Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

High interest

Booked 5+ times today.

+29

9 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Heather_A ·

Jul 2026

Pedro and the entire crew provided an absolutely unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything was well organized, fun, and exceeded our expectations. The scenery was breathtaking, and I made memories that will last a lifetime. A special shoutout to the chef—the lunch was delicious! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Punta Cana or Saona Island. Thank you for an amazing day!

· Corbin_B ·

Jul 2026

From start to finish this tour was exceptional. Melvin and his crew were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the education of sea turtles, and wildlife conservation efforts. Both breakfast and traditional Dominica lunch was provided!! Drinks were included, and refreshing. Speedboat was the highlight of our trip! We left knowing more about DR, shared laughs, and met amazing people. Absolutely MUST book!

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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 equipment

Use 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

Start time
.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.

Isla Saona

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Parque Nacional del Este

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Saona Island

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Parque Nacional del Este

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Faviola_Z

My boyfriend and I loved this tour. We felt very well taken care of throughout the day. This is a private excursion with a small group of 10-12 people. Our tour guide Melvin was very professional and clear on the expectations of the trip. I recommend this tour to anyone wanting an experience Isla Saona in an exclusive way. We had the beach to ourselves because he brought us out early. We want to thank Melvin for such a beautiful day and showing a side of Isla Saona that not many people see.

Reviews

4.9

based on 1,497 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

One of the best

Jason_K, Jul 2026

Melvin and Pedro where such excellent guides, be prepared for a speed boat ride but was very fun. Getting to the island early was a game changer. Best the crowds and the sun. I would rate this as one of my best excursions in DR.

Amazing , favorite part of my trip

katherine_p, Jul 2026

Melvin , Diego and the entire crew were amazing , treated us very good and took care of everything from pickup to drop off at our hotel , I would recommend this experience to everyone, very good hospitality

Best Saona Excursion!

YvetteDenise_M, Jul 2026

Best excursion to Saona! History/Cultural tour of Saona, pristine beach, delicious lunch, snorkeling, starfish, turtles, mangrove -- what more could you want? Melvin is a fantastic guide and historian, very organized and well-run trip with service oriented and fun team members.

Best Excursion! Don’t miss this!

Julia_W, Jul 2026

Ok, I cannot say enough about how incredible this experience was! My last trip to saona was on a private yacht so I was hesitant to book a group outing but saw the reviews and decided to take a chance. 10/10! It was my 15 year old daughter and I. Melvin and his crew were fantastic. They showed us a ton of different areas. The turtle sanctuary was incredibly moving for us as animal lovers. They watched our belongings on the main beach so we could swim and explore. Saw sea turtles, snorkeled over the reef, held starfish. The boat ride was a BLAST!!! It’s a speedboat so don’t expect a leisurely cruise. We learned a ton about the mangroves, the marine life, the culture. Perfect size group. This will not disappoint!!

Girls Only 2026

Leza_L, Jul 2026

The boat ride to Mano Juan is about 45 minutes and can be pretty rough. One member of our group did not like that part at all. If you are wanting a party, this is not for you at all. Be prepared for a long day but if you are interested in learning this is the one for you. I loved it and learning about the history of the island and the importance of the Mangroves and about the work of the Turtle Sanctuary. The “natural pools” were amazing and Melvin and his team are top notch. Fun and friendly!

small group excursion...

STAVROS_K, Jul 2026

small group excursion professional Pedro is very informative crew is very professional and very helpful

One amazing excursion

Alex_K, Jul 2026

Whenever we go on trips, we try to do excursions that support the right causes, we know there are lots of options to go to Saona Islands, but we're happy we chose this one. We love that that this tour supports local schools as well as the sea turtle sanctuary. The amount of history that Melvin knew was absolutely impressive. It was nice having a smaller group. We felt like a tight-knit family during the excursion. Getting up a little bit earlier was totally worth it because the island didn't have tons of tourists yet and we had our own private section where we could have our lunch and enjoy the water peacefully. The snorkeling was amazing. We love that they take precautions with the starfish to make sure that it doesn't injure them. We were able to see live sea turtles swimming during the excursion as well. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone coming here. Their company and group was amazing and extremely professional.

Struggling to put into words how good it was…

Simon_A, Jul 2026

Superb from start to finish… the itinerary was great and the kids had a superb time. Everything runs like clockwork. The beach you go to is just stunning and the early start means you get there before everyone else, you really notice this when going head to your next stop and there are 20 boats arriving at the beach you left. The reef snorkelling was incredible, we saw fish we have only seen in a tropical aquarium before. Add into this the fact it’s clear Melvin really cares about the communities he visits and the impact that things like the turtle sanctuary have and it’s a really well rounded day. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

10/10 Stars - Highly Recommend!

Taylor_T, Jul 2026

If you are going to Saona Island - do it like this! Best experience we’ve had in Dominican Republic! Melvin and his team were very professional and knowledgeable. We felt like we learned so much about the culture, and were able to experience a side of Saona Island that many people don’t get to see. Drinks were also a huge vibe, the food was good, and the small group and early start was absolutely worth it! We got the clear waters all to ourselves, and got to see the beautiful sand bars, mangroves, starfish and turtle sanctuary. There’s no other way we’d do this excursion after such a great experience.

Saona

FRANCISCO_M, Jul 2026

Excellent, tour guide was very knowledgeable, the staff on the boat very helpful,professional and polite. Beautiful island, saw turtles in their environment, also sea stars.

Stunning, Personal, 10/10

Austin_H, Jul 2026

Absolutely amazing! Tour guide is also the owner and does a phenomenal job. We have done Saona island before in the large group on a catamaran and this experience blows that away. Highly recommend to spend the extra money and have a more personal experience. Plus, you are the first group to the beach and are leaving as it starts to get really busy with the large groups. You also get to see Sea Turtles in the wild and learn about their conservation at your first stop. Water can be a little rough on that first ride, about 35 minutes. Motion medicine recommended if you do not ride well in the ocean. Back at our hotel by 5pm. 10/10 experience!! Will do this again should we return to DR. Thank you amigos!!

The Highlight of Our Punta Cana Trip

Heather_A, Jul 2026

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good evening In behalf of our staff we want to give you thanks for reserved our excursion for small groups to saona island and thank you very much for wrote your review, really thank you. Best regards Melvin Duran

The whole experience was...

Laura_E, Jul 2026

The whole experience was smooth from pickup to drop off and everything in between. All of the staff from the drivers to the deckhands, and of course the guides were all knowledgeable and friendly every step of the way. Due to the small groups we were able to get to the island before the crowds, along with an informative pit stop at the turtle sanctuary. They were the best and we highly recommend them.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Laura Thanks for wrote your review. Thanks for reserved our Saona Island Small Groups Excursion on Viator. It’s was a pleasure for us to have you in our experience. As you can see our itinerary it’s perfect created for avoid crowds if the participants are on time for their pick ups everything work nice and smooth. Thanks again for coming. Best Regards Melvin Duran

Fantastic

Desiree_H, Jul 2026

Super informative and wonderful tour. Had a great time with my friends! The staff were friendly and the island was beautiful.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Desiree In behalf of all the staff we want to thank you for reserved our saona island full day small group excursion on Viator the app for experience create by TripAdvisor, thanks for reserved our saona island experience. Best regards Melvin Duran

Phenomenal experience!

Gregory_A, Jul 2026

Melvin and his team were phenomenal! The tour was beautiful, educational and so much fun! They went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time and that our belongings were kept in a safe area with their supervision which enabled us to explore the island without any stress! Saona is breathtaking and worth the full day excursion! You beat the crowds to Saona and have the island to yourself before the crowds come. The turtle sanctuary portion, history and conservation efforts of the island are a unique and informative experience to see the hard work that is put in to keep the island a safe haven for turtles and immaculate for anyone who is lucky enough to visit! Highly recommend taking this tour with Melvin and his team- you will not be disappointed! If I could give 10 stars I would.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Gregory Thanks for your words. Thank you very much for reserved our Saona island small groups excursion full day. As you can see if the participants are on time for the pick ups we can avoid the masses It’s important for us to show Mano Juan inside Saona Island and the effort doing by the creator of the turtle sanctuary. I believe it’s important to support them in somehow we need to protect the turtles or project like the one Mr Pelagio Paulino “Negro Tortuga” is running that try enhance the life of the turtles. In our experience we try to give to our customers information that can be useful for the future. Thanks again for coming with us I really appreciated. Best Regards Melvin Duran

Nope!

Amy_E, Jul 2026

My hotel took me to the area where all the excursions come to pick you up (an area next to the pharmacy that this excursion told me to go to that has several benches and an area for the buses can pull in and turn around). I sat there for over two hours, watched dozens upon dozens of people get picked up. They went to the lobby, took pictures, said I wasn’t there. Why would I go to the lobby when I was told to go to the large excursion pick up area? Do disappointing.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good afternoon Thanks for wrote your review. You came 20 minutes late to your pick. We look for you at the meeting points and we look for you at the lobby in neither places you were not there, pictures can proved. It’s more easy to accept your mistakes and not try to blame the others of your own mistakes, better accept that you oversleep and do not show up on time for your pick up, that’s all. The problem that you have is that after we denied to refund you because you were late you try to come to our wall to destroy our 10 years reputation, but, things are not like that, we send you proved with photos of each places visiting from our drivers took on time and your were not there, unfortunately you lost your day, but that was not our fault. Others guest was pick up without any problem except of you. All others guest that come to our excursion experience a good day out but you didn’t come to our experience you are just frustrated because you didn’t received a refund., The rules are clear in this business we are able to reschedule if we have spaces and we do give you the option to reschedule for the next day but you decides not to come for your own reasons., We have been working with solo travelers all in peace and nice and safe over the past 10 years., but, your perception about the country and the locals do not allowed you to enjoy the island in peace. Enjoy your life in peace and do not try to arruines the life and business of the others karma works. Best Regards Melvin Duran

Very informative and...

Emma_G, Jul 2026

Very informative and knowledgeable guide perfect if you want to see the island before all the masses come

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Emma It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for reserved our Saona island full day small groups excursion. Best regards Melvin Duran

A great day.

carl_m, Jul 2026

It's very, nice day, very educational. Great people. If it was great, good drinks it's very easy, picked up and dropped off of your resort.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Carl Thanks for wrote your review. As you can see we provided pick up and drop off, in case the hotel it’s not listing you can always write to us over the platform or our company numbers. Thanks again for your help Best regards Melvin Duran

Pretty

Lisa_P, Jul 2026

Early start but well organized. Bring snacks for the morning time. Breakfast isn't till you get to the first stop. Our resort beach has sargassum but the island didn't when we went so it was worth it to get into the water. The beach is very rocky and we saw some broken glass so water shoes would be suggested.

Worth every penny!

karen_c, Jul 2026

This is such an amazing excursion! This experience isn't just a trip to an island! This particular one is worth the extra money in everyway.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good Morning Karen Thanks for wrote your review, really thanks. To all guest that went on Friday 10 July, that haven't received their pictures, you will received on Tuesday when I will receive my phone back sorry for the incovience my phone went to the water but will be fixed by tuesday, thanks for your patient., Best Regards

Stunning!

Courtney_H, Jul 2026

This tour was incredible! Definitely worth the time and price. Saona Island has the prettiest beach that I’ve ever seen. The water is so clear and turquoise, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of palm trees along the shoreline. Completely natural and untouched. When I heard about this tour, I was thinking, why should I go on an excursion to see a beach when I’m already staying at a beachfront resort? The answer: because it will blow you away! The beach at our resort can’t even compete. It was also interesting to see sea creatures up close….. we saw several sea turtles next to the boat while touring the mangroves, and then we snorkeled to see starfish. They were huge starfish! The boat ride was fast and exhilarating. We made multiple stops throughout the day but it never felt rushed. Our tour guide, Melvin, was helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good Morning Courtney Thanks for your words, really lovely, thanks for reserved Saona Island Full Day small groups excursion, thanks for reserved with us., As you can see Saona Island have some of the most beautiful beaches of the world not only in Dominican Republic, the color of the sand create by the parrot fish, and the authentic untouched landscape make this place unique, I've been around the entire Dominican Republic each places is different but Saona have somethings that make it Unique., Thanks for coming with us., Best Regards Melvin Duran

A Top Choice Experience!

Rex_H, Jul 2026

Best excursion experience we’ve ever had. A wonderful blend of adventure, fun, history lessons, and relaxation. Our family always felt safe, we enjoyed the food and the island beach/water is tough to beat. Worth every penny!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good Morning Rex Thanks for coming with us to Saona Island. Was nice to meet you and your family members. As you can see if the people are on time for the pick ups in the morning our program and schedule is create for you to enjoy the beaches not too crowded. Thanks for reserved our Saona Island Small Groups Full Day Excursion Thanks for coming with us., Best Regards Melvin Duran

Excellent trip, really...

Jane_T, Jul 2026

Excellent trip, really well organised, from pick up we headed to the port very informative information about the history of the island on the way. Straight onto speed board 45mins to first stop and breakfast and a trip to local turtle sanctuary. Then onto Soana got there really early no crowds lots of time to swim and enjoy the beautiful beach. Left as it was getting busy on to see starfish and also time for snorkelling. Very good trip excellent value so glad we went on a smaller tour.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good evening Jane Thanks for wrote your review was very nice to meet you and share some history with you. I used to give the option optional to hear 15 minutes of history, as you can see always if the mayority want it to hear it., Thanks again for reserved with us., Best Regards Melvin Duran

Great tour! Well worth getting up early for!!

Linda_B, Jul 2026

Wonderful experience! Manfred and Pedro were great tour guides. Both very knowledgeable, friendly and took exceptional care of our group. The same goes for the boat driver and helpers. Absolutely beautiful water and educational too!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Linda Thanks for reserved with us the excursion to Saona Island.Thanks for wrote your review. As you can confirm the program is coordinate for you to enjoy the beaches not too crowed. To be on time and also to attended the pick up time message. Over the platform where you booked the excursion you can send and receive message from the tour operator, we write to each participant their pick up time. It’s important to be aware of that message for avoid misunderstanding. Thanks again for reserved with us., Best Regards

BOOK THIS TOUR RIGHT NOW. You will not regret it. Well worth the money.

Joshua_S, Jul 2026

Unforgettable tour. HIGHLY recommend you spend the extra money and book this tour out of all the others. You get to experience the entire trip privately and quiet, you have the entire beach to yourself before mass crowds arrive later in the day. Well worth the money, so glad we did this. 10/10.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good evening Joshua Thanks for your words in behalf of all our Staff thanks for take your time and wrote a review., Thanks for reserved Saona Island Small Grouops FUll Day Excursión, really thanks., Best Regards Melvin Duran

A Most Excellent Experience

Rockwell_W, Jul 2026

Melvin was amazing. He cared for us like we were family, he protected our belongings, he cared for our safety and comfort, he showed genuine concern for an excellent experience, and he delivered on it. The experience was second to none, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves the beauty of God‘s creation. Melvin was very knowledgeable of DR history, with detailed explanations of why things were the way they were. I was impressed. He didn’t make it boring, he was funny, and very serious about his heritage. It was very refreshing because I didn’t expect it at all.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Rockwell Thanks for your words, I really appreciated, was nice for me to share some history facts with you about what is today the Dominican Republic, thanks for reserved with us the saona island full day small groups excursion thanks you very much. Best regards Melvin Duran

Great experience

Rowena_A, Jul 2026

Loved the speed boat. Crew was very friendly and even snorkelled to try and find sister’s glasses that fell off when a wave hit her. Fantastic info on turtle sanctuary as well as mangrove wildlife. Saw sea turtles in natural habitat as well as star fish and other fishes.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good morning Rowena Thanks for reserved our Saona Island full day small groups excursion was a pleasure to meet you and your travels friends, I see the efffort that you also put for protect them, it’s not easy but you and our team we do it together. Thanks for reserved with us Best regards Melvin Duran

Full Day Sanona Island: MUST BOOK!

Corbin_B, Jul 2026

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Good Morning Corbin Thanks for wrote your review. Was very nice to meet you. Thanks for reserved our Saona Island Small Groups Excursions full day Best Regards

Highly, Highly Recommend.

Camesia_S, Jul 2026

If you’re debating between this small-group tour and one of the larger, cheaper excursions, I highly recommend spending the extra money on this one you won’t regret it! One of the best parts of this experience was the small group size, with a maximum of just 14 people. It made the entire day feel much more relaxing, personal, and enjoyable compared to the crowded boats carrying well over 100 passengers. There was plenty of room to spread out, ask questions, and truly enjoy the beauty of Saona Island without feeling rushed. The tour guides were friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable, sharing interesting information throughout the day. We even stopped to watch sea turtles swimming in their natural habitat and had the opportunity to get in the water with the famous starfish, which was such a memorable experience. A light breakfast with sandwiches was provided before departure, and while simple, it was fresh and satisfying. We also enjoyed a traditional Dominican buffet lunch on the beach, which was tasty and a nice addition to the day. From beginning to end, everything was well organized and exceeded our expectations. If you’re looking for a more intimate, relaxing, and high quality Saona Island experience, this is absolutely the tour to book. Highly recommended!

Amazing experience

Grace_W, Jul 2026

I am so incredibly happy to have ‘done my homework’ and chosen the best tour possible! We did not want to a party but a smaller tour experience and so very happy we chose the right path. This was great from beginning to end. We were picked up by a minivan type vehicle and taken to the speedboat then took off for the island. The ride was fun but hold on to your hats! lol once we arrived we had an even better time in those incredible waters! Lunch was great and plentiful as was breakfast. I would do this again in a heartbeat! We told so many people about this tour already and heard some crazy stories about others on the party versions.