Punta Cana Airport transfer to Catalina Island

Why choose CanaCar for your transfer from PUJ to Catalina Island

Book Now, Pay on Arrival

What you see is what you pay

Local Company

No intermediaries

Best Price Guarantee

Safe and hassle-free

No Extra Fees

Tolls and tips included

New Vehicles

Mercedes and Toyota

20+ Years of Experience

in Punta Cana

Distance and route to reach Catalina Island

~1h 8m

Travel time

51 miles

From PUJ Airport

$143

Starting price

Your private transfer from Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) to Catalina Island is a fast and comfortable journey.

Traveling from the east coast to Catalina Island is a journey of approximately 45 miles.

The journey typically takes 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

The driver utilizes the region’s primary high-speed artery, known for its safety and modern design:

1.Boulevard Turístico del Este
Entry: punta cana aiport pickup
Connects airport to DR-3 highway network

2. Autopista del Coral (DR-3)
Entry: direct from Punta Cana airport region
Exit: La Romana / Casa de Campo access
Main toll highway used for all east coast transfers
Fast, direct route passing Higüey and Bayahibe junction areas

3. La Romana access roads
Exit from DR-3: signed for La Romana / Casa de Campo / Marina
Final urban approach to port or marina departure points

4. Boat transfer to Catalina Island
Short boat ride (approx. 20–30 minutes depending on vessel and sea conditions) from La Romana coastline
Catalina Island is located about 1–2 km offshore and is only accessible by sea.

The Gateway to Crystal Waters: The Scenic Drive to Catalina Island

Your journey to the pristine shores of Catalina Island begins long before you board the catamaran. The drive from Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) toward the port of La Romana is a visual narrative of the Dominican Republic’s diverse landscapes—a transition from the Atlantic’s palm forests to the calm, turquoise soul of the Caribbean Sea.

With Canacar.com, you can lean back and enjoy the view. Here is what you’ll see along the way:

1. The Endless Sea of Sugar Cane

Shortly after leaving the Punta Cana area, the landscape opens up into a breathtaking, emerald-green horizon. You are entering the heart of the country’s sugar heritage. Massive sugar cane plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, swaying like a sea of grass under the golden sun. It’s a peaceful, rural vista that captures the timeless agricultural essence of the island.

2. Crossing the Majestic Chavón River

The undisputed highlight of the trip is crossing the high bridge over the Río Chavón. Have your camera ready—the view is cinematic. Looking down, you’ll see the deep green river winding through a spectacular, lush canyon. This tropical gorge is so prehistoric in its beauty that it served as the backdrop for films like Jurassic Park and Apocalypse Now. The contrast between the dense jungle canopy and the sheer limestone cliffs is unforgettable.

3. The Colors of La Romana and Local “Bateyes”

As we approach the coast, you’ll pass through the outskirts of La Romana. You’ll see glimpses of authentic Dominican life: vibrant roadside fruit stands stacked with mangoes and avocados, and “bateyes” (small communities near the sugar mills) where colorful houses line the route. The atmosphere shifts from the tourist-heavy vibe of Punta Cana to the industrious, rhythmic pulse of one of the DR’s most important port cities.

4. The Caribbean Horizon

As we reach the pier, the vegetation changes. The tall palms give way to low-lying sea grapes and tropical scrub. The most exciting moment? That first shimmer of the Caribbean Sea on the horizon. Unlike the Atlantic, the water here is a calm, neon-opal blue, signaling that you’ve reached the departure point for the hidden paradise of Catalina Island.

Ready to book your transfer to Catalina Island?

No payment until arrival. Free cancellation. 20+ years in Punta Cana.

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Our fleet for your transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Catalina Island

All our vehicles are 2024-2025 models, fully inspected and equipped for long-distance journeys.

SUV / Private Van Most popular

Hyundai Staria – 2024-2025

Up to 6 passengers
Air conditioning
Wi-Fi on board
Extra-large trunk
Child seats available
Pre-chilled to 68ºF

Family Minivan

Toyota Hiace – 2024-2025

Up to 10 passengers
Air conditioning
Wi-Fi on board
Ideal for families
Child seats available
Ample cargo space

Private Coach Large groups

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – 2024-2025

Up to 16 passengers
Air conditioning
Ideal for groups
Large cargo capacity
Full mechanical inspection
Spotless interior

Most popular hotels in Catalina Island

We drop you off directly at your hotel’s entrance – no intermediate stops.

Hilton Garden Hill La Romana

3★ Hotel

View transfer →

Hotel Olimpo

3★ Hotel

Villa Iguana

3★ Hotel

Hotel HM Alma de Bayahibe

4★ luxury resort

CanaCar vs. other options: private, direct and no surprises

Fixed price, your name on a tablet as soon as you exit customs, and a direct route to Catalina Island. No negotiations, no waiting, no charges you didn’t see coming.

✓ Fixed price from the start 0 minutes waiting Direct route to Catalina Island

Feature	CanaCar private	Airport taxi	Shared shuttle
Waiting time	0 min	15-20 min	45-60 min
Price	Fixed & prepaid	Negotiable	Per person
Child seats	On request	Rarely	Not available
Route	Direct	Direct	Multiple stops
Flight tracking	Included	No	No

How to find your driver at the airport for your transfer to Catalina Island?

The moment you land, your transfer is already underway. Follow these steps depending on your arrival terminal.

Terminal A

Exit through the glass doors and look for the “Pre-booked / Tour Operators” area. Your driver will be waiting with a digital tablet displaying your name.

Terminal B

Exit customs and follow the signs towards Transport / Taxi. Our uniformed driver will be near the café area, away from the taxi queues.

💬 Communication protocol: You’ll receive a WhatsApp message before departure and, upon landing, your driver’s name and real-time location.

What travelers say about their transfer to Catalina Island?

Thousands of customers have trusted CanaCar to reach their destination.

4.8

32 Reviews

Google

Trustpilot

TripAdvisor

Sarah W

We used the service for our family vacation and it worked perfectly. The van had plenty of space for our bags, the AC was great, and the driver was very kind with our kids. Great start to our trip.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Michael Thompson

Excellent airport transfer. Clear communication before arrival, fair pricing, and no surprises. The driver was professional and drove safely. A solid option if you’re landing in Punta Cana and want everything arranged in advance.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Amanda Brooks

Good service overall. Booking was simple and the driver was friendly. We had a small delay leaving the airport because of traffic outside, but that was not their fault. I would use them again.

★★★★★ (4/5) - Trustpilot

Jason Miller

Very reliable service. We booked round-trip transportation and both rides were right on time. The vehicle was clean, the driver was polite, and everything felt well organized from start to finish.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Emily Carter

Great transfer experience in Punta Cana. Our driver was waiting when we arrived, helped with the luggage, and the ride to the resort was smooth and comfortable. Much easier than trying to figure things out at the airport.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Valeria R.

El traslado estuvo muy bien organizado. Tardamos un poquito en encontrar al conductor al salir, pero nos respondieron rápido y enseguida lo solucionamos. El viaje al hotel fue cómodo y seguro.

★★★★★ (4/5) - Trustpilot

Brandon L.

Nice and easy transfer from Punta Cana Airport. The car was clean and the driver was courteous. I would have liked a little more detail in the pickup instructions, but once we connected, everything went smoothly.

★★★★★ (4/5) - Trustpilot

Carlos Méndez

Muy buena experiencia. Reservamos el traslado para la llegada y también para el regreso al aeropuerto. Fueron puntuales las dos veces y la comunicación por WhatsApp fue clara. Lo recomiendo para viajar tranquilo.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Jessica Morgan

Highly recommended. Fast confirmation, easy pickup, and a comfortable ride to our hotel. The return transfer was also punctual, which is always the most important part when going back to the airport.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Mariana López

Excelente servicio desde el aeropuerto de Punta Cana hasta nuestro hotel. El conductor nos estaba esperando con un cartel, fue muy amable y el vehículo estaba limpio y cómodo. Todo salió sin estrés después de un vuelo largo.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Juan Manuel J

Excellent Service. Andres the very respectful driver very nice and very responsible in his handling!! The car in perfect condition. Highly recommended 👌👌👌

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Jeannine

Excellent service.Willy Feliz arrived promptly to pick us up. He was friendly and professional! Definitely recommend.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Relax

The flight was delayed and they were waiting for us. The vehicle and its prime driver. Highly recommended the Pickup Service

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Mary G

Peňa was an amazing driver. Friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and safe! He knew a lot about the island and shared some interesting information.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Thomas B

Great service, on time and friendly! Great job Marino Zano! Made it to the air port with plenty of time to get through immigration with no stress.

★★★★★ (4/5) - Tripadvisor

Guest

The drivers were great and the communication was great also

★★★★★ (5/5) - Tripadvisor

Ignacio Rivera Herrera

The driver Carlos was very kind and funny. The car was clean a very fresh specially for the sunny dayPd: the car has wifi

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Promize Simon

Carlos was my driver, we had a smooth safe ride, Vehicle was nice and clean, and he got us to our destination just in time!

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Carlos was great. He picked us up ahead of time and with a smile. I would definitely use this service again.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Tion Mattox

Carlos pick me up and transported me to the hotel. Ride was good and smooth. Car clean and he was very friendly and offered some good spots to check out. Thanks Carlos.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Elizabeth DeRobertis

Great smooth ride from the airport to our resort!! Arrived timely and very nice vehicle. Def recommend! Ask for Willy!!

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Timbuktu Azul

I decided to give this company a try and I have not regretted it, on the contrary! I was very pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and professionalism of the drivers, a pure pleasure to be picked up from the airport like that! The return journey was also easy, the car was already waiting for us. We'll be booking again on our next visit to Punta Cana! Gracias!

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Elias Burguera

Brand new vehicles and polite and timeñy drivers. Completely recommend.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Luis Torres

Great service! Our driver was Wilqui who was professional and helpful. Our reservation was roundtrip from the airport to the hotel. I would use them again in the future and highly recommend their shuttle service.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Google

Matt Briggs

Carlos M Cuevas is a great driver. He was on time helpful and got us where we needed to be and on time and in a safe manner. The other staff member that brought us in the airport showed us exactly where to go and what to do. This made are time leaving that much smoother and stress free. I would recommend and use this service again.

★★★★★ (4/5) - Google

Rubén G.

Carlos was waiting for us at the airport holding a sign with our name on it. He was very punctual and friendly. Thank you so much for the impeccable service! We’ll definitely book with you again.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

Jaime Rodríguez

Best transfer company in Punta Cana. We have used them several times and we have always received a professional and friendly service.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

Angel Ruiz

They were very punctual, very friendly, and the vehicle was in perfect condition. The ride to Miches was perfect.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

José Magallanes

I've just returned as I've done on previous occasions, after hiring them for the transfer from Miches to Punta Cana Airport. The service was perfect once again.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

Alejo

Great service. Our driver was Willy Feliz. He was very attentive and friendly.

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

Jevaughn Wright

He arrives on time loves his estarlin

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

Milton Masaya

He's a great communicator and drives very carefully

★★★★★ (5/5) - Trustpilot

Frequently asked questions about the transfer from PUJ to Catalina Island

Everything you need to know before booking your transfer from Punta Cana Airport.

About the transfer to Catalina Island

To get from Punta Cana Airport to Isla Catalina, you must first take a land transfer to the city of La Romana, which is about a 50-minute drive. Since Isla Catalina is an uninhabited natural monument, there is no direct road; you must board a boat or catamaran at the La Romana pier or the Marina Casa de Campo.There are no direct flights or bridges connecting Punta Cana Airport to Isla Catalina. The most common way to reach the island is by combining ground transportation with a boat excursion.The typical journey involves:Arriving at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Taking a private transfer to the marina or pier in the La Romana area. Boarding a catamaran or speedboat to Isla Catalina. Arriving on the island for your day trip or excursion.Booking a private transfer is the most reliable way to ensure you meet your boat’s strict departure schedule, as public transportation (guaguas) requires multiple transfers and can take over 2.5 hours.

Isla Catalina is a paradise for water sports and relaxation. It is world-renowned for "The Wall" (El Muro), a stunning coral drop-off perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling where you can see tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Its protected status as a National Park ensures a more serene and less crowded experience compared to other local beaches.Isla Catalina is one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular island destinations and is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and excellent marine life.Popular activities include:Snorkeling at vibrant coral reefs Scuba diving at world-renowned dive sites Relaxing on pristine Caribbean beaches Swimming in turquoise waters Catamaran cruises and boat tours Beachside dining and barbecue lunches Wildlife and nature photography Family-friendly beach activitiesThe island is especially popular among visitors looking for a relaxing day trip from Punta Cana while experiencing some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.

Yes, our private transfer service is specifically designed to drop you off directly at the pier where your boat to Isla Catalina departs. Whether your excursion leaves from the public pier in La Romana or the private Marina at Casa de Campo, our drivers know exactly where to take you. We coordinate with your boat's departure time to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to check in. After your tour, we can also be waiting at the dock to provide a seamless, air-conditioned return trip back to your hotel or the airport.When making your reservation, it is recommended to provide the name of your tour operator or marina so the driver can take you directly to the correct departure point. This ensures a smooth connection between your airport arrival and your Isla Catalina excursion, allowing you to start your Caribbean adventure without unnecessary delays.

sla Catalina is one of the Caribbean’s top natural attractions for American travelers seeking an unforgettable marine adventure.It offers the perfect combination of:World-class snorkeling and diving Pristine beaches Crystal-clear water Peaceful, unspoiled environment Easy access from major resort areas

Catalina Island can be visited year-round thanks to the Dominican Republic’s tropical climate. Average temperatures range from 78°F to 88°F.Best season (December to April)This is the most popular time for American travelers due to:Calm seas Clear underwater visibility Sunny skies Comfortable temperaturesBest for:Snorkeling Scuba diving Boat excursions Photography Summer and fall (May to November)Travelers can still enjoy great experiences, including:Warmer water temperatures Fewer crowds Lower tour pricesOccasional tropical rain showers may occur, but tours often continue depending on sea conditions.

Do you have more questions about your transfer to Catalina Island?

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We'll answer all your questions before you even land.