Saona Island Day Tour

The Saona Island Day Tour takes travelers on a picturesque journey from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Aboard a comfortable catamaran, guests can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and enjoy personalized attention throughout the private excursion. With opportunities to swim, relax, and savor local cuisine, the tour promises an enchanting escape. However, as with any popular destination, there are considerations to keep in mind when planning this unique adventure.

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About Your Stay

A popular excursion in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, offering a private journey to Saona Island via comfortable catamaran with swimming opportunities.
Includes a BBQ lunch with local dishes and an open bar on the island, but reports of limited variety and quality.
Provides a personalized experience with exclusive final hour on the island, but potential issues with overcrowding and long travel times.
Offers flexible pickup from hotels or accommodations in Punta Cana, but an additional fee for guests in Cap Cana or Uvero Alto.
Mixed feedback on accessibility, communication with English-speaking guides, and overall service and logistics from previous participants.

Overview of the Saona Island Day Tour

The Saona Island Day Tour is a popular excursion offered in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Operated by Tour-RD, the tour takes travelers on a private journey to the picturesque Saona Island.

Guests can expect to travel via comfortable catamaran, swim in a natural pool with starfish, and relax on the beach with provided sun loungers. The tour includes a BBQ lunch with local dishes and an open bar at the island.

While the tour is a popular choice due to its natural beauty, some guests have reported issues with long travel times, limited English communication, and overcrowding during the return trips.

Looking for more options in Punta Cana? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Saona Island Excursion

A highlight of the Saona Island Day Tour is the private nature of the excursion, offering personalized attention to travelers.

Guests journey to the island via comfortable catamaran, with the opportunity to swim in a natural pool teeming with starfish.

Guests journey to the island via comfortable catamaran, with the opportunity to swim in a natural pool teeming with starfish.

Once on the island, travelers can relax on sun loungers, away from the crowds, and enjoy an exclusive final hour.

The tour includes a BBQ lunch with a variety of meats, seafood, and sides, as well as an open bar on the island.

During the catamaran sailing, guests are entertained with onboard animation.

Transportation and Pickup Details

Pickup details for the Saona Island Day Tour are flexible based on hotel or accommodation location.

The tour starts at 7:30 AM, with transportation provided from most areas in Punta Cana. However, guests staying in Cap Cana or Uvero Alto will incur an additional transportation fee.

Confirmation of the booking and tour details are received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 70 travelers and is operated by Tour-RD, a local provider in the Dominican Republic.

Saona Island Experience and Activities

Travelers aboard the comfortable catamaran embark on a journey to the picturesque Saona Island, where they’ll discover the natural wonders of this Caribbean gem.

At the island’s natural pool, guests can swim with starfish and relax on provided sun loungers, away from the crowds. The last hour on the island is exclusively for the group, allowing them to fully immerse in the tranquil surroundings.

Included in the experience is a BBQ lunch featuring local specialties like chicken, pork, fish, and the signature lobster sauce spaghetti, complemented by an open bar offering national drinks, rum, soda, and beer.

Dining and Refreshments on the Tour

During the Saona Island Day Tour, guests are treated to a delectable BBQ lunch and an open bar at the island destination.

The BBQ spread includes chicken, pork, and fish, accompanied by fresh salads, rice, and lobster sauce spaghetti. The open bar offers national drinks, rum, soda, and beer, allowing travelers to quench their thirst and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.

While the food and drink offerings are generally well-received, some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with the limited variety and quality of the dining experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Punta Cana

Accessibility and Guest Considerations

Although the Saona Island Day Tour offers a unique and picturesque experience, it may not be accessible for all travelers. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Previous guests have reported issues with communication and inadequate English-speaking guides, which could pose challenges for non-Spanish speaking visitors. Plus, the limited time on the island and concerns about overcrowding during the return trip may not suit all preferences.

Travelers with special needs or accessibility requirements should consider these factors before booking the tour to ensure it aligns with their expectations and abilities.

Feedback and Reviews From Previous Participants

According to the reviews, the Saona Island Day Tour has received a mix of feedback from previous participants.

While many enjoyed the natural beauty of Saona Island and swimming in the natural pool, some expressed dissatisfaction with the long travel times, chaotic organization, and lack of English-speaking guides.

Communication issues and complaints about the limited time on the island, food quality, and overcrowded return trips with loud music were also reported.

The reviews indicate a range of experiences, with some travelers feeling the tour didn’t meet their expectations regarding service and logistics.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Purchase Souvenirs on Saona Island?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs on Saona Island. The island has local vendors selling a variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, and other trinkets for travelers to take home as mementos of their visit.

Is There a Place to Change Into Swimwear on the Island?

Yes, there are designated changing areas on Saona Island where guests can comfortably change into their swimwear. These areas provide privacy and convenience for getting ready to enjoy the island’s beaches and natural pools.

How Long Is the Boat Ride to Saona Island?

The boat ride to Saona Island typically takes 1-1.5 hours each way. The tour uses a comfortable catamaran to transport guests to the island, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey.

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

Travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the Saona Island Day Tour. The package includes a BBQ lunch, open bar, and refreshments, so guests don’t need to provide their own. However, some reviews suggest the food and drink quality could be improved.

Is There an Option to Extend My Time on Saona Island?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend your time on Saona Island. The tour’s itinerary states the last hour on the island is exclusive to the group, suggesting the overall time there is limited to around 2-3 hours.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Saona Island Day Tour offers a picturesque escape from Punta Cana, with a relaxing catamaran ride, swimming, and a delectable BBQ lunch. While the tour’s natural beauty is widely praised, some travelers have expressed concerns about overcrowding and long travel times, emphasizing the importance of proper planning for an enjoyable experience.