Saona Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Things to Do in La Altagracia Province
Saona Island
4.5
About
While you can't stay overnight on Saona Island—it's part of a national park—it makes for a great day out in the Caribbean. It’s a two-hour catamaran trip on gentle Caribbean waters to the island with food, drinks, and dancing, or a 30-minute speedboat if you’re pressed for time. Visiting Saona Island is best done as part of a tour that includes snorkeling and a stop at the waist-deep Blue Lagoon, where you will be able to see starfish. There are tours for various budgets, and it’s best to book ahead online and read reviews to find a package that fits your needs. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • princessbraun6
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Island, bad food-too much travel time.
    The Island itself is breathtaking. The stop at the sand bar in the middle of the ocean was just stunning! However, the food at the Island was very disappointing. The bus ride to and from Bavaro Beach to La Romana was over an hour and just too long which ruined the experience.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 24, 2023
  • Aimee L
    Solihull, United Kingdom42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best day trip ever
    I came here with my partner and our friends. We travelled from Punta Cana which I will admit was very long we did bus and catamaran. Honestly though so worth it. One of the best days of my life! On the island itself, it was virtually all-inclusive with free soft drinks and rum and coke then there was a buffet too. the views of this island were just something different. The only thing I would say is there was a lot of sea weed where the sea meets the sand and rocks in the sea (which clearly can't be controlled) however when you're actually in the sea it is stunning. On the return boat we went to a natural pool in the middle of the sea got to drink rum and coke whilst standing in the middle of the ocean and this alone I would have paid for, this is why I say it was one of the best days of my life. If you can ignore the travelling part, this place is an absolute must.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 18, 2023
  • Sunfish Delaware
    Hockessin, Delaware22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Excursion with Mike Fisher Tours
    Beautiful excursion on 5/28/23 with Mike Fisher Tours and Travel. Excellent communication leading up to the trip. Prompt pick up at 8am at Secrets Cap Cana. Bus exchange within 15 minutes. Short bathroom stop in a clean location in route to the marina to board boat. Gorgeous day on the water. Perfect weather. I always tell my world of friends never leave this earth until you see the blue Caribbean sea. The water in this part of the Dominican coast line is indescribable. We had several stops that I called a ‘Sandbar party in the Caribbean “😎😎 lunch delicious. Some rum and other drinks provided. Even saw turtles in the mangroves. Such a great excursion with Mike Fishers professional staff. Very safe and knowledgeable. Had a great lesson on the Dominican culture on the way to the boat. That was a bonus ! Back at resort by 4:45. Perfect timing to hit the pool bar for last call.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 26, 2023
  • Cansu C
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!
    We went for a full day excursion to Saona Island from our hotel in Uvero Alto. We left around 7am and returned around 7pm. It was a long day so be prepared! The island itself is BEAUTIFUL honestly it is paradise… the bbq was nice and the staff are lovely. The beach? The sand? Heaven!! I would recommend choosing to go with a speed boat both ways because we used a Catamaran on the way there and it took about 2.5 hours… it was very rocky and I had really bad sea sick although I usually wouldn’t. The speed boat takes you there in 30 mins! We also stopped at the Natural Swimming Pool which was also beautiful.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 27, 2023
  • T6115
    Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely have to do this!
    Amazing excursion! Clear waters, great food and great energy the entire day trip. We were able to get off the boat half way through the trip to the island and get swim in the middle of the ocean! Awesome.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 29, 2023
  • Patricia J
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun Long Day off of the Resort!
    Gorgeous Island, you can snag a massage on the beach, a fresh coconut, food and souvenirs! The natural pool was absolutely breathtaking! Snorkeling was nice, we didn’t see many fish but cool experience. Entertainment on boat was great, the staff had everyone dancing! Beautiful Island! We booked with GoMajestic, Antonio was our tour guide. He did a great job translating in both English and Spanish! Please tip your tour guide!! We noticed a lot of people did not tip and this is a 12-13 hour excursion! They bring a photographer along, we got “snoop dog” great guy! Photos are a bit pricey but the memories will be cherished.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 17, 2023
  • Tammy W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breath Taking Scenery
    The views were amazing, and the color of the water was magnificient. The area we docked the water only came to our waste so we stayed in the water most of the time to keep us cool. I could see the palm trees where Johnny Depp was standing on that wheel rolling through them. The tour company made us a delicious lunch and took us over snorkeling where we saw lots of star fish. Highly recommend this trip.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 27, 2023
  • Alie
    Horsham, United Kingdom21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice island
    Very pretty island. It could get really hot to be there and we got burned so bad (our fault as we didn’t use sunblock) being on the catamaran cruise. The water is blue as Gatorade and is just amazing. We had some swimming stops in some natural pools and they’re amazing
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 24, 2023
  • ChrisO74
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Paradise in good hands.
    We booked this trip through our TUI rep and have to say that despite being a long day, it was worth every penny. We were collected on time from our hotel in Punta Cana and from the outset, our guide Messa made us feel welcome and looked after. He ensured that at the port (which could easily be overwhelming or intimidating) he kept us together and made sure we weren’t hassled by vendors. On the boats themselves we thoroughly enjoyed the journeys there and back, with plenty of rum. The island itself is everything you imagined.. paradise on earth. Thoroughly recommend this trip.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 5, 2023
  • Anna C
    Portsmouth, United Kingdom3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Trip of the holiday - 10/10
    Paradise on Earth, white Sandy beaches, warm Caribbean Sea. Catamaran over to the island 1h40m, stopped off at the sandbanks to see starfish and swim. (photoshoot offered) 2.5 hours on island, free lunch and drinks including alcoholic, speedboat back.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Wendyhorserider
Surrey36 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We were fortunate, initially , our trip started out with just 6 of us. There was a long drive out to the speed boat. No water was given, despite being told there would be. There was rum and Coke, for those that drink it, given on the boat to the snorkel location. The snorkeling was good. They fed the fish so that we could get closer photos. Then there was another very fast, bumpy ride to the natural swimming place. The water there was shallow but there was nothing to see there. No fish to see. There was a professional photographer on board that also took a lot of photos for a very reasonable price. The island itself was a bit of a disappointment. There was a walk through a grove of palm trees where we saw a donkey pulling a cart. Nobody said anything about anything to do with the island, they just walked us to our table for lunch. Most of the group, those drinking the rum, were far behind, unable, or willing to keep up. Lunch was very disappointing, and our tour guild agreed. Certainly the food was not worth the high cost of the trip. We then hung out at that location for 2 1/2 hrs. We were constantly being harassed by people trying to sell trinkets or massages. 2 1/2hrs of being pestered, is too long. Nothing to do, most just drank more rum, and got louder. Once back to the beach, the speed boat took us out to a catamaran boat that already seemed to be over crowded. We were fortunate to find a place to sit. There were quite a few that had to stand. They played music far too loudly and turned the center of the boat into a dance floor. Once back to our starting point we again had to climb down from the catamaran and onto a speed boat to be taken back to the beach and load back onto our van for the trip back. On the way back we had a chance to talk to Mel, our tour guild. The other 4 people sat in the back and were very loudly asking for more rum, all the way back to our hotel.

In short, this trip might suit younger people but for us, in our 60's climbing on and off boats via ladders and listening to loud music and drunk tourist is not our cup of tea. I also wouldn't recommend this trip for anyone with younger children, due to the need to climb on and off of moving boats via ladders, and due to the excessive drinking. Also a trip that lasts close to 12 hrs is too long. Not many opportunities to use a washroom, none on the boats.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LiLi
Bogota, Colombia40 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Friends
Do not book any tour to this island unless u want to be treated like cattle!
All tour sellers will promise you the world and deliver the opposite.
Very crowded & disorganized. Over 40 people per group even if you bought “small group”
Packed in a bus, then packed on a boat with not even enough seats per person. We asked where the life vest were and was told there weren’t any on the catamaran because nothing could happen. Also, you dont automatically get the boat you paid for.
And all included booze means a few bottles of hot rum and warm soda. No ice, no beer, no other choices.
More time is spent herding the people than the actual amount of time on the beach, which is max 2.5hr. Food on island was barely edible. And as soon as we asked for a beer, they said they had ran out of free ones and had to pay for what was left… ummm what?
The beach was incredibly packed and even had to scramble around for lounge chairs. And the beach was full of seaweed just like the ones in town. At time of return bus drivers kept stopping to swap people from bus to bus. Super disorganized & infuriating.
Do not waste your precious vacation time.
Absolutely terrible!!!!

My advice if you want to see it, do what I originally was going to do before “getting sold” on a tour by a worker at the hotel.
Buy a private tour with someone who personally owns a catamaran/boat and takes you to a different part of the island. Because the waters are incredible but the touristy beach is not worth it. Choose the boats that have private chef/food on board and private transportation. Its only a few dollars more but it will save you a day of just being herded around like cattle, packed like sardine and not relaxing.

Apparently this is a trend with most tours as we kept hearing complaints from fellow resort guests.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KCHREG
Regina, Canada239 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We booked this excursion the day we arrived. We were scheduled for a Sunday and the weather was great. We were picked up by a small bus and transferred to a large bus down the road. The entire bus trip took approx 1.5 hours from the Whala Bavaro resort. Once we arrived at Bayahibe, we were herded around for a short bit until our large speed boat pulled up to the beach.
This speed boat would hold roughly 70 people, it was a large water craft. We headed out of the bay which was a little choppy, but once out and moving the ride was really smooth. The ride out seemed to take about 40 minutes...ish
We stopped at the area they said the blue lagoon was filmed... not sure about that but the water was inviting and only waste deep and calm. They poured us some rum and Pepsi a couple times as we stood in the water. There must have been 30 boats loading and unloading tourist as well.
We headed off to Saona and arrived shortly after. Walked through the tree area to a wonderful beach.
The buffet lunch was ready at 12:30, about 30 minutes after we arrived. It was really good with a large selection.
Beach was really nice with palm trees and a great stretch of sand to the water. Water was cool but you adjusted quickly.
A very fast 2.5 hours latter, we were heading back to get on a catamaran to sail home. This was much smoother ride than I thought it would be. They had music playing, rum flowing and dancing by most everyone on the boat. This ride seemed quick because of the dancing and rum, however I think it took roughly 60 minutes.

It was a great adventure and enjoyed it very much.
Only complaint, would have like to stay on the beach for another 4 or 5 hours.
We left around 7:45am and got back to our resort around 6:30pm
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheMapes
New York City, NY38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
I booked this trip for my son and his friend. They picked him up outside the apartment in guavaberry golf course and took him to the catamaran. There they took him out to a beautiful Island they had drinks launch swimming and everything that you do in the water they returned him to the apartment about 6 at night he had a wonderful time came back bragging how is trip was professionally done he said that he would recommend this to anyone looking for a one-day Excursion will probably knowing my son I'm sure he had a good time and if something was wrong he would have complained about it but it came back happy with absolutely no complaints extremely satisfied I want to thank Ricardo the man that I called on the phone if I remember correctly the phone number is 829 292 5000
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marney
Hastings, UK18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We took a trip to Saona through TUI taking Cataman there and speed boat back and it was amazing.

The price was pretty reasonable but you can get it cheaper from local guides although we didn't want to risk that.

The entire trip was great. The guide Roberto was fab!

TUI had a private part of the island which wasn't so busy and it was postcard perfect, lovely bbq lunch and all inclusive drinks at the bar.

The speed boat was fun stopping at a natural pool (which blew our minds!)

This is a trip definitely worth doing and we would do again if back in DR
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

San
11 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Solo
Saona was really nice but dont get ripped of ! Ive spoken with a lot of people on the excursion, everyone was sold a different price ! And also mich higher starting from 70$ up to 150$ for the exact same tour ! I only paif 40$ so everything under 70$ is good price...
Alao be careful with the photographers ! They'll tell you the pictures are includes and on the Island they'll charge you hilarious prices foe them. Also everyone is getting different prices they start some where above 100$ and go down to around 50$

I traveled alone, they charged me 250$, went down to 60$ then offert me to sleep with them to get the picturea for free, super disgusting and disrespectful!

Anyways if you try to not get in touch with any of the staff too much, the Island really is worth a visit. I liked it more than Catalina Island.

You'll be picked up by a bus and brought to the beach, you'll be on the catamaran for around 1.5h with free drinks alcoholic/non alcoholic.
When you get to the Island you'll have about 3h to swim, tanning etc.
There will be a gratis buffet but if you want any sea food they charge you extra, same for the piña colada in the pineapples, coconut drinks and massages.
Sodas and cuba libre are included.

After that they bring you to the piscina natural where you stay around 15min (they tell you it will be 30-45min but its not ) then you'll be brought back to the beach where the buses are waiting by the speed boats and that was the whole tour.

I really enjoyed the tour, it has been my favorite !
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eszter_10
Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
If you can choose only one excursion in the Dominican Republic, go to Saona.
This is one of those places which are more beautiful in real life, than on photoes.
The clear blue water, the palm trees, the warmth made us feel we are in paradise.

We signed up to this trip by a guy (Johnny Cash) who was selling excursions on the beach and it costed us 60$/person. They picked us up at our hotel, then after an apprx. 1 hr drive we arrived to a small dock. Then we continued our journey with a speed boat. We made a stop at a natural pool, this was also a very nice place with crystal clear water. There were some photographers taking pics of us, of course we were sure that if we wanted the photos we have to pay for them. But they made pretty nice pics, so we were willing to buy them in the end.

After this natural pool we arrived to Saona, which really exceeded our expectations. The only bad thing was that we spent too little time here (approximately 2,5 hrs). We also had lunch here, the food was pretty good.

Oh, and on our way from the natural pool to Saona we saw some starfish in the sea, but we were not allowed to take them out of the water, which was a good thing. We should not destroy wildlife just to take some photos.

After a walk at Saona's beach we headed back to the place where the bus was waiting for us, but this time on a party boat.

I think this excursion was a very good choice, the view on the island was amazing, as well as the whole boat trip. We saw some very nice wild beaches from the distance.

Would definitely recommend it.
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Damien M
Leeds, UK31 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
So we booked from TUI in the hotel as advised by a couple we met. The catamaran and the speed boat are probably worth some of the money. However upon getting the island which is beautiful we were told we would be on there 2-3 hours long, we both thought this would be not enough time, how wring we were it was too much. After we arrived within 20mins the place had become overrun with tourists. The beach had NO breeze and was unbearable, the massage women were very pushy. Regarding the photos in the catermeran, we asked how much 10 dollars per 1 so reluctantly thought we'd help them out and get it, however was going to be sent via email and a printed one was 30! We obviously declined, my advice befriend someone on the boat and get them to do them on your own phone. What really made it worse was the tour guide said the pick up time would be 3pm, we was ready to move on by 2pm, however they said they're was a delay, it would be now 3.20. it was 4.10 when we finally got the boat, bare in mind countless people who'd have come after us were all leaving before us. The speed boat back was great we stopped at the 'lagoon' which was essentially a shallow bit of sea just off the beach personally a waste of time, no fish just loud pissed up people drinking the cheap rum. We then finished off by stopping off for coffee, rum etc. Was actually cheaper than the hotel shop so if your not planning in leaving your resort maybe price check a few things before going. Personally I feel the 85 dollars each was far from worth it, I would see what the other tours offer and if similar aware it is a long day so wouldn't take young children etc. The photos are great but would not recommend TUI and the trip itself. I gave 2 because of the 2 boats.
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy B
London, UK59 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
Don’t believe what the pushy excursion sales people tell you, they’ll promise you the world to get your money! We booked and left from the Royalton Hotel Punta Cana so this review is based on our experience however we collected other passengers on the way and so this is not just an isolated case.

In summary avoid unless you enjoy hours and hours on a hot coach.

Pros:
Beautiful Island
Crystal clear turquoise water

Cons:
It’s certainly not the one hour coach ride promised, we spent FIVE hours on the coach and even had an enforced ‘shopping’ stop as they try to get every penny out of you.
Total lack of refreshments (ie zero) on the coach despite the heat.
Refreshments on the speed boat consisted of rum and Coke and a handful of bottles of water between 30 of us.
Lunch on the island was pretty much inedible, again served with Rum and Coke and no other options at all!
Organisation is shambolic, you’re essentially herded around and kept waiting with zero information.
If safety is your thing avoid this trip, they overload the catamarans way beyond their safe capacity.
The staff continually lie to you about what is happened and have no sense for ‘service’
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

katycatt
Everett, MA25 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
Wouldn't do it again not worth the hour half ride to Bayahibe to catch speed boat to shallow swimming pool to see star fish then brought to a small over crowded beach area that did not have much to do or explore They provided a lunch buffet which I did not have I would highly recommend taking snacks and drinks with you. After hanging around for 3 hours you take a 2 hour catamaran boat ride back
I would of preferred a speed boat ride back..don't waste your time or money going there

Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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

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