs and clear water for snorkeling, sits just off La Romana. The sea here is calmer than on the Atlantic side, so the ride out is part of the pleasure.
Shared catamarans carry groups out to the islands in comfort, with plenty of room in the sun, a crew that knows these waters and stops for swimming and snorkeling along the way. It is the easiest way to see Saona or Catalina without planning the day yourself.
Shared trips to Saona leave Bayahibe in the morning, and a full day on the island usually pairs a stop at the natural pool with time on its beaches. Every shared trip to the islands includes the ride between your hotel and the dock if you are staying in Bávaro, Punta Cana or Cap Cana. Plan on an early start: the drive down is part of the day, and the islands are worth it.
Shared tours from La Romana & Bayahibe
Departs from La Romana & Bayahibe
Saona Island Classic
8 hSaona Island
CatamaranHotel pickup in Punta Cana
from US$65 per person · children US$45
View trip: Saona Island Classic
Departs from La Romana & Bayahibe
Saona Island VIP
8 hSaona Island
CatamaranHotel pickup in Punta Cana
from US$120 per person · children US$60
View trip: Saona Island VIP
Departs from La Romana & Bayahibe
Catalina Island Day Trip
8 hCatalina Island
CatamaranHotel pickup in Punta Cana
from US$80 per person · children US$45
View trip: Catalina Island Day TripGetting to the departure point
Bayahibe and La Romana are both about an hour and a half by road from the hotels in Bávaro and Punta Cana, and close to La Romana International Airport. Once your trip is confirmed, we send you the meeting point and the time to be there.
Questions about La Romana & Bayahibe
Do boats leave from Bayahibe or from La Romana?
Both. They are a short drive apart, so we treat them as one departure area: speedboats, catamarans and shared trips usually leave from Bayahibe, and private yachts from La Romana.
Saona or Catalina: which island should we choose?
Saona is the classic full day: long beaches, palm trees and the natural pool on the way. Catalina is a shorter crossing and the better choice for snorkeling over the reef.
Can we go from Punta Cana?
Yes. Shared trips to Saona and Catalina come with round-trip transport from hotels in Bávaro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana (Uvero Alto with a small supplement). For a private boat, the drive takes about an hour and a half: ask for hotel pickup in your request, and the quote will say whether it is available from your hotel.
Speedboat, catamaran or yacht?
A speedboat is the quickest way to the islands for a small group. A catamaran suits larger groups and a relaxed pace. A yacht is the quietest and most private choice. Each boat's page lists its capacity.
Tell us your date. We'll find the boat.
Sending a request is free. We reply with a firm quote within about two hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Punta Cana time.