what is the saona island excursion

THE 10 BEST Isla Saona Tours & Excursions

Isla saona tours.

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1. Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour

2. Saona Island Full-Day Cruise, Natural Pool and Lunch

3. 6 Hour Private Saona Island Tour with Snorkeling

4. Saona Island, memorable all-inclusive experience, from Santo Domingo.

5. Saona Island Full Day Excursion from Punta Cana

6. Speedboat Tour to Saona Island Vip with Open Bar and Meals!

7. Full-Day Cruise of Isla Saona from Santo Domingo with Lunch

8. Saona Island Premium Discovery Tour from Punta Cana or Bayahíbe

9. Santo Domingo Saona Island Catamaran Tour with Lunch & Bar

10. Saona Island Full Day Excursion from Punta Cana + Catamaran Party

11. Saona Island: Small Group Tour on a Comfortable Boat

12. Saona island full day tours - catamarán party from santo domingo

13. Full Day Private Tour to Isla Saona

14. Full Day Excursion in Saona Island

15. Full day- Saona Island tour From Punta cana all inclusive

16. Tour to Saona Island From Punta Cana with Lunch and Transportation

17. Saona Private Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana

18. Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island - Natural pool and lunch

19. Saona Island Full-Day All-Inclusive Tour from Santo Domingo

20. Saona Island Cruise & Private Beach

21. Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island - Natural pool and lunch

22. Full day - Saona Island from punta cana

23. Full day Tours From Punta Cana to Saona Island

24. Saona Island Full-Day Tour from Las Terrenas with Lunch

25. Saona Island Tour with Lunch and Pickup

26. Tours to Saona Island

27. Saona Island Catamaran Adventure with Free Food and Transportation

28. Saona Island and Chavon River Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

29. Saona Island Tour from Juan Dolio

30. Saona Island Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana Bayahibe All Inclusive

What travelers are saying.

• Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour
• Saona Island Full-Day Cruise, Natural Pool and Lunch
• Saona Island Tour with Lunch and Pickup
• Saona Island Full Day Excursion from Punta Cana + Catamaran Party
• Saona Island Full Day Excursion from Punta Cana
• Saona Dreams - Saona Catamaran
• TOURS DE TRASLADO JVL / ISLA SAONA
• Mamajuana tours and transfer
• Johana Travel Punta Cana

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Saona Island

$ 90.00 Original price was: $90.00. $ 85.00 Current price is: $85.00.

The Caribbean Sea, waist-deep sandbar, savory buffet, catamaran, speed boat, Latin music, Sun, Sand and Palm Trees. Sound interesting? Come with us to Saona Island to live the unforgettable experience. Last call at the Tiki Bar! You coming?

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• Reviews (44)

Here’s What You Get

We’re taking YOU to the Super-Star of off-shore islands in the Dominican Republic. Think Sun, Sand, Booze, Boats and Bikinis! You can thank us later but for now let us tell you about the ridiculously beautiful Saona Island… The first tourist boat to dock at Saona was Christopher Columbus in 1494 and Saona has not ceased to amaze visitors for the last 500+ years!

What’s so amazing about Isla Saona? A good question deserves several good answers:

• This is a real island mon! We’re talking about 110 sq kilometers. Saona is not a tiny off-shore key. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see.
• Is turquoise, transparent ocean water your thing? We hope! Take a Selfie because ocean water this color is found at few places on earth.
• Seriously, white sand AND palm trees? Yes, it’s a killer combination. The quintessential Caribbean island deserves the quintessential Caribbean scenery; ivory sands lined with rows of swaying palms.

You may be saying: “Ok I get it, Saona is beautiful but why should I spend money to visit?” An excellent question deserves several excellent responses:

• We’ll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. Oh, there’s also music, animation and open bar. This is the Caribbean Sea folks. How many opportunities will you have to sail the Caribbean Sea?
• It’s an All-inclusive, Full-Day, outing and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. You get the boat, the open bar and the food. Oh and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. That was easy!
• The natural pool is so stunning it’s not really fair. So, we kinda take you to a sandbar, far from the coast with clear, waist deep water. We give you rum and you may find a starfish or two at your feet. We hope this sounds ok to you…
• The time on Saona island is priceless. Visit the Tiki Bar, dance merengue, visit the Tiki Bar, play volleyball, visit the Tiki Bar, walk the beach, visit the Tiki Bar, hit the buffet.

It’s your vacation to Punta Cana and you may only have ONE opportunity to do this the right way. Go with the pros to Saona!

Isla Saona is the #1 demanded excursion in Punta Cana so Book now to ensure your spot.

The Sun the Sand and a Drink in Your hand!

Join us for our Classic Experience to the Dominican Republic’s famous off-shore oasis – Saona island.

What’s Included

• Round trip transport
• Professional guide
• Speed boat and catamaran to Isla Saona
• BBQ, buffet lunch

What to Bring

• Beach clothing
• Bathing suit

44 reviews for Saona Island

Mac (verified purchase) – January 14, 2024

Excellent service with local collection points, good connection to boats and a very good day out. My only criticism would be the beach vendors, but this is not really the companies fault so I would not drop the rating because of it

Wendy (verified purchase) – December 26, 2023

This was a fantastic cruise! I highly recommend it! The staff are awesome, the transportation to and from your hotel is nice (our van had A/C!!😁) and the lunch on the beach was delicious, fantastic, awesome!!!…

Linda (verified purchase) – September 4, 2023

Had a great time on this excursion!! Max was our tour guide . He was very informative and made us feel secure with the locals and what we would be doing. Playing in the ocean on the sandbars, drinking rum and coke, and jetting along on a fast boat to a catamaran party. Couldn’t have had a better time. The lunch on the island was very good but the restrooms were a little scary. Make sure u bring towels and plenty of sun screen! This tour was exactly what we wanted it to be. Spending the beautiful day on the water. We even had our own pirate along for the ride.

Troy (verified purchase) – August 6, 2023

Our tour to Saona Island was great. Punta Cana Tours did a great job making sure we had a good time. The tour operated pretty close to on time but you are in the Caribbean and everything runs a little slower here. LOL Our tour guid Ramond or Raymond was great. He spoke 4 languages and gave information very clearly so you knew what you were supposed to do and where to go.

Now to the good stuff. The bus ride was an hour through some pretty countryside on a nice bus with AC. Once you get to the drop off location where you get on the boat its time to go to the island. There is one stop along the way where you can get in waist deep tropical water and have some drinks. All provided and not watered down like I was expecting. Then back on the boat and on to the BEAUTIFUL Saona Island. Words can’t describe it. Palm tree lined seashore with white sand beaches and tropical aqua blue water. Plus they feed you and furnish all the drinks you want. Overall this trip is a MUST DO if you’re in the Dominican Republic. And Punta Cana Tours should be the tour company to take you there!

Andrew (verified purchase) – May 24, 2023

This is truly an exceptional company. It is not often you find a company with this level of customer service. A very special thank you to Garry for going above and beyond, even after hours, to make sure all of excursions and transportation needs went flawlessly. We will definitely be back many more times. As for Isla Saona, it really is like being placed inside of a post card. All of the guides made sure that we were not only safe at all times, they went out of their way to ensure we had to best time. Thank you all for making our wedding trip special for all of us.

Bruno (verified purchase) – May 17, 2023

I just come back from a 5 day vacation , Me and my wife did two attractions with Punta Cana Tours and all I get to say is that was perfect , Speed boat with snorkeling and snuba was amazing and then next day we went to isla saona which was excellent . I recommend to everyone . They picked us up at the right time in our resort ,no complaint at all. Thanks Punta Cana Tours.

Kye (verified purchase) – May 14, 2023

Isla Saona is one of the most beautiful beaches we saw near Punta Cana, specially when we stayed inland. The water, sand, view, natural pool were the highlights of this excursion but it could have been organized a little better. The food and drinks were ok. All in all its worth it just for the transportation and beauty itself. Tip: Carry your own beach towel. A lot of sunscreen, sun glasses and snack food.

Valentin (verified purchase) – May 3, 2023

We had a great time! Its a long day on the bus. But well worth it. Nice tour ended at Saona Island for eats and a big party! We would go back!

Brian (verified purchase) – April 26, 2023

When vacationing in a foreign place it’s always the best when you hook up with a tour group that shows you the real side of the country. I give two thumbs and two toes up for this trip. It could not have been done any better with the beautiful beaches, great barbeque and dancing. The laid back side of life is a beautiful thing. Brian S

Mazikee (verified purchase) – April 2, 2023

The island of Saona is beautiful and we loved the whole experience on the catamaran. The crew were all friendly and you could tell they totally enjoyed their job. The food was good and honestly the massage (for additional fee) was one of the best I’ve ever had. It was by far our favorite day in DR. Only downside, it wasn’t clear from the website details that we would be on a bus for almost 3 hours going to the port to leave. I would definitely recommend this excursion!

Abbigail (verified purchase) – March 15, 2023

Excellent service, very punctual, great environment, great food. The natural pool and Saona Island are two of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Sandro, the tour guide was FANTASTIC, very charming, friendly, and makes sure everybody understands. (He gives the tour in Spanish, English and French). I would highly recommend Punta Cana Tours and will likely book another trip next year when I plan to take my entire family to the Dominican Republic for my wedding!.

Nate (verified purchase) – February 28, 2023

We also used This company for a trip to Saona Island and we used them for our Airport Transportation. The Saona Island trip was beautiful I only wish we had more time to chill on the Island. The drive to and from the airport were good my one gripe is to find my driver At the airport you need to push through a sea of quick talking taxi drivers all of which try to confuse you so you buy a ride with them instead of taking the trip you already paid for. Overall I rate the company 4 out of 5 stars for one hiccup on our first excursion.

Enola (verified purchase) – January 19, 2023

Great day trip to Saona Island! I was in Punta Cana with my boyfriend for the weekend and was so glad we took a day trip to Saona Island! We were picked up early in the morning from our resort and it was about an hour’s drive to the beach where we’d get on the boat (which is good, because we had time to sleep). We took a catamaran there and really enjoyed it. There was dance music, unlimited rum & coke, “paparazzi” staff to take our pictures, and lots of time to relax and get a tan. When we got to the beach, they gave us an AMAZING barbecue lunch, consisting of grilled pork chops, BBQ chicken, seafood spaghetti, potato salad, seasoned rice, and a bunch of other sides and fruits. The rest of the time I spent napping and swimming on the beach with my boyfriend. I didn’t time it but we had a good amount of time on the beach. The sand there is white, clean, and really lovely. After the beach, we got on a speedboat and got out to a flat pool to swim and take pictures with star fish for maybe half an hour. And again we went out to a deeper location so they could throw fish food out of the boat and we could snorkel and look at the schools of fish. After that, they offered to sell us back the “paparazzi” photos they took of us ($40, why not?) which came with photos of you, stock photos of Samoa, and the music they were playing on the catamaran. Overall, it was a super fun experience and I loved it. I want to emphasize that the staff are really fun-loving and the good vibes are infectious! They really do keep you entertained.

Richelle (verified purchase) – December 4, 2022

I would caution families on the Saona Island Trip. The island is beautiful, but just be prepared for a long day- about 5 hours round trip transfer time to and from the boats (which included changing shuttles at a gas station). There are LOTS of locals selling things at the boarding point and on the island, take money (or be prepared to say no a lot 😉). There was a photographer that took a lot of pictures of our family in the water- also for a high cost (but you can really get them down in price!) I’m not sure if we would do this again with kids- it was about a 13 hour day. We do HIGHLY recommend Punta Cana Tours for transfers and excursions and would definitely use them again!

Everly (verified purchase) – December 1, 2022

The waters around Saona Island are crystal clear and probably some of the prettiest turquoise waters you will ever see. The beaches were super nice, the palm trees made you feel like you were in the south Pacific, and the lunch was good. The catamaran out was entertaining and speedboat back was a nice change of pace. It was a great place to visit while we were in Punta Cana and I would highly recommend a visit to Saona Island if you get the chance.

Jared (verified purchase) – November 9, 2022

I arrived with my wife in Punta Cana this year for our vacation. I was promptly greeted by our driver who was very friendly, professional and courteous. The ride to our hotel was nice, and the van was clean, and well maintained. During the week, we also used Punta Cana tours to book a tour at Isla Saona. We had a great time! I’d highly recommend Caribbean Dream and their staff. I travel a lot, and rarely am I treated with such professionalism. Thanks for a great trip, Jared

Jayda (verified purchase) – November 3, 2022

The island was very beautiful, the ocean had far less seaweed that our resort beach, Bavaro, so we were pleased. The buffet brunch was very plentiful and good. The staff were friendly and we felt comfortable following them all day from bus to boat to island to boat to bus! My only negative remark would be the bus commute time. From our resort to the dock to board the speedboat was 3 hours. The return bus ride was half of that time, 1 1/2 hours. There were also two stops along the way that did not look like passenger pick ups.

Bruno (verified purchase) – October 4, 2022

Jones (verified purchase) – September 28, 2022

I send an email asking few question about a tour, my surprise was to have an answer from them super fast. I booked the tour, the picked me up in the time they told. Not even 5 or 10 minutes like I’m used to (in DR they have a saying “Hora Dominicana” which is 1/2 or 1hr after the time is set up) . The tour to Saona was OUTSTANDING! The guide was explaining all the way about the city and the culture. Isla Saona is a paradise, great food and good animation team. Im already making plans to book more tours. Gracias, I had a BLAST!

Leon (verified purchase) – September 19, 2022

Fun, Fabulous, Lots for the Price! A four hour boat trip, with snorkeling, island swimming, a ton of fresh grilled chicken, fish, and sandwiches, open bar, dancing and the most accommodating staff! Lots of fun!! A must do in Punta. Cana!

Tanner (verified purchase) – September 9, 2022

Catamaran ride to Isla Saona was the most memorable experience of our DR 2022 trip. The excursions with our hotel were pricey so I found this offer online for a much better price. The bus picks you up at the hotel and takes you to the catamaran where girls with rum and coke were already waiting for us. Everybody on the boat had a lot of fun dancing to the rhythm of latin music. The island itself is the prettiest place that I have ever been to, surrounded with palm trees, white sand and butterflies. As soon as we arrived to the island, buffet was open. On the way back we stopped by the natural pool where we took pictures with the star fish. Thank you for the great time!

Katie (verified purchase) – August 25, 2022

We went to Saona Island with my family on 8/16 and we had the best experience ever. The ride from the Resort to the boat was smooth. We had a funny guide who kept us entertained. He spoke English very well which made it easier for us understand each other. It was a long day but was worth it. The speed boat ride, the Cataraman, party boat was really fun. We enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to the team at Punta Cana Tours. Next time we come to Punta Cana we will surely use you again. Thanks again!

Allison (verified purchase) – July 12, 2022

We booked the Saona Island excursion. The actual island experience itself was wonderful. The shuttle was late in coming to get us (which we found out later was not the fault of the tour company but a large group of guests who only showed up partially on time). There were some children on our excursion that were very loud and energetic on the bus; our tour guide was great in joking around about the noisy kids. We took the speedboat to the island, stopping at the natural pool to swim and take pictures with starfish, then relaxed at the island, ate lunch, and took the catamaran back. Other reviews mention the vendors approaching them at the island and made it seem as though they were very aggressive and wouldn’t leave you alone. I found that a firm but pleasant ‘no thank you’ for any venders ended any persuading they tried. Any of the vendors the whole week we were there weren’t loud or obnoxious, they would simply try to show you their wares but were really good about backing down when you said no. Overall we really enjoyed the trip; it was worth the long ride from our resort in Punta Cana. The island was beautiful, all of the employees and our tour guide were friendly and really made the trip fun. I’d recommend it for anybody looking into day excursions from the resorts!

Amber (verified purchase) – July 3, 2022

We used PuntaCana Tours for our hotel transfers and the excursion to Isla Saona, they were the best and most professional tour provider we have ever come across thank you again!

Kennedi (verified purchase) – June 20, 2022

We booked our tour with Punta Cana Tours after reading several online reviews. We were not disappointed. Our tour guide, Emerson, got us off to a great and welcoming start and continued to keep us informed about local information and the what to expect next on the tour. After a short drive to Bayahibe we boarded a powerboat and headed to Saona Island with a short stopover to swim with the starfish. The island, beach and water were gorgeous! A nice lunch and drinks were provided. At the end of the day we boarded a large catamaran for a lively ride back, complete with rum drinks and dancers. It was a great day and our tour guide was exceptional. Long day but well worth the time and money.

Yenery (verified purchase) – June 3, 2022

I did the excursion to Saona Island and it was pretty good. I can surely say the team of Punta Cana Tours is super attentive, punctual and professional. I know a lot of DMC companies in Punta Cana, but their Customer Service is incomparable. I highly recommend them. Besides the wonderful staff, the tour was excellent, very safe, the food and drinks really good. I had a great time!! yen

Mckinley (verified purchase) – May 14, 2022

We didn’t find out until late the night before we were due to go home that our trip was going to be extended for a day due to weather back in the US. We had wanted to go to Isla Saona but did not have time during our initial trip. I immediately went online to try and book a trip to Isla Saona with an outfit. Punta Cana Tours allowed us to book at almost 9pm the day before the trip and their tour guide Max and driver Elvis were amazing! The transportation in both the van and boats were clean and safe. The trip was a beautiful way to spend our extra day. I will go again with this company in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the Dominican outside of their resort!

Angelo (verified purchase) – April 20, 2022

Had an amazing time! From the speed boat ride to the island, having pictures taken with starfish, swimming in the beautiful ocean, to the catamaran ride back, it was all extremely fun!! I would definitely recommend doing this excursion if you plan on visiting the Dominican!

Lachlan (verified purchase) – April 14, 2022

Overall the experience was very pleasant. We were picked up and greeted at our hotel promptly. Once picked up, we stopped at other nearby hotels to pick up other guests who too were going on the excursion. On our way to the dock, we stopped on the side of an intersection to switch and wait for another van.The cruise, natural pool, and the island was everything the website promised. The staff was very friendly, energetic, and professional. We would highly recommend this cruise for adults as it is not too kid friendly (a lot of alcohol, loud music, an dancing).

Diana (verified purchase) – April 5, 2022

We had the best time here. The entire crew from the bus driver to the crew on board the boats were fantastic making sure everyone was having a good time. I would recommend making your reservations with them for a very memorable experience.

Randi (verified purchase) – February 28, 2022

The Isla Saona tour, it was definitely my favorite. Picked up by shuttle, transferred to bigger bus, taken to an area where we were to get on a boat and head towards our destination. This was the clearest, most beautiful blue water I have ever seen. (They had several photographers taking candid photos throughout the trip and offered a dvd to buy at the end for both excursions). The photographs taken on the Isla Saona tour were especially great, I’ll admit. Actual time on the island was only a couple of hours, including time to eat, but it was a blast. Then we left on a catamaran where more drinking and dancing ensued. We were then shuttled right back to our hotel! If returning to this area I would definitely book through this service again!

Pauly (verified purchase) – February 20, 2022

I booked this trip on line in Feb. 2022, Saona Island Excursion, after reading all the great reviews of all the other travelers. They picked us up ( wife and I ) in our hotel lobby on time like they had promised in a new and clean vehicle with the A/C on. This was the best money spent during the week. It was a full and fun filled day, catamaran boat ride out to the Island and a nice speed boat ride back. Also great entertainment, dancing and beverages for all ages all day long. I highly recommend this trip when going to Punta Cana and for a very reasonable price you can a purchase a Caribbean Lobster on the Island…Thx. Paulv-Bos

Rosa (verified purchase) – January 28, 2022

had a wonderful time. i was worried about the tourist draw for this excursion, but you’re in punta cana, you’re already part of the tourist trap. anyway, the tour guides were amazing and so accommodating. we went to the island by a speed boat and came back in a catamaran, which i think is the best and only way to do this. also, the provided buffet lunch was probably one of the best meals i had while in punta cana. fill up on the tender chicken. definitely worth going. the only annoying part was when they tried repeatedly to sell the pictures they took of us. it would have been easier if they weren’t trying to sell all the photos as a package. they’d sell more if people can just buy individual pictures. but great trip overall

Sthephen (verified purchase) – December 4, 2021

Trip and service was great. Tour guide “Presidente Daniel” was a treat. We did the all day Sonana trip. It was beautiful but I wouldn’t recommend it for children. Many all day drinkers can’t handle their booze. Trip there and island was fine but boat ride back was full of college kids that were there for free booze and they we are mess. Maybe we just had a bad group,but it was terrible experience. Nothing against tour company but maybe cut back on the booze on the way back. My better and half can party with the best of them, but rude drunk people throwing garbage in the sea, spilling drinks and falling on everyone is a little off. Take a booze cruise for that.

Mike (verified purchase) – November 21, 2021

After a long flight, complete with delays, from Chicago, we arrive at PUJ for a much needed vacation. Going though security and immigration in the airport was a real pain. My suitcase had been gone through and a wheel on my bag was busted off. All I wanted to do was get to my hotel, and so far, this trip wasn’t starting out well. After leaving the security area, we were greeted by a nice man (I forgot his name) that was ready and waiting to take us to our hotel. There were what seemed like a sea of taxi drivers all vying for our business. I was very glad I had pre-arranged to be picked up by punta cana tours. They were courteous,very nice, and helpful as they took my wife’s and my luggage and helped us into the van. I was impressed. The van was clean, nice and comfortable and our driver was very helpful and informative on our drive to the hotel. Later that week, we also booked a tour to Isla Saona through the Again, they were fast, prompt, and very professional. The trip to Isla Saona is something not to be missed. What started off as a less than perfect trip, ended in a very enjoyable vacation. I know Punta Cana Tours and their staff, had a lot to do with it. Thanks for everything guys, Mike

Paisley W. (verified purchase) – November 7, 2021

Our trip to the Dominican Republic was terrible. The only thing that was great was how the staff as promised, helped us to make the best of it. We had all kind of problems with the hotel, good thing we had 3 days out booked with Punta Cana Tours. We went on Saona Island everything was Great, the trip to the capital city was too long but well organized and our fishing charter for the day was professionally planed. We thank you guys for your service, we will speak highly about you in Texas. Woods

Vivian (verified purchase) – November 7, 2021

While our trip was short to DR, transportation provided through Punta Cana Tours was long. We waited over 30minutes for transportation from our resort to the excursion and no contact was made from the company to notify us. Had we not stayed in the lobby a little longer, the driver would’ve came and left without us and have no regard to reach out to us. However, Isla Saona was beautiful, the transportation to and from the dock to the island was fun filled, with entertainment, drinks and a beautiful view on a speed boat and a catamaran.The food given to us during lunch on the Island was buffet style and American food but tasty! We would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone visiting DR as it is a beautiful sight and worth visiting!

Louise (verified purchase) – September 3, 2021

Unbelievable excursion. Such a fun time. Transportation and each piece of the excursion was very well managed. Crew on the boat were a BLAST. They made the sandbar bar and the snorkeling portions highly enjoyable as well. Definitely not for kids or those NOT trying to have fun!

Murphy (verified purchase) – September 3, 2021

The best day of our 2 week trip to punta cana. Beautiful beach, dancing, snorkeling, photo shoot on beach, banana boats, innertubing, eating, playing games, shopping…etc I could go on and on amazing.

Catherine (verified purchase) – August 22, 2021

A fantastic experience! Well worth going on this day-long trip. We’ve went as a family of 3 with our 4YO daughter. Punctual pick-up from the hotel. Our group counted about 15 people. After reaching our “naval departure” port we’ve been wizzed off in a speedboat which was a very fun ride. After a few moments we’ve found ourselves swimming in the natural swimming pool drinking some vitamins %-). Then had some pictures with starfishes taken and wizzed of again on the speedboat until we’ve reached Isla Saona. Beautiful beaches and postcard picturesque water!!! After lunch went back to mainland on board a catamaran! Fantastic experience! Would definitely recommend.

Maria (verified purchase) – August 13, 2021

Highly Recommended!. This excursion was absolutely worth it. I booked it with Punta Cana tours. A catamaran ride to Saona Island on the calm Caribbean sea with music and dancing, followed by lunch and a beautiful lagoon to swim in. An entire day’s trip, but lots of fun!

Saige (verified purchase) – August 3, 2021

I would like to say that I would DEFINITELY recommend Punta Cana Tours to my friends and family if they visit the Dominican Republic and choose to partake in any excursions. We had a blast on Saona Island. All of the logistics were handled appropriately and we were very pleased. At Saona Island, everything was amazing. The only thing we would have changed is that we would have preferred to take the speedboats out to the island in the morning and then ride the catamaran back in the afternoon. It would have been nice to be able to cap off the fantastic day of relaxation with a party cruise back on the catamaran as opposed to partying on the way there. Just to reiterate, I will most definitely be recommending Punta Cana Tours to any of my friends and family that choose to visit. Thanks for helping make our vacation a fantastic time!

Cyrus (verified purchase) – March 8, 2020

Isla Sona – The tour itself was good, the catamaran sailing was quite nice and relaxing although overpriced products were being sold. Once we got to the island, it was great and we had a good time being by ourselves on the beach. The food was average. Catamaran tour:- Cheaper than the Isla Sona tours and the snorkeling was probably the highlight. Don’t forget to bring in a water camera for the tour. They will hawk you pictures that cost around $40 and its not worth it. Other than that it was a memorable experience

Brandon (verified purchase) – February 20, 2018

just come back from a 5 day vacation , Me and my wife did two attractions with Punta Cana Tours and all I get to say is that was perfect , Speed boat with snorkeling and snuba was amazing and then next day we went to isla saona which was excellent . I recommend to everyone . They picked us up at the right time in our resort ,no complaint at all. Thanks punta cana tours.

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How long is the boat ride from Punta Cana to Isla Saona?

You cannot take a boat directly from Punta Cana to Saona island as the distance is too far. To reach the jump off point for Saona you must first drive to the town of Bayahibe. Normal drive time is about an hour but if you're with a group excursion, drive time can be up to 2 hours due passenger pick up at Punta Cana resorts. Once in Bayahibe there are two options to reach Saona: motorboat, which takes about 40 minutes or catamaran which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.  Unless you've chartered your own private catamaran, all Saona group excursions will include one way via motorboat and one way via catamaran.

How long is the Saona Island excursion?

Expect to be gone approximately 10 hours on a typical Saona island excursion from Punta Cana or up to 12 hours if your hotel is located in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana's northern most section. This includes round trip bus transport from the resorts, round trip boat transport to Saona and of course some island time!

You can opt for a private charter which will take only about 8 hours. And if you want to really get there quick, you can take a helicopter excursion to Saona island .

Why is Saona Island so popular?

At 100 square kilometers, Saona is a behemoth of an offshore island with miles of unobstructed tropical beach, turquoise waters and coconut palms. It really is the quintessential, tropical shoreline in the Caribbean. The motorboat and catamaran ride, to and from Saona, is just as memorable as the island itself with an unforgettable stop at the natural swimming pool - an immense sandbar of waist deep waters where music is played and drinks are served!

What is the best beach in Saona?

Saona island, located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, offers miles of tropical, white powdery beaches. The most popular, and the most visited for Saona excursions, is Playa los Abanicos. Also popular is Catuano Point and Playa del Gato. Playa Palmilla is mentioned a great deal but this beach is located on the mainland and not on Saona. Off Playa Palmilla is where the renowned natural swimming pool is located, a popular sandbar stop for Saona excursions.

Where do boats leave for Saona Island?

Saona island boat departures leave from the southeastern Dominican town of Bayahibe which is about an hour drive from Punta Cana. If you are on a group excursion with others, transport to Bayahibe can take up to 2 hours when factoring in other passenger pick ups.

Does anyone live on Saona Island?

Saona island is part of the Dominican Republic's Cotubanama National Park which prohibits development and inhabitants. With that said, the small fishing village of Mano Juan was the only community that existed before the national park's declaration in 1975; it was permitted to remain with development and population restrictions. Today about 500 individuals live in Mano Juan.

How long is the boat trip to Saona Island?

Saona Island is located off southeastern shores of the Dominican Republic and is only reachable by boat. The closest mainland town is Bayahibe from where there are two options to reach Saona: motorboat, which takes about 40 minutes or catamaran which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.  Unless you've chartered your own private catamaran, all Saona group excursions will include one way via motorboat and one way via catamaran.

Why go to Saona Island?

Saona island is the only offshore island relatively close to Punta Cana. The trip to Saona combines two of the most sought after activities for tourists to the Dominican Republic: getting out on a boat and spending time on the beach; preferably the island kind! And Saona itself is worth the trip, surrounding by calm Caribbean seas it is the quintessential tropical island with miles of powdery beaches, bordered lazy coconut palms and lapping turquoise waters.

Can you snorkel on Saona Island?

Typical excursions to Saona island do not include snorkeling. Although there are coral reefs just offshore from the town of Bayahibe - the jump off point for the Saona island excursion - these reefs are located in deeper waters that are more conducive to scuba diving.

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Visiting Saona Island Excursion: What you need to know

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Table of Contents

Probably my favorite day in the Dominican Republic was when I did the excursion to the beautiful Saona Island. If you’re planning your Dominican Republic trip, check out this guide to see more information on the island and how to book your trip.

When I was backpacking the Dominican Republic , I made sure to spend a day exploring the island of Saona. I would highly recommend for anyone to do this trip!

What is Saona Island?

Saona Island is a beautiful island off the coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a protected area, so you can enjoy unspoiled beaches and miles of palm tree jungle. It’s a peaceful gateway for any kind of beachgoer and provides great snorkeling spots.

Where is Saona Island?

The island is located to the south of the country, between La Romana and Punta Cana. The best way to reach the island is by taking a tour from Punta Cana or even from Santo Domingo directly, since it includes transfer from your hotel to the port, the boat ride, food, and the way back.

Alternatively, you can try to make your way to the port yourself in Bayahibe, but you will still have to join an excursion in order to visit the island.

How much does the Saona Island tour cost?

I strongly recommend booking online a few days in advance so that you receive a confirmation and a cheaper price. I hadn’t booked in advance, so I ended up paying a bit more because I found a tour office in the city center. Expect to pay anywhere between $60 to $90 if you’re leaving from Punta Cana. Anything else is a scam. The trip from Santo Domingo is slightly more expensive because it’s farther.

The Catamaran ride

First, your transfer will drop you off in Bayahibe, where you will be placed onto various Catamaran boats. The boat ride lasts about 90 minutes and is on the open water, so be sure and wear sunscreen! I enjoyed getting my tan on in the front of the boat but there are some shaded areas.

On the boat, there will be salsa music playing and an open bar. After a few drinks, some of our fellow guests started dancing and it turned into a party.

There are also local guides who will go around the boat taking your picture. The guy I had was great, and also took amazing photos of me once we reached the island. I had fun posing for on the boat and in the sand, but the photos are very very expensive, so just be aware!

During this day trip, you’ll first take a transfer to the port, where you’ll have an open bar on a catamaran boat, filled with salsa music. There are several photographers onboard who took some amazing, albeit expensive photos both on the boat and on the island.

Isla Saona visit + buffet

When you get to the island you will be amazed at the insanely blue color of the sea and pristine white beaches! The island is a hidden little paradise, and you can spend your time wandering around, snorkeling, or basking in the sun on a lounge chair. There is still the open bar with basic drinks, or you can pay a little bit extra to enjoy a piña colada on the beach.

While on the island, you will also be treated to a traditional Dominican lunch- buffet style. They have some local dishes as well as some classic favorites for the picky eaters. The food was delicious!

Natural pool

After a few hours on the island, you’ll make a pit stop on the way back at a natural pool. The water there is a crystal clear blue. It’s really as clear as a manmade pool! There are many starfish who live there, but please do as the guides say and don’t touch them!! We want to preserve their natural habitat. You will spend a short amount of time there before heading back to conclude the day at the port.

Way back to shore

The ride back was in a smaller motor boat. It takes way less time, but a lot less fun! My friend had brought a speaker though so we had fun blaring music that everyone could dance and sing along to. The ride took maybe 20-30 minutes, and then we reached the shore, tipped our guides, and were taken to our transfer vans to bring us back to our hotel for the day.

Is Saona Island worth it?

Honestly, I think this day in Saona Island was my favorite day of the trip so I would definitely say it was worth it! The island is so beautiful and preserved, and I felt that I was in those Caribbean calendars that are hung in the office every year. The transportation alone would have made the price worth it, but it also included food AND drinks? What more could you ask for??

Solo traveler, budget backpacker, masters student, and small town Texas girl now gone global

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The Comments

Hi Jori! I’ll be visiting the Dominican Republic in March with some friends and we want to visit Saona Island. I was wondering which tour operator did you used? There are so many and really don’t know where to book.

Hi Gabriela! I strongly recommend this tour , since everything is included and it has hundreds of reviews! If you book once you’re there they will try to way overcharge you!

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Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar Included

• Children 3-11

Welcome to our Saona Island Excursion, the ultimate tropical getaway in the Dominican Republic. With crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, Saona Island is a true paradise that has been impressing visitors for over 500 years. On this full-day excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty and indulge in a variety of activities such as swimming, and lounging on the beach. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Dominican BBQ lunch served buffet style and have the chance to dance the merengue.

English, Espanol, Multilingual

Included/Excluded

• Bilingual guides: Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience on the tour. They will provide information about the island and its history, as well as answer any questions you may have.
• Roundtrip transportation: Convenient round-trip transportation from your Punta Cana resort is included in the tour price. This means that you won't have to worry about getting to and from the island – we'll take care of all the details.
• Catamaran and speedboat trip: On this excursion, you'll have the opportunity to travel to and from Saona Island on a catamaran or speedboat. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and the natural pool as you journey to the island.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: Refreshments are included in the tour price, so you can enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during your time on the island.
• BBQ Lunch: A delicious BBQ lunch served buffet style is included in the tour price. Indulge in a variety of tasty dishes and fuel up for your day on the island.

Tour Itinerary

Description, reasons to visit saona island:, tour highlights.

• Stop at the Natural Pool, a crystal clear sand bar.
• Enjoy a traditional Dominican buffet-style lunch.
• Return the mainland in a speedboat or catamaran.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Saona Island

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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SAONA ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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• (4.16 mi) Casa Rural el Paraiso de Saona
• (4.25 mi) Casa Rosada Beach Front
• (4.16 mi) Saona Beach House
• (4.05 mi) Saona Lodge
• (4.02 mi) Habitación Superior con Climatización

Saona Island

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Saona Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar Included (From C$106.62)
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• From Punta Cana: Saona Island & Altos de Chavon Day Trip with Lunch and Open Bar (From C$135.32)
• Full-Day Excursion in Saona Island (From C$87.48)
• (6.65 km) Casa Rural el Paraiso de Saona
• (6.79 km) Casa Rosada Beach Front
• (6.65 km) Saona Beach House
• (6.48 km) Saona Lodge
• (6.43 km) Habitación Superior con Climatización

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• About this activity

All-Inclusive Saona Island Tour by Speedboat & Catamaran

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup
• Speedboat and catamaran tour of Saona Island
• 30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
• 3 hours of fun in the sun at the paradisiacal Isla Saona
• Tasty Dominican buffet lunch, open bar, and beach activities
• Relaxation, swimming, fun, booze, and tropical views

Activity location

• Saona Island, DOM

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Punta Cana, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Tue, May 7 $82
• Wed, May 8 $82
• Thu, May 9 $82
• Fri, May 10 $82
• Sat, May 11 $82
• Sun, May 12 $82
• Mon, May 13 $82
• Tue, May 14 $82
• Wed, May 15 $82
• Thu, May 16 $82
• Fri, May 17 $82
• Sat, May 18 $82
• Sun, May 19 -
• Mon, May 20 $82
• Tue, May 21 $82

Saona Island Day Trip

• Activity duration is 12 hours 12h 12h
• Food and Drinks

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Speedboat and catamaran tour of Saona Island
• What's included What's included 30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
• What's included What's included 3-hour visit at Saona Island
• What's included What's included Buffet lunch (barbecue, salad, and typical Dominican fare)
• What's included What's included Open bar with beer, rum, and soft drinks
• What's included What's included Snacks
• What's included What's included Entrance ticket to the East National Park
• What's included What's included Professional guide in English and Spanish
• What's included What's included Hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana area
• What's excluded What's excluded Gratuities (optional)
• What's excluded What's excluded DVD (available to purchase)
• What's excluded What's excluded Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• What's excluded What's excluded Lobster (available to purchase)

Know before you book

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
• Hotel pickup is available from most Punta Cana hotels. Please arrange pickup from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation.
• Pickup starts early in the morning. You will be notified with the exact pick-up time a day before the tour. If you book within 12 hours of the start time, please contact the supplier after booking.

What you can expect

We're taking you to the superstar of offshore islands in the Dominican Republic—Saona Island. Think sun, sand, booze, boats, and bikinis! You can thank us later, but for now let us tell you about the ridiculously beautiful Saona Island.

The first European boat to dock at Saona was Christopher Columbus’ in 1494, and Saona has not ceased to amaze visitors for the last 500+ years! Saona is not a tiny off-shore key—the beach stretches as far as the eye can see. This quintessential Caribbean island serves up the quintessential Caribbean scenery, with ivory sands lined by rows of swaying palms.

Race to the island in a speedboat that includes a stop in a waist-deep natural swimming pool of transparent waters. If you're lucky, you may even see some starfish! Once you arrive Isla Saona, you have so many choices—wade in the turquoise waters, visit the open bar, dance merengue, take a nap on a beach lounge chair, play volleyball, indulge in a typical Dominican lunch of chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad and fruit, or walk the coastline. Take your time and do it all!

We'll hit the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat and slowly cruise you back to the mainland on a spacious catamaran. Oh, there’s also music, dancing, and an open bar. This is the Caribbean, folks. It's an all-inclusive, full-day outing to Saona Island—and you need some time away from your Punta Cana resort. You get the boat, the open bar, and the food. Oh, and we pick you up and drop you off at your lobby. That is easy!

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption
• Social distancing measures in place
• Protective shields in place at main contact areas

Safety measures

• Masks and gloves required
• Personal protective equipment worn by staff
• Hand sanitizer provided
• Temperature checks given to staff
• Temperature checks available
• 23000, Punta Cana, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
• Carretera Cabeza de Toro
• 23000, Bavaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic

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Beaches & Islands

Set Sail for Saona Island

Saona Island, Dominican Republic

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Find Saona Island

External links.

Saona Island is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, and the secret is out - this remote, pristine paradise has become one of the focal points of the Dominican Republic’s  tourism boom, and now attracts about one million visitors every year.

Happily, this paradise isn’t in danger of becoming a parking lot - the whole island is protected as part of the Cotubanamá National Park. The only buildings you’ll find on the island are the two tiny settlements of Catuano, a Navy base on the western edge of the island, and Mano Juan, the main town located to the south. Thanks to the protections in force on the island, Mano Juan is still a sleepy fishing village, and its traditional wooden houses painted in different colors are part of the island’s charm.

What to expect on a boat trip to Isla Saona

Most Isla Saona tours take you there by speedboat or catamaran and depart from Bayahibe (although you can also set off from Bavaro, Punta Cana , Cap Cana and even Santo Domingo). Traveling by speedboat will get you to Saona faster, while catamarans offer a more leisurely journey - you can walk around onboard comfortably and see more of the coastline as it glides by.

Traveling to Saona by boat gives you the best chance to admire the bird-thronged mangroves along the coastline, the deserted beaches, some of the park’s eight emerged coral reefs and almost 400 grottos.

Most tours, whether by speedboat or catamaran, will stop to let you off for a swim in the biggest natural pool in the Dominican Republic - a huge expanse of shallow sea in the Catuano strait that separates Isla Saona from the mainland, with a floor of silky-soft pure white sand and unbelievably bright-turquoise water. Many tours provide snorkelling gear so you can get up close and personal with starfish and schools of colorful tropical fish.

From the natural pool site, it’s another 20 minutes to Saona Island proper. If your tour didn’t include lunch aboard the catamaran, then you can expect lunch on arrival. The buffet lunch is a great introduction to Dominican delicacies featuring fresh fish and shellfish, chicken, plantains, rice, juicy tropical fruit and exotic rums and cocktails as well as a standard party bar.

If swimming in paradise isn’t quite enough, you can liven things up with a game of beach volleyball or don fins for some more snorkelling.

Book your tour to Saona Island here!

Where to stay

Because Isla Saona’s status as a pristine paradise depends on its protection from new tourist megaplexes, you won’t find anywhere to stay on the island itself. Instead, your best bet is to stay at one of the many resorts or boutique hotels in La Romana , Bayahibe or Punta Cana .

Getting there

Saona Island lies offshore of the southeastern tip of mainland Dominican Republic. Dead south of the La Altagracia province, politically Saona belongs to Altagracia’s western neighbor, La Romana.

Getting to La Romana from the capital city of Santo Domingo takes approximately 2 hours by car. From La Romana to Saona Island, travel time varies enormously depending on how you decide to get here.

You’ll find more than a dozen tour companies offer public and private tours , with many offering extras like lunch, an open bar, hotel pick-up and drop-off, scuba-diving and live entertainment. Shop around for the best tour by asking agencies what extras they offer. Prices vary according to the agency and the extras included, and sometimes how you book, but you can expect to pay between USD $50 - $100 for a round trip.

You can also get to Saona by helicopter straight from Punta Cana . Helicopter flights take 25 minutes and start at USD $299. The view from the air is other-worldly - in fact, you’ll be flying close to where the helicopter scenes in the original Jurassic Park were filmed! You can read more about famous DR movie locations here.

Written by Aura De Los Santos.

Published June 2020.

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Saona Reserve

Description

Practical information, good to know.

• ✓ Sun
• ✓ Mon
• ✓ Tue
• ✓ Wed
• ✓ Thu
• ✓ Fri
• ✓ Sat
• An exciting ride along the coastline with a stunning panorama of the Eastern National Park via Catamaran and Motomaran
• Visit the beautiful Saona Island to see remote areas and pristine beaches
• Learn about the fascinating world of sea turtles
• Enjoy a savory typical Dominican lunch, snacks on board on the way to the Island, and open bar
• 8 hours of adventure (Not including transportation time to and from the activity)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Round-trip A/C transportation
• Boat Transportation
• Professional bilingual guides
• Snacks on board
• Dominican lunch and beverages
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellant
• Don't forget your camera and sunglasses
• Bring cash for souvenirs, optional massage, and tips (tipping is optional)
• Please note that our partner will be providing transportation in their vehicle so that you can enjoy this exciting excursion.
• Tour Language: English / Spanish
• Tour Location(s): Punta Cana and La Romana
• Season: All year long
• Duration: Full day (8 hours aprox)
• Hotel Pick-up Available: Yes
• Good Physical Condition Required: No
• Suitable For Children : Yes
• Pregnant Woman Allowed: No

Authentic experiences & recommendations

Excursion to Isla Saona 2024 – hidden gems, insider tips, DIY adventures and the best Saona Island tours

Saona Island – or in Spanish Isla Saona – is the most popular tourist attraction in the Dominican Republic. Thousands of tourists are visiting the beautiful island every day and even it sounds quite touristy, it resembles the Caribbean dream. Just imagine, you are cruising on a catamaran with a laid-back vibe while feeling the ocean breeze blowing through your hair and sipping at a typical Cuba libre during your Saona Island tour. Once on the island, you can enjoy picture-perfect beaches with Caribbean music, swaying palm trees and fresh Pina Colada served in the pineapple (the latter one for an extra charge) while floating in the deeply colored turquoise ocean. That’s a dream in paradise? Well, that’s what you can expect from your excursion when being on an Isla Saona tour. And even if you don’t want to book an Isla Saona excursion, there is a chance how you can visit the island on your own pace and create your own adventure. The following comprehensive guide gives you all the information about this wonderful piece of paradise and shows you all the ways to book the very best Saona Island excursion – from Bayahibe and from Punta Cana. It also answers the question if Saona is worth it and – new for 2024 – where you can find the best Saona Island snorkeling tour.

The cheapest Saona Island excursion from Punta Cana

Saona island private tour, is saona island worth it, visit isla saona by helicopter, alternatives to isla saona.

Isla Saona is part of the most exciting attractions in the area. To check out more amazing things to do in Punta Cana, continue reading here . If you are looking for some private tours to Saona Island instead of group tours, you can check out this article . And if you feel that Isla Saona gets visited by too many tourists, you can also check out the little sister of Saona Island, Isla Catalina . Are you interested in further Punta Cana tours? If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation.

Completely UPDATED December 2023

Quick overview: the best Isla Saona excursions

The best overall saona island tour.

You don’t want to read a lot and are just looking for a recommendation of the best Isla Saona excursion from Punta Cana? Here you go: a tour that combines the best spots at Saona Island with outstanding customer service and amazing quality. It runs in small groups, which is why it is a bit more on the pricey side but usually it is worth every dollar. Check it out here *.

For cheaper Saona tours, check out the sections below or have a look at this cheap Saona excursion *.

The best Saona Island tours for every type of traveler

In case you are in a hurry and don’t have time to read all the details below about the different Saona Island excursions (even I promise it is worth reading 🙂 ), you can check out the following table with the best Isla Saona tours and can book them directly.

(mobile users: please turn your device to landscape mode to enjoy the best view of this table)

The best Saona Island snorkeling tour

Usually, Saona is not known for its extensive snorkeling options, as most tours are only having a quick (and not impressive) snorkeling stop – or none at all. I have explained this in detail here in this Punta Cana snorkeling guide .

However, and that’s new for 2024, there is a Saona Island snorkeling tour which indeed focuses on the underwater world around the island. They go to places where no other boats are going (except for Saona Island private boats ) such as Isla Catalinita (not to be confused with Isla Catalina ) and Cayo Raton, two wonderful places to snorkel with lively and colorful reefs. Check out more details here for this Saona Snorkeling Excursion * if you are interested in this kind of tour – the places they visit are gorgeous and absolutely pristine.

The best catamaran cruises to Saona Island

In case you specifically want to go with a catamaran, you can check out the following tours. Those are the best catamaran cruises to Saona Island from Punta Cana and Bayahibe according to our experiences and customers’ reviews.

However, please take care that there are different types of catamarans. Among the best catamaran cruises to Saona Island, you can find proper and spacious (sailing) catamarans, which take it slow and are perfect to enjoy the view of the coastline, a drink and some entertainment, while there are other (motorized) catamarans (so-called motomarans), which are much quicker and have the chance to bring you to places where other catamarans can’t go.

The best Saona Island tours from Bayahibe

In the table above you already see a few well-rated Saona Island tours from Bayahibe. However, sometimes it might be difficult to find the right excursion if staying in Bayahibe as most tours are catering to travelers from Punta Cana. To help you with picking the best option, you can check out the following overview with the best Saona Island tours from Bayahibe.

Standard Tour: best cheap Saona Island tour from Bayahibe * Discovery Tour: best Saona Island tour from Bayahibe incl. Turtle Sanctuary and Mano Juan * Premium Tour: best premium Saona Island tour from Bayahibe on a catamaran * Private Tour: best private Saona Island tour from Bayahibe *

Besides all the tours mentioned above – if you are only looking for the cheapest tour to Saona Island (with good reviews), you can also simply book a tour online. Check out this offer here *, perfect for those who are traveling to Punta Cana on a budget .

Where is the Isla Saona located?

 Isla Saona is part of the Parque Nacional Cotubanama (formely Parque Nacional del Este) and is located on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, more or less halfway between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana in the Bayahibe area . The island is located in the southern part of the national park and is separated from the mainland by a natural channel. The distance to the other island where you can do excursions to, Isla Catalina, is approximately 15 miles. Read a full review of Isla Catalina here .

 All boat trips to Saona Island start in Bayahibe, so no matter if you are coming from Santo Domingo , Punta Cana or elsewhere in the Dominican Republic, you always head to Bayahibe by land transport ( or helicopter * if you have some spare change 😉 ). Depending on the hotel you are staying at, the journey time from Punta Cana to Isla Saona is not too far, between 60 and 90 minutes (the same as from Bavaro, Macao or Uvero Alto ). Further down you will find the easiest ways on how to get to Saona Island from Punta Cana.

From Santo Domingo it is a little less than 2 hours to Bayahibe, where the Saona Island excursions are starting. ( check tours to Isla Saona from Santo Domingo here *)

Once in Bayahibe the journey to reach Isla Saona is between 45 (speed boat) and 90 minutes (catamaran). 

Both, land transport and the trip on the ocean are already included in the typical excursions you can book for Saona Island.

In case you have a rental car , you can also travel to Bayahibe by yourself and start the excursion from there. You can check prices for rental cars from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo here *.

Details and itineraries: the best Saona Island excursions

If you want to go on an excursion to Isla Saona (from Punta Cana or elsewhere), you have different tour options. They vary in what is included, where they go (obviously all to Saona Island, but different places) and what quality you can expect. If you are interested in the best private Saona tours for 2024, check out this article with the best excursions in Punta Cana during the times of Covid-19 .

The standard tour to Isla Saona

Even tour descriptions might vary slightly, usually all the standard excursions to Saona Island are set up the same. 

 You will get picked up by a tour bus in Punta Cana right in your all-inclusive resort or guesthouse/hotel and dropped off in Bayahibe . Here you will change onto a boat and head towards Isla Saona – either on a speed boat with a stop at the natural swimming pool or with the catamaran listening to music while having drinks and dancing time.

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 Don’t worry if you have a preference for one of both options, on the way back from the island in the afternoon you will get the other one you haven’t had in the morning. This means, you either go to Isla Saona by speed boat and come back by catamaran or you will start with the catamaran and have the speed boat in the afternoon.

 While on the island, all Isla Saona tour companies of the standard excursion usually offer you a marvelous stretch of beach (I have been there three times with different tours and it was always amazing), a simple buffet lunch, free drinks (usually just soft drinks and rum, sometimes also beer) and time to enjoy, relax, sunbath and swim. Note that Saonas’ beaches might get full, but you’re always free to move a bit to the left or the right to a stretch which suits you. All the photos included here in this article were talken either on regular (and cheap) Saona excursions or during our Saona overnight adventure (see further details below).

You can check out some Saona Island tour options from Punta Cana here:

Expect to pay between 70 and 100 USD for Saona Island tours starting and ending in Punta Cana, some promotions are starting for as low as 60 USD per person. 

Discovery and/or premium excursions to Isla Saona

 Depending on your needs, it might be a good idea to spend a little extra money on your Isla Saona tour as the standard excursion is just a basic tour. Fun (rum), sun and beach are the main ingredients here, but if you would like to cruise in style or see different parts of Saona Island, another tour might be a good idea.

 The premium Isla Saona tours are more distinct with specific differences between them. Tour companies are offering the same tour as above but with better quality, for example, more professional tour guides, high-quality drinks and lobster menus. Others are doing both ways with a catamaran highlighting the chillout atmosphere of the tour. And yet others, usually those I call Discovery Tours here in this Saona Island Guide, are just using a speed boat and doing some kind of sightseeing around Saona Island, showing you many beautiful and untouched sites the standard tours usually don’t go to, for example, El Peñon, Canto de la Playa and Mano Juan.

The tour options below are all hand-selected and are operated by some of the best Saona Excursion tour operators:

 As these tours are more individual with more service and/or less crowded groups, they are more expensive as well – you should plan with around 100 to 180 USD for these options.

Especially the Saona Island excursions to Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa are highly recommendable. We have visited both places and they are a true heaven for adventurers. Tourism here is much less than on the main beaches of Isla Saona (which doesn’t mean that the regular Saona beaches are less beautiful) and everything is more peaceful and quiet. Particular Canto de la Playa, which is included in some of the Isla Saona tours, is spectacular and awe-inspiring, it is in fact one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic . Check out the following Saona Island tours ( or this offer here * or this one here *) if you’d like to visit Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa.

If you’d like to know how you can visit Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa without an Isla Saona excursion, continue reading this post, you find further information below.

VIP, private yacht and helicopter tours to Isla Saona

 If that’s not enough for you, Isla Saona still gets you covered as there are also Saona excursions for the most demanding visitors. Tours by helicopter , private boats, luxury yachts , elegant beach clubs and VIP services are your choice if you would like to splurge a bit. Of course, prices vary enormously depending on the services included, but if you are interested, you can check out the following offers.

If a group excursion is not the right Isla Saona tour for you, you can also consider a Saona Island private tour. Interestingly enough, a private excursion might not be as expensive as you think and has a couple of advantages compared to a typical Isla Saona excursion: – you can design the itinerary according to your needs – you can guarantee social distancing – you can enjoy places with fewer or no tourists – you can adjust the timetable according to your preferences – you have more private space on the boat – you’ll have much smaller groups – just the people from your traveling party – the tour staff is exclusively there for you – you can immediately ask for help in case of any problems

This is especially helpful when you are traveling with your family or with friends as a small group. You can decide the pace of your own tour, don’t have to share with strangers and get much more personal attention. Those are just a few advantages of a private Isla Saona excursion. Check out this article for further information on a Saona Island private tour .

For a particularly affordable private tour, you can also check out this special offer here *.

In case you don’t see the widget above, here are the best private tours for Saona Island 2024: – private tour to Saona Island, option 1 * – private tour to Saona Island, option 2 * – private tour to Saona Island, option 3 * – private tour to Saona Island, with Mano Juan * – private tour to Saona Island by private catamaran *

My experiences at Isla Saona

 I usually don’t like places where you can feel from the first moment that everything is just about tourism. If I have to share attractions with thousands of tourists I normally do not want to go there as this is not my idea of traveling. However, I have to admit I really loved Isla Saona (and I have been there three times now) as the scenery is indeed mind-blowing. In my 10 years living in the Caribbean, I have visited more than 25 Caribbean islands and while I have seen a couple of superb and nearly unbeatable paradisiacal places (for example Tobago Cays, Jost van Dyke, Bequia, etc.), Isla Saona definitely can compete with them. Saona also has some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic , so be prepared for some amazing views.

 If you are or were in doubt like me – no worry, just relax and enjoy yourself. Imagine cruising on a catamaran with chill-out or dance music sipping at your Cuba Libre (unfortunately with a subpar rum at most cheaper Saona Island excursions) and watching the coastline of the Dominican Republic passing by until you reach the palm-fringed Isla Saona. That is exactly what I was able to enjoy, and the island does not fall short of it. 

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 Shallow water, beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees, usually enough space for everyone, so that it does not feel too crowded. Of course, there are a couple of boats anchoring and visiting but I have seen worse things in my travel life. If you still want fewer people than on Isla Saona, have a look at neighboring (15 miles away) Isla Catalina , which is kind of the little sister of Isla Saona.

 Furthermore, you can also walk left and right along the shoreline, so you might be able to find your own little beach section because Isla Saona is larger than you may think. The island is home to around 40 miles of coastline. While just a tiny part of it is accessible it still gives you the chance to venture out and see some untouched or less visited parts.

Isla Saona is indeed one kind of paradise in the Dominican Republic.

 The only thing where you should lower your expectations is the snorkeling stop (if it is included at all as some tour companies have ceased the Isla Saona snorkeling over the past years). Some of the tours stop at a wrack which a few fishes call their home. If you have never been snorkeling it might be a good point to try it but once you have done it at a reef with a diverse and colorful fish population, the snorkeling at Isla Saona won’t impress you. Check out this article here if you’d like to know more about snorkeling in and around Punta Cana . If snorkeling is important for you, Isla Catalina is the better tour option or you can book this Saona Snorkeling Tour *, the only one which focuses on snorkeling and which head to remote places with healthy and colorful reefs.

 On the other hand, the stop at the natural swimming pool is very pleasant – if you are prepared for many boats. However, the color is indeed beautiful and super turquoise and the view of the untouched coastline is amazing.

TOP 12 Punta Cana Excursions

Isla Saona : Saona Info | Book it * Private Saona Island Tour: Private Tour Info | Book it * Dune buggy and ATV excursion : Buggy Info | Book it * Punta Cana Ziplining : Zipline Info | Book it * Party boat & booze cruise : Party Boat Info | Book it * Best Nightlife Show: Coco Bongo Info | Book it * Scape Park Cap Cana & Blue Lagoon : Blue Lagoon Info | Book it * Los Haitises National Park : Los Haitises Info | Book it * Santo Domingo : Santo Domingo Info | Book it * Samaná (Salto El Limón & Cayo Levantado) : Samaná Info | Book it * Helicopter & airplane tours : Helicopter Info | Book it * Whale watching (Jan-Mar only) : Whale watching Info | Book it * Looking for more inspiration? Check out the 40+ best Punta Cana tours !

 As you can see, the trip to Isla Saona is worth it and definitely a highlight during your vacation in the Dominican Republic. The important thing is that you do not expect too much regarding the personal attention and the food, especially if you are booking the cheaper Saona tours. Furthermore, Saona is not worth it if you just come for the beach – better stay at the beautiful Punta Cana beaches if you just want to have a relaxed beach day.

The key point is that you come here for the natural beauty and the Caribbean feeling. The boat trip is part of the experience. Having said this, Isla Saona is amazing and is definitely worth a day trip . Also note, that the transfer from Punta Cana to the port in Bayahibe might take up to 2 hours (particularly with the cheaper tours) due to stops and various hotel pick-ups, so only book this tour if you’re comfortable spending the entire day out of your resort in Punta Cana .

On the other hand, booking one of the premium Isla Saona tours will enhance your experience, which guarantees you one of the best days you will have during your vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic. Particularly Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa are even more stunning.

Visiting Isla Saona on your own (without an excursion)

If you don’t want to participate in a Saona Island excursion at all, you can also head to Isla Saona on your own. There is a public boat to Saona running once in the morning and back to Bayahibe once in the afternoon (which can’t be prebooked). However, when getting to Saona Island from Punta Cana the schedule might be a bit tough as you would have to leave Punta Cana around 7 am latest (the Saona ferry leaves at around 9 am), hence I recommend staying a night in Bayahibe before the trip and – even better – add a night at Isla Saona because it is actually possible to sleep there as there are a few Isla Saona hotels in Mano Juan!

If you’d like to visit the island without an Isla Saona excursion, Mano Juan will be your destination. Mano Juan is an incredibly cute and laid-back fishing village, the only one on Saona. It seems that time has forgotten this place, which is part of the authentic paradise vibe you will find here. And Mano Juan is amazingly beautiful, as you can see in the following photos.

There are currently (as of December 2023) four accommodations in Mano Juan – all basic, all reasonable priced (even though not with the best price-value ratio), all with a certain paradise charm.

From our last Isla Saona tour to Mano Juan, we can recommend Saona Beach House *, where we stayed the night and had this wonderful breakfast place pictured below.

Check out below in the section “good to know” for further information on Isla Saona resorts and Saona Island hotels.

To get to Mano Juan and Isla Saona from Punta Cana, you first have to get to Bayahibe . The public ferry boat to Saona Island is leaving around 9 am from the main port in Bayahibe. That’s why it might be recommendable to book a night in Bayahibe. There are pretty cheap and recommendable accommodation options available in Bayahibe that won’t break the bank. For example, Bayahibe Village Inn * is very recommendable, super reasonable priced and only 5 minutes away from where the ferry boat leaves in Bayahibe to Isla Saona.

With public transport from Punta Cana , you have to leave pretty early as you have to change busses twice – in Higuey and La Romana. There is a direct bus from Punta Cana to La Romana at 7 am, but it might be pretty tough to reach the public boat to Isla Saona on time, hence I’d recommend leaving earlier. If you’d like to avoid public transport to Bayahibe , you can also book a direct shuttle from Punta Cana to Bayahibe or simply rent a car ( check rental car recommendations and prices here *).

Once you are at the harbor of Bayahibe , you can board the public boat. You shouldn’t expect a proper ferry to Saona Island, it is more like a typical fishing boat. The price for a one-way trip shall be around 1000 DOP or 20 USD, the return is double the price. If everything goes well, you shall be in Mano Juan around 10:00-10:30 am. You have reached the island without a Saona Island tour – congrats on mastering this very special Punta Cana adventure .

Once on the island, you can take your time to explore Mano Juan and the surroundings – even though there is not that much to explore. Mano Juan can be walked in 15 minutes, but the Saona beaches there are indeed beautiful. You can also visit the turtle sanctuary and of course, dine at one of the local restaurants. Prices are higher than on the mainland as most of the things have to be shuttled by boat to the island. If you are looking for a cold beer and a good chat, check out the small bar of Daisy & Kurt on the east side of the village along the first beachfront road – highly recommended.

The return boat from Saona to Bayahibe is going back at 2.30 pm, which would leave you around 4 hours on the island. If you stay for the night (see accommodation recommendations below) or are walking really quick, you can also head to Canto de la Playa, one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic and a stop for a few of the Saona Island excursions mentioned above. It is a flat but very hot 3-mile hike one-way – as a reward you can see one of the most pristine beaches in the entire Caribbean.

Isla Saona from Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and Juan Dolio

If you’re not staying in Punta Cana, Bayahibe or La Romana, don’t worry, you still can experience this fantastic paradise. There are guided tours and excursions from many places in the Dominican Republic to Saona Island.

The experience and the steps of the tour are pretty similar when heading from Santo Domingo to Isla Saona (the same goes for Boca Chica or Juan Dolio). You have a transfer to Bayahibe, board the speed boat or the catamaran (and the other option on the way back) and can enjoy your time on one of the islands’ beaches. Food and drinks are usually included.

If you’re looking for tour offers from Santo Domingo , Boca Chica or Juan Dolio to Isla Saona, you can find them with the following tours: – Santo Domingo to Saona Island Tour * – Boca Chica to Saona Island Tour * – Juan Dolio to Saona Island Tour *

Good to know for your Isla Saona tour

How to get to saona island.

When visiting Isla Saona, you have four options on how to get to Saona Island from Punta Cana: – a guided excursion from/to Punta Cana with all services included – getting to Bayahibe on your own (by rental car , public transport or taxi) and take a Isla Saona excursion from Bayahibe * (with all services included) – getting to Bayahibe on your own and take the public boat (as described above) or a private boat to Mano Juan, the only village on the island (this is not a tourist excursion) – flying by helicopter from Punta Cana to Isla Saona (currently unavailable as of December 2023)

Editor’s Choice: the best experiences 2024

Most unique experience in a small group: Authentic rum tasting * (rating 4.78/5) Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Isla Saona Premium in small groups * (rating 4.95/5) Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling * (rating 4.91/5) Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda * (rating 4.79/5) Best excursion for family fun: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo * (rating 4.91/5) New and trending for 2024: Evening Buggy Tour with Water Cave and Dancing * Not the right tour for you? Check out the 45 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog!

I am explaining the differences in the following sections.

Guided excursion from/to Punta Cana

This is the most common method on how to get to Saona Island from Punta Cana. You can find my Saona excursion recommendations above in the section “The best Saona Island excursions”. Simply book an Isla Saona tour and you are good to go. I would say that 90-95% of all visitors to Saona Island are going this way. As described above, it includes transfers from and to your all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana , guide, national park fee, drinks, food and boat rides.

Getting to Bayahibe on your own and book a guided Saona excursion from there

In case you don’t like bus rides with picking up passengers from different all-inclusive resorts , if you have your own rental car or if you are coming from elsewhere, getting to Bayahihe on your own and booking a full Saona excursion which starts right in Bayahibe * might be the best option for you. Those tours are usually similar to the Isla Saona excursions from Punta Cana, just without the transfer. Depending on the tour, they might be a bit cheaper, but you have to add your own transfer.

The transfer can be (but is not limited) to the following options: – private transfer from Punta Cana to Bayahibe and vice versa (check prices here – from Punta Cana to Bayahibe * | from Bayahibe to Punta Cana *) – renting a car in Punta Cana ( check prices for rental cars from/to Punta Cana here *) if you want to explore other things-to-do and day-trips on your own ( continue reading here to know if it is a good idea to rent a car in Punta Cana ) – heading to Bayahibe from Punta Cana by public transport (not recommended, as you would have to start super early) – arriving in Bayahibe by rental car or private transfer from elsewhere in the Dominican Republic – staying overnight in Bayahibe, as described here in the Bayahibe Travel Guide

For Isla Saona excursion options from Bayahibe, you can check out the following offer.

Taking the public boat or a private boat to Mano Juan

If you want to get to Isla Saona but don’t want to have the typical Saona Island excursion experience, you can also head to Mano Juan, the only village on the island with roughly 300 inhabitants. Time seems to have forgotten this place and you can have a truly local experience far away from every tourist track. Due to the long travel time, it is recommended to spend a night here to be able to enjoy this place.

To book the public or private boat from Bayahibe, it is best to do so via your accommodation in Saona. There are only three rustic guesthouses on the island, you can check the Isla Saona hotels out here: – Casa Rural * – Isla Saona Beach House * – Saona Lodge * – Casa Mano Juan * – Casa Rosada *

The public boat is running once a day (9 am from Bayahibe , 2.30 pm from Mano Juan), details of how to organize this adventure are described above.

For the start of 2024, Saona helicopter tours are not yet available. We hope that this will change soon, as those trips always were the best option to not spend the entire day on a Saona tour.

The most elegant way to get to Saona Island from Punta Cana is to book a helicopter tour . This very special Saona Island excursion from Punta Cana is the quickest way to get to the island and will make your stay unforgettable. You get picked up in the hotel by minivan, head to the heliport of Bavaro and board your helicopter bound for Isla Saona. There, you’ll have around 75 minutes to have an executive lunch with waiter service in one of the best Saona Island beach clubs, enjoy the open bar and have a dip into the turquoise ocean.

How can I book a tour to Saona Island?

 Excursions to Isla Saona can be best booked by one of the various tour operators. I would recommend you booking it online as you can check reviews before. Furthermore, it is usually cheaper than booking it at your hotel. Another option would be to book a tour at the beach and the beach vendor might give you better prices as they don’t have to pay for marketing, offices, etc., but the quality is a hit and miss (and your are risiking in getting scammed) so I’d stick with the online offers.

If you want you can check out the options I outlined above when describing the various tour options.

Travel resources

Punta Cana Airport Transfers : Info | Book It * Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It * All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It * Apartments & Villas: Info | Book It * Excursions: Info | Book It * Rental Car: Info | Book It * Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan It

What to do in Isla Saona?

 Probably you go to Saona Island for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You can also get a massage from one of the local ladies, buy cigars or get yourself a Caribbean hairstyle. 

However, there also some attractions and places to see on Saona Island, among them: Mano Juan – the only village on the island and home of approximately 300 inhabitants who live a remarkably simple life here. There are also threeplaces to stay if you would like to get away from it all. See above and below for more details . Canto de la Playa – Canto de la Playa is a lagoon and pristine beach in the more remote part of Saona Island. Only a few tourists come here every day. Canto de la Playa is approx. 3 miles away from Mano Juan and one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic . Playa Catuano – one of the most popular beaches and at the same time home of the marine guard and the aforementioned shipwreck for snorkeling Saona Channel – the channel which divides Saona Island from the mainland. Usually, only private boats go here . Parque Nacional Cotubanamá – formerly called Parque Nacional del Este, this national park contains the whole Bayahibe peninsula and the island of Saona including the reefs and protected underwater areas.

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Are there any hotels on Saona Island?

 There are no proper hotels or all-inclusive resorts on Isla Saona. However, there are a couple of simple guesthouses in the village of Mano Juan, the only little town on the whole island. You can sleep there and have a back-to-the-basics island experience as you will most likely be the only tourist in the village and might have power and/or water outages. But you also will be the only one enjoying this unforgettable sunrise in the morning …

If you are looking for more information about this unique place to stay at Saona Island, check out this article about the best eco-lodges in and around Punta Cana .

Here is a quick overview about some of the Saona Island accommodation.

Saona Beach House: even though it is far away from being a Saona Island Resort, this accommodation in Mano Juan is one of the top picks for Isla Saona. The rooms are spacious (and basic) and have a private bathroom, the location directly on the ocean is top-notch, particularly as breakfast is served with an amazing ocean view. The only negative point here is that the price-value ratio is average at maximum (which is, however, not much different in the other Isla Saona hotels) and rooms are a bit on the older site.

  Saona Lodge: this accommodation is the best-rated Isla Saona hotel, particularly due to the excellent communication of the owner (before and during your trip) and the basic, but well-maintained bungalow huts. However, you have to accept shared bathrooms when staying at Saona Lodge.

  Casa Rural El Paraíso: this is the third accommodation in Mano Juan, which doesn’t offer much comfort as well, including the basic sanitary facilities. However, the location is top-notch with the beach directly in front of Casa Rural. The owner also takes care of your trip which is an additional plus.

If you feel that an Isla Saona excursion is nothing for you or if you would like to avoid the crowds, you can try the neighboring Isla Catalina, which is described here in detail . It is a beautiful island 15 miles northwest of Isla Saona and also includes a fun boat trip, snorkeling and sufficient beach time. The scenery might not be as paradisical as Isla Saona but a big plus of Isla Catalina is that you will go both ways with a catamaran – 100% Caribbean feeling guaranteed.

Cayo Levantado is another island that is reachable from Punta Cana, but it is farther away and the crossing through the bay of Samaná might be a little bit rough, depending on the wind. Therefore I would not recommend going there just for the island, Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are more worth it. However, if you combine Cayo Levantado with a whale-watching excursion (from January to March) it is an amazing package and very recommendable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are various options on how to get from Punta Cana to Isla Saona: – by guided excursion (bus transfer/speed boat/catamaran) from/to Punta Cana – by guided excursion (speed boat/catamaran) from/to Bayahibe (with your own transfers from/to Punta Cana) – with a private or public speed boat from Bayahibe to Mano Juan (with your own transfers from/to Punta Cana) – by helicopter excursion from/to Punta Cana Check out the options in the section above for more information on how to get to Isla Saona from Punta Cana.

Absolutely! Check out the images above for some impressions. Saona Island can be considered as a true Caribbean paradise that is beyond your wildest dreams.

Distance: – as the crow flies: approx. 40 miles – by bus and boat: approx. 50 miles on the road and 15 miles on the water Time: – private transfer + private speed boat: 1 hours + 30 minutes – shared transfer + shared catamaran tour: 1-2 hours + 1-2 hours – by helicopter: 30 minutes

Isla Saona is better for paradise setting and beaches, Isla Catalina for the catamaran experience and snorkeling. For further differences, check out the full guide about the differences between Isla Saona and Isla Catalina .

Without a doubt, Isla Saona also belongs to the top 10 beaches in the Dominican Republic. Saonas beaches’ are just stunning and absolutely worth the trip. If you are coming from Punta Cana I would say that Saona Island has an even more beautiful beach because of the turquoise water, but as always this depends a little bit on your preferences of a perfect beach.

The sun is always shining in paradise. 🙂 Even this is a bit exaggerated, it is also true. Even the Dominican Republic has a dry and a rainy season , traveling is possible year-round – without a problem. The same I have explained here about the seasons in the Dominican Republic is also valid for Isla Saona. So even if there might be some showers the one or other day, you hardly have any day without sunshine, even in the rainy season. Additionally, Isla Saona is located in a quite dry part of the Dominican Republic so that the rainfall here is less than the average in the country. Perfect conditions for your excursion to paradise!

Yes, there is a public boat connecting the mainland of the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe, and Saona Island. It leaves at 9am in the morning and returns between 2 pm and 2.30 pm in the afternoon.

Are you planning a tour to Isla Saona? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments! If you already have done an excursion to Saona Island, please share your experiences here as well!

SHARING IS CARING! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS – I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT.

Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and I’d love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana.

ALSO WORTH READING:

Punta Cana Map – a helpful and detailed map of Punta Cana’s Resorts

Bahía de las Águilas – hotels, glamping, beach info, things-to-do and a secret+quick way to get there

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana – a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana all-inclusive resort

How to find the best Private Tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina?

26 thoughts on “Excursion to Isla Saona 2024 – hidden gems, insider tips, DIY adventures and the best Saona Island tours”

I have so enjoyed reading this fuel for wanderlust, and the photos are stunning. I think it would totally be worth the extra money to go with one of the more premium options. I’m always willing to pay more wherever lobster is an option! Top shelf alcohol too is always worth the extra money (at least to me.) If you don’t mind me asking, what made you want to move from Germany to the Caribbean?

Hi Stephanie,

yes, Isla Saona is indeed stunning and the premium options make it a more upscale experience.

Me moving to the Caribbean … good question. It all started more than 9 years ago when I just wanted to go abroad for maybe half a year or one entire year. From Germany, I found a job on the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada in the same industry I was already working (tourism), went there, and stayed 3 years. After those 3 years, I did a 1-year round-the-world-trip and found a nice job opportunity in the Dominican Republic afterwards (again, tourism) – and that’s where I am still enjoying paradise! 🙂 Let me know if you have any further questions or have a look at the long story here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/about-me/

I really do need to go back to the DR and explore more of the island. A trip to Isla Saona sounds like a perfect escape for the day. Those crystal clear waters would definitely be a draw for us. I would definitely want to stop at a natural swimming hole although I heed your warning that it might not be the best snorkelling we have had. I might even spring for the premium tour and get the lobster!

A lot of lobster lovers out here. 🙂 Yes, if you want some quality and not necessarily a booze cruise to Isla Saona, one of the premium options might be a good idea, especially as they are usually not so much more expensive. For most tour operators, the beach is also a bit more relaxed with the premium option mentioned above.

That scenery and the blue sky and seas looks very inviting. Like you, I like to avoid places that are purely aimed at tourism, but I usually find that even in those destinations there’s an opportunity to scratch beneath the surface and find a corner where tourists don’t venture, and can give you a chance to have a different experience than the one being forced on you.

Indeed, there is so much to explore in Punta Cana most people don’t know about. However, for Isla Saona it’s a bit more complicated to avoid tourists. Tours which include Canto de la Playa Beach usually have a less touristy experience as this is the furthest beach on Isla Saona. But as mentioned, the scenery is also super stunning when you do the regular tours. On the other side, for a super authentic experience you can spend the night at Mano Juan as described above, you most likely will be alone here and can admire the untouched nature.

On my last visit, I went to Isla Catalina for swimming and scuba, and I definitely plan to visit Isla Saona on my next trip. I was amazed that the water really is that crystal clear and blue on the south side of DR. It truly such a beautiful place and I cannot wait to return for another visit.

Yes, you are right Jen, the water is super beautiful and extremely blue and turquoise. It’s amazing! You can check out my report about Isla Catalina here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/excursions-tours/isla-catalina/

Could this water be any dreamier?! It looks like heaven and really isn’t too far of a trip for us. I might have to rethink our 2021 travel plans…

Hi Chloe, yes, from NYC it’s just a 4 hours direct flight to Punta Cana and recently the flight deals are pretty good, starting from 200 USD round-trip incl. taxes. So come down here to enjoy this marvelous paradise. 🙂 Chris

I had never heard of Saona Island before. What a shame that I didn’t know about this island before as look at that blue waters. It’s so tempting and refreshing. I have added this island now to my list and would love to make my way there someday.

It’s a long way to get here from Asia but once you have the chance, make sure you don’t miss Isla Saona. 🙂 Chris

OMG! This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing these tips about visiting Isla Saona. I would really love to visit someday. Seeing the clear waters, it is definitely worth the trip even if there are no proper hotels.

Yes Clarice, Isla Saona is super beautiful and best visited as an excursion from Punta Cana. 🙂

The island looks so dreamy with its white sandy beaches and blue clear water. I can just swim and take a nap there. I wish you put picture of the Canto de la Playa though. It sounds intriguing. My sister-in-law and her family visit Punta Cana every other year. I will tell her about this island.

Yes Umiko, please tell your sister-in-law and her family about Isla Saona, even they probably might already know about it if they visit Punta Cana every other year. However, you can tell them about this Punta Cana Travel Blog so that they always can find the newest advice, best excursions and most interesting off-the-beaten track adventures here. 🙂 They can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram. I have been to Isla Saona twice but unfortunately never made it to Canto de la Playa – that’s why I don’t have a photo of it. But soon I probably can go there. Chris

I completely get you when you say that a place being all about tourism is a turn-off. But there is also a good reason why so many travelers go there. It looks stunning, I would definitely go and try to relax on those waters for a day or two before moving on to something less traveled.

Exactly Lourdes, that’s how it is! Isla Saona is super stunning and its worth to visit, but there are also a lot of other things-to-do in the Dominican Republic, especially if you venture a bit off-the-beaten-track.

Hola… what options do I have if to go to the island I will be in Juan Dolio instead of Punta Cana?

Hi Maria, if you want to visit Isla Saona from Juan Dolio, you can check out the following excursion: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/excursion-isla-saona-from-juan-dolio/ Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

First of all: a huge THANKS and respect for this nice post!!! 🙂

we have two questions and it would be so nice if you can help us out: 1. Do you think its better to go on Tuesday instead of Saturday to Saona (more crowded?)? 2. Do you know where exactly the public ferry at 9 am leaves Bayahibe? Cant find any official harbour.

Would really appreciate your help!

Cheers Dennis

Hi Dennis, great if my Isla Saona guide was so helpful for you. To answer your questions: 1) I would say that on a Tuesday there are probably 10-20% less tourists than on a Saturday. 2) You can find the public port in Bayahibe if you enter in Google Maps “Puerto de Bayahibe”. I hope this helps. Cheers, Chris

Thanks for all the info, great job. I am a no frill traveller and planning to rent a car from Santo Domingo and travel DR. Few questions: – Taking the public boat from Bayahibe, how much is is round trip cost? USD $40 or $60? – how do I go to Playa Canto de la Playa from Mano Juan? Are there shared boats to hire? – Is it advisable to take my son (7 yr old) to take to Saona? If yes, on my own or excursion tours? – Is it safe to leave the rental car in Bayahibe overnight so I can stay at Saona? Thanks

Hey Inna, thanks for your comment. Here are my answers and opinions on your questions: – the public boat is either 1000 DOP or 1300 DOP (not quiet sure), hence more or less 20 USD one-way per person. I don’t know if there is a special price for kids. – from Mano Juan to Canto de la Playa you can either walk (approx. 1-1.5 hours, 3 miles) or take a private boat. There are no shared boats. – if your son is adventurous and used to travel, there is no problem on taking him with you on this Saona DIY trip. – yes, you can leave your car in Bayahibe. Just don’t leave any valuables in the car. If you want to be on the safe side, book a night in Bayahibe the night before and ask them if you can leave your big bags at the accommodation and the car parked as well. In this case you could just travel with your day pack to Saona. I hope this helps. Chris

Thanks again for your input, it’s very helpful. I really would like to go to Canto de la Playa (kinda more important than staying overnight at Mano Juan. Any idea how much a private boat to Canto de la Playa may cost? If it’s too much, may as well make sense to take a daytrip with tours to Mano Juan+Playa Canto de la ($60-$80) vs taking public boat ($40)+private boat(??). What do you suggest?

Hi Inna, I think for a private boat from Mano Juan to Canto de la Playa you have to calculate with at least 60 USD, probably more like 80-100 USD (return, per boat). But to be honest, this is just a guess, it is hard to say. Boats are usually pretty expensive in the Dominican Republic. If you just want to go to Canto de la Playa I think you get a much better value (because everything is included) if you book a tour from Bayahibe or Punta Cana. Those tours here get amazing reviews and bring you to Canto de la Playa and many other places on the same day: From Bayahibe: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/isla-saona-excursion-with-mano-juan-from-bayahibe/ From Punta Cana: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/isla-saona-excursion-with-mano-juan-from-punta-cana/ I hope this helps. Cheers, Chris

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