Catalina Island Diving & Snorkeling Trip from Punta Cana
Catalina Island is a top-rated destination in the Dominican Republic and a popular stop for Caribbean cruise ships. It’s renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Surrounded by thriving coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish, Catalina Island is a must-visit for nature lovers and ocean enthusiasts. Whether you're staying in Punta Cana or La Romana, a day trip to Isla Catalina offers the perfect blend of relaxation and underwater adventure.
The Wall – Catalina Island’s Signature Dive Site
The Wall is one of the most spectacular dive sites in the Dominican Republic. A gentle sandy slope leads to an impressive vertical drop-off teeming with life. The upper reef, between 1.5 and 6 meters deep, is blanketed with sponges and both hard and soft corals. The wall itself is completely overgrown, with crevices and ledges hiding a wide variety of reef creatures. Even for advanced divers, the depth here is limited to 30 meters to ensure safety and reef preservation. This site is ideal for those looking to explore dramatic underwater topography while encountering rich marine biodiversity.
Trip Overview
Price: $220 per person
(2 tank dive)
Price: $100 per person
(companion)
Duration: 7:30 - 18:00
Lunch included
Drinks : Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic included
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Only a: $100 deposit
The Aquarium – A Colorful, Shallow Paradise
The Aquarium is a sheltered dive site with calm surface conditions year-round, making it perfect for a relaxed and easy dive at approximately 12 meters depth. The sandy bottom is home to incredibly healthy coral formations and a wide range of marine life. You’ll encounter yellow stingrays, lobsters, moray eels, angelfish, grunts, snappers, soldierfish, and trunkfish among others. Large vase and barrel sponges conceal stone crabs and sea spiders, while trumpetfish can be seen blending in with soft coral branches. It’s a vibrant site that’s ideal for both photography and marine life observation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide full transport from your hotel in Punta Cana. The trip includes a 1.5-hour bus transfer from Punta Cana to La Romana, followed by a 30-minute boat ride to Catalina Island. Everything is organized — just be ready for pickup at your hotel at approximately 7:15 AM.
Any level of certification is welcome on the Catalina Island diving trip. Depth is adjusted based on your certification level. Open Water certified divers dive to their certification limit, while Advanced Open Water divers can reach The Wall's maximum depth of 30 meters. If you are not certified, you can join as a snorkeler for $100 with equipment included.
The diving trip at $220 per person includes two guided tank dives at The Wall and The Aquarium, all diving equipment, lunch on the island, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. The snorkeling option at $100 includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. Hotel transport from Punta Cana and Bávaro is included.
Catalina Island has two exceptional dive sites. The Wall is one of the best dive sites in the Dominican Republic — a dramatic vertical drop-off with a coral-covered upper reef between 1.5 and 6 meters and a wall that descends to 30 meters. The Aquarium is a sheltered reef at approximately 12 meters, home to yellow stingrays, lobsters, moray eels, angelfish, trumpetfish, and large barrel sponges.
Yes. Non-divers and snorkelers are welcome on the Catalina Island trip at $100 per person, which includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. It's a great option for couples or families where some members are certified divers and others prefer to snorkel.
Hotel pickup begins at approximately 7:15 AM from Punta Cana and Bávaro. The trip returns to Punta Cana at approximately 18:00. The full day includes bus transfer, boat ride, two dives or snorkeling, lunch on the island, and the return journey.
A $100 deposit per booking is required to reserve your spot on the Catalina Island trip. The remaining balance is paid on the day of the trip.
Yes. Catalina Island is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the Dominican Republic. The shallow reefs around the island are home to a wide variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and healthy coral formations. The calm, clear water and excellent visibility make it ideal for snorkelers of all experience levels.
