Skip to main content
Dominican Republic365
Water SportsSoutheast

Snorkeling at Catalina Island

Snorkel a pristine uninhabited Caribbean island

DifficultyEasy
Duration5-7 hours (full day trip)
Price$70-120 USD
Type
Water Sports
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
5-7 hours (full day trip)
Price
$70-120 USD
Min age
5+
Group size
15-30
Best season
Year-round, calmest seas April-September
Fitness
Low
Rating
4.6/5
Physical req.
Excellent for all levels including non-swimmers, as life vests are provided. The Wall area on the western side has deeper water suited for confident snorkelers. The shallow coral gardens on the eastern side are perfect for first-timers with calm, knee-to-waist-deep water.
The experience

Snorkeling at Catalina Island

Snorkel crystal-clear Caribbean waters around a pristine uninhabited island with colorful coral reefs and abundant tropical fish.

Isla Catalina is a small, uninhabited island off the southeastern coast near La Romana, renowned for some of the best snorkeling in the entire Caribbean. The island is surrounded by shallow coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, making it accessible even for first-time snorkelers.

Most excursions include a boat ride from Bayahibe or La Romana, guided snorkeling at "The Wall" — a dramatic reef drop-off where the shallow shelf plunges into deep blue water — and beach time on Catalina's pristine white sand. You'll encounter parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, sea stars, and if you're lucky, sea turtles and stingrays.

At a glance

What to know before you go

Good for
✓Families
✓Couples
✓Groups
✓Beginners
Included
✓Snorkel mask, fins, and life vest
✓Boat transportation from Bayahibe
✓Bilingual guide
✓Buffet lunch on the island
✓Rum punch and soft drinks
What to bring
✓Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen
✓Underwater camera
✓Towel and change of clothes
✓Cash for tips and onshore vendors
✓Anti-fog solution for mask
✓Waterproof phone pouch
Good to note
✓Do not touch, step on, or take pieces of coral — heavy fines apply
✓Jellyfish can be present, especially August through October
✓Strong sun reflection off the water increases sunburn risk
✓Keep a safe distance from sea urchins near rocky areas
Plan it

Plan this experience

The essentials for booking Snorkeling at Catalina Island and getting there.

Best season
Year-round, calmest seas April-September
Meeting point
Bayahibe public beach or La Romana port
Group size
15-30
Minimum age
5+
Get directions →
This activity is in
La Romana →