Catalina Island, a renowned diving destination off the coast of Punta Cana, beckons adventurous travelers with its captivating underwater world. The Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore this marine paradise, immersing participants in a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life. Led by experienced PADI dive masters, the tour promises an exhilarating journey, from a scenic catamaran ride to the awe-inspiring dive sites. With all necessary gear provided, this comprehensive package caters to both seasoned divers and those seeking to embark on their first underwater adventure. But what truly sets this tour apart is the potential to encounter a mesmerizing array of creatures, each with its own captivating story waiting to be discovered.
Key Points
- A 9-hour scuba diving tour from Punta Cana to Catalina Island that includes hotel pickup, catamaran ride, and access to vibrant marine life like sea fans and southern stingrays.
- The tour provides professional PADI dive masters, necessary scuba equipment, and a BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks during the 4-hour duration on the island.
- Divers must present evidence of certification and complete a health questionnaire, with no diving allowed within 48 hours of flying for safety reasons.
- The tour includes transportation, national park admission, and access to a private beach, with a minimum age requirement of 13 years and restrictions for pregnant women and those with health issues.
- The tour has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the diving sites and BBQ meals but concerns about the service and organization.
Tour Overview
The Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour offers an exciting opportunity for adventurers to explore the underwater wonders of Punta Cana. Priced at Kč3,467 per person, this 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a catamaran boat ride, and access to Catalina Island’s diverse marine life.
Divers can expect to encounter sea fans and southern stingrays while exploring the east and west sides of the island. The tour includes professional PADI dive masters, scuba equipment, and a BBQ lunch.
Participants must provide evidence of certification and complete a health questionnaire. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a great choice for those seeking an unforgettable scuba diving experience in the Dominican Republic.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bavaro.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a pickup from Club Caza y Pesca, which is located approximately 1.5 hours away from the main destination.
Upon arrival at Catalina Island, guests will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities. First, they’ll participate in swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving for about an hour.
This is followed by a delectable BBQ lunch that lasts for 4 hours.
Afterward, guests can enjoy free time and additional snorkeling for another 4 hours.
Diving Experience
Divers will discover two captivating dive sites during the Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour – The Wall on the east side and The Aquarium on the west side.
The Wall features vibrant sea fans, while The Aquarium boasts encounters with southern stingrays. To participate, all divers must provide evidence of certification.
Additionally:
- Divers must complete a health questionnaire and consult a doctor if they’ve any pre-existing conditions.
- Participants shouldn’t dive within 48 hours of flying to avoid safety concerns.
- The dive sites offer the opportunity to observe diverse marine life in the clear Caribbean waters surrounding Catalina Island.
Inclusions
The Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour includes a comprehensive package of amenities. Guests receive hotel pickup and drop-off, a catamaran boat ride, and the services of professional PADI dive masters. The tour also provides all necessary scuba equipment and national park admission, as well as access to a private beach. A delicious BBQ lunch, including fish in the VIP package, and unlimited drinks are included. Participants can relax in beach lounge chairs and purchase souvenir photos if desired.
| Included in Tour | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off |
| Boat Ride | Catamaran boat ride |
| Dive Professionals | Professional PADI dive masters |
| Equipment & Admission | Scuba gear and national park access |
| Beach Access | Private beach |
| Meals | BBQ lunch, including fish in VIP package |
| Drinks | Unlimited drinks |
| Lounge Chairs | Beach lounge chairs |
| Photos | Souvenir photos available for purchase |
Important Information
Minimum age for participation is 13 years, while the minimum drinking age is 18 years. Pregnant women and individuals with heart or respiratory issues should avoid this tour.
Participants shouldn’t dive within 48 hours of flying.
The tour offers pickup from any hotels in Punta Cana and Bavaro, with confirmation of pickup time provided upon booking. Gratuities are optional, and pets aren’t allowed. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions.
- Participants must provide evidence of scuba certification.
- A health questionnaire is required, and consulting a doctor is advised for pre-existing conditions.
- The tour may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Customer Reviews
According to the available customer reviews, the Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 20 reviews.
Customers generally praise the beautiful diving sites and delicious BBQ meals, but some express concerns about the service and overall organization.
The guide rating is 4.3 out of 5, indicating positive feedback on the professionalism of the dive masters.
However, the transportation rating of 3.3 and the service rating of 2 suggest room for improvement in these areas.
Pickup and Transfer
The tour includes pickup from any hotels in Punta Cana and Bavaro, with the confirmation of the pickup time provided upon booking. The transfer to Catalina Island takes approximately 1.5 hours.
The pickup and transfer process includes:
- Convenient hotel pickup from your accommodation in Punta Cana or Bavaro.
- A comfortable ride on an air-conditioned vehicle to the departure point at Club Caza y Pesca.
- Smooth transition from the ground transportation to the catamaran boat that will take you to the diving site on Catalina Island.
This seamless pickup and transfer service ensures a hassle-free start to your Catalina Island scuba diving adventure.
Pricing and Booking
The Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour is priced at Kč3,940 per person, but a discounted rate of Kč3,467 is currently available.
Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A convenient "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option is also offered.
The tour is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and French, and is wheelchair accessible.
Pickup from any hotels in Punta Cana and Bavaro is included, with the confirmation of pickup time provided upon booking.
Gratuities are optional, and pets aren’t allowed. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Scuba Equipment?
Yes, participants can bring their own scuba equipment. However, the tour package includes all necessary scuba gear, so bringing personal equipment is optional. Participants should ensure their equipment meets safety standards before the dive.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Boat?
There is no specific weight limit mentioned for the boat used in this tour. However, most boats have a maximum capacity that must be adhered to for safety reasons. Guests should disclose any relevant medical conditions or mobility issues when booking.
Is a Photography Package Available?
The tour includes an optional souvenir photo package that customers can purchase. Divers can capture their underwater adventures and memorable moments on Catalina Island to commemorate the experience.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can be extended, though additional fees may apply. Customers should check with the tour operator about the possibility and cost of extending the tour time to accommodate their preferences and needs.
Are There Any Health/Safety Requirements for Scuba Diving?
Scuba divers must provide evidence of certification and complete a health questionnaire. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with heart or respiratory issues. Participants should not dive within 48 hours of flying.
Recap
The Catalina Island Scuba Diving Tour from Punta Cana offers an unforgettable underwater adventure for diving enthusiasts. With professional guidance, stunning dive sites, and all necessary gear provided, this tour promises an exhilarating 9-hour experience exploring vibrant marine life. Priced at Kč3,467 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and a scenic catamaran ride, making it a must-do activity for those seeking an immersive dive experience in the Dominican Republic.
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