Catalina Island In The Dominican Republic: A Cruise Day Guide
If DR’s Your Oyster, Catalina Island’s Your Pearl
By Sascha Zuger | Published on February 20, 2026
Explore Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic with tips on snorkeling, beaches and unique experiences to enjoy when exploring the small uninhabited tropical island near La Romana cruise port. Spend a dream day basking in the sun on Catalina Island with its clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. Marine life fans can enjoy excellent visibility to admire the vibrant coral reefs acting as habitat for tropical fish and sea creatures protected within this beautiful nature reserve. Snorkelers and divers are treated to some of the DR’s best underwater scenes, including a 17th-century shipwreck.
A day spent in Catalina Island, Dominican Republic is all about the beach. Loads of water sport options right from the sand include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, banana boat rides and floating mattresses. A Dominican beach barbecue adds a little local spice and leaves cruisers craving another day in this perfect slice of paradise.
Catalina Island, A Stone’s Throw From La Romana Port
Catalina Island, or Isla Catalina as locals call it, lies on the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic, just five miles from La Romana cruise port. The uninhabited island and marine reserve offers idyllic white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, making it a perfect spot for sunseekers looking to dig their toes in the sand (or snorkel fins in the sea!).
Because it is protected, with no one allowed to stay overnight, this small island of DR remains an unspoiled paradise preferred by divers and snorkelers over other nearby islands, whose reefs are not as plentiful or varied. The island even boasts a famous shipwreck sitting in shallow, clear water right off its shore. Cruises are an ideal way to visit Catalina Island due to the proximity of La Romana with dedicated half hour catamaran or boat excursions to reach its sugar soft shores.
Catalina Island Build-A-beach-Day Workshop
Building a perfect sunseeker day starts with beach bag essentials:
- ● Sand and beach toys. (Our family loves a space-saving Wuboba ball!)
- ● Sunscreen.
- ● Book.
- ● Sunglasses.
- ● Refillable Water Container.
- ● Insect Repellent.
- ● Royal Caribbean Beach Towel. (Pro tip— save your stateroom from sand and trade towels at the gangway.)
Booking a shore excursion onboard leaving from the Dominican Republic port makes this a brainless beach day, with loungers, umbrellas, drinks, a Dominican barbecue and shade provided for max memories and minimum hassle.
Typical DR barbecue buffets include grilled chicken, pork, sausages, rice, multiple salads and tropical fruit. Rum punch and local fruit juices are often served. If you want to do more than lounge, snorkel gear and watersport rentals are available.
Catalina Island Action For Adventurous Travelers
Catalina Island is a no-brainer for a beach day, but even active cruisers looking to make memories will find their fun on this small DR island.
Scuba Diving In Catalina Island Marine Reserve
Bubble your beach day your way when you dip below the surface to discover Catalina Island’s charms. On the east side of the island, “The Wall” drops from a 40-60ft colorful hard-and-soft-coral garden down a 100ft vertical wall of nooks and crannies to spot critters. The west side might be the best side, with aptly named “The Aquarium” at just 30-45ft deep. The sandy bottom and abundant marine life make this a great spot for newer divers or those looking for a refresher. Expect to spot schools of tropical fish, moray eels, parrotfish, stingrays, hard corals, colorful sponges, sea turtles and seahorses (if you’re lucky).
Catalina Island Fishing Tours Will Have You Hooked
Spend a breezy day tossing a line out in paradise. Bottom fish for Barracuda, Amberjack, Queen Snapper, Snapper and Papuan Black Snapper on fishing trips around Catalina Island. Most tours offer refreshments and gear with many including a stop to snorkel “The Wall” before returning to the dock.
Get Wrecked Like It’s 1699 Snorkeling Captain Kidd’s Quedogh Merchant
This 17th century shipwreck, lost to history until its discovery by a snorkeler in 2007, sits perfectly placed in ten feet of crystal clear sea, a mere 25 yards from shore. Ideal for viewing from the surface, this underwater museum piece once sailed by the famous Scottish privateer is now home to tropical fish, cleaner shrimp, an array of soft corals, fans, sponges and the occasional eel.
Families Find Forever Memories On Catalina Island
Family time means making memories in Dominican Republic’s Catalina Island. Tours visiting wildlife — both above and below the sea — as well as medieval ruins, add depth to a day enjoying a lovely beach with calm, warm, clear seas.
Snorkel Catalina Island’s “The Wall”
Catalina Island is ringed by some of the Dominican Republic’s best coral reefs. One famous site, “The Wall,” is a great drop-off vertical wall for divers; the reef shelf above makes the most of excellent visibility and typically calm sea conditions. Great conditions make all the difference for new snorkelers and there will be plenty of fish and marine life to spot like the world’s best underwater Where’s Waldo. Ask your boat crew for a fish chart to check out before splashing in to get an idea of what finned friends you can find.
Visit A Dominican Wildlife Refuge
Catalina Island’s status as a protected reserve ensures wildlife such as small mammals and birds feel comfortable making the area their home. Little ones will love watching the wild things before a beach break with Dominican dancing demonstrations, food and local themed games to play.
Beach Out On Catalina Island Before Getting Medieval At Altos De Chavón
Balance the big fun of a beach day on Catalina Island with a meaningful Medieval stone village tour to learn a little about the local history and people who once called the region home. This replica 16th century village built by local artisans features an archeological museum with artifacts from ancient times. The village remains part cultural museum and part gallery space as active studios for artists doing pottery, weaving and silk-screen art, all lining the cobblestone streets among the shops.
Relax And Reconnect In Romantic Catalina Island
If the bustle of busy mainland beaches and their exciting activities galore leaves you wishing for a slower-paced experience of this lovely island nation with your other half, consider Catalina Island. Recharge and reconnection, activated!
- ● Luxury Champagne Sails: Cuddle up and toast to love on luxe yachts.
- ● White Sand Beach Breaks: Dominican dance lessons round out your romance.
- ● Catamaran Snorkel Tours: Bond hand-in-hand over stingrays and sea turtles.
Plan Royal La Romana Romance, Adventure And Family Fun
The Port of La Romana is a lovely spot to explore the Dominican Republic’s charm, with its proximity making boat access to Catalina Island quick and comfortable. La Romana features a lighthouse and swim-up bar pool and its Caribbean-facing location often keeps it clear from sargassum and seaweed blooms.
Visit Catalina Island from December through April for the calmest seas for snorkeling and beautiful weather. The quieter shoulder season in May and June offers peaceful ports and sunny days.
Keep an eye out for humpback whales if you’re visiting Catalina Island from mid-January to March. Although they largely congregate in Samana Bay, it's possible to see the beautiful creatures passing by DR’s offshore islands.
Pack what you need for a day at Catalina Island, it’s beautiful free from commercial enterprise.
Royal Caribbean knows how to pack the action into a cruise vacation to the Dominican Republic. Adventure travelers can explore lush waterfalls, cultural hotspots, freshwater cave spelunking and remote beaches with pulse-pounding watersports while in port, but also enjoy their ship’s high diving stunt-filled entertainment, record-breaking waterslides and zip lines over their fellow passengers.
Romance reigns on Royal Caribbean, with live music, dancing, trivia and Broadway-level shows making every night a date night. If kids are in tow, excellent kids clubs included for young sailors from 3-17 makes sure the whole family gets to relax and have fun. Families can trust Royal Caribbean to plan the most memorable cruise vacation to the Dominican Republic, as the only cruise line voted Best Overall for 22 years running by Travel Weekly readers.
Cruise To Catalina Island For A Dr Dreamy Vacation
Cruising is the best way to experience the Dominican Republic. Beautiful beaches, colorful culture, spicy seaside bites and a wide variety of sea life living in vibrant coral reefs greet visitors to its shores. Visit idyllic paradise ports to access unique destinations such as Catalina Island in this land of exciting adventures.
Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today
Related Articles
8 Activities on Catalina Island, CA
READ MORE
The Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
READ MORE
Caribbean Vacations for Families: Top Islands, Activities and Planning Tips
READ MORE
3 Typical Dominican Republic Food Types to Try
READ MORE
