Saona Island

Encounter the natural beauty and inspiration of the most important protected biosphere in the Dominican Republic with the best tour of Saona Island. Travel by speedboat and catamaran along the southeastern coast of Bayahibe for more than a simple trip to one of the top white-sand beaches in the world. There, you’ll enjoy fun activities like volleyball, swimming in a natural pool and dancing to tropical music, or simply lounge around and relax along the way. A Dominican buffet lunch and plenty of refreshing beverages from an open bar are the perfect complements to make this an unforgettably complete excursion in the Caribbean.

• Head to the hidden Saona Island from Bayahibe aboard a thrilling speedboat or a cruising catamaran
• Take a dip near a sandbar and enjoy a nice swim
• Move your feet with dance lessons on the white sands of Saona Beach
• Indulge in a traditional Dominican buffet lunch
• Return to Bayahibe by catamaran or speedboat, the opposite of what brought you to Saona
• Activity duration: 8 hours (not including transportation time to and from activity)
• Hotel pick-up and drop off included

Sail away or speedboat for the famous Saona Island tour

Your adventure begins early in the morning with transportation from your resort in Punta Cana or La Romana. Your driver will be taking you to the vibrant fishing village of Bayahibe, which is less than an hour away from La Romana. During your ride to Bayahibe, you’ll get to view several pristine beaches and more breathtaking sights along the southeastern coast, giving you a preview of what you’ll encounter later on during your Saona Island tour.

When you arrive to Bayahibe, friendly and knowledgeable bilingual staff and crew will be there to greet you. Then you’ll be ready to board the vessel that will take you to Saona Island across the turquoise Dominican Caribbean. Depending on the operations of the day, you will board either a catamaran to take it easy on a gentle cruise, or a speedboat to feel the thrill and exhilaration on your way to this island paradise. And later on for the return ride to the mainland, you’ll take the opposite means of transportation that took you to Saona Island.


Take a swim in a natural pool in the Dominican Caribbean

As you sail away on your cruise or feel the excitement of speedboating through the shimmering Dominican sea, your guides will take you to a hidden natural pool where the water is shallow, peaceful and warm, providing an ideal place for an unforgettable swimming adventure. Jump right in and have fun during your swim, soaking in the good Caribbean vibes and letting all your stress relax away in your little saltwater haven. This is just one of the moments of relaxation you’ll get to experience throughout your Saona Island tour.

After your dip, board your vessel again as it’s time to continue onward to the marvelous Saona beach. In the approaching distance, you’ll get a preview of the 42 square miles of ecological reserves that are federally protected to preserve all of its natural treasures. As you pass the national park, keep your eyes wide open for the creatures that call this wilderness home. You’ll know you’ve arrived when the boat pulls into the gorgeous white sands that make Saona Island a must-see destination in the Dominican Republic.


Enjoy games, relaxation and lunch at a Saona beach club

Once you arrive to your beach in Saona Island, you’ll find that there are few places where you can relax and have a blast at the same time. Soon enough you’ll have the chance to learn or improve your dance moves, with tropical music like merengue and bachata enticing your hips to move. Or you can be more sporty and get competitive with a game of beach volleyball. Then live the aquatic life and swim in the soft waves of the Caribbean Sea as the white sand massages your feet.

Beach life is about balance, so once you’ve worked up a sweat, it’s time to take a break under the shade of palm trees. Make sure to refresh with a nice rum drink or an ice cold beer from the open bar to cool down from the warmth of Saona Island. Then re-energize from your games and relaxation with a Dominican lunch buffet, allowing you to try out a variety of regional dishes to savor the flavor of the island. And if you want to take your relaxation a step further, you can book a massage for an additional fee.

See Saona Island’s flora and fauna on the return to Bayahibe

You won’t want to say ‘adios’, but when the time comes to end your dreamy tour of Saona Island, it will be in style. Board the opposite means of transportation that brought you to your island getaway — either a catamaran that will cruise back to Bayahibe with music and an open bar, or a speedboat for a thrilling ride back to the marina. You’ll be sure to view incredible sights either way as you travel on the turquoise waters of the southeastern Dominican Republic. The Saona Island tour will get you close to an array of wildlife and flora that you simply can’t find in many places around the world.

If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll definitely enjoy your journey because you’ll be very close to the area’s feathered residents like brown pelicans, seagulls, waterhens, wild doves, whistling ducks, wood pigeons, shorebirds, ravens and parrots. Additionally, the marine life of the area includes sea turtles, manatees, schools of fish and shoals of lobsters and mollusks, and there might even be an occasional dolphin, all for you to try and spot during your adventure. When you return to Bayahibe, hop aboard your comfortable vehicle for the ride back to your resort, giving you time to cherish the memories of your tropical paradise getaway with the unforgettable Saona Island tour.

• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Open bar on Saona Island including water, soft drinks, beer, rum and coffee
• Buffet lunch on Saona Island

• Wear comfortable clothes and beach sandals
• Bring your bathing suit, sunscreen, a beach towel, sunglasses and camera
• Bring extra money for photos and souvenirs
• All guests must be mobile and in good physical condition
• Not suitable for customers with back problems or other types of disabilities
• Guests may travel to the island by catamaran and return by speedboat or vice-versa, depending on the operations of the day
• Transportation may not be available from some resorts or may be subject to an additional fee
• Please note that our partner will be providing transportation in their vehicle so that you can enjoy this exciting excursion.