Catalina Island is an uninhabited island in the Caribbean Sea. Also known as Ikiita Island, this island is one of the essential places to see in the Dominican Republic. Located a few kilometres from La Romana, it is a protected area that offers unique natural areas. Here you can enjoy dream-like unspoilt beaches, fine white sand and calm crystal-clear waters that are great for water sports. If you love the underwater world, Catalina Island is the perfect place to discover the flora and fauna of Caribbean waters.
Discovered in 1494 by Christopher Columbus, this island hides the secrets of pirates and corsairs who have sailed its waters since 1520, such as Captain Kidd, whose ship remains in the depths of Catalina Island. Passporter invites you to discover everything this Caribbean island has to offer.
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Things to see and do on Catalina Island
Catalina Island Beaches
For those who love sun and beach tourism, the beaches of Catalina Island are the epitome of a Caribbean paradise. With calm, clear, warm turquoise waters, fine white sand and plenty of palm trees for shade, these beaches transport you to a world of peace and relaxation. As a protected area and officially part of the Cotubanamá National Park, all the island’s beaches are clean and in perfect condition.
Catalina Island has 3 major beaches: the North Beach, the West Beach and the East Beach, all of which are beautiful and quiet. In addition, the west beach has recently become one of the most popular beaches among tourists from all over the world.
Diving in Catalina Island Dominican Republic
On Catalina Island you will find two of the best diving sites in the Dominican Republic that are also world renowned. Here you will find the “Muro” and the “Acuario”, very different from each other but both worth exploring.
El Muro is an impressive wall that plunges into the Caribbean Sea, reaching a depth of around 100 metres. However it is marked by two steps, at 25 and 40 metres respectively, which allow for a more gradual descent.
The second dive site is El Acuario and the name is self-explanatory. This dive site is 11 metres deep and carpeted with coral formations. The most typical aquatic species of the Caribbean Sea swim and live here, such as seahorses, the famous lionfish and frogfish, among others.
Captain Kidd’s pirate ship
For pirate buffs, Captain William Kidd’s ship Quedagh Merchant was wrecked some 21 metres off the coast of Catalina Island. The pirate ship sank in the 17th century, and its location had been unknown for over a century until 2007. Today, the wreck of William Kidd’s last ship, preserved as a “Museum of the Living Sea”, offers a unique diving opportunity.
Hiking
As a natural landmark, Catalina Island is a bird sanctuary for several species native to the Caribbean. At the eastern end of the island you can find a trail to explore the natural landscape while bird watching. It is a short and easy hike, ideal for discovering the island and is suitable for all levels. At the end of the hike, you will come across a beautiful cliff with an incredible view of the island.
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Explore the Hidden Nature Trails
Although Catalina Island is famous for its beaches and reefs, there are also small inland paths that let you discover a quieter, more natural side of the island. These sandy trails take you through patches of tropical vegetation and low coastal forest, where you might spot lizards sunbathing, birds hopping between branches, or simply enjoy the stillness away from the main beach. It’s not a strenuous walk — more like a slow wander — but it’s a lovely way to disconnect if you’re spending the whole day on the island.
Most trails start near the central service area, and although they’re not formally marked, the routes are short and easy to follow. Just bring water and sandals you don’t mind getting sandy. This little inland escape adds variety to your visit and gives you a more complete sense of the island’s natural charm.
Traditional Dominican Handicraft Stands
Close to the main arrival area, several small stands sell handmade crafts created by local Dominican artisans. You’ll find cheerful wooden carvings, colourful paintings, larimar jewellery and small souvenirs made from natural materials. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth stopping by for a chat — vendors often explain the meaning behind the designs or how pieces are made.
It’s a nice way to support local families and take home something more authentic than typical beach-souvenir items. Prices are usually modest, and bargaining is friendly rather than pushy. Visiting these stands adds a cultural moment to a day that is otherwise very nature-focused.
Things to do around Catalina Island
La Romana
La Romana is a place full of all kinds of activities, so you can find plenty of interesting spots that will complete your trip. Some of the best known places in the city are the obelisk, the Santa Rosa de Lima church, the Central Park, the Rotonda Park or the monument to the Bible. It is certainly a destination you cannot miss on your trip to Catalina Island, either as the city you travel through to get to Catalina Island, or because of the multitude of attractions it has on offer.
Saona Island
One of the largest islands in the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is one of the most sought after places in the southeast of the Dominican Republic. Located south of the East National Park, Isla Saona is one of the most important ecological reserves of the country. It is inhabited by many species of birds, turtles, dolphins, whales and manatees, which are well worth seeing.
If you want to know more about this island, check out our post: Saona Island Dominican Republic.
San Pedro de Macoris
Located very close to La Romana is the famous city of San Pedro de Macoris. Here you can see great attractions, such as the popular beaches of the Caribbean Sea, or the well-known diving centres. If you love marine life, this city has so much to offer, but if you are more of a nature lover, you can go horseback riding and tour the great mountains surrounding San Pedro de Macoris.
Tips for your trip to Catalina Island Dominican Republic
- Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat and water.
- Keep in mind that Catalina Island is a protected area dedicated to the preservation of wildlife, so you won’t find too many amenities.
- Wear comfortable shoes and cool clothes for walking around the island.
- Avoid carrying visible valuables.
- Help protect the marine wildlife you encounter, such as starfish, and respect their natural habitat.
Frequently asked questions about your trip to Catalina Island
Catalina Island, also known by the local indigenous people as Ikiita Island. It is located in the Caribbean Sea a few kilometres southeast of the coast of the Dominican Republic and south of the province of La Romana.
Catalina Island can only be reached by boat from the Dominican mainland.
The food options on the island are limited, as it is a protected area and there are few tourist services. There are a couple of stalls with food and water, but you’ll find little variety. If you want to try real Dominican food, we recommend going to La Romana.
As you know, Catalina Island is a protected area and therefore has no buildings. Therefore, here is a list of some of the most recommended restaurants near Isla Catalina, in La Romana.
– La casita restaurant
– Minitas Beach Club & Restaurant
– Shish Kabab
How to organise what to see on Catalina Island?
If you don’t know how to organise your trip to Catalina Island Dominican Republic, sign up to Passporter and we’ll help you.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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