Christopher Columbus, during his second voyage to America, discovered it and named it in honor of Queen Isabella of Castile's daughter. Also known as Isla Ikiita or Labanea by the local indigenous people, it is part of the trio of adjacent islands in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, along with Saona and Catalinita, with Saona being the only inhabited one.
Throughout the years, Catalina Island has served as a refuge for pirates and privateers from 1520 until the 1720s, who would attack Spanish ships navigating the area. Among these stories, the tale of Captain Kidd stands out, a British sailor executed for piracy in 1701. In 2007, archaeologists from Indiana University discovered the remains of his ship, the Quedagh Merchant, submerged near the island's coast.
Catalina Island is a true treasure in the Dominican Republic, especially for those seeking underwater experiences. The Living Sea Museum and the shipwreck of Captain Kidd at a depth of 21 meters are must-see attractions. Additionally, the Catalina Wall, an impressive submerged wall of over one hundred meters, offers a unique underwater ecosystem with colorful corals and marine life.
The Aquarium, with eleven meters of depth, is another attraction for diving enthusiasts. Its vast tapestries of live coral formations coexist with endemic species such as lionfish and toadfish, providing a magical experience.
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, Catalina Island offers stunning landscapes with rock formations like Morgan's Head, fine sandy beaches, and lush vegetation.
Fishing enthusiasts will find exciting opportunities in the waters of this paradise. Meanwhile, those looking to relax can enjoy the fine white sand after a refreshing swim.
In this corner of the Caribbean, Catalina Island emerges as a paradise with white sandy beaches and warm waters. Designated as an Ecological Reserve and part of the East National Park, it harbors over 500 species of flowers and 300 species of birds.
The predominantly endemic terrestrial fauna includes species such as frogs, land turtles, snakes, lizards, birds, sea turtles, and some mammals. Underwater, a diversity of fish, from seahorses to butterflyfish, creates a multicolored spectacle.
The island's flora, characterized by a tropical dry forest, includes trees such as chaparro, resbalamano, and olivo. In addition, mango trees, coconut palms, and palms, such as the pactá, an endemic species, are part of the ecosystem. In the deep sea, coral reefs complete the idyllic garden of Catalina Island.