Skip crowded Saona island and take this catamaran from La Romana - first stop is the only reef worth snorkelling in the DR (just offshore from Isla Catalina) and then to a private beach on the uninhabited Isla Catalina itself. If you go to Saona you'll pay $40 round-trip just for the boat ride from Bayahibe. La Romana takes less time to get to than Bayahibe, and $80 on this tour gets you transport, snorkelling equipment (or pay more to scuba dive), plus a barbecue feast and unlimited beer, rum and soft drinks. Plus the staff are a blast.

Have to dispell idea that Catalina Island is remote and quiet; has been quite heavily commercialised. ( expect to go there in 80 person boat, to join several other boats). The company organising is is family-owned with different generations working (family of Rhodesian/UK origin). They do their best to please. The lobster arrangement is nice, but dry and overcooked (not very professionally prepared).nSnorkeling is nice, yet not very spectacular. It is nice to be a day on and in the water but don't have high expectations.

We are a family of 4 with two small children (aged 4 and 8) and had a lovely time during the Catalina excursion. It was organized very professionally. The first snorkel time was away from the shore but our children did extremely well and there were lots of fish so they loved it. The island itself is paradise! Many thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable trip!

The staff was amazing especially Jerry and Chantel. They were so sweet and caring and fun. They kept asking how we were doing, especially when my girlfriend was not feeling well. They made us feel very welcome and took care of us the entire way. Jerry kept pouring us drinks the entire trip!

Just the pick up from the terminal didn’t work out at the start, but the staff was very supportive.