9 hours 30 minutes (approx)
Collection offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in:
English
overview
Experience the true beauty of the Caribbean on this fun and exciting tour. Explore the island of Saona by speedboat and catamaran, including the special Saona natural pool and the beautiful white sand beach of Abanico. With a local guide to help you find the best spots for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming and more, it will be a relaxing, stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Delicious lunch included
Open the line
See starfish in Saona's natural pool
Snorkeling equipment included
what is included
Round trip transportation
Professional driver
Speedboat and catamaran to Isla Saona
Lunch
Alcoholic beverage
Use of breathing apparatus
25 minutes stop at the largest natural pool
20 minutes for snorkeling
Photos
towels
Fish, shrimp, lobster (available at extra cost)
meet and pick up
collection points
Select a pickup point
start time
7:30 am
Collection details
Once the reservation is made, our staff will contact you via SMS, email or Whatsapp and give you the pick-up time according to your hotel or location*. Meeting point with our guide. You will be at the hotel reception, our representatives will have a sign and give the name when booking the tour.
What to expect
Bayahibe
5 hours • Free entrance ticket
Saona Island
3 hours • Entrance ticket included
More information
You will receive a confirmation upon booking
It is not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Accessible strollers
Most travelers can participate
There are up to 60 travelers on this tour/activity
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience and receive a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start of the experience.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience, the amount paid will not be refunded.
Changes made less than 24 hours before the start of the experience will not be accepted.
Check-in times are based on the experience's local time.
Good weather is required for this experience. If the tour is canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
regarding cancellations.
travel photos
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critics
4,0
20 reviews
Total number of reviews and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 20 reviews
Beautiful island but not the best travel experience
5nxxvfccpm,
June 2023
The overall experience was good. I would recommend the organizer to offer better quality food and note that there is indeed an open bar available. Also pay attention to how many passengers will be on board so that the boats are not overloaded.
Answered by the host, June 2023
Good morning, thanks for the recommendation. However, we would like to point out that the capacity of the boats is limited. In other words, if the catamaran is designed for 50 people, no other people can go because the authorities do not allow it. Each vessel has the capacity for which it is registered.
A great day that ended up wasted
Tyrone_S,
May 2023
The little kids didn't have their own seat on the way back and had to share a seat, which is illegal in my country and also a complete disregard for the health and safety of minors. Our speedboat also broke down on the way back
Answered by the host, May 2023
Greetings, Thank you for your review. The boat's seats are long enough for two people. If children are riding, the father must sit next to the child. It is illegal to send a child in a seat alone as the authorities will not allow it. Therefore, for safety reasons, the child must be accompanied by their parents. His child is 8 years old and walked next to him as the seats are designed for two people. Bone could not be sent into position for two, as this is not allowed by the authorities
Pleasant, but not as advertised
Zach_B,
May 2023
Full day excursion. Little did I know that the journey to and from the boat boarding point takes one hour each way with no stops for passengers. The drivers were very good. Lots of people waiting for the boats on the island as well. Lunch was very small and not fresh. Snorkeling isn't really snorkeling, you just get goggles and throw some bread in the water and you only have about 5 minutes to 'snorkel'. Also, the itinerary says we should spend 3 hours on the island, but we only had 1.5 hours. On the return trip they will put bandanas on your head like it's a free gift and then come back to tell you they cost money. The trip was relatively comfortable and the people were very kind, but it's not worth sacrificing a whole day.
Answered by the host, May 2023
Greetings my dear Jacques. Thank you for your review. The trip takes a whole day as the port of embarkation on the island is very far. The food is a buffet you can repeat as many times as you like, the handkerchiefs without local boys who make a living by selling handkerchiefs (which is not mandatory), for snorkeling the specified time is written, 20 minutes no more is less. The place where the bread for the fish is baked is such that people can see the beautiful sight that occurs when they bake biscuits. The time on the island is fixed as by 18:00 all the company's boats must be out of the water.
Not worth 11 hours
Adrienne_B,
May 2023
It took two hours to get to the boat! We kept making random pit stops at souvenir shops and picking up people from the most random places 😒 Our driver didn't speak English to let us know what was going on. We finally got a guide who spoke English. The tour itself was okay at best. The open bar is a joke, the food was average, they basically just took pictures on the whole tour. No snorkeling was offered either. The bus was not there on the way back. We had to wait about 15-20 minutes while people tried to sell us stuff. 20 minutes is a long time when you are already unhappy after an 11 hour journey. Finally, they overpack the boats.
Answered by the host, May 2023
greetings Ms. Our drivers do not all speak English as the driver is limited to driving only. That's why every bus has a tour guide who takes care of the customers and explains everything about the tours. Drivers cannot act as guides as it is completely prohibited by the Ministry of Tourism. That's what the guide is for. For some hotel pickups, please note that this is a shared tour and if you are at the Riu (as it was) and a customer is at the Royalton Hotel next door, you will be picked up as it is the same route. By boat, the time to the island is 45 minutes by speedboat and one hour by catamaran. So you use both boats. If they go by boat, the return trip will be by catamaran, and if they go by catamaran, the return trip will be by boat. It is impossible to endure two hours to reach the island. As for snorkeling, the designated time has been given and we can show you the photos and videos you took while snorkeling. According to the videos we have, you and your other friends celebrated a birthday. The drink is Ron Nacional and is included in the price. Due to the fact that the bus was not there, but in the parking lot reserved for buses, once they arrive at the port and all the customers are there, the tour guide asks the driver to go to the port, as it is forbidden for buses to stop in front of the port , for which there is a dedicated bus parking area. Sellers are residents who live there and make a living selling things (they are not our employees).
False advertising
Zara_Z,
May 2023
The guide hardly spoke any English, there was no snorkeling equipment, the food was terrible and almost every person asked for a tip which is very annoying. The music/atmosphere on the catamaran was the only fun aspect of the whole experience. I would not do it with this company again
Answered by the host, May 2023
Greetings, Thank you for your review. As far as I know, this review is about the wrong company. 1- Our guides speak all 4 languages and are certified by the Ministry of Tourism. To work they must be certified by the ministry. 2- When customers go snorkeling, our company will lend them the equipment they can use, as we have plenty of equipment for that. 3- As for the food, it is already a matter of the customers because some people like Dominican food and others don't. But the vast majority like it. 4- For asking for tips and it's not because of our company, it's because of the people who live on the island and sell things for a living. And some of the animation people on the catamaran sometimes ask for a tip (which is not mandatory) when they are done with the show.
Great day out
Rosemary_W,
April 2023
Accurate pickup followed a long descent to the boats. There is a speed boat along the way which is great, stopping to swim in a natural pool filled with starfish. We spent about two hours on the island for lunch, swimming and snorkeling before returning to a catamaran with music, dancing and an open bar. Great day all day 😃
Worth every penny
Denis_G,
March 2023
The trip was very well planned. First you go along the coast to a national park where you can swim. The boat then went to Saona Island where we had lunch and relaxed for a few hours. The crew was fun. Great drinks and music.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great, comprehensive experience in the Dominican Republic
PaulEduardo_V,
January 2023
All in all it was a wonderful and well rounded experience visiting beautiful places in the Caribbean waters, an incredible island, some speedboat fun and a party on a beautiful catamaran on the way back. The food and drinks were also very decent. The only downside was the slight inconvenience with the round trip transfer from the hotel. But nothing prevents us from recommending it, just "be aware" that it won't be as perfect as private boat transportation could be.
Our amazing guide...
Brian_L,
May 2023
Our excellent guide and the wonderful view that Saône Island has to offer. The lobster was also excellent despite the high price.
Great atmosphere on board
Maria Remeni,
August 2021
No shipping!!! 2.30 hours to go, driver stopped at shops...gas station...phffff...1.30 hour round trip. But the tours themselves are brilliant. The staff is perfect, the atmosphere is top 10 out of 10 for Jackson and the whole team!!!! I give 5 out of 5 mainly for the team and the crazy atmosphere they create on the boat. The island is beautiful even if the food is not that bad
Enough
Francois_D,
January 2021
Nice and friendly atmosphere, beautiful beach even if it's not the nicest on the island since I've been there, too many people, too bad
1 traveler found this review helpful
Questions?
Product code: 90806P1
FAQs
Can you snorkel on Saona Island? ›
Relax on the beach of Isla Saona, explore the nature reserve and enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.
What is the best beach in Saona Island? ›Best Beaches of Saona Island
It offers seemingly endless miles of white sand beaches, but some of the most popular Saona Island beaches are Canto de la Playa, Playa Bonita, and Playa del Gato. Palmilla Sandbank is the beach where the natural swimming pool is located.
The drive time to Saona Island from Punta Cana is about 1 1/2 hours. You may go to the island on a Catamaran and return on a speed boat or vice versa. Rum, soda and water are served all day. Beer is only served during lunch but can be purchased outside the lunch hour.
What is Saona Island known for? ›Saona Island is internationally renowned for its mangroves, coral reefs and golden beaches that surround the island. It is perhaps one of the most heavenly places in the Dominican Republic. It has an area of 110 km² of a natural reserve that is part of the East National Park, now called Cotubanamá.
Is snorkeling safe in Punta Cana? ›If you've never snorkeled nor a good swimmer, Punta Cana is the perfect place to start, and safe for the kids. The best way to enjoy snorkeling in Punta Cana is by booking a tour, most tours offer convenient pick-up/drop-off from your hotel and take you to the best snorkeling sites.
Is Punta Cana in Dominican Republic good for snorkeling? ›Snorkeling in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is home to an incredibly diverse array of colorful marine species that live underwater, which visitors can spot on snorkeling or scuba-diving tours. The zone is surrounded by sea and shallow reefs and is perfect for those who have never done snorkeling before.
The Blue Lagoon
In 1980, the famous Saona island was the backdrop of the film Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields, the director chose this beautiful place for its unique beauty.
The Bahía de las Águilas, or Eagle Bay, is within the Jaragua National Park in the province of Pedernales. It's one of the most spectacular settings in the Dominican Republic. This is beauty in its purest state: 5 miles of white sand dotted with giant boulders and cliffs with the clearest water you can imagine.
What is the prettiest beach in Punta Cana? ›Bavaro Beach is generally considered to be the best beach in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic overall. Lined with tall coco palms, its soft, white sand stretches for 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), with a flat slope to the water edge, which makes it perfect for long beach walks.
Which is better Catalina or Saona Island? ›If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dominican Republic, your choice should be Saona Island. On the other hand, if your intention is to enjoy a privileged environment where you can also snorkel or dive, you should choose Catalina Island.
Can you go to Saona Island without a tour? ›
Visiting Isla Saona on your own (without an excursion) If you don't want to participate in a Saona Island excursion at all, you can also head to Isla Saona on your own.
Who lives on Saona Island? ›It is inhabited by only 1200 persons that live in huts made of palms and herbs, as it is prohibited to built there, and whose main occupations are tourism and fishing.
How long is the boat ride from Punta Cana to Saona Island? ›Traveling from Punta Cana to Saona Island takes approximately one and a half hours.
What is the best island near Punta Cana? ›Catalina Island (Isla Catalina) is one of the most popular spots off the coast of the Dominican Republic. At just 2.4 km of the south-eastern coast of the mainland, it's an easy journey from either Punta Cana or Santo Domingo.
Where do boats leave for Saona Island? ›What to expect on a boat trip to Isla Saona. Most Isla Saona tours take you there by speedboat or catamaran and depart from Bayahibe (although you can also set off from Bavaro, Punta Cana, Cap Cana and even Santo Domingo).
How can I avoid getting sick in Punta Cana? ›- Eat and drink safely. ...
- Prevent bug bites. ...
- Stay safe outdoors. ...
- Keep away from animals. ...
- Reduce your exposure to germs. ...
- Avoid sharing body fluids. ...
- Know how to get medical care while traveling. ...
- Select safe transportation.
Safety in Punta Cana vs Cancun
Punta Cana and Cancun are both completely safe for tourists and have tourist security divisions within their police forces. Theft of valuables is the most common type of crime in Punta Cana. Be aware of your belongings, as you would in any tourist city.
Be aware of your surroundings and make sure to only go where you know it's safe. Don't walk alone at night, be smart when it comes to drugs and alcohol, use your intuition and trust your instincts, and take extra precautions when it comes to personal safety. Is there a risk of pickpocketing or mugging in Punta Cana?
Do I need a mask for Punta Cana? ›On Wednesday 16 February 2022, Dominican authorities announced that with immediate effect all COVID-19 measures were suspended, including mandatory mask wearing, social distancing and proof of vaccination for public spaces and private spaces for public use. Changes to COVID-19 measures may happen at short notice.
Is the ocean water clear in Punta Cana? ›Punta can is located on the Atlantic ocean so the water is cooler and rougher. Bayahibe, on the other hand, is located on the Caribbean side, therefore the water is calmer, turquoise, and clear.
Is Punta Cana bad for mosquitoes? ›
Mosquito Season in Punta Cana
In humid areas (natural pools, lakes, swamps), mosquito activity is intense. That is why in the rainy seasons there are many mosquitoes and in the dry ones not so much.
One of the greatest films of the director Steven Spielberg is also a Dominican movie. It was inside the Amber Museum where Jurassic Park was filmed and, specifically, where the initial scene was shot in which the mosquito is shown, one of the symbols of the film, which can still be found in the museum.
Where was Pirates of Caribbean filmed? ›Pirates of the Caribbean Locations
The film shoot locations of Pirates of the Caribbean were not in any one place but spread out between different islands. Notable amongst these were the picturesque islands of Saint Vincent and Grenadine, St. Lucia, remote isles in Tobago Cays, and other smaller places around.
All the Jurassic Park movies were filmed on the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. That being said, in the movies, the islands are supposed to be located on the fictional Isla Nublar off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
What is the cleanest beach in Punta Cana? ›1. Bavaro Beach, the best beach in Punta Cana. Considered one of the best beaches in the world, this is the most famous in Punta Cana. There are plenty of reasons: white like flour sand, thousands of coconut trees, and crystal clear turquoise waters that dazzle.
Is it OK to drink the water in Dominican Republic? ›Can you drink the water? Drinking purified bottled water is recommended and available everywhere in the Dominican Republic. Hotels and restaurants use purified water to clean and cook their food and make ice for their ice machines. Tourists are recommended not to drink the tap water.
Can you drink the water at resorts in Dominican Republic? ›The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that water should only be consumed in the Dominican Republic if it is purified or from a bottle that is sealed.
Who has better beaches Jamaica or Punta Cana? ›If we compare the beaches, then in Punta Cana they are better. Also, it is better for water sports, since there are no many right conditions, for example, for surfing in Jamaica. Punta Cana is more relaxed than busy Jamaica. Secondly, Jamaica is also a great place for your trip, it surprises you with its uniqueness.
Where is the pink sand beach in Dominican Republic? ›Pink sand beaches, tropical breezes and the feeling of being royalty... - Review of Barcelo Bavaro Beach, Bavaro, Dominican Republic - Tripadvisor.
What do you wear to the beach in Punta Cana? ›Make sure to avoid synthetic clothes and opt for airy tank tops, shorts, sundresses and other light clothes. Otherwise, you will sweat a lot under the sun and even in a shade – the temperature and the humidity levels are too high here all year round.
Which side of the island is best in Dominican Republic? ›
Offering stunning white sand beaches, the East Coast is the best side of the Dominican Republic. Some of the best hotels on the East Coast are located in Punta Cana are Westin Puntacana Resort and Four Points Sheraton.
What is the natural pool on the way to Saona Island? ›Isla Saona Natural Pool
Standing in the middle of the Caribbean Sea with waters just below your waist is quite the experience and an integral part of the Isla Saona excursion. On most tours to Saona island, visitors are given an ample amount of time to wade about is these shallow aquamarine waters.
By Dominican law, there's also a US$20 departure tax, the cost of which is usually included in your airfare (verify with your carrier).
Can you leave the resort in Dominican Republic? ›While it is a very safe location, as it is in other countries and cities, there are places where you shouldn't go by yourself. It is generally safe to leave the resort in Punta Cana, it is recommended that you don't do so by yourself and instead book safe Punta Cana Transportation.
Can I enter Dominican Republic without a return ticket? ›Visitors must have a ticket entering and leaving the country, the financial means to pay for their stay, and an address in the Dominican Republic where they will be staying.
What ocean is Saona Island in? ›History of the single village in a dream Island. Mano Juan is a village located in the south of the island of Saona, on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Saona is part of the National Park of Cotubanamá located in the South-East of the Dominican Republic.
Who owns the Dominican Republic island? ›The Dominican Republic is not owned by another country. It is an independent nation. At various times in its history, the Dominican Republic was owned by Spain, Haiti, and the United States.
Where do most Dominicans live? ›The Bronx is currently home to the largest Dominican population in the United States (338,450), while Washington Heights/Inwood is still the most populous Dominican neighborhood in the country.
Was Pirates of the Caribbean filmed on Saona Island? ›It is known for its beaches, and has been used on a number of occasions by filmmakers and advertisers looking for a stereotypical "deserted island" setting for their film or product. Such notable films include Pirates of the Caribbean (2003), and The Blue Lagoon.
Can I bring Mamajuana back to us? ›
Mama Juana is bottled in two ways. The first with just herbs and tree bark for you to take home and mix the rum and wine yourself and the second a ready-to-drink version that has been soaked and prepared for you. Both US and Canadian customs do not permit the transport of Mama Juana if it is not in its liquid.
What is the longest beach in Punta Cana? ›World-famous Bávaro Beach–often lumped into the general “Punta Cana” reference–ranks among the longest, most continuous white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Extending 48 kilometers (30 miles) and surrounded with coral reefs, it's also the most developed section of this Punta Cana resort area.
Why is Punta Cana so cheap? ›The Cost Of Living Is Lower In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a developing country with a low income per capita (that is part of the reason why the Dominican Republic is so cheap). Therefore, visitors can expect most services in the country to be comparatively cheap with the United States.
If you just want to relax at an all-inclusive resort, you can absolutely have a great weekend in Punta Cana. That being said, allowing for at least 5 days in Punta Cana can really help you get into vacation mode and experience the many resort activities and fun day trips.
Which coast of the Dominican Republic has the best beaches? ›Punta Cana/Bávaro Beaches -- One of the world's greatest beach strips is centered at Punta Cana and Bávaro on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. This stretch of beachfront goes on for about 30km (20 miles) and is renowned for its all-inclusive resorts, the largest concentration in the Caribbean.
Why is Saona Island so popular? ›Saona Island is internationally renowned for its mangroves, coral reefs and golden beaches that surround the island. It is perhaps one of the most heavenly places in the Dominican Republic. It has an area of 110 km² of a natural reserve that is part of the East National Park, now called Cotubanamá.
Can you snorkel off the beach in Dominican Republic? ›Dominican Republic snorkeling is fantastic with some good spots to be found in Sousa off of the beaches and in Bayahibe directly off of the beaches. From Bayahibe, you can take a boat ride and see fantastic snorkeling spots in Saona Island and Catalina Island.
What was filmed on Saona Island? ›It is known for its beaches, and has been used on a number of occasions by filmmakers and advertisers looking for a stereotypical "deserted island" setting for their film or product. Such notable films include Pirates of the Caribbean (2003), and The Blue Lagoon.
Can you snorkel off the beach in Tulum? ›The beaches of Tulum are ideal for snorkeling thanks to the shallow depth of its waters and the protection provided by the reef that runs along the entire coast, giving us the opportunity to get to know a little piece of the ''Great Mayan Reef'' the second largest in the world, which covers the coasts of Quintana Roo, ...
Is it safe to swim in the sea in the Dominican Republic? ›Lifeguards may not be present at swimming pools or on beaches and safety and rescue equipment may not be available. The sea can be dangerous, especially during the hurricane season (June-November).
Can you see sharks in Dominican Republic? ›
The warm saltwater around the Dominican Republic makes it popular for sharks. However, as a result of the coral reef, you won't find many sharks near the coast. Instead, you will have to travel into deeper water. As such, most of the sightings come from commercial fishermen rather than tourists.
Are there seaweed free beaches in Dominican Republic? ›Which are the beaches in the Dominican Republic without seaweed? Beaches around Cabarete and La Romana are the best beaches without seaweed during the seaweed season in the Dominican Republic.
Is Catalina Island better than Saona Island? ›If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dominican Republic, your choice should be Saona Island. On the other hand, if your intention is to enjoy a privileged environment where you can also snorkel or dive, you should choose Catalina Island.
How long is boat ride from Punta Cana to Saona Island? ›Traveling from Punta Cana to Saona Island takes approximately one and a half hours.
Was Blue Lagoon filmed in Saona Island? ›In 1980, the famous Saona island was the backdrop of the film Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields, the director chose this beautiful place for its unique beauty. This beautiful landscape is only an hour from our Princess Punta Cana hotels.
Was Pirates of the Caribbean filmed in Antigua? ›Pirates of the Caribbean Locations
The film shoot locations of Pirates of the Caribbean were not in any one place but spread out between different islands. Notable amongst these were the picturesque islands of Saint Vincent and Grenadine, St. Lucia, remote isles in Tobago Cays, and other smaller places around.
Snorkel Rental Gear includes a mask, snorkel and map of the area for 200 pesos per day.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Tulum? ›Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!
How much does it cost to snorkel in Tulum? ›| Cenote Snorkel from Playa del Carmen | Price | Tour Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿Best for non-divers: Discover Scuba Diving Casa Cenote + Snorkel Dos Ojos 🌿 | $204 | 8am – 2pm |
| 🐊Crocodile Night Cenote Snorkel from Playa | $164 | 6pm – 11pm |
| 🐢Snorkel in Akumal reef & Dos Ojos from Playa del Carmen | $139 | 8am-1:30pm |