Catalina is the smaller island off the coast near La Romana, and it is sold on one feature: a reef wall that drops away from the shallows into deep blue. Operators call it La Pared or The Wall. From Bayahibe the day goes by sailing catamaran; the details below were checked on the operator's own page on 4 October 2026.
- What the wall actually is
- A day on the Quetzal: $139
- Children, transfers and the Saona combo
The wall
Quetzal gives the wall as dropping below 20 m. You snorkel on the surface above it, so what is under you is open water rather than a reef at standing depth — worth knowing if anyone in the group swims nervously. The Aquarium, on the other side of the island, is the shallower and calmer spot. Life jackets come with the snorkelling kit.
From Bayahibe: $139 on the Quetzal
Quetzal Catamaran charges $139 per person and shapes the day around the water: two snorkelling spots, The Wall and then The Aquarium, with an English-speaking guide who gets in with the group. Lunch is cooked on board — salads, pasta, chicken, beef and fruit — and beer, rum, soft drinks and water are included, with snacks through the day.
The boat leaves at 08:45 and the outing takes about eight hours. Quetzal caps the group at 28, which on a sailing catamaran leaves room to move around the deck.
What children pay
| Who | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $139 per person |
| Child, 3 to 12 | $70 per child |
| Child under 3 | free |
There is no snorkelling kit for children under three, so the youngest stay on board while the others are in the water.
Questions people ask
Can I book Catalina and Saona together?
Quetzal sells the pair for $268, which it puts at $30 per person less than booking them separately. They remain two separate days.
Is the hotel transfer included?
For hotels in the Bayahibe area, yes. From other areas Quetzal charges a supplement, so ask for your hotel's figure before you book.
How deep is the snorkelling at The Wall?
The wall drops below 20 m. You stay on the surface above it, so there is deep water beneath you rather than a reef at standing depth.
