The Saona Island excursion promises a day of pure indulgence and relaxation. Departing from Santo Domingo, travelers embark on a thrilling journey, gliding across the waves by speedboat and catamaran. Once on the island’s pristine beaches, they’ll savor a sumptuous buffet lunch and sip cocktails from the open bar, all while soaking up the vibrant Latin music and energetic atmosphere. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, this hassle-free experience ensures a seamless adventure. But what else awaits those who venture to this tropical paradise? The island holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Good To Know
- A full-day excursion to the picturesque Saona Island within the East National Park, departing from Santo Domingo.
- Includes a catamaran cruise, open bar, buffet lunch, and various onboard activities like swimming and Latin music.
- Offers free time to relax on the sun-drenched beaches, play volleyball, and explore the island’s natural beauty.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service provided for hotels in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, and Juan Dolio.
- Mixed customer reviews suggest room for improvement in the overall experience, but highlights the catamaran cruise, swimming, and lunch buffet.
Trip Overview
The Saona Island Full Day Trip and Catamaran Cruise offers an all-inclusive adventure, departing from the heart of Santo Domingo.
This full-day excursion takes travelers on a journey to the stunning Saona Island, located within the East National Park. Guests will hop aboard a speed boat and catamaran, enjoying onboard activities like swimming in the shallow waters and sipping on refreshing drinks while listening to lively Latin music.
Upon reaching the island, visitors can relax on the sun-drenched beaches, play volleyball, and savor a delicious buffet lunch.
The return trip includes a boat ride back to Bayahibe Beach followed by a drive to the original meeting point in Santo Domingo.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dominican Republic.
Inclusions
This all-inclusive excursion comes packed with a robust lineup of amenities.
Travelers can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation via speed boat and catamaran to the picturesque Saona Island.
The buffet lunch features a delightful spread of barbecue, salad, and traditional Dominican cuisine, all complemented by an open bar offering beer, rum, and soft drinks.
Admission to the East National Park is included, granting access to the island’s stunning natural wonders.
With these comprehensive inclusions, guests can enjoy a hassle-free day of island exploration, relaxation, and indulgence.
Itinerary
What does a typical day on this Saona Island excursion entail? The adventure begins with an early morning departure from Santo Domingo, heading towards the picturesque Bayahibe Beach.
Along the way, travelers can enjoy various onboard activities:
- Swimming in the shallow, crystal-clear waters
- Sipping on refreshing drinks from the open bar
- Listening to the lively rhythms of Latin music
Upon reaching Saona Island, guests are free to soak up the sun, relax, and even participate in a game of volleyball.
A delectable buffet lunch, featuring BBQ, salads, and authentic Dominican cuisine, is served during the stay on the island.
The day concludes with a leisurely boat ride back to Bayahibe Beach and the return transfer to Santo Domingo.
Meeting Point
Travelers embark on this exciting Saona Island excursion from the convenient meeting point located at C. El Conde 103, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, right in front of the popular Jalao Restaurant.
This central location makes it easy for participants to gather and depart on their full-day adventure. Pickup and drop-off services are available for hotels in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, and Juan Dolio, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.
With a 6:30 am departure time, the day’s activities can commence promptly, allowing ample time to explore the stunning Saona Island and enjoy the included catamaran cruise, buffet lunch, and open bar.
Start and End Times
The tour departs promptly at 6:30 am from the meeting point in front of Jalao Restaurant in Santo Domingo.
Guests embark on a full-day adventure that concludes back at the original meeting point.
The day includes:
- A high-speed boat ride to the stunning Saona Island
- Time to relax, swim, and enjoy an open bar and buffet lunch on the island
- A catamaran cruise back to the mainland, complete with Latin music and more drinks
- A scenic drive returning travelers to their starting point in the capital city
An approximately 12-hour experience, filled with activities, food, and island exploration.
- Explore the Experience: Punta Cana to Saona Island Tours
- Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana + Lunch & Open Bar
- From Bávaro: Buggy Tour to Macao Beach and Cenote
- Saona Island Excursion With Lunch and Open Bar
- Private Catamaran Excursion to Isla Saona From Punta Cana
- Dominican Republic: Saona Island Holiday
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Hotel pickup and drop-off services are conveniently included for guests staying at hotels in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, and Juan Dolio.
After an early morning departure, you’ll be transported directly to the meeting point in front of Jalao Restaurant in Santo Domingo’s El Conde neighborhood.
When the day’s adventure concludes, you’ll be returned to the same meeting point, making it a hassle-free experience.
This included service ensures a seamless start and end to your Saona Island and catamaran cruise excursion, allowing you to fully learn about the day’s activities without the need to arrange your own transportation.
Admission and Fees
The admission ticket to East National Park is included in the package, allowing visitors seamless access to Saona Island’s pristine beaches and natural wonders.
Upon arrival, guests can expect:
-
Exploration of the island’s lush tropical foliage and diverse wildlife, including iguanas, birds, and crabs
-
Access to the island’s powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation
-
Enjoyment of the included open bar, serving refreshing local beers, rums, and soft drinks
-
Indulgence in a delectable buffet lunch featuring barbecue, salads, and traditional Dominican dishes
-
The opportunity to participate in activities like volleyball, making the most of the island’s serene and picturesque setting.
Customer Reviews
While just a handful of reviews have been provided for this Saona Island tour, they appear to paint a somewhat mixed picture of the overall experience.
With a middling 2.5-star rating across 6 total reviews, it seems customers have had a range of perspectives on the day trip.
Some mention enjoying the catamaran cruise, swimming, and the lunch buffet, though others note the excursion felt rushed or that the island itself didn’t live up to expectations.
Without any 4 or 5-star ratings, it’s clear this tour has room for improvement in providing a consistently exceptional experience for visitors to Saona Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Expected Weather During the Trip?
The weather is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Guests can expect calm seas and a gentle breeze, making it an ideal day for outdoor activities and relaxation on the island.
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks to the Island?
Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food or drinks to Saona Island. The all-inclusive package includes a buffet lunch and open bar, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the island’s amenities without the need to provide their own sustenance.
What Type of Transportation Is Used for the Catamaran Cruise?
The transportation for the catamaran cruise is a catamaran itself. Passengers board the catamaran at Bayahibe Beach and enjoy the scenic cruise to Saona Island, where they can swim, relax, and indulge in the included lunch and open bar.
Are There Any Activities Available on the Island Besides Relaxing?
Besides relaxing, travelers can enjoy various activities on Saona Island. They can play volleyball, go swimming in the shallow waters, and listen to lively Latin music during their free time on the island.
How Long Is the Boat Ride to and From Saona Island?
The boat ride to and from Saona Island takes about an hour each way. Guests can enjoy onboard activities like swimming, drinking, and listening to music during the scenic journey to and from the island paradise.
The Sum Up
The All-Inclusive Saona Island Full Day Trip and Catamaran Cruise from Santo Domingo offers an unforgettable island escape. Theres some good a delectable buffet lunch, swim in the azure waters, and groove to Latin music while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. With hassle-free transportation and an open bar, this excursion promises a truly memorable day in the Caribbean paradise of Saona Island.
More Sailing Experiences in Dominican Republic
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Dominican Republic
- Private Transfer From La Romana Cruise Port Terminal to Santo Domingo Airport (Sdq)
- Private Transfer From Punta Cana Hotels to La Romana Cruise Port
- Samana: Whale Watching on Catamaran With Transportation
- Private Transfer From Samana Cruise Port to Cibao Airport STI
- Party Boat in Punta Cana – Navigation, Snorkel and Party
- Private Transfer From La Romana Cruise Port to La Romana Hotels
More Tour Reviews in Dominican Republic
- Santo Domingo & Alto De Chavon Full Day Small Group Experience
- Puerto Plata to Puerto Plata Airport (POP) – Departure Transfer
- Buggies Punta Cana + Macao Beach + the Taino Cave
- Majestic Hacienda Visits the Bonao Mountain and the Anamuya River
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) – Uvero Alto
- Punta Cana Limon Waterfall + Cayo Levantado With Transport and Lunch
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Dominican Republic we have reviewed
- Santo Domingo & Alto De Chavon Full Day Small Group Experience
- Puerto Plata to Puerto Plata Airport (POP) – Departure Transfer
- Buggies Punta Cana + Macao Beach + the Taino Cave
- Majestic Hacienda Visits the Bonao Mountain and the Anamuya River
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) – Uvero Alto
- Punta Cana Limon Waterfall + Cayo Levantado With Transport and Lunch
- Canyoning Bonito River Near Santo Domingo
- Transfer in Private Vehicle Santo Domingo Airport (Sdq) – Santo Domingo City
- Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour
- Puerto Plata City Tour (Half-Day)
- Punta Cana :Safari Samana Panoramic City Tour+Rincon W/Transport
- Private Transportation From Las Americas Airport to Santo Domingo