Full-Day Excursion in Saona Island
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Take a break from the beaches of Punta Cana and spend a day on Saona Island. Enjoy hotel pickup and board a catamaran for the journey, stopping at a natural pool along the way. Once you arrive, you have hours to spend on the island as you wish; swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a stroll around the reserve. End your day with a party right on the catamaran as you make your way back to shore.
- Take in the views of the coastline from the boat
- Enjoy lunch and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included
- Spend a day immersed in pristine nature
- Hassle-free hotel pickup from your Punta Cana accommodation
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Soda/Pop
- Towels
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We offer pickup and drop off in Punta Cana/Cap Cana/Bavaro/ Uvero Alto/ Cabeza de Toro and Bayahibe
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Saona Island
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Natural Pool
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 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
Reviews
3.9
based on 451 reviews
Denise_C, Apr 2026
We had such a fun experience overall! Our tour guide was very knowledgable and the boat staff were all so kind and made the boat party unforgettable - they were full of energy! It was also great taking photos with my partner at Saona Island. I just wish the food was better. Although it was buffet, I don't think that there would've been enough to come back for seconds. We also wish the transportation to get there didn't have to take so long - we had to make multiple pitstops to pick people up from other hotels, which made it less efficient. However, it was still worth it!
Heather_M, Mar 2026
The ad is misleading. You take 2 hours to drive in a super cramped bus to get to a midpoint where you get 30 minutes to look in a souvenir shop. Then you drive another hour (3.5 hours in total) before you get to the town and get on a speedboat. You ride the speedboat for 10 minutes and then are on the catamaran.
The catamaran is fun! It’s about 2.5 hours to the island. You get free drinks, but NO snacks were provided at any point.
We did not go to a cave or blue lagoon, which was a huge let down.
On saona island, the tour guide kept blowing his stupid whistle at us. Buffet was good, but the pasta was way overcooked.
Catamaran back was about an hour long. They forced a life jacket onto our heads, even though we said no thank you due to a severe sunburn.
George was rude and disagreeable the entire time. Not a fan!
Would not do this again.
Jasmine_E, Feb 2026
I feel like the experience I was promised was not the experience I received. Everything felt extremely unorganized. Before booking, I was told my pickup location was fine, but the day before the excursion I got a message telling me to meet at a Catholic church by 8:00 a.m. I arrived at 7:30, expecting to leave on time, but multiple buses showed up at the same spot and we all had to transfer onto a charter bus. We didn’t end up leaving until around 9:15 instead of 8:00. On the way, we stopped at a store that was clearly a tourist trap they work with, pushing us to spend more money. After that, we arrived at what we thought was the destination, but it wasn’t we had to walk a full mile just to reach the water. Once we got there, we waited about 30 minutes for a boat to take us to another boat in the ocean so we could transfer again. It was confusing and poorly explained. Once we finally boarded the catamaran, things were okay music, drinks, a decent vibe. But as we got closer to the island, the crew started going person to person asking for tips, which felt uncomfortable. And the moment we stepped onto the island, we were swarmed by people trying to sell us services we didn’t want. They would get upset when we said no. I travel internationally often, but this was one of the most chaotic experiences I’ve had. I shouldn’t feel pressured to tip after already paying over $200 for the excursion. When it was time to eat, the instructions were unclear, and the whole process felt disorganized. After that, we went to another island, which honestly ended up being the best part it was beautiful and peaceful compared to everything else. The worst part came at the end: they dropped me and my boyfriend off on the side of the road to wait for an Uber. It felt unsafe, especially with the way local traffic can be. I can’t in good faith recommend this excursion.
lourdes_c, Feb 2026
It was great, and the tour Guide was awesome!!!! I would do it again and for the price you can’t complain cause it was worth it.
MariJo_P, Jan 2026
What an incredible way to spend the day and see the beauty of the country that we normally would not get to experience from being on a resort.
Tia_D, Dec 2025
This was the best excursion we did. Great team and energy. The crew was patient with us as we were a few minutes late to meetup at the pick up point.
Mark_s, Sep 2025
A nice trip to the harbour to pick up a ride on a speed boat which took us to a cataram.
We sailed over an hour ,the ride included free alcohol rum and softdrinks and beer.
The ride had a party atmosphere dancing and loud music.
We arrived at the island which looked amazing.we took a short trip from the cataram by speed boat,we then had lunch and drinks ,the food and drinks are all inclusive .
We then spent 4 hrs on the island soaking up the sun and going in the clear turquoise sea which was warm and free from sargassum.
Visiting the Caribbean in certain seasons can produce a lot of sargassum which can spoil some beaches.
A must visit for anyone going to the dominican republic.
Highly recommend.
Erika_G, Sep 2025
Good experience , nice , worry free. Driver was nice.. and the guide was nice and helpful too. It is a long day trip. Be ready.
Schronda_H, Aug 2025
Horrible horrible I was told to be in the lobby at 7am I was in fact there at 6:30 nobody called for me then customer service said they left me and refused a refund and the person was very rude to me
Matilda_B, Jul 2025
It was amazing! Saona island is so picturesque and relaxing. I would definitely recommend it to everyone I know.
Tony_D, Jul 2025
Picked up at 7am, spent 3 hours going to other hotels, swapping from a mini bus to coach to then another coach. then finally got to the port at 11:20.
Told to get off as too busy for coach to get into car park, followed guide through streets who left half of the people behind and they went wrong way.
Then got onto small boat to take us to Catamaran.
Finally left port for Saona Island at 11:56.
Was supposed to be a party boat but all that happened was a man, who was the 'entertainer' thrusting himself at us.
Eventually got to Saona Island around 13:30. Then had to get onto another small boat in groups of 15 or so to take final trip to Island.
Told we only had 2 hours. Fly's and bug's all over food, beach full of rubbish which is such a disgrace from people leaving it.
Guide called us together then to get small boat to Catamaran, the time it took to get us all on as we had to go in order the Catamaran left us behind.
We then had to go in groups of 15/20 crammed onto speed boats to get back with no drinks onboard.
Finally got back to hotel at 9pm.
Spent 14 hours away from hotel with only 2 hours on Saona Island
In a nut shell waste of time, the organisers could not run a bath
George_P, Jul 2025
Would not recommend this company at all! the driver never turned up, we messaged the company to asked what time was the transfer was coming only to get a very rude response saying it had already come when this wasn’t the case what so ever! the transfer was arranged to pick us up at 7:35am we got to the lobby for 6:30am to be on the safe side, us along side another group who had also booked this trip had not had our name called out by the drivers! Would not book with this company!
Tamera_W, Jul 2025
The beach is beautiful! I wish there was music playing and it was a bit more lively, but it was a nice relaxing experience. I would recommend.
Tameka_S, Jun 2025
Fun, nice scenery, but This trip makes for a very long day, don’t make any other plans for your day.. Early morning pick up late evening drop off to your hotel.
Steven_M, Jun 2025
I recommend this trip, a little but of everything and coming back in a party boat. I highly recommend this to all veterans, they are safe and don't leave no one behind... I had a great experience, the beach was amazing and the beach pool! Best place ever, especially to do something new. Love it!!! 😍😍😍
victor_u, Apr 2025
This was like a movie… I enjoyed it from the pick up till the drop off… everything was smooth, music was on point, drinks was excess… I got so high that I almost peed on myself lol… the vibes on the boat was superb… would definitely love to experience this again… this tour guard was such a cool man!
brianna_j, Sep 2024
This full day excursion was filled with happiness, exploring, dancing, drinking, eating and much more. We stopped half way to enjoy swimming in Blue Lagoon and then finished our boat ride to the island. The island is beautiful and great for photos as you can see! Guides and Photographers are so nice and inviting.
Thank you so much Punta Cana for the positive vibes
Stephen_H, Sep 2024
It was a long day travelling to the port and back but the boat trip and island made it worthwhile. What spoilt the day was the rude and aggressive photographer when you tried to bargain with him on his opening ridiculous price! We could not agree on the price which I thought was more than reasonable and then he took great delight in deleting them in front of us - absolute fool. Otherwise an enjoyable day and well worth the money.
toddbengelhotmailcom, Sep 2024
The natural poles and the beach and water at Saona were amazing, however, we got picked up and then dropped off 10 minutes away and had to wait for 45 minutes for another bus to get us. Once we arrived at the La Ramana, we waited another half hour to 45 minutes before we got on the boat. I unfortunately do not speak Spanish and my family and I were the only ones who do not speak Spanish and felt left out the entire time. I think it’s a wonderful excursion to go on but when booking it would be nice if the company would cater to the language that people speak and try to include them and all the activities. Don’t think we would book this again through Viator.
Rocio_J, Aug 2024
This was the WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! I had an ACCIDENT and I had to be rushed to a HOSPITAL! This ACCIDENT SHOULD BE PREVENTED IF THE COMPANY HAD FOLLOW SAFETY PROTOCOLS BUT THEY DIDN’T! Me and my family were in the Catamaran and the crew left a latch open (door located on the floor of the catamaran) this door / lid should be close at all times, take in consideration there’s people drinking alcohol ( I don’t drink alcohol) I was taking a video with my phone a big wave rocked the boat which make everyone jumped, however I landed in the bottom of the catamaran, I fell all the way down because the lid was never closed! Hitting my head on the hard lid getting A HUGE HEMATOMA A SIZE OF AN EGG, I BLACK OUT! They didn’t wanted to turn around to take me to safety ! Instead they put the music back on and keep dancing! It took 1 1/2 hours to get me to the hospital, is been almost 3 weeks trying to recover from the accident, my back is full of huge purple/yellow bruises I can’t use my left arm, I still have a neck brace and my hematoma still there smaller thankfully I call AVIATOR to get my money back and I haven’t heard anything back from them! We were on this boat for 5-10 minutes max when this happened . After my accident the crew didn’t close the lid I left on a speed boat and the lid was still open! My husband took a video and names of all the witnesses!
dottyc1989, Aug 2024
Pick up was at 720am, coach arrived at 740am. The rep didn't speak much English (even though we booked English speaking) so we didn't know what was going on most of the day. Lots of waiting round in the morning for the speed boat. We were told to have a photo before boarding by men who worked where the boat dock was. Natural pool was beautiful, waist height water so ok for those who aren't confident swimmers. Saona was also beautiful. Again didn't understand what was going on as the rep spoke mostly in Spanish but when I asked he pointed "drinks there, food there 1 o'clock" and "catameran 2:35 here". We figured out that each tour had their own seating and buffet area where you could leave your towels and bags but I would advise a water bag for your valuables as lots of people wondering about including people selling souvenirs, coconuts and massages. Food was ok (bread, tomato pasta, rice, chicken legs and some watermelon) but as it was outdoors lots of flies were landing on food. There were 2 men with us as part of the reps team who were there to take photos, however the seemed to latch on to particular people and spentp the day taking photos of them, we didn't end up having one photo taken. We boarded the catamaran with our already large group and a 2nd speed boat pulled up with another large who group joined us making it hard to move around as it was overcrowded so you ended up staying in the same spot the whole journey. After we set sail the other group rep encouraged people to get up and dance, which would have been fine if it wasn't blocking the bar so you couldn't get drinks and also was the only shaded area of the boat where parents with younger children were. I wouldn't advise taking children because of the party atmosphere, made it hard to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. When we got back to the coach, rep gave up completely in translating anything in to English from this point so we had no idea why we were sat on the coach whilst he got off and some other men got on. They started handing out bottles which had the photo we had at the begining of the day, it was mamajuana wood/spices for $20 we normally like to purchase these kind of souvenirs but we felt was a bit pricey considering it was just the spice and you had to add your own alcohol. The rep then got back on the bus and we set off at 6pm. We had to stop not long after as one person on our tour started feeling ill. We then stopped again half way back so some people could get off and board a different bus, however because they didn't call out the hotels very clearly, two young women didn't get off so we had to stop a third time so the other bus could catch us up and they could swap over. Another stop for the rep to get off the coach but the driver didn't speak after this and it was very dark so we was having to check at each stop which hotel we were at. We didn't get back until 8:30pm. Overall, the island and views were beautiful but I wouldn't book this particular tour again.
Tenzin_L, Jun 2024
Trip was an excellent experience and island is beautiful. Jose made our day filled with joy and laughter. His energy is lit and very fresh. 🤩🤩🤩
Jose_C, Jun 2024
It was too u organized. Spent more time traveling than actually on a catamaran. The food was not great and drinks were only no brand dark rum water down.
sonny_s, Jun 2024
Everything about the trip sucks took forever to get there and we only spend about one hour on the beach … too many stops on the way … so dis organized with getting onto a boat …
Hristian_B, Jan 2024
The experience left much to be desired. Upon our arrival at 13:10 on Saona, we encountered a significant delay in accessing the food queue. Regrettably, by the time it was our turn at 13:40, all advertised meat, chicken, and fruits were depleted, leaving only dry white rice – a stark contrast to the promised offerings.
The food on the island resulted in severe discomfort for me, as I experienced diarrhoea shortly after consuming it
Moreover, the duration of our stay on Saona Island fell considerably short of the advertised 3 hours and 30 minutes. Instead, we were there from 13:10 to 15:20, totaling only 2 hours and 10 minutes. This discrepancy was particularly disappointing, as we had previously enjoyed an exceptional experience with another tour operator last year.
Additionally, the extensive 12-hour duration of the entire excursion, from the 7:20 pickup to the 19:30 return, felt excessive and contributed to an overall sense of dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, during the trip, we encountered an unpleasant incident with the photographer who aggressively insisted on taking pictures of our group. Despite our refusal, he was insistent, stating that it was a mandatory part of the trip. Our guide, unfortunately, did not assist us and was unable to communicate in English, leaving us feeling unsupported in this uncomfortable situation.
To add to our disappointment, at the trip's end, the photographer printed our photos on bottles of Mama Juana without our consent and demanded $20 for each bottle. This unexpected and forceful attempt to sell us souvenir bottles was both intrusive and unacceptable.
My advice is to choose another tour operator and you going to be fine.
Peter_N, Jan 2024
Our tour for $62 was basically the exact same tour as others for $120. There is no need to pay the extra unless you get to travel to isolated beaches. Basically all tours go to the same beach.
silviagraciela_p, Dec 2023
I always buy from Viator and I have been very satisfied with the operators they use. But in this case the operator is very bad, disorganization, they did not meet the deadlines, they picked us up at the hotel at 7, they changed us to an old and uncomfortable bus. It was agreed to go see the stars before the Island and return in a catamaran and they turned the excursion, we went for two hours in a catamaran, we arrived at the island to eat.
It was the only time you could go through the food table in a long line and there was rice, noodles and some chicken. It's really NOT worth what they charge, it should be a 20 dollar excursion
On the way back, as it was 4 pm, we ran through the stars. We couldn't take a photo and they left us in the water for 10 minutes, because at that time it was already cold and the sun was going down.
The way back at 6 pm on the same bus, taking alternative routes because I did not have credit for tolls. Terrible, gentlemen, you should evaluate your operator in the Dominican Republic
Steven_W, Nov 2023
Trip was excellent, tour guide was first class. The island is amazing, and swimming in the lagoon was a great experience.
Daisy_R, Sep 2023
The Island Saola was amazing and Jose the person in charge was amazing. The only negative item was the driver was not on time to pick us up. We were waiting for him from 4 pm until like 6:30 pm that was not nice because it was raining and families with little kids.
Adriana_M, Aug 2023
Coming back the driver left us the in the middle of the forest while it was raining at night even when my friends and me asked the driver to stop at our drop off place multiple times and didn’t he just kept driving
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Full-Day Excursion in Saona Island
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