Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island - Natural pool and lunch
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the true beauty of the Caribbean on this fun and exhilarating tour. Traveling by speedboat and catamaran, explore Saona Island including the special Saona Natural Pool and the white sand Abanico Beach. With a local guide to help you find the best spots for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming, enjoy a relaxing, stress-free experience with included hotel pickup and lunch.
- Delicious lunch included
- Open bar
- See starfish in the Saona Natural Pool
- Hotel pickup included for convenience
What's Included
- Round trip transport
- Professional guide
- Speed boat and catamaran to Isla Saona
- LunchGrilled Chicken, Grilled Pork, Rice, Pasta, Tropical Fruits
- Alcoholic BeveragesNational Rum
- 25-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
- The pick up for this tour is collective
- It’s a shared bus with more people.
- This tour is shared with more people.
- Photography (external company cost additional)
- Towels
- Fish, Shrimp, Lobster ( Available for extra payment)
- Tips are not mandatory
- Beer and piña colada (additional cost)
- The photos belong to another external company. They don't belong to us
- The client must be aware of their belongings, our company is not responsible for lost items.
- This tour does not have pick-up in Cap Cana or the airport area, the taxi is at the client's expense$25.00 per booking
- This tour does not have pick-up in Veron/Pueblo Bavaro, the taxi is at the client's expense$25.00 per booking
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
*Once the client makes a reservation, our corresponding team will contact you via WhatsApp or text message to give you the pick-up time according to your location. *The client must wait for the driver at the lobby entrance. Once the driver is there, he will call you by the name of the person who is on the reservation. If the person does not have the name, it is not us.
Operating hours.7:30 am
Itinerary
1
Punta Cana
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Punta Cana
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Punta Cana
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Punta Cana
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Palmilla
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Isla Saona
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Isla Saona
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
8
Isla Saona
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Stroller accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- The pick up for this tour is collective
- It’s a shared bus with more people.
- This tour is shared with more people.
- tips are not mandatory
- Photography (external company cost additional)
- Pets are not accepted
- The photos belong to another external company. They don't belong to us
- This tour does not have pick-up in Cap Cana or the airport area, the taxi... 25,00 USD por reserva
- This tour does not have pick-up in Veron/Pueblo Bavaro, the taxi... 25,00 USD por reserva
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 60 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
MYRA_S
Amazing! The day was grey; however, the vibe was vibrant. We stopped at a sand bar aka natural swimming pool. Fabulous...Music, dancing, rum, sea stars. Then, off we rode to Saona Island and the joyous atmosphere. Food and open bar. The piña coladas were at an extra cost but worth it. Finally, we headed back; again it was a party on the catamaran. Highly recommend this excursion! Worth the money!
Reviews
3.7
based on 42 reviews
MYRA_S, Nov 2024
Amazing! The day was grey; however, the vibe was vibrant. We stopped at a sand bar aka natural swimming pool. Fabulous...Music, dancing, rum, sea stars. Then, off we rode to Saona Island and the joyous atmosphere. Food and open bar. The piña coladas were at an extra cost but worth it. Finally, we headed back; again it was a party on the catamaran. Highly recommend this excursion! Worth the money!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you very much for sharing your experience
Blake_S, Jun 2024
So the trip on the catamaran took about 1 1/2 hues to get to the swimming place. It was fun, but only rum and coke to drink. Food was extra (didn’t eat it). After the swimming we finished our trip to Saona Island. The island was beautiful, but very rocky. Turns out most were conch shells, so that was pretty neat. But definitely should have worn shoes in the water. The food was mediocre at best. You could not walk 10 steps without someone trying to sell you something. It would be nice just to be able to relax without having a constant bombardment of people over your shoulder yelling at you. This excursion also offers a snorkeling adventure in a small pool with starfish around. At the start of our excursion, our guide Pedro informed us we would do it after Saona Island. When it was time to leave the island, we again asked him and he informed us once we get back to the mainland. When we got back, we met with him and again about the snorkeling. He said yes follow me and get on this bus. He told us three other families were also going to do snorkeling. When we got on the bus, it ended up taking us back to our resort. So we had NO SNOKELING!!! That was at the top of our list. We Pay for the excursion, Paid for the picture package (with no snorkeling pictures) Gave generous tips to the Boat crew and guide, as well as bought things from the locals on Saona Island. After getting back, I reached out to [Viator] And they were able to assist me in getting back a measly $64 off of our excursion. When we spent well over $700 for everything ( including tips and souveniers). I think it’s pretty messed up that a company allows this excursion to advertise whenever after reading the reviews, it shows several other people got screwed over in the process. Please, if you’re wanting to make a memorable experience, do not book this excursion. Book it through another business.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Greetings, Thank you for your review. The first thing is that you paid for an excursion to Saona Island (Not for Snorkeling) we give free snorkeling when the weather allows us. Due to the rains and bad weather that we have been through during the last month, the snorkeling is suspended, which Pedro explained to you and you agreed. on the rocks/on the beach it is like that because of the same rain but not because it is like that. We are in cyclonic season. About the beach vendors, they are locals who live there and make their living this way and the refund you requested of 64 dollars was returned 40 because you bought an excursion to Saona with free snorkeling
Uma_G, Dec 2023
There was a big gap between their advertising pictures and descriptions and the reality. Most of day was spent in transportation than the actual activities. They crammed as many people as possible in the boat. The snorkeling was only for advertising as the water was very choppy and no fish to be seen. There were big lines for the food. The beach chairs were broken and in bad condition. Bottom line we don’t recommend as it was a waste of money and time.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Greetings, thank you for your review, we remind you that if the water was rough it is not our fault but rather nature's fault, with things that escape our hands. We cannot do magic to make the fish see if the water is like this at that moment. Regarding the boats, each boat has the capacity of the person that goes, they always go less and never go more than the capacity since that is what the inspection carried out by the government authorities is for. The Ministry of Tourism and Politours, which are to inspect each boat that goes. Going out, about the line to eat, remember that it is a buffet where there are more people, it is different from the hotel where you are staying. several buffets set up cannot compare the buffet on the Island with that of a Hotel
Ana_S, Dec 2023
Saona is a paradise we visited for 2h. The rest was loosing time on transfers (moving from transport to transport) and activities designed to get the tips out of us - waiting time for catamaran was long, they served only rum and coke, lunch on island was bad (poor choice and they took away full trays soon after serving)... snorkeling did not happen. All in all value for money is 1 out of 10. Proof is that no one left a tip in the end and we were happy to finish finally and go to our hotel
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Good morning my dear Ana. Thank you for your review. On the beach the time is from 2 and a half to 3 hours, so it is the established time, tips are not mandatory, in fact it says in the description that there is no obligation to leave tips. If the snorkeling wasn't done that day it was for some reason, but not because it doesn't happen. In fact, we give it to customers for free. Regarding the food, remember that it is on a list so it is impossible for us to have as much variety as a hotel buffet.
Jessica_M, Nov 2023
Definitely a great day trip. Took 2.5 hours just to get to the boat head's up! Also if you want to snorkel that won't happen until the very end of the trip and make sure you tell your tour guide you want to do it. The natural pool was very beautiful and we got some great pics! The food served on the beach was very good. The beach area is beautiful! Bring some cash for super cheap suveniors!
Corey_B, Nov 2023
A great overall fun time, but let me start by saying when they say this is an all day tour. This is an all day tour. If you’re staying at a resort, you should plan to eat the buffet that night or if you have to schedule at a restaurant it should be 8 o’clock or later and for some resorts that might not be late enough. Also, if you take the catamaran to the island, you take a speed boat back. If you take a speed boat to the island, you take the catamaran back.
I stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace and got picked up by a small van at 8:30 in the morning. We then drove 10 minutes to a gas station by Coco Bongo where we got out and joined a number of other groups from neighboring resorts. After about 30 minutes we were all boarded on bigger shuttles, and headed towards the south of the island for the excursion. All in all it took me two hours to get to the marina so be prepared to take a nap but the buses are very small and tight.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, the guide had us all hit the restroom, and then head down to the marina. There we joined the hundreds of other people waiting on the boats. Another 20 minutes of standing around. We all got on speed boats and took them out to a catamaran out in the harbor. Huge boat that probably could’ve held over 100 people. The crew was fun, they danced, the music was fun, a handful of us helped hoist the sail, but the rum and cokes were just OK, and were all they had. At this point in the tour, all of the people who have been helping become professional photographers and are taking photos of everyone and will try to sell them to you near the end of the trip. This can be a bit annoying because they keep having people pose in areas of the boat where everyone wants to be sitting.
The catamaran cruised along for a couple of hours until we got to the island where we got back on speed boats and went to shore. The water here is absolutely amazing and turquoise blue. We all immediately went to covered picnic area and lunch was served. Lunch was spaghetti, some cucumber salad, a couple of different meats, and for $10 you can get a piña colada in a pineapple. It’s a basic Dominican lunch. I never saw the upgrade lunch option or even how to do it.
After lunch you’re free to roam, swim, whatever you want for about 1.5 - 2 hours, then it’s back on the speed boats. It was raining when we got back on the boats so we did not do the natural pool or the snorkel stop on the way back. We got back a little early because of that and ended up having to sit on the van and waiting for others on different boats to get back. When you get back to the parking lot you should ask somebody with a list which van you’re in based on your resort and they will help you out, should be the same driver/van.
The ride back to the resorts is shorter as they take you directly back.
All that said, be prepared for a lot of riding in a van and some standing around. The boat and the island are awesome but will seem short but you’ll have a great time if you make it great for you.
Crystal_P, Sep 2023
Manuel was an amazing tour guide. Fantastic excursion from start to end. The dancing on the catamaran was the highlight. Highly recommend.
FelixS_D, Sep 2023
Staff super friendly. But the time you spent in the island is not worth the price. Our departure time from The seaport was at 10:45 am. . We arrived at the natural pool and swim there for 30 minute our arrive at Saona island was 1:40 And our departure time from the island is 3:30pm lunch They had rice , pasta , mash potato Grill chicken Some salad and fruits. I recommend to bring your snack . Mash potatoes was good and the rice. Chicken smelled strange.
make your calculation from the hotel departure and the amount of time you spent in the location. Plus they hold you and everything is a huddle that takes from your enjoyment.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Greetings, the check out time is at 9:40 am not 10:45
Lut_D, Jul 2023
We had a blast in this Saona excursion. Manuel was a very good leader and made sure that the ‘familie’ had a great and safe time. Stunning beaches and stunning water. In the catamaran there was a good vibe and a lot of dancing, the way back in the speed boat was thrilling and lots of fun. Do not hesitate and book!
Diane_C, Jun 2023
Tour guide was awesome.He made sure we stayed together and knew what we were doing.Crew was great.Transfers to boats were a little scary but the crew made sure everyone was safe.I have been on catamarans before but never with the dance party.Spectacular.Some language barriers but we are in Dominican's country.
Vanessa_S, Jun 2023
Between our driver “the rock” and our excellent guide Manuel the trip was truly an experience give them a raise!! Positive vibes throughout. Thank you!
Lorianne_A, Jun 2023
Island good. Snorkeling extremely disappointed. Not enough goggles and only in water 10 minutes. Boat kept breaking down
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Excuse me Ms Loraine. You went on the tour yesterday and at no time was the boat damaged. We also have the information that you and the 7 companions snorkeled without problem. Since we have enough equipment for clients to do snorkeling. you and others were given the established time that was 20 minutes of Snorkeling. The reason for your review is because you requested a refund or another free excursion claiming that you did not see the Estrella Del Mar, things that only nature and God manage. We reject the refund because we provide the service we requested and for refusing us he came to post the review. which is very wrong on your part because what you describe is not reality
Elisea_H, Jun 2023
It was terrible avoid at all cost would not recommend it was nothing like was promised and the food was terrible
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Miss unfortunately when we got to the beach the beach had seaweed so we decided to take them to palmilla and give them the free tours for which you did not pay since we made the refund. algae are things of nature that are not in our hands alone God is the one who knows about nature. for this reason we refunded everyone. In other words, you ate, drank and enjoyed Playa Palmilla totally free.
5nxxvfccpm, Jun 2023
Experience overall was good. I would recommend the organizer to offer better quality of food and make note that there is indeed an open bar available. Also to be aware of how many occupants will be traveling to not overcrowd boats.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Good morning, Thank you very much for the recommendation. but we make the caveat that the boats have a capacity limit. In other words, if the catamaran is for 50 people, they cannot go more since the authorities do not allow it. each boat goes with the capacity for which it is recorded.
Tyrone_S, May 2023
Young kids did not have own seat on the way back and got told to share a seat which where I’m from is an illegal thing and beside that is a total disregard for health and safety of minors. Also our speedboat broken down on the way back
Response from Host, May 2023
Greetings, Thank you for your review. The seats of the boat are long enough to fit two people, when children go, the father must go next to the child. it is illegal to send a child alone in a seat as the authorities do not allow it. so the child must be accompanied by their parents for more security. His Child is 8 years old and he went next to him since the seats are for two people. bone could not be sent in a seat for two people put El Niño only since this is not allowed by the authorities
Zach_B, May 2023
Long day trip. Didn’t realize the drive to and from where you get on the boat is an hour each way not including stops for passengers. The guides were very nice. Very crowded where you wait for the boats and on the island. Lunch were very small quantity and not fresh. Snorkeling wasn’t actually snorkeling, they just give you goggles and throw some bread in the water and you only get about 5 minutes to “snorkel.” Also, the itinerary says 3 hours on the island but we only had 1.5. On the ride back they will put bandanas on your head like it’s a free gift and then come back around to tell you they cost money. The trip was relatively enjoyable and the people were very nice but the trip is not really worth giving up a whole day for.
Response from Host, May 2023
Greetings my dear Zac. Thanks for his review. the trip is a whole day since the port of embarkation to the island is far away. the food is a buffet which you can repeat as many times as you want, the handkerchiefs without boys from the area who make a living selling handkerchiefs (which is not mandatory) about snorkeling the established time is given, which is 20 minutes no more No less. where the bread is made for the fish is so that people can see the beautiful spectacle they make when they are made or cookies. The time on the island is established, since at 6 pm the boats of all the companies must be out of the water.
Adrienne_B, May 2023
Transportation to the boat was two hours! We kept making random pit stops at souvenir shops and picking up ppl at the most random places😒 Our driver didn’t speak any English to let us know what was going on. Finally we got a guide that spoke English. The tour itself was ok at best. Open bar is a joke, food was meh, they basically just took pictures the entire tour. Also no snorkeling was offered. On the way back out bus wasn’t there. We had to wait approximately 15-20 minutes while ppl try to sell us stuff. 20 minutes is a long time when you’ve been on an 11 hour excursion your already unsatisfied with. Lastly they over pack the boats.
Response from Host, May 2023
Greetings Mrs. Our drivers do not all speak English as the driver is only limited to driving. That is why each bus has a guide who is in charge of the clients where he explains everything about the tours. the drivers cannot act as a guide since it is totally prohibited by the Ministry of Tourism. that's what the guide is for. Regarding the pick-up at some hotels, remember that this is a shared tour and that if you are at Riu (how was it) and a client is at the Royalton hotel next door, then they will pick you up since it is the same route. On the boat, the time to reach the island is 45 minutes by speedboat and one hour by catamaran. so you use both boats. if they go by boat, the return is by catamaran and if they go by catamaran, the return is by boat. it is impossible to last two hours to reach the island. Regarding Snorkeling, the established time was given and we can show you the photos and videos that you did Snorkeling. According to the videos we have, you and your other friends were celebrating a birthday. about the drink is Ron Nacional which is included. Regarding the fact that the bus was not there, the bus was in the parking lot, which is for the buses once they arrive at the port and all the clients are there, the guide calls the driver to go to the port because it is forbidden for buses to stand in front of the port for what they have an exclusive parking lot for buses. Regarding the vendors, they are residents who live there and make a living selling things (they are not our employees).
Zara_Z, May 2023
The tour guide barely spoke English, snorkeling equipments were not provided, the food was terrible, and every single person was damn near demanding tips which is very off putting. The catamaran music/vibe was the only fun aspect of the whole experience. I wouldn’t do this again with this company
Response from Host, May 2023
Greetings, thank you for your review. From what I see this review is in the wrong company. 1- our guides all speak 4 languages and are certified by the Ministry of Tourism. to work they must be certified by the ministry. 2- When clients go snorkeling, our company lends them the equipment to use since we have lots of equipment for this. 3- Regarding the food, it is already a matter of the clients because some like Dominican food and others do not. But the vast majority do like it. 4- About the fact that they were asking for a tip and that is not a matter of our company but rather people who live on the island who make a living selling things. And some of the animation guys on the catamaran, when they finish doing the show, sometimes ask for a tip (which is not mandatory).
Rosemary_W, Apr 2023
On time pick up followed CV y a long drop to the boats. Speedboat on way which is great with a stop off for a swim in a natural pool with starfish. Had approx 2 hours on the Island for lunch, swimming and snorkelling before heading back on a catamaran with music, dancing and open bar. Great full day out 😃
Denis_G, Mar 2023
The trip was very well planned. First, travelling along the coast to a National park where one can swim. Next, the boat followed to the Saona Island where we had a lunch and could chill for a few hours. The crew was fun. Great drinks and music.
PauloEduardo_V, Jan 2023
Overall, it was a great and complete experience, visiting beautiful spots in the Caribbean waters, an incredible island, a speedboat fun and partying on a nice catamaran on the way back. The food and drinks were also very decent. Only caveat was the little hassle with the transportation back and forth from the hotel. But nothing that would make us not recommend, just a “be aware” it will not be as perfect as a private transport to the boats could be.
Keila_S, Jul 2023
Solamente había ron con coca cola, no había snacks y no había agua en botella. En la Isla las cervezas muy costosas, piña colada a 10.00 dólares, te caen encima para que le compres prendas, masajes y otras cosas. La playa tiene demasiadas piedras.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Saludos, gracias por si reseña. Pero si usted pudo verificar los servicios incluidos en ningún lado se habla de que incluye Snack, las botellas de agua si las incluye solo que debe pedirla a los empleados. Sobre la cerveza y Pinas colada también dice que no se incluye. Pues para obtenerla debe pagarla aparte pues la venden los moradores de lugar. Si pudo verificar antes de reservar iba a ver que incluye este tours y que no incluyen y así se evitaba la confusión
Brian_L, May 2023
Notre excellent guide Manual et la vue magnifique qu'offre l'île de Saône. De plus, la langouste était excellente malgré le coût élevé.
MariaRemenyi, Aug 2021
Transport null!!! 2.30h pour aller, chauffeur s'arreté dans des boutiques...pompe a essence....pffff...1.30h de retour.
Mais l'Excursions meme est genial. Le personnels est parfait, l'ambiance est au top 10 sur 10 pour Jackson et pour toute l'equipe!!!!
Je mets 5 sur 5 c'est surtout pour l'equipe et pour l'ambience de folie qu"ils ont mis sur le bateau.
L'ile est magnifique meme si le repas n'est pas terrible
Francois_D, Jan 2021
Ambiance sympa et convivial, belle plage même si c'est pas la plus belle de l'ile y étant déjà allé, trop de monde, dommage
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