Overview of Catalina Island, Dominican Republic

Baptized Santa Catalina by Christopher Columbus in 1494, Catalina Island is located just one and a half miles off the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic. A private island, visited by Costa Cruises, is only 3.7 square miles in size, the island is only 60 feet above sea level and made out of coral stone. Catalina Island is an uninhabited island that closes at 4pm every day. It is rich in animal life and serves as a wildlife reserve. The climate is marked by the trade winds which blow throughout the year with an average temperature of 77 degrees. Rarely do the highs reach over 86 degrees. The rainy season is from May to November and with the main time for hurricanes being in August to October.

Check out this YouTube video with many photos of Catalina Island

What language is spoken in Catalina Islnad? Do they speak English?

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

What is the national currency in Catalina Island?

The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency of the Dominican Republic. The Peso will fluctuate against the dollar and has hovered around RD$37 to USD$1 in the beginning of 2011. (currency calculator)

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Many tourist spots and street vendors will accept US dollars and other currencies, however, be aware that the exchange rate when purchasing with dollars will not be as favorable.

Where can I get or exchange money?

There are no physical locations to exchange currency located on Catalina Island. However, if you are going to make the short 1.5 mile boat ride to the mainland, banks or private exchange houses called Casas de Cambio are the best places in which to exchange US Dollars or Euros into Pesos. Both options are a short taxi ride into town from the main port in La Romana (see map.)

• Banks closest to Cruise Port: There are no banks on Catalina Island, however, if you are going to make the short 1.5 mile boat ride to the mainland, there are banks relatively close the the main port in La Romana.
• Banco Leon located on Calle Duarte at the southeast corner of the main park.
• Scotiabank at Av Gregorio Luperon av Santa Rosa near the Mercado municipal.
See map.
• ATMs closest to Cruise Port: There are no ATMs on Catalina Island, however, if you are going to make the short 1.5 mile boat ride to the mainland, there are ATMs relatively close the the main port in La Romana.
• Banco Leon located on Calle Duarte at the southeast corner of the main park.
• Scotiabank at Av Gregorio Luperon av Santa Rosa near the Mercado municipal.
See map.

How do I get around Catalina Island from the cruise port?

Walking

This is the main way of transportation on the island. Catalina is only 3.7 square miles and is also uninhabited. Once travelers get off the tender boat, they can walk to various beaches as the crowds tend to get thinner the further away from the ships you get.

Scooters

Some scooters are available for rent from local vendors.

Rental Car

There are no car rentals on Catalina Island.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

There are no Internet services on Catalina Island. The Dominican Republic has one of the most advanced telecommunication systems in the Caribbean. The island, itself, is served by major wireless networks and cell phones should work there. However, Catalina Island is just off shore, so coverage may be a little spottier. However, if you are going to make the short 1.5 mile boat ride to the mainland, there are numerous international calling offices, called “Centro de Llamadas”, and Internet cafes, which are both excellent and affordable options for calling home.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

Catalina Island does not have facilities for making international calls, but on the mainland, in La Romana, there are three Verizon “Centro de Llamadas” in La Romana. All offer international calls to the US for RD$10-15/minute (approx. $0.35) and to Europe for RD$20-25 pesos/minute (approx. $0.75). They are a very short taxi drive away from the port. (See map.)

Where are the Internet cafes?

There are no Internet Cafes on Catatlina Island, however there are several such cafes in La Romana:

• Cybernet Café is a short 5-6 minute taxi ride NW of the port (see map.)
• Mundo Ciber@Net is a 2 mile taxi ride NW of the port (see map.)

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Catalina Island? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

Most non-beach attractions for Catalina Island are on the mainland. Since this itinerary stop is relatively short (approx. 8 hours), make sure to get an early start if you are going to visit attractions on the mainland. It is a 20 to 30 minute boat ride from the island to the mainland.

• Altos de Chavon is a vibrant community not far from La Romana. It houses the Regional Museum of Archeology and an art gallery. It is approximately a 15 minute taxi ride from port (see map.)

  Check out this video of Altos de Chavon through the eyes of a visitor.

• Cigar Factory Tour of Tabacelera de Garcia, here you will see how some of the best cigars in the world are made, including Romeo y Julieta, H.Upmann and Montecristo. It is 15 minute taxi ride east from port, near Casa de Campo.

  Check out this video of authentic cigar rolling.

Beaches

Catalina Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Since the island is uninhabited, it is relatively unspoiled. The beaches are only a short walk from where tender boat will leave you. Many beaches include rentals where vacationers can take advantage of jet skies and snorkeling equipment. As most hot spots for European travelers, the beaches on the island may have some topless sunbathing; so be warned if this type of activity offends you.

Shopping

There are a few locals who have set up along the beach with tents and sell local crafts and artwork. On the mainland in La Romana and surrounding areas, the shopping choices are more varied.

• Jumbo is the largest store in La Romana. It is a Costco/Walmart type store that has everything from groceries to arts & crafts. It is a good place to buy traditional candies, such as dulce de leche (milk candy) and dulce de coco (coconut candy). Located 1.4 miles west of the port (see map.)
• Altos de Chavon is known to have an assortment of fine handicrafts and art. It is located 5.8 miles east of the port (see map.)
• La Marina de Casa de Campo is an upscale Dominican and imported crafts center. It is located 4.7 miles east of the port (see map.)

Golf

There are no golf courses on Catalina Island, but if golf is your thing, you may not be able to pass up on the best golf course in the Caribbean, which is on the mainland in Casa de Campo. But again, get an early start as Catalina Island is a short itinerary stop (approx. 8 hours).

• Teeth of the Dog Golf Course is a world renowned championship golf course fronting the Caribbean on many holes. It is ranked as the best golf course in the Caribbean and 43rd in the world by Golf Magazine. Reservations for tee times should be made in advance. It is located 2.3 miles west of the port (see map.)

  Check out this video of the 7th hole on the Teeth of the Dog Golf Course.

• The Links is a championship course within the resort and residential community of Casa de Campo. It is an excellent inland alternative to the Teeth of the Dog Golf Course.
• Dye Fore is a beautifully crafted course which offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, mountains, Altos de Chavon and the Marina. All three courses were designed by Pete Dye. It is located 5.3 miles east of the port (see map.)

Scuba

Catalina Island is probably best known for its scuba diving. Divers come from all over the world to witness incredible underwater sites, including “The Wall”, where divers can see a mix of both large and small fish. Shallower dives offer coral gardens, brightly colored fish and a wide mix of fauna.

• Sea Pro Divers offer diving trips off Catalina Island. Most dive shops operate from the main island of the Dominican, so be sure to call before setting sail to see if you can meet them on Catalina once you arrive from the boat.
• H2O Diving visit both “The Wall” and “The Aquarium”, with its perfect visibility, with this dive company. Trips are scheduled every Wednesday and Friday, so be sure to see what day your boat will be on the island and reserve ahead of time.

Tours

• Altos de Chavon Village Tour departs from the Casa de Campo pier and takes you to the artists' village of Altos de Chavon. Here the guided tour takes you through the streets of this unique village. You will be able to take in the beautiful panoramic view of the Chavon River and experience the museum, shops, amphitheatre and church that all add to the charm of this village. The tour is about 4 1/2 hours round trip from the Casa de Campo pier, which should allow suffient time to enjoy this tour. Book in advance.
• Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders): Take the Down Under Tour which will take visitors 25 feet underground to a cave boasting an impressive collection of paintings made by the indigenous settlers that pre-dated Christopher Columbus. The tour takes about an hour and is approximately half an hour west of the cruise port in La Romana, so make sure to a lot at least four hours for this tour.
• Rancho Capote - Cueva Fun Fun (Fun, Fun Cave in Hato Mayor): This is an underground excursion that takes you into the largest cave in the Caribbean complete with cave art and underground rivers.

What are the best eats in Catalina Island?

If you plan on spending the day on Catalina Island, there are no formal restaurants on the island. All the food comes in buffet style and is provided by the cruise lines or tours from the main island. Most of the food consists of burgers, hot dogs, bar-b-que, salad and fruit. However, if you are planning on venturing on to the mainland, Pescado Frito con tostones (fried fish with fried plantains) are a local favorite.

Where are the best places to get them?

The beach-front restaurants in Bayahibe are a great place to sample the fried fish with tostones (see map.)

What are the must-drinks in Catalina Island?

• Presidente is the best of the national beers, so make sure to ask for one “bestido de novia” (dressed like a bride), which means that it served so cold the bottle is frosted white on the outside.
• Mamajuana, for those that like a stronger drink, is a distinctly Dominican drink. It is said to do everything from cure the common cold to restore man’s “vitality”. Miracle effects aside, it does make a fine drink.

Where is the best place to get them?

• Presidente is available throughout La Romana in corner stores, called colmados, restaurants and almost anywhere else you see the big green “Presidente” refrigerators.
• Mamajuana is available at most any bar and many restaurants. It will likely taste a bit different everywhere you go, as there is no set recipe, so you may want to try a few different versions; but be careful – it packs a punch.
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Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Catalina Island? Where can I get them?

There are very few “shops” on Catalina Island. Some natives have tents where they sell local crafts and artwork. Be sure to have cash on hand to buy any souvenirs and most are under $25. Beware of vendors selling you "Cuban Cigars", as they are most likely fakes and no doubt cause the discerning cigar smoker disappointment.

Under $25:

• National rums (Brugal, Barcelo and Bermudez) are among the best in the Caribbean and can be purchased for less than $10. Best prices can be found at the Jumbo supermarket, but can also be found in the city at corner stores called Colmados.
• Dominican cigars also make good souvenirs and gifts. Don’t bother trying to buy “Cuban cigars” here, even though there will be many vendors selling them. Most “Cuban cigars” sold in tourist areas are fakes and you will be over-paying for inferior quality cigars.

$25-$75

• The Dominican faceless dolls (muñeca sin rostro) are a very popular item bought by tourists and Dominicans alike and can range in price depending on quality and materials used to make it.
• Amber jewelry (earrings, pendants, rings, etc.)
• Larimar (a rare blue volcanic mineral) jewelry, only found in the Dominican Republic.

Over $75

• Fine art
• Boxes of Dominican cigars
• Jewelry

Best quaility items are found in Casa de Campo

What is the weather like in Catalina Island?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Catalina