Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Head to the sparsely inhabited Saona Island on a full-day trip from Punta Cana. Join a small group and visit the town of Mano Juan, home to a turtle conservation area. Then, spend the rest of your day exploring a secret beach as well as Abanico and Palmilla beaches, each with its own charm. Your day trip includes a simple breakfast and a hearty, buffet lunch on the beach.
- Learn about turtle conservation from a community leader
- Search for starfish and marine life with a provided snorkel
- Hassle-free transfers from select locations
- A small group means more attention from your guide
What's Included
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Thanks for reserve our experience Please write to us: your full name your location name where do you need to be pick up We provided pick up and drop off from Punta Cana to Bayahibe Port and back to Punta Cana. The experience is for a small groups of 14 pax. Limited 2 groups. We develop the entire excursion over speed boat in Saona Island. Punta Cana to the Port of Bayahibe by Bus. Bring swimming suits, towels, sun block, bugs repellent, money. We provided breakfast and lunch if you have any food restrictions or you need information about the food we provided feel free to contact us. We served for breakfast sandwiches with cheese and tomatoes and cheese and turkey ham with do natural juiced and a fruit salad. For lunch with provided a buffet with traditional Dominican lunch( rice with vegetables, mash potatoes salad, green salad, fruits salad, bread, pasta in tomatoes sauce marinate with lobster, grilled chicken, grilled pork chops. We do one stop in a convenient store 10 minutes before the port where you can buy anything of your preference. You are free to bring to the trip drinks or food of your preference if you need it. Thanks again for reserve with me your experience to Saona Island. Best Regards Melvin Duran +18293707381
Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
For this Saona Island small-group tour either head directly to the meeting point on Bavaro Beach, or if you’ve requested pickup, get picked up from your Punta Cana location. This tour has a maximum of 12 travelers for an intimate full-day experience.
First your group makes your way to Mano Juan, home to a turtle conservation area. Breakfast is included, too. After a short time in Mano Juan, continue to a secret beach for stunning views and a swim.
Next, visit Abanico Beach on Saona Island for a delicious lunch buffet and free time to spend on the beach as you please.
Lastly, visit Palmilla Beach, where you can search for starfish before making your way back to Punta Cana for drop-off.
First your group makes your way to Mano Juan, home to a turtle conservation area. Breakfast is included, too. After a short time in Mano Juan, continue to a secret beach for stunning views and a swim.
Next, visit Abanico Beach on Saona Island for a delicious lunch buffet and free time to spend on the beach as you please.
Lastly, visit Palmilla Beach, where you can search for starfish before making your way back to Punta Cana for drop-off.
1
Isla Saona
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Parque Nacional del Este
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Saona Island
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Parque Nacional del Este
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Parque Nacional del Este
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- 0-5 not allow
- Pregnant not allowed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Summer_S
Hands down, the best part of our trip to DR was this excursion!! Melvin & Natalia were wonderful and provided such a beautiful experience! Book this excursion, you won’t regret it!! Saona Island is amazing, and the little touches that were put into this day did not go unnoticed.
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,456 reviews
Ivy_V, Jun 2026
Although it's an early AM departure, it was totally worth it! It's a long day, but plenty of time to relax, enjoy the sights and see some amazing marine life. Melvin was a great guide, offered quite a bit of history, and the tour company supports the turtle sancturary, which we loved. Being able to snorkel and see the starfish in the beautiful Caribbean Sea was amazing!
Michal_J, Jun 2026
Great experience but you need to check when is good time to sea baby turtles. Fantastic beach and stuff
Kakneka_M, Jun 2026
The tour operator lists 6am as pick up time but will inform you via messaging that they will want to pick you up at 5:40am because they are not able to access inside of the resort gates. They were able to pull right up to our hotel lobby in our case. We missed the bus by 5 minutes (they left before 6am). They did message us to let us know that they had arrived but we didn't get the message. When I called, the guy was pretty nasty and just kept scolding me for not being there and how many messages they sent. Our hotel was trying to help us out by getting us a taxi to the port but it didn't work out. It was my error in timing and we decided not to reschedule the next day (only time available per the tour operator). $500 lost so be on time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Good morning Kakneca
Thanks for wrote your review I really appreciated it.
We send you a message with your pick up over the platform where you booked and we resend you message to your phone the day before the excursion. 5:40 am your pick up time because your hotel it’s in uvero alto 40 minutes from bavaro, our driver went to your lobby you were not there, we call you, you don’t answer. You show up at 6:10 am 30 minutes after.
All my experience is about timing, we can’t wait 30 minutes because after the excursion won’t be the same.
As tour operators in this case when someone can’t show up we give the option to reschedule but if you are not able to rescheduled we won’t refund you just because you didn’t show up on time, definitely not, besides make the entire operation late, besides make all others to wait longer of what they need to be waiting, we can’t refund you , we can reschedule but not refund you for your mistakes.
That’s correct if you don’t show up on time you or any other participant have to be left behind, we do everything as possible for ours guest and for make this day especially but we need to have respect for the time of the others too.
You booked a fly ticket to Dominican Republic and you arrived to the airport 4 hours before so after you booked an excursion you can’t be there 5 minutes before?
Best Regards
Melvin Duran
Julie_L, Jun 2026
Operator canceled on us the night before our excursion. He said there was protesting happening there and the government closed the port at Bayahíbe for 3 days. After some research and booking the same trip through our hotel, the government did not close the port. Our butler called his friends to make sure it was safe there and they have not heard of any thing happening there. So, we still got to go a day later than expected, thanks to booking through our hotel, and we did not see any protesting happening.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Good morning Julie
I don't put the life of my clients on risk for money definitely not, its was an strike annouce for 3 days the strike only take place 1 days and its was the day we need to cancelled. You were advice the day before we give you the option to reschedule or give you full refund of your money if you were not able to reschedule.
I don't put the life of my staff in risk neither. You have children's in your family its will be worst if we are in the middle of an strike with our guest if something happened to them, but, you are so frustrated that you prefers to try to come to our wall and try to destroy our good reputation just because we are trying to protect you and your family of any damage. you prefers to put your life in risk, im sorry but we are not stupid here for lost everthing in one day.
I hope you be enjoy the day with your hotel excursion with 200 people over a catamaran but we dont do that with our guest we dont put them on risk for money.
Ps: when you come in my excursion you can feel the difference and wrote a review like all the others guest but you didnt come in my excursion you are just assuming things that are not thru.
Best Regards
Melvin Duran
Clare_D, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for today you and your whole crew were amazing my party thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I think it’s great what you do, my only constructive criticism I could give you would be to add vegan options to the menus I couldn’t fault anything else.
Kindest regards and appreciation
Marsha_G, Jun 2026
This was the most beautiful day we spent in Punta Cana! I Highly recommend. Getting there we had some mishaps, our daughter was sick. The driver was patient, even pulled over. Once we got to the destination port we met our boat captains and crew. PEDRO went above and beyond, even stalling our departure a few minutes to allow her to get to a bathroom. There was another boat with guests that went ahead of us.. (Everyone on the boat was kind). This did not delay the excursion. After that we were off! BEAUTIFUL island. Learned about the turtles and their conservation.
We were able to spend a couple hours on the beach, with lunch, drinks, massages and beautiful water.
After we had theopportunity to head to the shores where we were able to see the turtles! Snorkel and hold starfish. I cannot say enough about Pedro and his crew. They were very attentive and interactive! It’s not easy to entertain teen girls, but we had a blast!
Melissa_C, Jun 2026
The driver was prompt and the van was air-conditioned. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and very accommodating to all of us. We had such an amazing time and met some great people!
dale_k, Jun 2026
It’s a long day but worth it ,it was very well organised good value for money couldn’t fault it at all ,all in all an amazingly fantastic day and Melvin was very knowledgeable and professional and made our day brilliant.
Debbie_N, Jun 2026
Fantastic well organised trip from Start to finish
A truly great guide who’s passionate about his job and leave you with amazing memories
Michele_W, Jun 2026
Melvin is hands down the best Host/guide we have ever seen. If your looking to party this isn’t for you, however rum and beer was provided and plenty of them. We had time to relax and see the island but he also taught us the culture and history along the way. His staff is very kind and took care of our every need. Our lunch was great as well as the snorkeling and swimming. You won’t regret taking this tour.
Ben_L, Jun 2026
Melvin and his team timed out everything perfectly to avoid all the big crowds.
All the stops were engaging!!
Suzzanne_D, Jun 2026
This was a Contracted tour with a Local company, although the tourist Guides were very nice. The Quality of the trip was Very, Very Extremely disappointing!!! This was nothing that I saw in pictures!!!! I read that we were taking a Catamaran but there was NO Catamaran in site the description of the trip seemed to have Changed After the booking information was processed. We were taken to Soana Island by Speed Boats, that were second class type boats. Although I did feel safe, it was Very Very bumpy. And a small boat for 7 people!!
Than the meals that were included, were horrendous, breakfast was cheese and ham sandwiches, some minimal fruit and drinks. The drinks were handed out in small cups and passed out, no individual water Bottled to drink. Our lunch was so very second class. DRY Rice and beans, strange potato salad, some fresh tomatoes and cucumbers with sliced cabbage, not quite a salad. And some cheap spaghetti and dry chicken and pork meat. This was nothing that I saw in pictures!!!! We did not hardly have any Snorkeling experience Very upsetting! The beach wee stop for lunch was awful. Full of shells and rock could not enjoy the ocean at all. What really was ridiculous was we were told we would stop to swim and see Star fish, OMG LOL, a scam, we were able to get out of boat and swim. But the guides pulled out 2 Star fish that we were able to take Pictures of.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Good evening Suzanne
I understand your frustration after we denied to refund you.
It’s important to read before you booked something since 2015 we are doing the same program and everything is writing in the description. 1- We work over speedboat because we offer small groups excursion we can’t not use a catamaran for 200 people, that’s will be a scam. We used speed boat where we sit 14 passengers even the boat is for 20 people but we always used speed boat, I don’t know where you read catamaran, that’s not my experience.
The distance from Punta Cana to Bayahibe is around 1 hours and 30 minutes depending on your hotel, that’s also writing in the excursion description.
The menu is also writing in the descriptions we served for breakfast with sandwiches and fruits and natural juices and traditional Dominican lunch as buffet served on the beach, that was explained in the bus also and we do one stop before the port where you are able to buy anything of your preference after the guide explain and give you the information of the day.
Over the past 10 years the people leave good review about the food, we reach the maximum standard offer in the area, but we will try to make it better for our future guest, the taste of the food it’s something very personal that can be different depend of each culture.
There’s some many way to give a feedback.
About the star fish, it’s all depends where you swim, if you use snorkeling and swim a little bit out to where the starfish habitat you might see hundreds but if you don’t swim or used snorkeling it’s not the same, all the others see a lot of star fish you just were swimming in the wrong direction therefore you saw star fish and take pictures of them, sorry you don’t see so many as you were expecting next time you need swim forward. Nothing scam here with the star fish it’s a natural sand bar over 20 km of white sand beaches and star fish a real paradise.
I wish you all the best in life, we will take your review in consideration for improve our services in the areas need it but you need to read before you booked because it’s look you were thinking you will do the big catamaran excursion for 200 people and that’s exactly what we don’t do.
Best Regards
Melvin Duran
Trena_m, Jun 2026
Definitely worth the price. Wonderful day. Melvin's passion for the Dominican Republic is a highlight of the tour. Family all loved it.
Resty_A, Jun 2026
Melvin and his crew were fantastic! It's definitely worth the extra cost. The pace is just right, allowing you to enjoy and experience the beach, the water, and some culture and history. I definitely recommend Melvin and company!
LINDA_H, Jun 2026
Melvan and his team are professional and friendly. The boat ride by speedboat was very bumpy but we did arrive much earlier than other tours and were first on the beach. The beach was amazing, the lunch was delicious. We didnt snorkel, but others did and it was cool to see the sea turtles and starfish up close. The only part that was less than great was the van ride as we were packed in tight and the return transport was 40 minutes late on return. It’s a long day, be prepared for primitive bathrooms and jumping on and off the boat several times. But it was worth it!
Cheryl_R, Jun 2026
Very informative and well organized! The experience was wonderful…the people, the food, the beach, the boat ride!
Alison_K, Jun 2026
It was great! The stops are beautiful, food is great. You could tell the crew really care about what they do. Definitely a must do experience!
Jayla_G, Jun 2026
This was a really dope
Experience !! Food
Was good and the water was pretty ! Boat ride to the island was fun ! Sit in the front if you want a wild ride lmao ! Pepe can Tokyo drift with his boat lol! Our tour guide was really awesome and knowledgeable ! Everything was on time and we started early to get ahead of the crowds ! Really awesome time ! 10/10
Chad_S, Jun 2026
Great overall island excursion with beautiful water. Be prepared for lengthy and very bumpy boat ride.
Marlene_L, Jun 2026
Highly recommend this tour! Yes, it is an early start to the day but we were at the island before anyone else! We had the whole beach to ourselves (the 28 of us - two boats) until the other tours started to arrive. Each stop was just our two boats and it was awesome! The water is unbelievable - it's crystal clear and magical!
Ann_V, May 2026
This is an educational all day trip with lots of stops and things to do and see. The beach is gorgeous but wear water shoes to get through the crushed coral. It is well worth the money for the small group experience.
Jeffery_H, May 2026
Marvin & his crew are absolutely the best! This was truly one of the most incredible trips we’ve ever experienced. Traveling with a small group made such a huge difference — we’ve done both large and small group trips, and this experience was by far more personal, relaxing, and enjoyable. Marvin and his crew went above and beyond in every single way to make sure everyone felt comfortable, taken care of, and had the best time possible.
Their kindness, attention to detail, professionalism, and genuine hospitality made the trip unforgettable. You can tell they truly care about the people they’re hosting and take pride in creating an amazing experience from start to finish. Every part of the trip was well organized, stress free, and filled with fun memories we’ll never forget.
If you’re thinking about booking with Marvin and his crew, do it — you will not be disappointed. We cannot wait to travel with them again!
Response from Host, May 2026
Good morning Jeffery
The pleasure was mine to spend time with your family and share some information about our Island and the places that we visited during the experience
As you can see we try to make the day special for each guest
To be on time for the pick up it’s very important for we to develop our program and enjoy the beaches not to crowded
Thanks for reserved with us Saona Island full day small groups excursion
Best regards
Melvin Duran
Shannon_B, May 2026
The first stop was a short look inside the local community, then there was plenty of beach time with beautiful waters, sea life, and even a delicious lunch! We loved that you could learn as much or as little about the DR as you wanted.
Response from Host, May 2026
Good morning Shannon
Thanks for wrote your review
I really appreciate it
Was nice to share some history with you about Dominican Republic
Best Regards
Melvin Durán
Linda_L, May 2026
If you are looking for a smaller and more intimate experience at Saona Island, I highly recommend this tour. Melvin and his team were great and knowledgeable. He also explains the history of Dominican Republic, which I really enjoyed. My friends and I felt safe and comfortable with his team. Never felt pressure to purchase anything on this tour or pressure to write a review.
Thank you for a wonderful experience and great memories, Melvin and Team!
Response from Host, May 2026
Good evening Linda
Thanks for wrote your review
Thanks for your words about our saona island full day small groups experience
Thanks for reserved with us
Best regards
Melvin Duran
Crystal_W, May 2026
This tour was by far our favorite of the trip. Melvin and his crew were so informative, kind and amazing. Melvin is so knowledgeable on the history of the Dominican Republic. He treats everyone with kindness and respect. If you only do one thing in Punta Cana do this tour!! I can’t say entirely good things about it.
Response from Host, May 2026
Good evening Cristal
Was nice to meet you and share some history facts with you and the reta of the group. A lot of things happened in this island but a lot of poeple don’t have the I organize information for be able to explain why we have today in this island 2 different country Dominican Republic and Haiti, two nations that have been growing fast in their own particular way.
Thanks for reserved with us the full day small groups excursion to saona island was nice to meet you.
Best regards
Melvin Duran
Denice_A, May 2026
I've been to Saona Island three times. This is my first time with this tour company. Pick this tour company if you want to be one of the first people to get to Saona Island. We traveled with a small group. I think it was around 25 people total split between two speed boats. No catamaran so we got to our destinations quicker. The speed boat ride was fun and not too bumpy or wet. It's like riding a jet ski but without the fear of tipping over lol and smoother.
What I like about this tour company versus the others:
1. Smaller group which meant less time picking people up from different hotels.
2. Speed boats on both departure and return which mean quicker access to destinations and also got back to our hotel at a good time (by 5:30pm i was in my hotel).
3. No loud music or party scene (for those who want a more relaxing scene/ and if not then bring your own speaker)
4. The tour operator was very friendly and informative. He took pictures of the group and individuals and sent them to us for no extra charge!
5. You stop at a gas station before taking off. They had clean restrooms and coffee and snacks to purchase. I thought it was a reasonable price for our purchase. I got three coffees, three bags of chips and gum for $13. I didn't need to buy the snacks tho because the breakfast and lunch provided were delicious and plentiful.
Overall I would recommend this activity.
Tips:
Bring your own towel and an extra coverup.
Bring Cash.
Bring lots of sunscreen and a good hat.
Response from Host, May 2026
Good evening Denice
Thanks you for your words really thank you as you can see and verify our program and itinerary it’s made for enjoy the most in saona also involving the locals inside saona that most tourists don’t even know there’s poeple leaving inside saona island since 1945, very unique places Mano Juan.
Thanks for reserve with us
Best regards
Melvin Duran
Aaron_S, May 2026
This small group excursion was worth the 6am pickup time, getting out to Saona Island early to get to enjoy the beauty, and history of the island
Response from Host, May 2026
Good evening Aaron
Thanks for reserved our saona island full day small groups excursion was very nice to meet you
Best regards
Melvin Duran
HALI, May 2026
I really enjoyed this excursion it was very educational and we did a lot. It was well worth the money. Food was provided and you can also snorkel if you wish, just don’t go on that boat with no wig on I was holding on to my wig the whole time lmaooo but I’d def do it again 10/10
Response from Host, May 2026
Good evening
Thanks for reserved with us was very nice to meet you
Best regards
Melvin Duran
Alaina_B, May 2026
Melvin & his crew were amazing!!! We had many stops and they were very helpful. Melvin took pictures of us throughout the day & sent them after. We visited many areas, saw the star fish, sea turtles, and was able to snorkel. We had breakfast and lunch provided and we arrived to the island before all the big crowds. They made it fun and we got to learn about the culture. 10/10 recommend this tour!!!!
Response from Host, May 2026
Good evening Alaina
Thanks for reserved with us
Thanks for wrote your review was very nice to meet you
Best regards
Melvin Duran
Steven_M, May 2026
An absolutely stunning experience. Our tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and patient. The staff and captains were so accommodating. From helping us off boats to making sure our cups were always filled. The buffet was very tasty and the itinerary for the day was exactly as described. 10/10 experience!!!
Response from Host, May 2026
Good morning Steve
Thanks for wrote your review
Thanks for your words regarding our saona island small groups excursion, thanks for your words regarding our staff we always try to make this day special for everyone.
Thanks for reserved with us
Best Regards
Melvin Duran
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