Saona Island Tour With Altos De Chavón From Punta Cana

The Saona Island Tour with Altos de Chavón from Punta Cana promises an unforgettable day exploring the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty. With transportation, lunch, and alcoholic beverages included, this 12.5-hour excursion offers a chance to discover the picturesque Altos de Chavón and the idyllic Saona Island. While travelers generally rave about the stunning scenery and friendly guides, some have reported organizational issues and food availability concerns. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the beach or a culture, this tour may just be the perfect fit.

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Key Points

The Saona Island tour from Punta Cana is a full-day excursion priced at $99 per person, lasting approximately 12.5 hours.
The tour includes transportation, lunch with alcoholic beverages, and a visit to Altos de Chavón and Saona Island.
The tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and the itinerary may not be suitable for certain travelers.
Positive experiences include the natural beauty, friendly guides, and a lively social environment on the boat.
Common complaints include disorganization during boarding, lack of shade and seating on the catamaran, and issues with food and drink availability.

Tour Overview

The Saona Island Tour with Altos de Chavón is a full-day excursion that departs from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Priced from $99 per person, the tour lasts approximately 12.5 hours, starting at 6:30 AM and returning by 7:00 PM.

A full-day excursion from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, priced from $99 per person, lasting approximately 12.5 hours.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers. Transportation is provided via air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch with alcoholic beverages is included.

The tour isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Travelers should note this tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant women.

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

Location and Accessibility

The Saona Island Tour departs from Punta Cana, a popular resort destination in the Dominican Republic.

The tour’s meeting point is a select pickup location, which may vary depending on the traveler’s location.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps.

Strollers are allowed, but the itinerary may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.

Guests should keep these accessibility considerations in mind when booking the tour.

The pickup and drop-off locations are fixed, so travelers need to make their own way to the designated meeting point to join the tour.

Inclusions and Amenities

As part of the Saona Island Tour, the tour company provides air-conditioned transportation for participants.

A lunch with alcoholic beverages, including rum and soda, is included. However, the tour is only recommended for adults, as it’s not suitable for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

While the inclusions cover transportation and meals, some reviews suggest issues with the availability and quality of the food and drink options during the tour.

Positive Experiences

Some travelers enjoyed the beauty of the Altos de Chavón and Saona Island during the tour.

Key highlights included:

Positive remarks about the guides being friendly and knowledgeable, providing an informative experience.
Spotting dolphins during the catamaran return trip, adding an exciting element to the excursion.
The fun atmosphere on the boat, with a lively and social environment enjoyed by many participants.

While the natural beauty and some aspects of the tour were praised, the overall logistical issues and lack of organization overshadowed the positive experiences for many travelers.

Negative Experiences and Issues

Despite the positive aspects of the tour, many travelers reported a number of negative experiences and issues.

Common complaints included disorganization during boarding, lack of shade and seating on the catamaran, and insufficient food and drink availability.

Travelers reported long lines for food and a rushed experience at Altos de Chavón.

Several reviews noted language barriers with guides who didn’t speak English well, leading to confusion about the itinerary.

Specific incidents included a late driver, an alcoholic tour guide, and a lack of communication regarding food and drink options.

Many travelers advised against using this tour company due to poor organization and service.

There's plenty more to explore in Punta Cana

Traveler Recommendations

Unsurprisingly, many travelers advised against using this tour company due to the poor organization and subpar customer service.

Based on the reviews, the following recommendations emerge:

Seek out alternative tour companies that prioritize a well-coordinated experience and attentive customer service.
Be wary of long lines, inadequate food and drink options, and language barriers, which can significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the tour.
Consider alternative activities or destinations in the Punta Cana area that may offer a more reliable and satisfying experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The Saona Island Tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans.

The tour departs from Punta Cana, so it’s important to select a convenient pickup point during booking. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is only recommended for adults, as it’s not suitable for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Swimwear and a towel may also be useful for the beach portion of the trip.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour details, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks. The tour provides lunch with alcoholic beverages included. Bringing outside food or drinks is not permitted on this tour.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities on the Tour?

There are ample photo opportunities throughout the tour, including views of Saona Island’s stunning beaches and the historic village of Altos de Chavón. Travelers can capture scenic landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sights during the excursion.

Can I Swim at Saona Island?

Yes, visitors can swim at Saona Island. The island’s beaches and crystal-clear waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. However, guests should be aware of any potential hazards or restrictions in designated swimming areas.

How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided?

The transportation provided is not very reliable, with reviews mentioning a late driver and issues with organization during boarding. Travelers suggest seeking alternative transportation options for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up

The Saona Island Tour with Altos de Chavón from Punta Cana offers a comprehensive day trip that showcases the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. While travelers praise the tour’s scenic locations and friendly guides, some have reported organizational issues and food availability concerns. The tour’s inclusive package and range of activities make it a popular choice for those seeking an immersive island experience.