Catalina Island vs. Saona Island

[Motorcycle Gma]

Due to the seaweed problem at Saona Island (can anyone confirm this that's been lately?), I'm thinking of going to Catalina Island instead using Passion Paradise Adventures. It's an all day excursion with snorkeling and/or diving. Has anyone used Passion Paradise Adventures??

 

I'm a little nervous because they are way down the list on TA, but they do have decent reviews and have been responsive via email.

 

The reviews lately on the Carnival Saona special are not that great noting the seaweed problem, bad food experiences. etc. Plus, they have not responded to my reservation request.

 

Any advice appreciated. Thanks

[blue_water]

Sorry we have not used that outfit. We have used Seavis Tours for Saona Island and Pro Excursions for Catalina and would highly recommend both of these, they're both located in Bayahibe.

 

Have not read reports of seaweed at these locations but it has been a huge issue throughout the Carib this year.

[nybumpkin]

We did have a fair amount of seaweed in July on our Saona tour, but the beach and the food were fine.

[blue_water]

Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. And the Cuba Libres flowed freely at the Natural Pool after...:D

But highly recommend Seavis for the OP, they arrange the taxi and are just a top-notch outfit. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html

Edited August 12, 2015 by blue_water

[leennp]

Hi we were just on the Proexcursion to Sonoa last week. Seaweed was present around the first snorkel site at the old pier, not over where we were, but the snorkeling is not great there anyway. Beach and natural pool were beautiful, no seaweed problem there at all. Food good, excellent staff for pro excursions. Hope this helps!

[blue_water]

I asked a resident of Bayahibe about the present seaweed conditions and they are very bad around Punta Cana but Bayahibe and areas nearby are very clean, beaches look gorgeous around Bayahibe and Saona

[nybumpkin]

Did you use Seavis or go through Carnival? I assume Carnival because we all rave about the buffet Seavis provided - amazing spread. And the Cuba Libres flowed freely at the Natural Pool after...:D

But highly recommend Seavis for the OP, they arrange the taxi and are just a top-notch outfit. 5 stars all the way, and a nice day with excellent guides.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g663484-d1554333-Reviews-SeavisTours-Bayahibe_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html

We went through Seavis. And the rum was flowing freely at the Piscina Natural.:D They also had wonderful dessert: fresh pineapple and a cake.

[Motorcycle Gma]

Very helpful, glad to hear about the recent experiences! So, if we like snorkeling, Saona is not the best for this?

 

Would Catalina be better?

[blue_water]

The Saona excursions hit Catuano Beach where the old pier is, the snorkelig can be good or just so so there depending on the conditions because you're closer to shore. The sand can also be a problem if it's a little rougher.

With Catalina you're snorkeling off the boat or off the Wall so less concerns about sand and you have both the Aquarium and the Wall to snorkel. On a land vacation you hit another Saona Island beach, but for a cruise stop we'd recommend Catalina for the snorkeling.

However, for the overall experience we'd choose the powerboat excursion with Seavis, great day that!