Plizio Visual Lab

Catalina Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Catalina Island (Isla Catalina) is an uninhabited tropical island situated off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, approximately two kilometers from La Romana. Spanning a mere 9.6 square kilometers, the entire island is designated as a protected National Park area. It is celebrated for its pristine white-sand beaches and exceptionally clear turquoise waters, making it a premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island's most famous dive site, known as 'The Wall,' features a dramatic coral reef that drops sharply into the depths on the eastern side. Additionally, the waters hold the historic shipwreck of the Quedagh Merchant, abandoned by the infamous pirate William Kidd in 1699, which now functions as a unique underwater archaeological museum. The island's vegetation is dominated by mangroves and palm trees, while its surrounding reefs support a high biodiversity of tropical fish and sea turtles. Access to Isla Catalina is strictly regulated to preserve its fragile coral ecosystems and maintain its status as one of the Caribbean's most well-preserved natural escapes.

Location: Dominican Republic
Nearby: La Romana (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	28	28	28	29	29	28	27	26
Rain mm	38	27	25	47	67	46	49	59	65	62	78	47

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Catalina Island is an uninhabited island reached by boat tours from La Romana or Punta Cana. Visits are usually part of an organized tour including snorkeling.

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Typical hours

Boat tours typically depart between 8 and 9 am and return around 3-4 pm. The island itself has no fixed opening hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed across the island and underwater. An underwater camera is good for capturing the coral reefs and tropical fish.

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Time needed

A day trip to the island typically lasts 5 to 7 hours, including boat ride, snorkeling, and lunch. Time on the island is about 3-4 hours.

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Combine with

Combine the island trip with a visit to La Romana or Altos de Chavón town. Bayahibe beaches are also nearby.

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Getting there

The island is only accessible by boat, with most tours departing from La Romana or Bayahibe. Private boats are rare and require a permit.

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Insider tip

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer a personal mask. The beaches are unshaded, so think about sun protection.

Geography

Area

9.6 km²

Coordinates

18.35000, -69.00000

Facts

Total area of 9.6 square kilometers
Located 2 km off the coast of La Romana
Site of William Kidd's 1699 shipwreck
Famous dive site known as 'The Wall'
Uninhabited protected National Park
Quedagh Merchant wreck found here

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Francisco Micheli Stadium4 km · NEExplore →

Sugarcane Plantations in the East9 km · SEExplore →

Chavón River11 km · NExplore →

Santa Cruz de El Seibo17 km · EExplore →

Bayahibe19 km · NExplore →

Cave of Wonders19 km · SExplore →

Miches Plain22 km · EExplore →

Monument of the Battle of Palo Hincado23 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Catalina Island?

Excursion boats and catamarans depart daily from La Romana; the crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Is the island suitable for snorkeling?

Yes, 'The Wall' and 'The Aquarium' are world-class snorkeling and diving spots with spirited coral life.

Are there restaurants or toilets on the island?

There are basic sanitary facilities and buffet areas, mostly used by tour operators for lunch service.

Is the island inhabited?

No, Catalina Island is an uninhabited nature reserve and part of the Cotubanamá National Park.

How much does the entry or tour cost?

Day tours including meals usually cost between 60 and 100 USD per person, depending on the provider and services.

Catalina Island: where is it located?

Catalina Island is located in Dominican Republic.

Catalina Island: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Catalina Island: why is it worth visiting?

Catalina Island (Isla Catalina) is an uninhabited tropical island situated off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, approximately two kilometers from La Romana.

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