Eco Saona Island Excursion From Punta Cana

The Eco Saona Island Excursion from Punta Cana offers a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty and cultural experiences. At $145 per person, the tour includes snorkeling, a visit to Mano Juan Village, and insights into a sea turtle conservation project. Guests enjoy a traditional Dominican BBQ lunch, with all necessary equipment provided. With a 96% recommendation rate, this excursion promises a memorable day in paradise for up to 24 participants. But what makes this tour so popular, and what can visitors expect during their time on Saona Island?

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Punta Cana to Saona Island, featuring snorkeling, a visit to Mano Juan Village, and a sea turtle conservation project.
• Includes a traditional Dominican BBQ buffet lunch with alcoholic beverages, as well as snorkeling equipment, beach towels, and swimsuits.
• Pickup and dropoff available from specified hotels or a meeting point, with considerations for accessibility and mobility limitations.
• Recommended for travelers seeking an eco-friendly, immersive experience, but not suitable for those with certain medical conditions or mobility issues.
• Exceptional guide, beautiful scenery, and authentic cuisine praised by past guests, with some suggestions for improving transportation logistics and providing more information on the sea turtle project.

Overview and Highlights

The Eco Saona Island Excursion is a popular full-day tour from Punta Cana that takes travelers to the picturesque Saona Island.

The Eco Saona Island Excursion is a popular full-day tour from Punta Cana that takes travelers to the picturesque Saona Island.

Priced from $145 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 24 guests and runs from 7am to 7pm.

Highlights include snorkeling, visiting Mano Juan Village, and witnessing a sea turtle conservation project.

The excursion earns a stellar 96% recommendation rate based on 48 reviews.

Guests can expect a traditional Dominican BBQ buffet lunch, open bar, and all necessary equipment provided.

Transportation is available from select hotels or a meeting point in Bayahibe.

Inclusions

The Eco Saona Island Excursion includes a traditional Dominican BBQ buffet lunch, featuring delectable dishes like BBQ pork chops, fried chicken, rice, pasta, potato dishes, salad, and fresh fruits.

Guests will also enjoy a selection of beverages, including alcoholic drinks such as Cuba Libre, Santo Libre, Rum Punch, and beer during lunch, as well as soda, mixed juice, and water.

Plus, the excursion provides:

• Snorkeling equipment, beach towels, and swimsuits

• Photographer services for an additional fee

• All fees and taxes included

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup for the Eco Saona Island Excursion is available from specified hotels or the meeting point at Seavis Tours in Bayahibe.

Guests must provide their hotel name and location to receive specific pickup details.

Dropoff is inside resort lobbies for safety, though pickup at security gates may require walking.

Confirmation is received at booking unless within 3 days of travel.

Guests are advised to arrive early at the pickup location to avoid delays.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Expectations and Recommendations

Although not wheelchair accessible, the Eco Saona Island Excursion isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

Guests are advised to pack essentials like:

• Sunscreen to protect against the Caribbean sun

• Compact towel for the beach and snorkeling

• Change of clothes for the return trip

• Bottled water to stay hydrated

Arriving early at the pickup location is crucial to avoid delays.

Positive Feedback Highlights

Reviewers praised the exceptional guide Ingrid, describing her as knowledgeable and caring.

Guests highlighted the tour’s beautiful scenery and well-timed stops avoiding crowds. The authentic and flavorful Dominican BBQ buffet lunch also received high marks.

Travelers found the overall experience informative, with insights into the local culture and conservation efforts.

While some noted transportation issues and the need for a better footwear policy on the boat, the vast majority of reviewers recommended the Eco Saona Island Excursion, awarding it an impressive 4.8-star rating based on 48 reviews.

Concerns Raised

While the overall experience received high praise, some guests did note a few concerns.

The transportation to and from the meeting point was a point of frustration for some, with a need for better coordination and communication.

Plus, the policy regarding footwear on the boat could be improved, as some travelers found the rocky terrain challenging.

A handful of guests also expressed a desire for more detailed information about the sea turtle conservation project, to better understand the impact of their visit.

These minor issues didn’t significantly detract from the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

• Transportation logistics

• Footwear policy on boat

• Need for more details on conservation project

• Minor organizational concerns

Ratings and Reviews

The Eco Saona Island Excursion has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 48 reviews. Travelers have praised the exceptional guide Ingrid, the beautiful scenery, the authentic and flavorful lunch, and the informative experience regarding local culture and conservation efforts. However, some concerns were raised about transportation issues and the need for a better footwear policy on the boat. The tour seems to offer a well-organized and enriching experience for visitors to Punta Cana.

| Rating | Percentage |

| — | — |

| 5 Stars | 89% |

| 4 Stars | 7% |

| 3 Stars | 2% |

| 2 Stars | 1% |

| 1 Star | 1% |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Pickup and Drop-Off Times for the Tour?

The tour starts at 7:00 am and returns around 7:00 pm. Pickup is available from specified hotels or a meeting point, and drop-off is inside resort lobbies for safety.

Is Photography Mandatory or Optional During the Tour?

Photography services are optional during the tour. Guests can choose to have a photographer document their experience for an additional fee. The tour doesn’t require mandatory photography, allowing travelers to enjoy the activities at their own pace.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment Instead of the Provided Gear?

You can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but allows participants to use their own equipment instead. This gives them more flexibility and comfort during the snorkeling activity.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions due to the activities involved.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Day’s Activities?

The tour involves moderate walking throughout the day’s activities. Guests can expect to walk on sandy beaches, uneven terrain in the village, and short distances between activity sites. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.

The Sum Up

The Eco Saona Island Excursion from Punta Cana offers a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a traditional Dominican BBQ. With a 96% recommendation rate, the tour includes snorkeling, a visit to Mano Juan Village, and insights into a sea turtle conservation project. Guests can expect a memorable day in paradise, with all necessary equipment provided for up to 24 participants.