The Dominican Republic does not get the attention it deserves from the global diving community. That is, in part, because its most extraordinary dive sites are best-kept secrets passed between divers who have been there and cannot stop talking about them. Catalina Island — Isla Catalina — is chief among them. And the Wall of Catalina is one of the finest dives in the entire Caribbean Sea.

The Wall of Catalina

The Wall of Catalina begins at approximately 5 meters — shallow enough for beginner divers — and drops to over 30 meters in a dramatic coral-encrusted cliff face. The wall is home to enormous sea fans, black coral forests, lobster, moray eels, green and hawksbill turtles, spotted eagle rays, and schools of Atlantic spadefish and blue tang. At certain times of year, hammerhead sharks have been spotted in the deeper sections.

Dive Sites Around Isla Catalina

• The Wall — flagship dive, 5–30m, suitable for all cert levels
• The Aquarium — shallow reef, 3–12m, exceptional for beginners and snorkelers
• The Canyon — advanced site, dramatic swim-through formations

Book Your Catalina Island Tour

Experience Isla Catalina with Saona Island Tours — hotel pickup from Punta Cana, boat transfer, snorkeling at the reef, beach time, Dominican lunch, and open bar all included.