Catalina Island
Catalina Island
4.2
About
Bask under the Caribbean sun at Catalina Island, known for its gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by tropical palm trees. The crystal-clear waters here are home to diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving—you’re bound to spot some tropical fish and even sea urchins if you’re lucky. You can’t stay overnight as the island is part of a nature reserve. Instead, pick a boat tour that will take you there, stopping along the way for snorkeling and sightseeing. Many island hopping tours often include Catalina as a stop, too. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Catalina Island
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
8 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.2
4,264 reviews
Excellent
2,220
Very good
1,132
Average
515
Poor
218
Terrible
179
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Sonia L
Quebec City, Canada7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The excursion to the Isla Catalina was an overall very pleasant experience, with some notable highlights and some aspects to improve.
Strengths:
The beach was simply beautiful. The fine white sand combined with crystal clear turquoise water created an idyllic setting for relaxation and swimming. It is a true paradise for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty. In addition, the food served was excellent. The dishes were tasty, well prepared, and reflected the richness of the local cuisine. This is a real treat for the taste buds!
Areas for improvement:
However, it is important to point out that the cleanliness of the bathrooms left much to be desired. For such a paradisiacal destination, it is regrettable that the sanitary facilities were not up to standard. Better maintenance and more frequent cleaning would be required to improve the visitor experience.
In short, Isla Catalina is a dream destination for those who want to enjoy nature and good food. With increased attention to the cleanliness of the facilities, the tour could offer an even more exceptional experience.
Strengths:
The beach was simply beautiful. The fine white sand combined with crystal clear turquoise water created an idyllic setting for relaxation and swimming. It is a true paradise for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty. In addition, the food served was excellent. The dishes were tasty, well prepared, and reflected the richness of the local cuisine. This is a real treat for the taste buds!
Areas for improvement:
However, it is important to point out that the cleanliness of the bathrooms left much to be desired. For such a paradisiacal destination, it is regrettable that the sanitary facilities were not up to standard. Better maintenance and more frequent cleaning would be required to improve the visitor experience.
In short, Isla Catalina is a dream destination for those who want to enjoy nature and good food. With increased attention to the cleanliness of the facilities, the tour could offer an even more exceptional experience.
Automatically translated
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erwin A.
Connecticut402 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
A 40-min boat ride from Casa de Campo is Catalina Island. It has a pretty stretch of a beach but if you are into the underwater world, you will have a great time as the island has great diving and snorkelling areas. Chairs, towels and umbrellas are complimentary. There is a bar with overpriced drinks and chips and souvenir shops.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ylenia C
Massarosa, Italy11 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Unexpectedly beautiful even if it often takes second place compared to the more popular Saona. Don't imagine snorkeling like in Egypt because it is not comparable. However, the beach is very beautiful and the colors of the sea have nothing to envy of Saona. Highly recommended with Mariposa Tours. Top experience with catamaran and at the end visit to Alto Chavón.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kami N
2 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
This was such a fun little island to visit. We didn’t do an excursion and just walked the whole day. But it is small enough that we covered quite a bit of area. The island was clean and tropical and flowers were so pretty. Lots of cute shops and restaurants to eat at. It was the highlight of our 4 night cruise.
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inna_Toni
Gruenheide, Germany3,351 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
How highly this island is praised... but why? OK, we think it would be nice to spend the day on a quiet side of the island. However, where the cruise ship tourists are taken is anything but nice. Loud, music all the time, crowded, you can't go far into the water because the yachts are already anchoring there. And this is supposed to be a nature reserve??? To find a little peace and quiet you can stroll a little along the nature trail - but it takes about 30 minutes.
You have to change in the toilets because there are no cubicles for that. But the toilets are clean, at least somewhat. The boat ride there and back was quite nice. A coconut cost 5 dollars there. Well, at least we were in the water a little, even if it was surrounded by lots of people. We wouldn't recommend it, but if you book a restaurant and find another place that is quiet it might be very nice there.
As always, this is our purely subjective opinion and may differ from that of other guests.
You have to change in the toilets because there are no cubicles for that. But the toilets are clean, at least somewhat. The boat ride there and back was quite nice. A coconut cost 5 dollars there. Well, at least we were in the water a little, even if it was surrounded by lots of people. We wouldn't recommend it, but if you book a restaurant and find another place that is quiet it might be very nice there.
As always, this is our purely subjective opinion and may differ from that of other guests.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
didier B
Ventabren, France6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Outing announced for 30 people, there are at least 90 of us on the boat
We take 1h45 to arrive on the island without making the promised snorkeling stop
Long wait for the relay boat used to disembark
Meal announced at 1 p.m. We are going to swim
On our way back we learn that Za starts at 12:15 p.m.
20 minutes of waiting nevertheless, since 4 other boats have disembarked
There are 600 of us on the desert island…
Departure announced at 2:45 p.m., so a little time for swimming and diving
At 1:45 p.m., shrill whistles: we must leave immediately
…???
We are transferred to the boat on which we wait… 3/4 hour in the roll
On the way back, a snorkeling stop in the middle of turbulent waves
As they consider that ultimately it may be dangerous, they throw a rope and you have to do the “dive” 50 cm from your neighbor while holding a piece of rope.
Returning to La Romana, half deaf, the thunderous music accompanied us throughout the journey
I have never experienced such a crazy activity, without any organization
Oops I forgot to say that only about ten people were wearing life jackets
We take 1h45 to arrive on the island without making the promised snorkeling stop
Long wait for the relay boat used to disembark
Meal announced at 1 p.m. We are going to swim
On our way back we learn that Za starts at 12:15 p.m.
20 minutes of waiting nevertheless, since 4 other boats have disembarked
There are 600 of us on the desert island…
Departure announced at 2:45 p.m., so a little time for swimming and diving
At 1:45 p.m., shrill whistles: we must leave immediately
…???
We are transferred to the boat on which we wait… 3/4 hour in the roll
On the way back, a snorkeling stop in the middle of turbulent waves
As they consider that ultimately it may be dangerous, they throw a rope and you have to do the “dive” 50 cm from your neighbor while holding a piece of rope.
Returning to La Romana, half deaf, the thunderous music accompanied us throughout the journey
I have never experienced such a crazy activity, without any organization
Oops I forgot to say that only about ten people were wearing life jackets
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda C
Sao Paulo, SP6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The island is beautiful, just be careful with the tour operators. Our tour operator Dolin Dive Center in Grand Palladium told us that it would be US$110 per person with scuba diving. When we got there, we were not allowed to do scuba diving and when we tried to tell them what happened to get the money back, they just told us they had informed us that it was US$110 without scuba diving. I have screenshots of all the conversations and even that way they would not refund us.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timidopibiza
Ibiza, Spain35 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Moved sea trip, 1st snorkel stop, clean, non-crystalline water.
2nd boat stop 4 trips to disembark all passengers from the catamaran. Surprise beach with few palm trees, unlike Saona, and very dirty with marine debris such as logs and plastics, you pay an entrance fee to the Ministry of the Environment but I see that it does little for the maintenance of the place... that is if the staff of the place can stop Selling mojitos, coconuts and massages without a problem... terrible excursion food and hammocks that since we couldn't walk around were already sold out. A total disappointment on Catalina Island...they should take more care of the environment in the present future, otherwise, what do I say otherwise, if everything happens here... nothing, nothing to continue living.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND.
2nd boat stop 4 trips to disembark all passengers from the catamaran. Surprise beach with few palm trees, unlike Saona, and very dirty with marine debris such as logs and plastics, you pay an entrance fee to the Ministry of the Environment but I see that it does little for the maintenance of the place... that is if the staff of the place can stop Selling mojitos, coconuts and massages without a problem... terrible excursion food and hammocks that since we couldn't walk around were already sold out. A total disappointment on Catalina Island...they should take more care of the environment in the present future, otherwise, what do I say otherwise, if everything happens here... nothing, nothing to continue living.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Val G
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
We booked a full day snorkeling tour at Catalina island from SoulTour in Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine. The tour agent promised all inclusive trip to island for staying for whole day, from start at 7.25am at hotel and back 6pm. He said it 40min from port to island. What he did not said that it's 3.5 hours drive to port, picking peoples from other hotels. There was 30min snorkeling stop and then 2 hours at the island. Or yes we stopped at restaurant for some lousy meal. And then 4 hours back. Avoid it! Waste of time and money (120$ per person)
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicoletta Z
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Nothing special... better than Saona. In the sand to go to the sea there are many stones, it does not have a totally sandy bottom. And the coconut and pineapple sellers or masseuses pester you to sell at unaffordable prices.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be on Catalina Island for one day while on a cruise. They just put this stop on in place of another island, and it doesn't sound to me like there is anything to do here unless you book a catamaran snorkel tour, which we would do, but it doesn't begin here, only in Punta Cana or other islands. Is there anything we can see besides the beach? We have that here at home, so was trying to do as we usually do and just hire a local guide for a tour or boat or something, but I haven't seen anything like that available anywhere I look. I would really appreciate any advice!! Thank you!!
Written 3 January 2024
Is there any half day trips to Catalina Island without snorkeling l?
Written 7 August 2023
Check with any of the salespersons that are at your hotel or check out viator. We went on the trip and snorkeling was part of it.
Written 8 August 2023
Bonjour,
Avez vous une adresse mail ou un no de cell pour Jean Jean
Nous serons là cette semaine,et après vous avoir lu ,j aimerais organiser une visite à cette ile avec son aide.
Merci pour vos conseils.
GUY
Written 27 March 2022
Mi opinión personal es si, dependiendo del tiempo de tu estado, y busquen un operador serio que los lleve en una embarcación moderna , weiler caribbean sea es un operador español con mucha experiencia.
Lleva zapatillas para la playa, a diferencia de isla Saona que es arena, Catalina tiene una franja de piedras, pero sus aguas son iguales de bellas, turquesa y transparentes, si la visitan en un día con sol , tendrán unas fotos maravillosas.
El viaje es de 30 a 40 minutos y por ti estado habrán algunos momentos del viaje que deberás pasar por alto, como el de bajar al agua y bucear con los peces, a excepción de esto, creo puedes disfrutar de esta maravillosa isla.
Saludos
Written 31 January 2020
Alguien sabe Puede contratarse a un lanchero desde la playa en la Romana o Bayahibe para pasar medio día de snorkel en Isla Catalina ?
Written 30 August 2018
has anyone booked a trip to Catalina island from coral costa Caribe resort located in juan dolio? this is where I'll be staying. I was hoping a reputable company you can recommend that won't rip me off only to find out I'll be in a bus picking up other ppl from either LA Romana or Punta Cana resorts???
Written 7 April 2018
Salve, io ci andro' fra un mese, vorrei chiedere se i teli da spiaggia vengono forniti da Costa. grazie
Written 26 January 2018
I teli li può portare direttamente dalla sua cabina. In spiaggia trova i lettini a titolo gratuito di Costa.
Written 26 January 2018
Puis je rendre en taxi ou transport en commun du port à catalans Island, quel est le prix.
Written 28 November 2016
Hola, puede hacer la excursión una persona que usa silla de ruedas, aclaro que viaja con su familia por lo q ellos se ocupan de trasladarlo
Written 31 October 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 15
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing