Full Day Excursion to Isla Saona from Punta Cana
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Dominican Republic
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spend a day immersed in the beauty of the Caribbean on this full-day excursion to Saona Island from Punta Cana. Climb aboard a catamaran and party on the way to Saona. Then, enjoy plenty of time to swim and sunbathe before tucking into a delicious buffet lunch on the beach. On the way back, stop in Palmilla to swim in the natural pool.
- Your lunch is accompanied by a premium open bar
- Enjoy views of the Caribbean as you sail
- There are sun loungers available for your stay on the beach
- Enjoy the warm sun on the deck of the catamaran
Sample Menu
Main
White Rice Grilled chicken, grilled cutlet, salad and fruits.
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- LunchTypical
- Alcoholic BeveragesOver 18
- Soda/Pop
- Speedboat and Catamaran
- Party on the Catamaran
- Natural pool
- Towel
- Sun Cream or Repellents
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Palmilla
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Isla Saona
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages only for adults
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Travis_P
They really meant full day ! This was my first time visiting the DR and overall the tour was amazing. I would suggest eating a hearty breakfast before your pickup because you will make a few stops before the actual boat ride starts at Cotubanamá. The boat ride was long ( 2 hours each way) but it was worth it in the end. The catamaran stops half way on the journey in a shallow area where you can swim for around 20 mins then you continue on to Saona island.
Reviews
4.0
based on 20 reviews
Nancy_S, Mar 2026
If we had known it would have taken so long to get there with all the stops along the way, we wouldn't have gone. Let me explain. Firstly, we chose our pick up location and turned out we weren't being picked up at our lobby. I got a call since we were still not found and we were supposed to walk half a kilometre to the main gate of all the resorts. 8h05am rough start.
Then we drove to a place where all the tourist buses go and we literally felt like human trafficking where people were moved from one bus to another and back and forth, us included. That took at least 45 minutes to switch people around, very aggravating.
After the "trades" we left and drove for a long time taking a detour to stop at a little shopping strip where the guides apparently must stop as per agreed upon to have the tourist buy souvenirs if they wish. That stop was supposed to be 15 minutes but was actually closer to 40 minutes. My family of 5 just stayed on the bus as we were so annoyed with all the stops.
Took off again and drove to the destination parking lot at last. This whole morning trip took 2.5 hours total just to get to finally parking. Then we walked half a kilometer to arrive to the beach. They had all the groups pose for a welcome photo, which they said was going to be free later, and we boarded the catamaran. No welcome drinks, snacks nothing. After almost 3 hours, our kids were starving! It took another full hour just to get to the gorgeous swimming area at 12h05pm. THIS PLACE was the highlight of our day, it looked like the Maldives. We stayed there for 30 minutes. They served us warm rum and coke, whatever, we were so thirsty.
Took off again and took another 45 minutes to arrive at the island where we were served very basic cold foods, ok chicken and pork. Again warm rum and coke only option, kids had water. The beach there was ok, lots of sharp rocks at the bottom, bring your water shoes!
After 2 hours we left. Took over 90 minutes to return to the main beach. Then walked the half kilometer again to the buses.
Once on the bus, we seriously just wanted to go!!! But this sales guy comes on and offers us this bottle of alcohol for $20 with all our group photos were stuck on! Free photo, sure. Buy the $20 bottle and you get your photo! We were so offended we didn't even want to look at it. That took another 20 minutes for his sales pitch. Then we waited another 20 minutes just because, we asked why we weren't leaving and never got an answer.
Finally left the lot. After only 15 minutes driving we stopped at a gas station so people could get a snack and drink. Supposed to be a quick stop. Took another 30 bloody minutes! I personally was boiling in my seat, we just want to go.
Another hour later, we finally got dropped off at our main gates, walked half a kilometer to our lobby. We were exhausted.
The 30 minutes at the beautiful swimming area, although VERY breath taking, wasn't worth all the travels. 12 hours door to door.
EVELYN_M, Mar 2026
Make sure to you rest the night before and have some breakfast, yes it take time to your destination but is all worth it. Love the experience and the people.
Michael_M, Feb 2026
Disorganized transportation to get to dock, long waits to board boat. There is Only rum and Coca Cola (no other alcoholic beverages on board nor do they have water to drink (bring your own), kids on board try to sell you cheap ass bandanas to make extra money, they keep on asking for tips, the amount of tourists at the shallow water area is ridiculous, Saona island is not long enough to enjoy (only 30 mins and they rush you off the island), the wait for the lunches are way too long and disorganized, the transport back to land is on a speed boat. Overall, catamaran ride was nice, the island was super beautiful but everything else was just horrible. Honestly they over charge, if you request English they don’t speak English well enough to communicate properly. It’s a really bad tour. If you want to go, go but please don’t have high expectations at all just go with the flow, and expect all what I mentioned above. I enjoyed part of it, but was patient with the rest of the b.s. and took the good out of the bad.
anelyss_b, Aug 2025
Everything was perfect! Very relaxing to swim at 2 different places! Get in line for buffet quick tho!
Omar_N, Aug 2025
This excursion was fantastic. The island was beautiful except for the rocks in the ocean which no one talks about. The bus ride going to the boat made a pit spot and made us swap buses. Once there we got on a small boat to then get on the catamaran. Once on it, we were served rum and soft drinks. There was music playing and we danced. We were able to mi e around the boat with ease. On the island we swam and there was a buffet. I didn’t care much for the food but it was ok. There are bathrooms and chairs to sit in. Then we went to the natural pool in the middle of the ocean where we were able to swim and enjoy the rest of the day. I would advise you to have breakfast if possible as it is a long day and they don’t serve you food until the afternoon. At the end of the day you go back to the buses on a speed boat. Everyone was so friendly and it was just a fantastic day. The buses had AC so that helped with the long day in the sun.
RichArteaga, Jul 2025
The transportation very disorganized, the trip included snorkeling but they didn’t give us that, also the food below average. The island is pretty but very crowded not much to do.
ebony_m, Jun 2025
This was a very nice experience, however it will take up your entire day. Saona island was wonderfull, wish we could have stayed longer. We were there for two hours. The only issue we had was the driver got lost dropping us off at our resort so we missed our dinner reservation.
Gabriela_R, May 2025
The bus driver that picked us up from our hotel failed to explain the process and we almost ended up at a different destination. He drove us to a meeting point and left us inside the bus and walked out. Other people entered the bus and had it not been for someone who said the bus was headed to Santo Domingo, we would’ve remained inside that bus and ended up at the wrong destination. They need to explain the process from the beginning to avoid these type of mistakes.
Travis_P, Apr 2025
They really meant full day ! This was my first time visiting the DR and overall the tour was amazing. I would suggest eating a hearty breakfast before your pickup because you will make a few stops before the actual boat ride starts at Cotubanamá. The boat ride was long ( 2 hours each way) but it was worth it in the end. The catamaran stops half way on the journey in a shallow area where you can swim for around 20 mins then you continue on to Saona island.
April_R, Dec 2024
My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful day excursion to Saona Island. The crew were very helpful and made the experience ever fun. Ana, the photographer, was very personable and aided in poses. The dancers were very engaging and made everyone feel comfortable. The beach is absolutely gorgeous and the buffet was very good! After tanning for a while, I took in a game of volleyball with other guests. I would definitely go again if in Punta Cana
Jose_R, Nov 2024
It’s an active fun filling day. The guides are protective and focus to complete the experience for each person. The Dominance young men are brilliant and extra intelligent. They will become great adults.
Maritza_S, Mar 2023
Wonder beach , Island beach was quite the experience. It should be a be a way to transfer people to the Catamaran that particular system needs improvement. Other than was superb. Great vives and wonderful memories.
MarkM, Jul 2022
Finding this excursion through the online review/booking website I use frequently proves how important reviews are. Let's start by saying I am a 40-something man I have traveled to many major beach destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, over the years. I love a boat excursion and thought I had done my due diligence.
The night before our excursion, I received a Whatsapp message the night before the excursion detailing pickup time of 07:50am and procedure. I responded to the message the following morning looking for an update, however, there was no response.
The driver was right on time and he actually came to the door of the hotel, when the message indicated that we would have to go to the hotel's front entrance. We then took a relatively short trip to a gas station/coffee shop for us to be loaded onto another bus to get to the port for departure. Once at the port, we were then accosted by multiple people selling bags/hats/etc.
Now here comes the part that I didn't care for and reminded me of the boat getaway scenes prevalent in every episode of "Miami Vice" (again, millenials and Gen Z, look it up). Overall, there was about an hour to 90 minutes of bumping and jumping over waves, while the "captain" maniacally laughed and the 20somethings seemed to be thoroughly entertained. At one point, it started to rain and so the raindrops stung my head as he plowed into the rain, at full speed.
The rollercoaster-style driving of the boat ended momentarily at the "Piscina Natural" (Natural Pool) for about an hour. There was a photographer taking photos in the water; my friend lived his photoshoot and I declined and swam around taking my own selfies and the coastline. After the hour was done, we jetted down the coast for more swashbuckling bumps and cringeworthy speed. We stopped once for those who chose to take a dip, then off again. We came to a stop just off the coast of Saona and made our way to the shore. We were fed (rice, chicken parts, cucumber, fruit) and then given the opportunity to take advantage of massages, lounging, frolicking on the beach or any combination of these activities. I believe we had about 2.5 hours on the beach and then we made our way to a catamaran to take us back to the port of Bayahibe.
The catamaran was fun - there was dancing, audience participation contests and limited drinks were served (beer and rum?). This was a welcome break after the speedboat situation. My friend was shown his photos and negotiated a better price than they wanted him to pay. We were asked to trade a tip for a Dominican flag 'do rag which we gladly did. By this point, there were some boat guests who overindulged and I wish they had been cut off, 10 drinks earlier.
We arrived back at the port and made our way home after we were asked to buy a souvenir "mamajuana" bottle (with the dry ingredients) with your picture affixed to the bottle. We declined because the recipe seemed a little overwhelming.
About 90 minutes later, we arrived back at our hotel and the excursion came to an end; from door-to-door RT was about 11.5 hours for this trip.
**SUMMATION**
*Eat a hearty breakfast because there is only one opportunity to eat on Saona Island
*Wear your bathing suit/swim trunks under your clothes to ease your transition to the natural pool and beach
*If jumping waves a la Evil Knievel (millenials and younger, Google it) sounds less than ideal to you, then this may not be your thing.
*bring paper money (PESOS) for the photos in the Natural Pool if you want to buy them OR for Saona Island for activities (massages, souvenirs, etc.)
Sebastien_V, Apr 2026
I was really disappointed by the excursion to Saona Island. The day is mainly composed of transport: bus + boat for hours, with very little real time on site.
Once we get to Isla Saona, we eat quickly, and just 30 minutes later... we have to leave already. There’s practically no time to enjoy the beach or the setting.
We spend more time getting around than enjoying the island, which makes the experience frustrating and not at all relaxing.
👉 At that price, I expected a real relaxing day, not a transport marathon.
I do not recommend this excursion.
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Rhaisa_T, Sep 2025
Superrr good we had super amazing very attentive and good people
The best island is passed auper on the excursion
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Maxim_M, Sep 2025
The guides Roberto and John Wich are excellent people, a good tour.
You are picked up from your hotel......
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Mercedes_P, Feb 2025
Todo muy organizado. La isla es hermosa, la comida es buena y muy completa. Coco Loco muy bueno animando al grupo. Lo recomiendo mucho el tour!
SILVIA_S, Jan 2025
La isla es un lugar hermoso....un paisaje unico.
El servicio de traslado terrestre fue excelente, muy puntual.
La comida en la isla estuvo bien (arroz.fideos.ensalada de repollo. Pollo o cerdo y frutas)
En cuanto al traslado en agua me parece que falto mas animacion y variedad de bebidas a bordo
falafaustohotmailcom, Sep 2024
Uma confusão para saber onde estava o transfer, trocamos de ônibus 3 vezes, parou quase 1 hora para esperar outras pessoas, almoço horroroso , macarrão gelado e frango cru, não recomendo a ninguém
Jessica_O, Nov 2023
Lugar maravilhoso, experiência incrível! O único ponto negativo é que tinha um pote com pastéis no catamarã, não havia nenhum lugar escrito o valor então parecia que era cortesia do passeio, porém não era, era cobrado um valor a parte. Gostei muito do fotógrafo e monitor Julio, excelente! Valeu muito a pena o passeio.
From $58.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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