Speedboat And Catamaran, Buffet Lunch

Punta Cana: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island with Buffet Lunch

★ 4.4 4,780 reviews

8 hours, pickup offered, free cancellation.

from $71 per person

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Duration: 8 hours
Group: Standard group: Up to 50 people
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included

Overview

This full-day excursion pairs a speedboat ride out to Saona Island with a slower catamaran cruise back, with a buffet lunch and open bar on the island in between. It runs about 8 hours door to door, with hotel pickup and drop-off from Bayahibe or Bávaro, and a guide who leads the day in English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese or French, at least on paper.

The route starts with a coach transfer and a short cafe break at La Güira before you reach Bayahibe Beach. From there the speedboat heads out, pausing at a shallow natural swimming pool where starfish are often visible. Once on Saona you get several hours of free time plus a guided walk, an hour for the buffet lunch of chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad and fruit, and access to the open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks. The VIP option adds lobster and premium drinks, though lobster is unavailable from the start of March to the start of June each year for conservation reasons.

It suits travellers who want the classic Caribbean beach day with logistics handled. Several reviewers mention the dancing and drinks on the return catamaran as a highlight of the day.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
3 hours at the Saona Island
Snacks
Professional guide
Speed boat and catamaran to Isla Saona
Buffet lunch (BBQ, salad and typical Dominican fare)
Beer, rum, and soft drinks (open bar)
Lobster and premium drinks (only included in the VIP option)

Not Included

Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Itinerary

Pickup from Bayahibe or BávaroHotel pickup is included, with two pickup location options. One reviewer noted the pickup point may not be the hotel lobby itself, so confirm the exact spot on the booking page.
Coach transfer and cafe breakA 30-minute bus ride to La Güira, then a 15-minute break with free time and shopping, followed by another 25-minute bus leg.
Bayahibe BeachA 10-minute stop at the beach with scenic views on the way to the boats.
Natural swimming poolA 40-minute stop at the waist-deep Piscina Natural Saona for photos, a guided tour and free time. Starfish are often spotted here.
Saona IslandAbout 3 hours on the island cover the guided visit, buffet lunch, free time and a photo stop, followed by the boat cruise back with a dance show and sunset views. One reviewer counted under two and a half hours ashore.
Return and drop-offCatamaran cruise back with open-bar drinks, then drop-off at Bayahibe or Bávaro.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day actually feels, from mosquito protection to how the pickup works.

What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash. Several travellers strongly advise adding mosquito repellent, since the island has mosquitoes in the morning that tend to disappear by midday.
Pickup logistics. Pickup and drop-off are included from Bayahibe or Bávaro. One reviewer complained about reaching the pickup gate by taxi rather than being collected in the lobby, so check the exact meeting point on the booking page beforehand.
Food and drink. The buffet covers chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad and fruit, with an open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks included. Lobster and premium drinks only come with the VIP option, and lobster is off the menu between the start of March and the start of June each year.
Crowds and pace. Expect a busy, lively group day rather than a quiet escape: reviewers praise the organization and call the island blissful, though some wish time ashore ran longer.
Photos on sale. Souvenir photos cost extra, as does the DVD. One traveller bought 35 photos for 120 dollars and was pleased with how they turned out, but these are separate purchases.
Language expectations. The listing advertises tours in several languages, but one German-speaking reviewer found no German spoken on their departure. Treat the listed languages as an intention rather than a guarantee, and check with the operator if a specific language matters to you.

Common issues. The most consistent complaint is limited time on Saona relative to the long transfers, with one traveller clocking under two and a half hours on the island. The coach journey between hotels and Bayahibe runs long, and it gets longer when passengers are late. Beach toilets were described as dated and not especially clean by one reviewer. Pregnant travellers cannot join because of the boat movement, pets and oversize luggage are not allowed, and gratuities, photos and the DVD are extra. Lobster disappears from the menu between the start of March and the start of June for conservation.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Bayahibe or Bávaro are included, along with the coach transfers. One reviewer found the pickup point was outside the hotel lobby, so confirm the exact location on the booking page.

What Does The Price Include?

Round-trip transport, a guide, the speedboat and catamaran, snacks, a stop at the natural swimming pool, time on Saona Island, a buffet lunch, and an open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks. Lobster and premium drinks require the VIP option.

How Long Is The Tour?

The full experience runs about 8 hours including transfers, with roughly 3.5 hours scheduled on Saona Island plus additional time there for lunch and free time. Some reviewers felt the island time was shorter in practice than advertised.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, the listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. See the booking page for anything closer to the departure date.

Is The Tour Suitable For Everyone?

Pregnant travellers are not allowed because of the boat movement, and pets and oversize luggage are not permitted. Beyond that, most of the day is beach time and boat rides, though one reviewer flagged a short walk where mosquito repellent helps.

What Should I Bring?

Sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash, per the listing. Add mosquito repellent based on repeated reviewer reports, and cash also covers gratuities and any souvenir photos you might want.