Catalina Island (Isla Catalina)

Catalina Island is home to a diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, mangroves, and reefs populated by many species of sea birds and tropical fish. The island’s main draws are its white sandy beaches and its beautiful underwater ecosystem. Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly good here, and the Wall and the Aquarium are two of the top dive sites.

Tours from the Dominican Republic’s mainland (originating in Bayahibe, Punta Cana, La Romana, or even as far-flung as Santo Domingo) are plentiful and usually last all day. Some tours combine a trip to Catalina Island with visits to other area highlights such as Altos de Chavon, the more populated Saona Island, or Casa de Campo. Snorkeling tours and scuba diving tours usually include use of equipment.

• Catalina Island is a great destination for kids, who will enjoy wading safely in the calm waters.

• Catalina Island is a protected area devoted to wildlife preservation, so there are not many amenities. The island lacks public restrooms and food options.

• Be sure to bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and water.

Catalina Island, located just a few miles off the coast of La Romana, can be reached only by boat from the Dominican Republic mainland.

Catalina is a popular destination for group tours, so if you’re in search of peace and quiet, arrive early. To scuba dive or snorkel, you’ll find the best visibility on calm, hot days between December and May, when the diving on the south coast is the best.

Captain William Kidd’s shipQuedagh Merchant is wrecked about 70 feet (21 meters) off the coast of Catalina Island. The pirate’s ship sank in the 17th century but was discovered only in 2007. Now preserved as a Living Museum of the Sea, the shipwreck offers a unique scuba diving opportunity.

Catalina Island is located just a few miles off La Romana, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. You can get there by boat, and numerous tours to Catalina Island originate from La Romana, Bayahibe, Bavaro, Punta Cana, and even Santo Domingo.

Popular activities on Catalina Island include relaxing on the white sand beaches, walking around the island, swimming in the calm waters, and snorkeling and scuba diving the coral reefs and Captain Kidd’s shipwreck. Vendors on the island offer drinks and snacks, and some tours also include lunch on the island.

Popular snorkeling and diving spots around Catalina Island include the Wall and Captain Kidd’s Shipwreck. (The boat sank in 1699, in just 10 feet of water.) Both are located on the east side of the island. On the island’s west side, divers and snorkelers stop at the Aquarium.

Yes, many guided tours visit Catalina Island, with round-trip transportation from La Romana, Bayahibe, Bavaro, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo. Tours typically stop at several locations for diving or snorkeling, and some also offer amenities like lunch on the island, drinks, lounge chairs, and snorkel gear.

When visiting Catalina Island, it’s a good idea to bring a swimsuit, towel, a cover-up or change of clothing, sunscreen, hat, insect repellant, water, snacks, snorkel gear, and cash (for the vendors on the island). Some tours to the island will provide lunch, drinks (including alcoholic drinks), and snorkel gear.

For the best snorkeling and scuba diving conditions, visit between December and May, when the water conditions are typically best for the south coast of the Dominican Republic. Visit in the morning if possible, as the island is popular with group tours and gets busier later in the day.