Catalina Island, also known as Isla Catalina, is a small, uninhabited island located approximately 1.5 miles from the mainland of the Dominican Republic. It is part of the province of La Romana and is situated in the Caribbean Sea.
Catalina Island is known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The island is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
In addition to its natural beauty, Catalina Island also has a rich cultural history. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the Americas in 1494 and was subsequently settled by Spanish colonizers. In the centuries that followed, the island was used as a base for pirates and smugglers and played a significant role in the slave trade.
Today, Catalina Island is protected as part of the Parque Nacional del Este, a national park that encompasses a significant portion of the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The park is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including endangered sea turtles and the Hispaniolan solenodon, a rare mammal found only on the island of Hispaniola.
Visitors to Catalina Island can take a day trip from nearby La Romana or Bayahibe, where they can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the island’s picturesque beaches. The island is also home to several restaurants and beach bars, as well as a small museum that showcases the island’s history and culture.