The full day excursion to Catalina Island from Bavaro/Punta Cana promises an unforgettable adventure for travelers. Operated by Sunset Caribbean, the tour takes guests on a journey filled with snorkeling, a tropical buffet lunch, and an open bar serving Dominican rum. With a starting price of $90 per person and convenient pickup from local accommodations, it’s no wonder this excursion has piqued the interest of many. However, the experience may come with some surprises that are worth exploring further.
Key Points
- A full-day adventure to Catalina Island from Bavaro/Punta Cana, operated by Sunset Caribbean and priced from $90 per person.
- Includes snorkeling equipment, tropical buffet lunch, and open bar of Dominican rum for a well-rounded experience.
- Pickup available at lodgings throughout Bavaro/Punta Cana, with the meeting point located in front of KFC at Sunix pump in Downtown Punta Cana.
- Excursion starts at 7:00 am and ends at the same meeting point, with punctual arrival recommended.
- Reviews suggest mixed experiences, with some complaints about delays and snorkeling location, but positive feedback on staff friendliness and boat quality.
Overview of the Excursion
The Catalina Island Excursion is a full-day adventure from Bavaro/Punta Cana, operated by Sunset Caribbean. Priced from $90 per person, the excursion accommodates up to 100 travelers.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Pickup is offered at lodging throughout the area, with the meeting point located in front of the KFC at the Sunix pump in Downtown Punta Cana.
The excursion ends at the same location, starting at 7:00 am. Snorkeling equipment, a tropical buffet lunch, and an open bar of Dominican rum are included.
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Meeting and Pickup Information
Pickup is available at lodging (hotel or Airbnb) throughout Bavaro / Punta Cana.
The meeting point is JJM3+X9Q, 23000 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in front of the KFC at the Sunix pump in Downtown Punta Cana.
Travelers will meet their guide at this location, and the excursion will end at the same meeting point.
The start time for the full-day Catalina Island adventure is 7:00 am.
Participants should arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure a punctual departure and maximize their time on the island.
Inclusions
This Catalina Island excursion includes the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing guests to explore the island’s vibrant underwater world.
The lunch provided is a tropical buffet, offering a variety of local and international dishes to satisfy diverse palates. Beverages are also included, with an open bar featuring Dominican rum and soda/pop, ensuring guests can quench their thirst throughout the day.
These inclusions aim to provide a well-rounded experience, catering to the needs and preferences of the travelers and enhancing their overall enjoyment of the Catalina Island adventure.
Reviews and Feedback
While the Catalina Island excursion has received an overall rating of 4.0 based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, the feedback highlights both positive and negative experiences shared by previous travelers.
Some complained about delays in pickup and the snorkeling location not meeting expectations. However, others praised the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the boat.
A notable issue was the additional costs for lobster during the included tropical buffet lunch, which some found disappointing.
Additional Information
The Catalina Island excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the boat and island terrain may present accessibility challenges.
The Catalina Island excursion may not be accessible for wheelchair users due to challenges with the boat and island terrain.
Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, as the boat ride and island activities may pose potential risks.
Most travelers, however, can participate in the excursion without issue.
The key things to note about this excursion are:
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Not wheelchair accessible
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Most travelers can participate
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Boat ride and island activities may present potential risks
Itinerary
The Catalina Island excursion begins with a 7:00 am pickup from lodging throughout the Bavaro/Punta Cana area.
Travelers meet at the designated meeting point in front of the KFC at the Sunix pump in Downtown Punta Cana.
The journey across the Caribbean Sea takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the island.
Upon arrival, guests enjoy a tropical buffet lunch and an open bar serving Dominican rum and soda.
Afterward, they’ve the opportunity to explore the island’s beaches and snorkel using the provided equipment.
The excursion concludes with the return trip, ending at the same meeting point in Punta Cana.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Booking this Catalina Island excursion is straightforward. The price starts from $90 per person, with variations based on group size. A maximum of 100 travelers can participate.
Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The key details are:
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Prices range from $90 per person, depending on group size.
-
Maximum capacity is 100 travelers.
-
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.
-
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours prior to the start time.
This flexibility and transparency make booking the Catalina Island excursion a hassle-free process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snorkeling Gear of Good Quality?
The snorkeling gear provided is generally of good quality, according to reviews. Travelers report that the equipment is well-maintained and allows for an enjoyable snorkeling experience during the excursion.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
The excursion includes the use of snorkeling equipment and provides a tropical buffet lunch with alcoholic beverages. Bringing your own food and drinks is not mentioned, so it’s likely not permitted on this excursion.
Is There an Option for Vegetarian/Dietary Restrictions?
The excursion offers a tropical buffet lunch, but it’s unclear if they accommodate vegetarian or other dietary restrictions. Travelers with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about options.
Can I Purchase Additional Excursions on the Island?
Yes, you can purchase additional excursions on the island. The tour operator offers various optional activities such as glass-bottom boat tours, parasailing, and banana boat rides that can be booked on-site during the Catalina Island visit.
Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Trip?
There’s no strict dress code, but the excursion recommends lightweight, comfortable clothing and swimwear suitable for water activities. Bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a hat is also advised to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Sum Up
The Full Day Excursion to Catalina Island from Bavaro/Punta Cana offers travelers an exciting adventure featuring snorkeling, a tropical buffet lunch, and an open bar. While the experience generally receives positive feedback, some travelers have noted delays and additional costs for lobster during lunch. The excursion provides a memorable day on the island with a starting price of $90 per person.
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