Catalina Island & Altos de Chavon
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ADULTS US$ 119- CHILDS US$ 69
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Duration: 10 hours
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Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
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Ages: All
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STARTS: 8 am
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Most day trips from Punta Cana take you to one place. This one takes you to two completely different worlds in a single day — and they couldn’t be more different from each other.
In the morning, you’re underwater at one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by tropical fish and vibrant marine life off the shores of Catalina Island. By afternoon, you’re walking cobblestone streets through a stunning recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, looking out over the Chavón River from one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Caribbean.
Two experiences. One extraordinary day.
Your Day on the Water and Beyond
After hotel pickup from Punta Cana or Bavaro, you travel southwest to La Romana — passing sugar cane fields and countryside that your guide brings to life with stories about Dominican history, culture and rum-making traditions. At the Río Salado pier, you board a catamaran and set sail for Catalina Island.
Your first stop is La Pared — The Wall. This is one of the most impressive snorkeling sites in the Dominican Republic — a coral wall that drops from the surface of the Caribbean Sea, teeming with live corals, tropical fish, crustaceans and marine species. It’s a protected national park site and the variety of underwater life here is extraordinary. All gear is provided and guides are in the water with you throughout.
After snorkeling, the catamaran continues to Catalina Island itself — a two-kilometer stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear turquoise water and complete tranquility. This is your time. Swim, relax on the beach, order drinks at the beach bar and enjoy a full Dominican buffet lunch — grilled meats, rice, salads, tropical fruits and open bar included.
In the afternoon, you leave the island and drive to Altos de Chavón — a meticulously recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village built on the cliffs above the Chavón River at Casa de Campo. Cobblestone streets, stone archways, an amphitheater that has hosted concerts by Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias and Santana, and views over the river that are genuinely breathtaking. Your guide walks you through the village, its art schools, galleries and history before you have free time to explore on your own.
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup from Punta Cana and Bavaro resort areas
- Round-trip air-conditioned transportation
- Catamaran ride from La Romana to Catalina Island
- Snorkeling at La Pared — all gear provided
- Full afternoon on Catalina Island beach
- Dominican buffet lunch on the island — grilled meats, salads, tropical fruits
- Open bar throughout — rum, Cuba Libre, fruit punch, soft drinks and water
- Guided visit to Altos de Chavón with entrance fees included
- Licensed professional bilingual guide throughout
- Return transportation to your hotel
What to Bring
Swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and a change of clothes for Altos de Chavón. A waterproof camera for the snorkeling stop and the views over the Chavón River.
Good to Know
- Duration: 10 hours
- Adults: US$ 119 | Children: US$ 69
- Available: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Departure: 8:00 AM
- Snorkeling not suitable for pregnant women or children under 10
- Dress code at Altos de Chavón — no swimwear, shoes required, men must wear shirts. Bring a change of clothes
- Book 2 or more activities and save 10% with promo code BOOK2SAVE10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La Pared — The Wall?
La Pared is a coral wall off the coast of Catalina Island, considered one of the best snorkeling sites in the Dominican Republic. It’s part of a protected national park and is home to an extraordinary variety of live corals, tropical fish and marine life. The snorkeling stop here is the highlight of the water portion of the tour.
What is Altos de Chavón?
Altos de Chavón is a stunning recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, built in the 1970s by Italian set designer Roberto Copa on the cliffs above the Chavón River at the Casa de Campo resort near La Romana. It has art schools, galleries, restaurants, artisan shops and a 5,000-seat amphitheater that has hosted legendary performers including Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias and Santana. The views over the river are among the most photographed in the Dominican Republic.
Is there a dress code at Altos de Chavón?
Yes. Swimwear is not permitted inside the village. Shoes or sandals are required and men must wear shirts. Bring a change of clothes in your bag — you’ll be coming from the beach.
Is the tour good for kids?
Yes, with one exception — snorkeling at La Pared is not recommended for children under 10. The beach, lunch and Altos de Chavón are all perfectly family-friendly. Children under 10 can still enjoy the catamaran ride, the beach and the village visit.
How long is the drive from Punta Cana to La Romana?
Approximately 1.5 hours each way. Your guide makes the drive entertaining with commentary on Dominican history, sugar cane farming and local culture.
How is Catalina Island different from Saona Island?
Both are stunning Caribbean islands but they offer different experiences. Saona is a full-day beach experience with the famous natural pool. Catalina is closer to La Romana, less crowded, and known for having some of the best snorkeling in the country at La Pared. This tour also adds the unique cultural stop at Altos de Chavón, making it a more varied day overall.
