Catalina Island Day Trip from Punta Cana: Snorkeling included

If I could give this 0 stars I would. The owner operator was unprofessional, disrespectful and rude because a tourist was asking questions about the tour. I tried to ask about the length of drive and the snorkeling part and was basically told read the listing which didn’t provide the information I wanted. The boat was unorganized and overcrowded with barely enough room for people to sit. The snorkeling experience was the absolute worst I have ever had. A 1.5 hr drive, then a 45 minute boat ride to have 20 minutes in the water. The equipment was old and broken. They didn’t instruct people how to do it, didn’t make sure equipment fit properly and then got frustrated when someone asked for help. Then we moved on to the beach at Catalina Island where we sat for 45 minutes before lunch was served. Food was ok. Then another 2 hours on a beach with nothing to do except look at the outrageously priced gift shop or stand in the water before the boat left for the 45 minute ride back to the dock. Once we left the dock for our ride home, our driver managed to miss dropping others off at there meeting point so we had to back track where he left them in the parking lot and left. He didn’t even know where the people were supposed to go. ABSOLUTELY DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!!

They cancelled our trip half an hour before departure and then did not reply to any texts or calls. We made another reservation with Alamo, and our trip with them went wonderfully. We are awaiting an answer from your provider, we hope no one else books them and has to go through this.

Transfer by old-fashioned and bad vehicle, a lot of time is wasted on the journey, passengers are repositioned along the way and in the end you lose 5 hours approx between the round trip, the boat that took us to the island also lousy, to disembark from the boat to the beach a single boat that had to make 4 trips to take us all to the beach, in short it is not worth it because it was saturated with people and we could barely do 30 minutes of snorkeling and an hour and a half on the beach to eat and enjoy the island, they have to improve the logistics.

As the title of this review states, that was the best part of the trip…. This was not as advertised which if not for blatant safety issues was something I could overlook. But as other reviews show, the boat was loaded far past capacity, it was also severely under powered. Approximately a 40 foot vessel with a captains perch. More than 40 to 45 people packed everywhere …. Twin V6 150s was the power setup. Boat literally bobbed in the wages as no chance boat could get on plane as designed. Snorkeling was the worst of my life. Horrible equipment; no safety briefing, very rough water with no protection and few fish to see. After 15 minute attempt got back on the boat. Guests were then invited to take smaller boats to the West facing beach Playa area. 18 people packed onto small boats with no life jackets. Literally had a life jacket taken from as elderly guest who said she could not swim. The beach area was beautiful and the food was delicious ….. chicken and amazing pork grilled. Ootional fish and lobster upgrades were fairly priced. Drinks were small but generous. Trip was saved by making new friends, who all shared the safety concerns and also shared lots of cerbeza and our new favorite drink rum and sprite. Upon rebounding the large vessel another guest had her hand crushed, literally crushed between the boats, much blood, she was nearly going into shock and the boat had no water and a tiny first aid kit. On the way back to harbor a left behind guest was brought to the boat. We enjoyed conversation with our new founds international friends and even with the captain and the crew …. And much more rum. ….. At least we survived. Tried to give zero stars but cannot🤪

Catalina Island & Snorkel – An Unforgettable Experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our trip to Catalina Island was absolutely magical! The boat ride itself was stunning, with turquoise waters and breathtaking Caribbean views. The snorkeling spot was like diving into a tropical aquarium – crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and an amazing variety of fish. If you’re visiting Punta Cana and love the ocean, this tour is a must! Perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. I would definitely do it again. 🌴🐠💙 The team SOMOS VIAJES 1000/10!

Excellent Mood, amazing scenery, delicious lunch and first class Service. Grateful, Catalina Island was the best!

Amazing experience. Staff were super friendly and attentive. Love the island and snorkeling. Food was great too. Would do it again.

Recommended excursion. We liked snorkeling and Catalina Island. To improve, there were too many people on the catamaran and therefore we could not all sit. And lack of animation in the catamaran on the way back from the excursion.

This excursion was awful. It started with a delayed shuttle pick up and we were driven north to pick up additional passengers. Then we were taken to a gas station where we were put on a bus and continued driving north to make more stops for passengers. Then we drove south to our destination. It took 3 1/2 hours to arrive at the catamaran. Our hotel should have been the last stop because we were on the way. We were driven completely out of the way to pick up more people. The boat ride was rough and three people got sick. Also, when the boat was anchored, it took about an hour, while the boat was rocking back and forth, to transport everyone to the beach on Catalina Island. We didn't even want to deal with the snorkeling; we just wanted to relax on the beach after all of this. Once there, the beach was littered with empty cans and other debris. Also, there were two photographers who harassed us to take part in photo shoots. After we complied, they bothered us to buy the pictures. After the long and uncomfortable journey to the beach, we just wanted to relax and be left alone. The lunch they served was terrible. On the ride back, again, we waited on the boat for an hour while people were shuttled from the beach to the boat. Then when we were almost back to the place where we were to pick up the bus, they anchored the boat and started providing entertainment. Why then? They should have done that to pass time while we were waiting for the passengers to board or on the ride itself. My family wanted to jump off the boat and swim to shore. We were so frustrated. The ride home was about 90 minutes which is what it should have been on the ride there. I would love a REFUND in the amount of $215 but even a refund won't erase the bad memory of this excursion. We should have just stayed on the resort.

Where to start. The 2 hour bus ride that starts at 7:45 am is also acting like a taxi for other people. We dropped off four people in Punta Cana before we even left for Catalina island. Then we had to stop and get gas for the bus. The bus is small and they cram as many people as possible into it. Once the two hour ride is over we got out at the dock and were left with no idea what to do next. Communication was non existent there if you don’t speak Spanish. After 20 minutes of sitting wondering what was going on we boarded a ferry boat. Again they crammed as many people as possible onto it. Sitting as close as possible to other people. The boat was overloaded. As you cruise to the island aboard a ship that obviously has some structural damage to it as the floor raises up with the waves the boat captain keeps you entertained with his selection of music he likes playing it as loud as it can. Finally arriving at Catalina island you stop and snorkel for 30 minutes just off shore. Back aboard and then hearded like cattle onto a small skiff. Once again loaded with as many people as possible. The skiff was grossly overweight. Water was coming in as driver went any faster than a crawl. Once ashore you are told a buffet will be ready in 15 min. The food was pretty nasty. Then you are told you can swim in an area the size of a swimming pool. Its roped off. After two hours it’s back on the skiff to the boat with the music blaring and arriving at port they push a jar in your face and demand tips. Finally after you get off the boat you get onto the crowded bus and drive for 30 minutes to a gift shop outside of higuey. Yes a gift shop. I couldn’t believe it. After a long day of being asked to pay extra for this and that now they want you to buy souvenirs. With over an hour to go back to Punta Canna. It’s 6:00 pm now and everyone just wants to get back and get off the crowded bus. This by far is the worst experience I have ever had with an excursion. If someone had informed me like I’m doing for the rest of you what this was like I would never in a million years have paid $80 a person to have a horrible time.