Catalina Island

Catalina Island

Dominican Republic

Dive into pristine turquoise waters to encounter colorful tropical fish and untouched coral gardens in this Caribbean paradise.

Currency Dominican Peso (DOP)
Language Spanish
Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $449-$2,369 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A pristine Caribbean island destination offering beautiful beaches, water sports, and a gateway to exploring the Dominican Republic's natural beauty and colonial charm.

Cruises that visit Catalina Island

Build Your Day in Catalina Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Cotubanamá National Park Must go place if you visit Dominican Republic. National park · ★ 4.8 · 3k
Playa la Caleta Beautiful beach and plenty of restaurants with views of the beach. Public beach · ★ 4.3 · 2k Open now
Saona Island The sand is white, the water is a clear blue, and the beach is very clean. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Minitas Beach Club & Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Isla Catalina National Park Great snorkeling! State park · ★ 4.6 · 1k Permanently closed
La Grasa :v The food was pretty good. Gastropub · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Isla Catalina Scenic day-trip destination with a bar Island · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Onno's Altos De Chavon Dine-in·Curbside pickup Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Catalina Island beach Lush foliage, clear water & watersports Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Playa Isla Catalina Amazing snorkeling! Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Café Marietta Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Italian · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Happy Restaurant The food was decent, drink was strong. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Foodie & Soul Mediterranean Restaurant Amazing setting, great service and even better food. Mediterranean · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
El Marlin Azul Bar Restaurant - Caleta La Romana Nice food, nice view, nice drinks. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Voala Cafe Marche by Gabriella Reginato We visited the Cafe enjoyed a glass of wine with their beautiful views. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Playa la Minita Great beach and customer service! Resort hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
El Sabor Del Mar Fresh, delicious, healthy, full of seafood. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Isla Catalina Diving Beach was beautiful! Diving center · ★ 4.8 · 0k
ALAMALA Italian Chillout Great atmosphere, great ambience, amazing views. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Romana Mar y Tierra Lots of restaurants in the area but this one had the best vibes. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bar Lux Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Playa del Este Island & park amid turquoise waters Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Cafe del Mar La Romana Takeout Grill · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
K Bocao restaurante Dominican · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Catalina Island

About Catalina Island

Catalina Island stands as one of the Caribbean's most enchanting port destinations, offering cruise passengers an irresistible blend of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and authentic Dominican charm. This idyllic island has earned its reputation as a premier port of call, attracting travelers aboard MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages who seek both relaxation and adventure during their Caribbean voyages.

As a primary port of call, Catalina Island typically features on seven-night itineraries that explore the broader Eastern Caribbean region. Cruises calling here often combine the island's natural beauty with visits to other vibrant destinations such as La Romana, Fort-de-France, Virgin Gorda, Philipsburg, and Bridgetown, creating well-rounded Caribbean experiences. The island's popularity peaks during the winter months—particularly January, December, February, November, and March—when cruisers seek refuge from colder climates and flock to these warm, welcoming waters.

Passengers docking at Catalina Island can expect excellent port facilities and easy access to the island's greatest treasures. The island's proximity to stunning coral reefs makes it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, while those preferring land-based activities will find beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Whether you're seeking underwater exploration, beach relaxation, or cultural immersion in Dominican traditions, Catalina Island delivers an unforgettable Caribbean experience that captures the essence of tropical island living.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Colonial History & Architecture

Wander through Catalina Island's charming colonial streets and discover well-preserved Spanish architecture dating back centuries. Visit the local museum to learn about the island's rich maritime heritage and indigenous Taíno roots. The compact historic district is easily walkable from the cruise port, offering photo opportunities at every corner.

2

Savor Fresh Dominican Seafood

Indulge in authentic Dominican cuisine at waterfront restaurants serving the day's fresh catch, from grilled mahi-mahi to conch ceviche. Local vendors near the port offer traditional dishes like sancocho and tostones at genuine prices. Don't miss the tropical fruit juices and local rum punch that capture island flavors perfectly.

3

Relax on Pristine Caribbean Beaches

Escape to powdery white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters just steps from the cruise terminal. Catalina Island's calm, protected coves are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging under swaying palms. The nearby reef offers vibrant marine life visible even in shallow waters.

4

Shop Local Markets & Artisan Crafts

Browse vibrant local markets overflowing with handmade crafts, colorful textiles, and authentic Dominican souvenirs. Artisans sell everything from wood carvings to beaded jewelry reflecting island culture. The bustling marketplace near the port offers genuine local goods at fair prices without the cruise ship markup.

5

Experience Island Life at Your Pace

Rent a scooter or hire a local taxi to discover hidden spots beyond the tourist areas, from quiet fishing villages to lush tropical gardens. Chat with friendly locals at small cafés and discover authentic island rhythms away from crowds. This intimate exploration reveals the true character of Catalina Island life.

Cruise Lines at Catalina Island

Cruises Departing From Catalina Island

Cruises Visiting Catalina Island

Ship Schedule at Catalina Island

Catalina Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in Dominican Republic

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail to Catalina Island, Dominican Republic?

Two major cruise lines operate cruises to Catalina Island: MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages. With 163 upcoming cruises scheduled, you'll have numerous departure options throughout the year from these operators.

When is the best time to cruise to Catalina Island?

The peak months for cruising to Catalina Island are January, December, February, November, and March. These months offer the best weather conditions in the Caribbean, with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making them ideal for enjoying the island's beaches and attractions.

How much do cruises to Catalina Island cost?

Cruise prices to Catalina Island range from $449 to $2,369 per person, depending on the cruise line, ship, cabin type, and length of voyage. Early booking and off-peak travel can help you secure better rates within this range.

Is Catalina Island a port of call or a home port?

Catalina Island is primarily a port of call, meaning ships stop here as part of a larger Caribbean itinerary rather than as a departure point. Most visits are brief, typically allowing 6-8 hours to explore the island and its attractions before the ship departs.

What can I see and do during a day at Catalina Island?

Catalina Island offers beautiful beaches, water sports, and nearby attractions like La Romana's charming colonial architecture and Altos de Chavón, an artistic village. You can also enjoy snorkeling, swimming, shopping at local markets, and sampling Dominican cuisine at beachfront restaurants.

How do I get from the port to attractions on Catalina Island?

Taxis are readily available at the port for transportation to nearby attractions and beaches. Many cruise lines also offer organized shore excursions to popular destinations like La Romana and Altos de Chavón, which provide convenient transportation and guided experiences.

What other Caribbean destinations can I visit on cruises that stop at Catalina Island?

Cruises calling at Catalina Island typically include stops at other Caribbean ports such as Fort-de-France, Virgin Gorda, Philipsburg, and Bridgetown. These itineraries allow you to experience multiple islands and cultures during a single ocean cruise vacation.