Isla Catalinita

Isla Catalinita is a small uninhabited islet off the eastern end of Isla Saona, at the far edge of the Parque Nacional del Este. Do not confuse it with Isla Catalina near La Romana, which is bigger and on the other side of the region. Catalinita is a sliver of sand and scrub with no buildings, facing the open water toward the Mona Passage, and it is one of the wilder stops you can reach on a day trip from this coast.

It appears on itineraries in two ways. Snorkel and dive boats stop on the reefs around the islet, which are less visited than the sites closer to Bayahíbe and often have good visibility, with soft corals, reef fish and sometimes rays and turtles. And some Saona tours, especially those sold from Punta Cana, combine Catalinita with Saona and the natural pool in one longer day.

The beach itself is white sand in a small cove. The water close in is clear and calm on the sheltered side, but the islet is exposed to open sea, and the currents around it can be stronger than at Bayahíbe or Dominicus. Snorkel where the guide tells you to and wear a vest if you are not a confident swimmer. There is no shade apart from low vegetation, and there are no facilities: no restrooms, bar or food. Tours that stop here usually serve lunch on Saona or on the boat.

Because it is far from the mainland, the boat ride is long, and speedboats are the norm. The crossing can be rough in the afternoon trade winds, so morning departures are calmer. Trips leave from Bayahíbe and from piers on the Punta Cana side of the park. Expect to pay more than a standard Saona tour; ask the operator exactly how long you get at Catalinita, since some stops are only a short swim.

Sargassum can wash up on the exposed sides of the islet in heavy years, between late spring and early autumn, and no one cleans it.

Best for: snorkelers and divers who want reefs with fewer boats, and travelers who have already seen Saona's main beaches. Not for: young children, anyone who gets seasick on long speedboat rides, or travelers who want a relaxed beach afternoon with food and drinks on the sand. December to April gives the calmest seas. For diving here, see our Bayahíbe diving guide.