Saona Island Excursion From Punta Cana

Best birthday experience ever! The tour guide Christian made it so enjoyable and welcoming! Definitely recommend the excursion

It’s beautiful on the Island! The water and beach are much better than at the resorts at Punta Cana. The tour itself is A little long, it took 11 hours from leaving hotel to returning. The best part of the tour was our guide Christian!

Enjoyed the atmosphere and crew. Just the right amount of time spent at the island. Food was delicious.

This is a 12 hour excursion. You ride a bus for 2 hours as you stop at other resorts to get people, then stop at some shop for a bathroom break then back on the road. You get on 1 boat then to another boat, stop at sandbar, go to island, you have to climb from the boat up dangerous rocks to get onto the island. Once on the island you can't even relax and enjoy your time bc you are hounded by someone trying to sell you jewelry or give you a massage for the entire 2 hours. You then have to climb back down the dangerous rocks to get on a small boat to take you to the catamaran. This is also dangerous as it ties up other side of the catamaran and you have to cross over while waves are bouncing the boats all over the place. Ride in catamaran for about an hour then back in the bus for another 2 hours. You are expected to tip the bus driver, the guide, each boat, the people who take up your plates at lunch. It's exhausting. So in the 12 hours you get lunch only so make sure to pack snacks

Saona is beautiful, this is an activity you shouldn't miss if you go to Punta Cana. The service was good but there are some things that needs to improve like the waiting time when you get to Bayahibe (departure point) our guide told us that we had to wait about 10 min to get on the boat but it arrives 30 min later 😅😅. The food was ok, however they offer better options at an extra cost , which it's good if you dont mind paying extra for a better meal.

This experience was hella fun!! Lots of drinking and dancing 😁👏🏾🍷 The crew really knew how to have a good time. Good way to celebrate a birthday 🎂

Very Beautiful, would definitely do again. A little of a sales pressure from the locals, but respectful if you say no thank you.

Absolutely horrible less than 24 hours I was contacted by the tour operator action I could switch my date to Sunday once I was not in agreement they asked me to cancel. This means since it was less than 24 hours I will not get my refund very unprofessional. I had to reach out directly to buy viator to handle the situation.

The experience was a 1 in a lifetime experience I recommend This to want to have fun day because it will leave exhausted from the fun.

We had an awesome experience overall!.. A trip you shouldn’t miss when you go to Punta Cana. Francisco was a great tour guide, he made sure everyone was accounted for and safe. Our driver Mickey was also great!..

Booked this trip for a day trip to the Island of Saona all communication through E-Mail and What's App was very good the trip was well planned via pick up at the hotel meeting up with the coach. Arrived at the location got a speed boat out to the island and a catamaran back with rum and coke on tap and some Caribbean Music playing with a few dancers Only thing to watch out for on the Island is the masseur's who are quite pushy and charge you 80 dollars for a full massage when they start by saying only 50 dollars Other then that the Island was beautiful and the trip was well planned

Great from start to finish. Big group but my family did not mind it. You will be picked up in small van with AC and meet charter bus with up to 70 people. Driver was great and everyone worked together to get us on time despite a traffic fatality. You will get on a speed boat or catamaran on the way to Soana Island. The natural pool was my favorite which you stop at before the beach. We were the first to arrive and you will have an ok buffet. We took the speedboats in the beginning. In order to switch from speed boat to catamaran we transferred out in the water into the catamaran. Pictures are pricey but well worth it! We switched from the catamaran to a smaller boat to shore. From there we boarded charter bus to our transfer van with the same people from the morning pick up! Overall I recommend 100%

From start to finish this was a great tour. They were on time prodesssional, kind and fun. It was great learn about the history along the way. Alex is a great guide and storyteller. The BBQ was delicious and the island is lovely. Great day trip.

It's a long full day tour, be prepared with a water bottle, some snacks (there is lunch but outside of that if you are hungry you carry something), sunscreen, and hat. I suggest you leave your hotel with swimming clothes already on. Alex was our guide and he was absolutely amazing. I traveled with my husband and 7 year old kid. We all enjoyed the natural swimming pool (shallow ocean area) and the next stop the Saona island very much. Coconut and fresh Pina colada were paid items on the beach so carry some cash or credit card if you want to purchase. Lunch was good - options for both vegetarians and non vegetarians. Also carry some change for tips. They also took professional photos (paid, you can choose to not buy) and we got it on our phone.

This tour was absolutely unforgettable, and Alex made it extraordinary from start to finish! He welcomed us with a warm smile and shared fascinating insights into Dominican history during the ride. The stop at the local shop to stretch our legs and shop was a nice touch before we arrived in Bayahibe to board our catamaran. The cruise to Saona Island was full of energy—traditional music, dancing, and an open bar with Dominican rum kept everyone smiling. The sea pool stop was magical—crystal-clear waters, great swimming, and beautiful professional photos to remember it all. Saona Island was paradise. We had plenty of time to relax on the soft sands, swim in star fish waters and enjoy vibrant local music. The buffet lunch was delicious with plenty of fresh options to satisfy every taste. Alex was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and fun. The scenic ride back was the perfect ending to a perfect day. If you’re visiting Punta Cana and want to see Saona Island, don’t miss this tour—and be sure to ask for Alex!

I chose this tour because I had long dreamed ofvisiting this beautiful island. When I saw the VIP option, I was pleasantly surprised it promised a private table, a special menu, and most importantly freshly caught lobster. That was the key reason I decided to purchase the VIP ticket, expecting something truly special. But the reality was nothing short of a disappointment. First of all instead of the promised three hours on the island, we were only given two and during that time, we were expected to eat as well. So there was barely any time left to actually enjoy the island. Second, and the biggest letdown, was the so-alled "lobster replacement": instead of the promised delicacy, I was served two skewers with 16 tiny shrimp. It felt like a joke. The guide claimed that lobster season was already over and not knowing any better, I reluctantly accepted it. But imagine my shock and anger when the very next day I returned to Saona on my own, only to see lobsters being freshly prepared for other tourists. I even asked the cook directly and he confirmed that lobster season runs until May 30, not April as I was told. This was a blatant lie. I feel deceived and taken advantage of. The VIP service turned out to be nothing more than a pretty promise with no substance. My money was wasted, my experience ruined, and I was left with a bitter feeling of being scammed. It’s a real shame when reality so harshly fails to live up to expectations

The trip was smooth sailing for pick up the tour guide had a hard time navigating between English, Spanis and French. Then we went on the catermeran and midway through the trip an American tourist money was stolen out of her purse by a photographer on the boat. The natural pool was cold as ice and some guest were trying to catch up to the boat while swimming because the boat sailed off. Coming back was a nightmare a speed boat was used for a hour long journey back to shore. The boat was slamming up and down like a seesaw which threw my back out. I am experiencing back pain. The boat felt like it was going to flip over. My husband and I felt very unsafe and not one life guard on the boat. I will never do an excursion like this again the water was ice cold and venders begging for sales. I have now developed PTSD from this experience from hell.

Amazing waters and beaches. Swimming, dancing and sun bathing. Drinks on boat and music. Lunch is included and drinks at the island as well.

Nice that they provided transportation to and from, does make for a very long day though so be prepared. While we do get served lunch on the island, I still recommend bringing some snacks. Took a speed boat out and stopped at a shallow spot for swimming before heading to Saona Island. Had time to relax on the beach before and after lunch. Brought the catamaran back...if you're not a fan of loud music, this isn't the excursion for you. Open bar. Stopped for a quick stop on the way back to town for souvenirs. Tour guide and crew was all great!

This was our third trip to Saona over the years. We took this tour company because we had taken it last time and liked that they clearly advertise the fast boat there and Katamaran back. When we got on the bus, we were told it could be either. Thankfully, it was the speedboat there. This time, we found it to be way too many stops to pick up people and boat transfers. We were told be ready at 6:30 am and they didn't finish picking up people till after 9 before we even started the trip to the boat. I don't understand why they don't just bus people to one place to meet for the big bus? We also found the tour guide not very "personable". The last time we did this tour he was more engaging. The beach now is so crowded and just way too much. IF we did this again, perhaps we would return to the tour company that had only one or two stops. 6;30 am to almost 8 PM....way too long.

It is a beautiful Island. Our guide Alex was great, very informative. We lost 40 minutes waiting to transfer from a van to a bus on the side of a highway. Then when we got to the island, lunch was supposed to be served at 12:30, but that didn't happen until 1:10. The scheduled time to return to the bus was 2PM. Not very much time to enjoy the island waters. There are a lot of women who will constantly bug you about a massage. Very frustrating.

This trip was a great deal. We went right from our beach. Laula was an excellent hostess, very upbeat and friendly. They have good equipment for snorkelling. Happy hour was excellent!! We had a great time.

We loved everything about this excursion. The boats were beautiful! The natural swimming pool was stunning! Lunch was delicious! Christian was amazing explaining everything along the way!! (In 3 different languages) All around fantastic day! 10 ⭐️

The island itself is fantastic, but this cruise is way too long and not worth it. Keep in mind, I stayed in Cap Cana and used the company BRX for the booking (your experience may vary depending on what company you book through). This tour is WAY TOO LONG. We got picked up at the hotel (in Cap Cana) at 7am, we didn't return until 8:30pm. Everyone on the tour was pretty much sick of it and ready to go back early. Our crew was terrible, very rude. They provided almost no food on the boat and very little drink. The lunch is okay, but definitely not good. The island is beautiful, the natural pool visit was a waste of time and so was the first island we visited. We got picked up in Cap Cana, then transported to Punta Cana. We then had to transfer from a small bus to a large bus that took us to the marina. The bus was very crowded as 5 or 6 different small buses drop people off for this transfer. I don't know why they leave from Punta Cana, it's way too long of a boat ride from there. They do a similar bus transfer when you leave, but from a different location. Overall, this tour was terrible and I regretted booking it. Our BRX rep said they've cancelled any remaining tours, but who knows. Run away from this one, you go tot he DR to sit at a beach and eat and drink at a resort, not sit in a boat (it's about 2.5 hour ride from Punta Cana to the island). This was a horrible excursion, waste of precious time in the DR.

Had a disappointing trip in 2023 as trip was badly run but decided to try again and this time booked with our TUI rep Denis. Totally different experience. Travelled out on a speedboat with a stop at the natural swimming pool- saw some very large starfish. Then on to Saona- different beach from last year, more private and secluded, a lovely lunch in a covered hut- even had table cloths on the tables. Wine/ beer/ rum if wanted. Then a lovely relax on the beautiful beach and swimming in the perfect blue caribbean. A totally different experience from last year and my faith has bee restored in Saona. My advice- book with the tour rep.

Our guide, Alex, was great. We stopped at a beautiful sand bar location which was the best part of the trip in my opinion. The first half of the day is on speed boats, not catamaran. The speedboat captain was pushy about tips. Literally standing at each row of chairs waiting for you to give him something so he can move to the next row. Alex told us they aren't allowed to ask for tips in the morning, but the captain on the boat Alex wasn't on was pushy. The location on Saona Beach was disappointing. This was my 3rd trip to Saona island, and this specific location wasn't great. The beach was beautiful but there was trash in the sand, and the solicitors on this beach were over the top. Made it hard to actually enjoy the beach. The pineapple pina colada ladies were screeching into a crackling microphone about their pineapples for sale every 10 mins or so. That combined with the very loud pushy solicitors really ruined the relaxing beach lounging we were hoping to do. The trip did not last 8 hours as expected. We were picked up at 7 am and dropped off around 6:15 pm...the drop off seemed very disorganized...I'm glad we went but not something I would do again.

The experience was a very long day with little preparation for the days activities. The main guide did a great job with communication but the others did not. They would not inform any one with what was going on. We would stop for 20 minutes several times on the side of the road going to and from the boat launch site without any explanation leaving everyone in the shuttle cautious. The island and catamaran was a great experience, we just wished for more snack and drink options.

Our tour guide Alex, photographer Pepsi, and our driver Juan were first class and made the trip fun. It is a long day so be prepared, but you will have fun if you love the water.

The lady of the boat was amazing she danced with us and brought our rum, she made it very good for us all. The only big downside of it was that the speedboat/boat captain kept being creepy towards the woman. Since I am a native Spanish speaker, they kept making sexualized comments about the women on the boat. One of them even sat next to me and tried talking to me and I was very uncomfortable because he would not stop staring at me despite sitting next to me… it wasn’t until I told him in Spanish to leave me alone that he left but kept making comments with the other male boat people in charge as well as making comments about the woman who is their coworker which was very inappropriate…… my 11 year old nephew heard everything too and there was kids in the boat. Have some decorum.

Fantastic excursion!!! Our guide, Benjamin was amazing! He was very knowledgeable, funny and kind. (Our driver, not so much). Our first time on a speed boat...what a trip!!! So fun. Open bar and food on the island were great. Catamaran ride back was smooth sailing. Lots of dancing, drinking and laughs. We will repeat this excursion!!!!

It’s was awesome excursion! We all loved it. It’s defentily an all day excursion. The beaches are beautiful. Eduardo did an awesome job in providing information about the culture of DR. Highly recommend it.

10/10! Great company, reliable communication, great day on the ocean and on the island. Highly recommend!

Very romantic, fun, exciting and this is a great way to build memories to last a life time . They take epic pictures to buy and the tour guides are hilarious! They have massages on the island and food with drinks! So beautiful it is worth it !

Only thing I didn't like was the coming back transportation. We didn't get back till after 6 pm. But other than that we had a blast

My boyfriend and I stayed on Uvero Alto and this excursion was about 8 hours of traveling total. Not only that, but there is a ton of transfers on the route which put altogether is very tiring and may be a waste of your day. Even while you’re on Saona Island, there is not much to see or do and you are basically confined to the excursion company’s designated area on the beach. The Viator listing advises you have 3 hours on the island but in reality, we got there at 12pm and left at 2pm (which is fine for us but can be deceptive) so only there for a total of 2 hours. While you’re on the island, there are many sellers that basically harass you every 5-10 minutes so it is hard to even just relax in peace. Overall, definitely wasn’t for me and I would not recommend considering the time and what the island has to offer unless you’re literally just trying to lounge around (which can be done at your resort, it is not that much of a difference).

Super cool experience for a decent price. Definitely a slow and all day affair but worth it. The Tour guide was awesome. All the boat staff were so fun! And the provided lunch was fabulous.

Ramon and company did a wonderful job. The natural pool and Saona Island were amazing and the highlight of our trip to the DR.

The island and catterameran and staff where awesome. The only bad part was 9 people in a mini van and it took 3 hrs to get back to hotel too many stops.

It was a great trip to Saona Island. We would highly recommend to others. Our guide Alex shared a lot of information about history of Dominican Republic.

Awesome trip. Only complaint is the catamaran is over full. Spoils the trip a bit. The island was beautiful and the staff were amazing

Our tour guides were very friendly. Showed up on time to pick us up to the hotel. Excursion experience was amazing. Saona Island was absolutely breath taking. Crystal clear waters.

The entire excursion was far more than we expected. The water is beyond beautiful, the host are lively & friendly

The dancing with the crew on our way over and coming back. What I didn't like is no communication from the driver when he picked us up. They also need to tell you that the ride to the boat is 1 hour and give you a little time to use the restroom before that long ride. The photographers on the boat wouldn't let me take pictures of my friends even though I stood out the way on the other side of the boat. They also should have paper towels for the passengers to use and better cups to drink out of. Everything else was excellent and a good trip.

The original pick up was sent in correctly and I had to travel to another. We traveled via private car because the bus was to full. We went to a stop where I was overcharged for everything. Towels We’re $25 towels you could get in Walmart for $10 just total overcharging. Then we went to the boat where you take one boat and then meet the other boat out further. There the party starts it’s run and soda no beer no other type of alcohol it’s gold rum. And sprite or coke the ride out is 1 hour rje music is ridiculously loud like you can’t hear yourself. Then you get there 40 mins for the water where they take your pictures and the. Try to sell them for 390 the entire Olán I got them down to 190. The pictures are very nice I won’t lie. Then you go and get on the boat more time to be able to get to the island of saona. When you get here it’s a 10 min walk through a jungle. To the beach. We got the vip package so we got to sit apart and we got lobster tails and shrimp on a stick. Along with champagne there was no ice or lemon. The tails did not bring butter. The food was cold. The kids did not eat lobster so they ate from the buffet the food was gross. The rice was horrible the white rice was gross. It had all types of pepper def not Dominican food. Then you get to the beach the water was high tide with red flags a full body massage was $80 they charged my mom $50 for a foot massage. Then You go back on a speedboat have to wear a life jacket. Then again you get off and walk another 10 mins to the bus and car and at that point you wanna die. That’s all there was then the ride home is 45 mins. The driver and tour guide were excellent. I would not say this is a trip for kids. I would say this is a party trip. It came out as family activity but no it’s not.

Our tour guide Raymond was very informative on the bus ride from Punta Cana, the tour was really fun, the boat to the island had all the vibes and the beach on the island was beautiful and the food was basic but still good.

Ramon our tour guide and Henry our photographer were the best! Ramon was very well spoken and informative. We loved saona and all of its surroundings. Everything was very well organized and executed perfectly. Definitely recommend and would not think twice before booking with them. I know reviews are iffy on here and I debated but it was all well worth it!

The boat ride over to Sanoa island was beautiful. Captain and crew were very nice and the food was delicious as well.

Cheap coke cheap sprite cheap rum cheap food wrong side of the island to take a swim waste of time. The guide should have told us to go swim on the side where the boat arrived. Our side was awfull

Nice but not enough room at the beach. Food wasnt good. The staff was nice and attentive. The catamaran was an amazing experience