Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Dominican Peso
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Population:
Approximately 8 million people call the Dominican
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Isla Catalina: The Dominican Republic is quite warm and very humid, best time to visit is November-March, when days are in the 80s °F 28-32°C and nights in the 60s °F 15-22°C. The rainy season is May-October, although it generally isn't bad enough to rule out a visit unless a hurricane is predicted. (Hurricanes are possible August-October.) The rainy season of May through November is especially warm and wet. You will find temperatures in the high 80s during most winter days with cooler temperatures in the mountains and temperatures.
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Isla Catalina is just a 45-minute boat ride from Casa de Campo, in the Dominican Republic. Discovered by Christopher Columbus. Cruise ships dock directly at the small island of Catalina,The island is so uninhabited and clean of any pollutants that all traveling is done on foot.
The Dominican Republic occupies approximately two-thirds of the Caribbean’s second largest island with the remainder of the island belonging to Haiti. Columbus named the island La Espanola, meaning little Spain. Eventually, the name became Hispaniola.
In 1493 Christopher Columbus returned and established the first European settlement anywhere in the New World. The island included the tallest mountains anywhere in the Caribbean, some at almost two miles in height. Besides Cuba, the island is the Caribbean's largest. It is so big that two countries share it: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The city and the port of La Romana is located in the south east of Dominican Republic, and is across from Catalina Island. The Taino Indians called Catalina island "Toeya". Upon the arrival of the Europeans, Catalina's richness in natural beauty and resources was soon discovered which is why Christoph Columbus gave this island its current name in honor of the Saint Catalina. Within the last 2 years there is a steady stream of foreign visitors enjoying the powdered white sand beaches and shallow waters of Catalina Island. Catalina Island is a perfect destination for cruise ships.
La Romana was founded near the end of the 19th century, and grew quickly after the establishment of a large sugar mill in 1911. Here you can visit the Casa de Campo, a luxury resort. You can also visit Santo Domingo, which is the New World's oldest colonial city. Other points of interest are the artist village of Altos de Chavon and the Chavon River , which was the location for the filming of "Apocalypse Now". Catalina Island is located off the coast of La Romana. Cruise passengers can spend the day here or travel to Casa de Campo and Altos de Chavon on the mainland.
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Attractions |
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Catalina is perfect for a day of swimming, hiking and exploring. The entire island is formed out of coral stone and has three overlapping plateaus. The highest elevation is 60 feet above sea level! In fact, there is absolutely no fresh water on the island. There is only one water source the animals drink from and even has traces of salt in it.
Isla Catalina, an island only 10 square kilometers in size, if full of natural beauty and wonder that will make for a delightful day of pristine exploration. A self-guided walking tour around this island will reveal to you scenic plateaus of lush vegetation, intertwined with numerous species of birds, as well as wild pigs and rabbits. Make sure to keep your cameras and camcorders by your side, for you will definitely want to record these stunning visuals to marvel at in the future.
Casa de Campo:
A 7,000 acre resort tha has 14 swimming pools, a fitness center, a skeet-shooting area, an equestrian facility, polo grounds, 2 championship golf courses, 13 tennis courts, a ¾-mile beach, and a private marina. The resort also offers many dining options. Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, the Dominican Republics most famous designer, decorated the hotel. Be sure to contact the resort for a pass before leaving home as only visitors with privately obtained passes, or on a ship shore shore excursions are allowed on the grounds. Altos de Chavon Village:
Constructed to resemble a 16th century Mediterranean village. Here you will find artists and writers, boutiques, an amphitheater, and several galleries.
Kayak Exploration:
Discover the island's natural beauty via a kayak down the Chavon River.
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More Information |
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Web: www.dominicana.com.do
Phone: 800-752-1151
Tourist Office US
1501 Broadway, Suite 410
New York, New York 10036
Tel: (212) 575-4966
Fax: (212) 575-5448
Toll Free: 1-888-374-6361
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