Full-Day Cruise of Isla Saona From Santo Domingo With Lunch

Setting out on a full-day cruise to Isla Saona from Santo Domingo promises an unforgettable experience. The tour offers round-trip transportation, a scenic catamaran ride, and a delightful lunch with unlimited alcoholic beverages. Visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty, including a refreshing natural pool for swimming and relaxation. With a blend of adventure, local cuisine, and opportunities for leisure, this excursion may be the highlight of any traveler’s Dominican Republic itinerary.

Key Points

• This full-day tour includes round-trip transfers, a catamaran cruise to Isla Saona, a visit to a natural pool, and a local lunch with alcoholic beverages.
• The tour departs from Santo Domingo at 6:00 AM, with the option for hotel pickup, and is priced starting at $95.00 per person.
• Lunch options feature a variety of dishes, including chicken, fish, pork, rice, salads, and fruit, along with unlimited alcoholic drinks.
• While the tour generally receives positive reviews for its natural beauty, boat ride, and staff friendliness, some guests have raised concerns about food quality, transportation, and restroom conditions.
• The tour company acknowledges the feedback and plans to address these issues to enhance the overall guest experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day cruise to Isla Saona from Santo Domingo offers visitors an experience to explore the island’s natural beauty.

During the full-day trip, travelers are transported by air-conditioned vehicle and catamaran for round-trip transfers. The tour includes a visit to a natural pool, a lunch, and alcoholic beverages.

The meeting point is either the Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo or hotel pickup, with a start time of 6:00 AM.

Prices range from $95.00 per person, varying based on group size. The tour provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes and amenities of the island.

Inclusions

Lunch options on the Isla Saona cruise include chicken, fish, grilled pork chop, spring rice, sautéed potatoes, pasta salad, green salad, bread, fruit, and coffee, though the specific menu may vary.

Alcoholic drinks and life jackets are also provided. Guests can make use of scuba equipment, and gratuities are included in the tour price.

The full-day excursion covers round-trip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle and catamaran, with activities like visiting a natural pool and enjoying the scenic boat ride to and from Saona Island.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

According to the available reviews, guests have provided a range of feedback on the Isla Saona cruise experience. The overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 based on 27 reviews.

Many guests enjoyed the natural beauty of Saona Island, the scenic boat ride, the quality of the food, and the friendliness of the staff.

However, some had concerns about the large group sizes, the quality of the food and drinks, the condition of the restrooms, and transportation issues like long wait times and discomfort.

The tour hosts acknowledge the feedback and plan to address these concerns to improve the experience for future guests.

Common Issues

While the tour generally received positive feedback, some common issues were reported by guests.

Concerns were raised about the food and drink options. Some felt the quality of the meals was inadequate, with limited beverage choices beyond soda and rum.

Transportation complaints were also common, with guests mentioning long wait times and discomfort during the journey.

Plus, the restroom facilities on the tour drew criticism, with guests highlighting the poor conditions.

The tour company acknowledged this feedback and indicated plans to address these concerns, such as improving communication and enhancing the overall quality of the experience.

Host Responses and Improvements

The tour company has acknowledged the feedback from guests and indicated plans to address the concerns raised.

The tour company has acknowledged guest feedback and outlined plans to address the concerns raised.

They appreciate the valuable input for improving the overall experience.

To enhance communication, the company will provide clearer details about any additional costs, such as the Dominican bandanas.

Plus, they intend to review the food quality and explore options to expand the drink selections beyond just soda and rum.

The restroom facilities will also be inspected, and necessary upgrades will be made.

Guests are encouraged to consider rebooking the tour in the future based on the planned improvements.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Guests can make their way to the tour’s meeting point, the Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo, located in the heart of the historic city center.

It’s a convenient location, easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. Those staying at their hotel can opt for the included pick-up service, which saves the hassle of finding the meeting spot.

Guests should plan to arrive a few minutes early to check-in and meet the tour group before departing for Isla Saona. The tour kicks off promptly at 6:00 AM, so punctuality is key to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

Itinerary and Activities

After being transported to the port, guests embark on a catamaran for the scenic cruise to Isla Saona.

Upon arrival, they’ll visit a natural pool and have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach.

Lunch, featuring local specialties like chicken, fish, and grilled pork, is served onsite.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages.

The excursion also includes the use of scuba equipment and life jackets.

As the day winds down, guests board the catamaran for the return journey, taking in the beautiful island views during the ride back to Santo Domingo.

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for the full-day Isla Saona cruise starts from $95.00 per person, with variations based on group size.

The cost includes round-trip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle and catamaran, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and use of scuba equipment. Gratuities are also included.

Guests can choose to be picked up from the Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo or their hotel, with a 6:00 AM start time.

Booking the tour is straightforward, and guests are encouraged to consider rebooking if they’d any issues previously, as the hosts aim to address feedback and improve the overall experience.

Ask Away

Is Sunscreen and Swimwear Provided for the Tour?

The tour does not provide sunscreen or swimwear. Guests are responsible for bringing their own sun protection and appropriate clothing for swimming and water activities on the island. Additional optional gear like scuba equipment is included.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat, but the tour includes lunch and alcoholic beverages. Bringing additional provisions isn’t necessary since the tour provides sustenance throughout the day.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring?

There are typically restrictions on bringing outside food and drinks on tours. While passengers can’t bring their own, the tour package generally includes lunch, alcoholic beverages, and other refreshments for a more carefree experience.

Is There Wi-Fi or Phone Signal Available on the Island?

There’s limited to no Wi-Fi or phone signal available on Isla Saona. The remote island setting means guests should plan accordingly and expect to disconnect from digital devices during the full-day tour experience.

Can I Book Private Transportation to the Meeting Point?

Yes, private transportation to the meeting point can be booked. The tour operator offers round-trip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from select hotels or the Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo, providing a convenient option for guests.

Final Words

This full-day cruise to Isla Saona from Santo Domingo offers a well-rounded experience. Guests can enjoy round-trip transfers, a scenic catamaran ride, a delightful lunch with unlimited drinks, and the opportunity to swim in a natural pool on the picturesque island. With positive reviews and a clear itinerary, this tour provides an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and local cuisine.