From Punta Cana: Saona Island & Altos De Chavon Day Trip With Lunch and Open Bar

Discovering the breathtaking beauty of Saona Island and the charming Altos de Chavon makes for an unforgettable day trip from Punta Cana. This tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture, complemented by a delicious barbecue lunch and free-flowing drinks. With a professional guide leading the way, guests can expect an engaging experience that showcases the vibrant Dominican heritage. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked beaches or historical charm, this day trip promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Punta Cana includes a visit to the 16th-century Mediterranean village of Altos de Chavon and a catamaran ride to the white sand beaches of Saona Island.
• The tour offers a buffet lunch with barbecue, salad, and vegetarian options, as well as an open bar with unlimited beer and soft drinks.
• Travelers will have the opportunity to swim in the largest natural swimming pool and spend 3 hours exploring Saona Island.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Punta Cana hotels, a professional guide, and entertainment team, as well as gratuities, a souvenir DVD, and photos.
• However, the tour may face issues with poor organization, crowding, cleanliness, and limited food options, and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day excursion from Punta Cana offers travelers the chance to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Altos de Chavon and Saona Island.

First, visitors will discover Altos de Chavon, a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavon River.

Next, a catamaran ride transports guests to the pristine Saona Island, where they can enjoy the white sand beaches and coconut palm trees.

The tour includes a barbecue lunch with typical Dominican fare, an open bar, and activities like a stop at the largest natural swimming pool and 3 hours on Saona Island.

What’s Included

The tour package includes round-trip transportation from Punta Cana hotels, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.

A buffet lunch featuring barbecue, salad, and vegetarian options is included. Unlimited beer and soft drinks are available through an open bar.

A professional guide and entertainment team accompany the group throughout the day. Gratuities, a souvenir DVD, and photos are also part of the package, though the tour operator isn’t responsible for any issues with purchased items.

Logistics and Important Information

Pickup for the tour starts at 6:30 AM from hotel lobbies or specified meeting points.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues. The minimum drinking age is 18, and dietary requirements should be communicated at booking.

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Travelers should be aware of potential issues, such as disorganization, crowding on the island, and pressure to tip frequently.

Caution is advised for those with back problems due to boat movements and potential discomfort.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

How have travelers experienced this day trip to Saona Island and Altos De Chavon? Based on 281 reviews, the overall rating stands at 4.1 stars.

Positive feedback highlights:

1. The breathtaking beauty of Altos de Chavon and Saona Island.

2. The delicious BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks.

3. The engaging and informative guides.

However, some travelers noted issues with disorganization, crowding on the island, and frequent pressure to tip.

Service quality and overall enjoyment were mixed, with some recommending the tour while others advised caution.

Travelers also reported concerns about safety protocols and cleanliness, suggesting the need for improvement.

Concerns and Recommendations

Although the tour received generally positive reviews, some travelers reported concerns that warrant consideration. Some noted issues with poor organization, long wait times, and overcrowding. Safety protocols and cleanliness were also called into question. Travelers recommended bringing snacks and water, as food options were limited throughout the day. Plus, caution was advised for those with back problems due to boat movements and potential discomfort.

| Concern | Impact | Recommendation |

| — | — | — |

| Poor organization | Long wait times, frustration | Improve coordination and communication |

| Overcrowding | Reduced enjoyment, safety risks | Manage group sizes effectively |

| Cleanliness issues | Unsanitary conditions | Enhance cleaning and hygiene protocols |

| Limited food availability | Hunger, dissatisfaction | Provide more substantial meal options |

Exploring Altos De Chavon

Nestled along the banks of the Chavon River, Altos de Chavon is a captivating 16th-century Mediterranean village that invites visitors to step back in time.

As you wander its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter:

1. Charming plazas adorned with fountains and lush vegetation.

2. Quaint shops and galleries showcasing local art and handicrafts.

3. The striking St. Stanislaus Church, with its Gothic-inspired architecture.

Exploring Altos de Chavon offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and provides a serene respite from the bustling resort town of Punta Cana.

Exploring Altos de Chavon offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and a serene respite from Punta Cana’s bustle.

It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Dominican experience.

Discovering the Beauty of Saona Island

After exploring the charming Altos de Chavon, the journey continues to the idyllic Saona Island. Travelers reach the island by catamaran, where they can indulge in the pristine white sand beaches and sway beneath the coconut palm trees. Guests have 3 hours to relax, swim, and soak up the sun. A barbecue lunch with typical Dominican fare and an open bar are included, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The highlights of the island visit are summarized in the table below:

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Travel to Saona Island | 30-40 minutes |

| Explore Saona Island | 3 hours |

| Barbecue Lunch & Open Bar | Included |

| Return to Punta Cana | 30-40 minutes |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Smaller Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for smaller groups. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, allowing for more personalized experiences. Travelers should communicate their group size when booking to ensure availability and accommodations.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary?

Based on the tour overview, the standard itinerary can’t be customized. However, travelers can communicate dietary requirements or mobility issues when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs. The group size is capped at 15 participants.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour overview doesn’t mention any additional costs, but travelers should be aware that they’ll be responsible for any issues with purchased items like DVDs and souvenirs. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any unexpected charges.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity?

The tour includes a 30-40 minute stop at the largest natural swimming pool and 3 hours at Saona Island. The itinerary provides ample time to explore Altos de Chavon and enjoy the amenities on Saona Island.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour. An open bar with unlimited beer and soft drinks is included, as well as a buffet lunch. However, bringing snacks is recommended due to limited food availability throughout the day.

The Sum Up

This full-day excursion from Punta Cana offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Dominican Republic. Guests can enjoy a picturesque catamaran ride, explore the stunning Saona Island, and discover the charming Altos de Chavon, all while indulging in a delicious barbecue lunch and unlimited drinks. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Dominican culture.