Punta Cana: Saona Islan Full Day With Catamaran and buffet

If you’re dreaming of a day on the white sands and calm waters of Saona Island, this tour might catch your eye. Offering a mix of sailing, free time, and a buffet, it promises an authentic taste of the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and itinerary to give you an honest picture of what you’ll get — and what you might want to consider before booking.

One of the things we love about this experience is its emphasis on sailing through the ocean on a catamaran, which offers an enjoyable way to see the coast and soak up the Caribbean sun. Plus, the natural pools are a big draw, promising a memorable encounter with sea stars and tropical scenery. The buffet lunch is also a highlight, providing a hearty meal to fuel your explorations.

However, a potential drawback is the mixed review scores and some complaints about the actual transport — with at least one traveler feeling they paid for a catamaran experience but ended up on a lancha (speedboat). That inconsistency may be a red flag, especially if you’re expecting a certain type of boat or level of comfort.

This tour suits travelers looking for a full day of outdoor adventure, especially those comfortable with group excursions, and who want a taste of Saona Island without fussing over every detail. It’s ideal for those eager to combine sailing, sightseeing, and a relaxed beach day, but maybe not the best choice if you’re seeking a more exclusive or personalized experience.

Key Points

• Highlights include natural pools and the iconic Isla Saona with its soft sands.
• The itinerary involves sailing on a catamaran and speedboat, offering different perspectives of the coast.
• A buffet lunch is provided, giving you a taste of local flavors.
• Timing and transportation details are crucial: the tour involves around 1.5 hours on a bus to Bayahibe, then over 2 hours sailing, plus free time on the island.
• Reviews suggest some inconsistency—not everyone received what they expected, especially regarding transportation.
• The tour is multilingual, with guides speaking English, French, Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

This tour kicks off in Punta Cana, with a roughly 1.5-hour bus ride to Bayahibe, which is the common launch point for trips to Saona Island. Onboard, you’ll typically receive a safety briefing, after which the adventure on the water begins. The sailing portion lasts approximately 105 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the Caribbean breeze and seabird views — a relaxing break from the bustling resort life.

The journey on the catamaran is usually one of the most appreciated parts of the trip. Many travelers enjoy the lively atmosphere and the chance to take photos of the coastline. However, reviews highlight some confusion about the type of vessel: one traveler voiced disappointment, feeling they paid for a catamaran but received a lancha (speedboat). This inconsistency means you should clarify what kind of boat you’ll be on when booking—and be prepared for a potentially quicker, more intimate ride if it’s a lancha.

Once on Saona Island, you’ll have about 20 minutes for sightseeing and walks. While brief, this is enough to get a sense of the island’s natural beauty, with its swaying palms and soft sands. The highlight here is the Saona Natural Pool, a large shallow area teeming with Giant Sea Stars and tropical fish, perfect for a quick swim or a photo op. Many reviews mention the natural pool as a major highlight, offering an up-close encounter with marine life in a protected environment.

The buffet lunch lasts around 105 minutes, giving you time to relax, eat, and chat with fellow travelers. Expect a typical Dominican meal, often buffet-style, with a variety of local dishes and drinks. One reviewer said, “The trip worked out well,” noting the efficiency of transportation and the smooth coordination of the meal service. That said, some reviews indicate that the quality and portion size can vary, so don’t expect gourmet cuisine on this type of tour.

After lunch, there’s about an hour to explore or relax on Saona’s beaches, including the well-known Fanatic’s Beach. Here, you’ll find kilometers of soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of palm trees—an ideal spot for sunbathing or just soaking in the scenery.

The return sailing leg is roughly two hours, providing a chance to unwind and reflect on the day. You might find the return trip a little long if the weather isn’t ideal, but generally, the sailing is peaceful and scenic.

Finally, you’ll return to Punta Cana, completing an 8-hour loop. The overall experience offers a good balance of transportation, sightseeing, and leisure, but with some variability in quality and execution, especially concerning the vessel type and crowd sizes.

Practical Considerations

Transport and Timing: The tour’s timing is quite structured, with a 1.5-hour bus ride, followed by a lengthy sailing period and free time. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware that the boat rides can be bumpy, especially on the speedboat segment. The tour typically starts in the morning, but check availability for your preferred time slot.

Group Size and Guide: With live guides speaking multiple languages (English, French, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish), communication is generally good. The small-group feel can vary; some travelers mention efficient coordination, while others note large groups that reduce intimacy.

Cost and Value: Considering the price includes transportation, boat rides, a buffet, and guided commentary, it offers decent value for those keen on a full-day adventure. Yet, the inconsistency reported by some travelers suggests you might want to weigh the cost against your desire for a seamless experience.

Suitability: Pregnant women are advised against this tour, likely due to the boat rides and physical activity involved. It’s also best for travelers comfortable with group excursions and open to some variability in experience.

What We Learned From Reviews

One traveler from El Salvador felt “screwed” because they paid for a catamaran but ended up on a lancha—highlighting the importance of clarifying boat type before booking. Conversely, another from the U.S. appreciated the communication, noting that “transportation was clean, efficient, and well coordinated.” These contrasting perspectives remind us that while the itinerary promises a fun-filled day, execution can vary.

The natural attractions—the natural pool, soft beaches, and marine life—are universally praised, making the trip worthwhile for nature lovers. But the bus ride and boat segments might not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer a more luxurious or private experience.

This tour offers a lively, full-sensory taste of Saona Island’s beauty. It’s best suited for travelers who want a day packed with sailing, beach time, and good food, and who are comfortable with the group setting and some unpredictability. If you’re seeking a straightforward, all-in-one package with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy nature, it could be a good fit.

However, if you’re very particular about boat type, comfort, or personalized service, you might want to shop around or read the detailed reviews before committing. Remember to clarify what vessel you’ll be on and what’s included to avoid surprises.

All in all, this trip captures the essence of Saona Island’s appeal—the white sands, the clear waters, the lively boat rides—making it a memorable, if imperfect, adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s included in this tour?
You get transportation from Punta Cana, sailing on a catamaran and speedboat, a buffet lunch, and guided commentary in multiple languages. The natural pools and free time on Saona Island are also part of the package.

How long is the boat ride?
The sailing segments are approximately 105 minutes each way, with additional time at the natural pools and on the island. Overall, expect around 3 hours on the water.

Is the vessel a catamaran or a lancha?
The tour advertises a catamaran experience, but some reviews mention that passengers ended up on a lancha, which is a smaller speedboat. Clarify your vessel when booking if this is important to you.

How much free time will I have on Saona Island?
You’ll have about 20 minutes for sightseeing and walks upon arrival, plus roughly an hour to relax or explore the beaches after lunch.

Is there a beach or swimming stop?
Yes, the natural pool is a major highlight, offering a chance for swimming and marine life viewing—particularly giant sea stars.

Are children or pregnant women suitable for this tour?
Pregnant women are advised against participating, likely due to boat rides and physical activity. Always consult with your doctor if unsure about travel safety during pregnancy.

Whether you’re eager to enjoy the sun on a boat or explore the vibrant marine life, this Saona Island tour can be a satisfying day trip. Just remember to read the fine print, clarify what you’re getting, and keep your expectations aligned with the reality of group adventure travel.