Catamaran, Open Bar, Budget Fare

Punta Cana: Catamaran to Saona Island with Food & Open Bar

★ 4.3 1,218 reviews

8 to 8.5 hours, pickup offered, free cancellation.

from $66 per person

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Duration: 8 to 8.5 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included

Overview

The day starts with hotel pickup in Bavaro, Punta Cana or Bayahibe, then a coach ride toward Bayahibe with a short break at Higuey along the way. First stop on the water is the natural pool, a shallow sandbar in turquoise water where starfish live and swimming is the main activity. The boat then continues to Saona Island for free time on the white-sand beach and a buffet lunch of Dominican food.

The return leg runs on a catamaran with music, entertainment and an open bar, and this stretch is what most people remember. One practical note from the operator: the trip may use a motomaran in one direction and a catamaran in the other, depending on the day's logistics and sea conditions. Reviews confirm this mix, with one traveller describing a speedboat out and a slower catamaran back.

At roughly 8 to 8.5 hours door to door, it is a full day, so it suits travellers who want a lively, social outing rather than a quiet escape. Guides run the day in Spanish, French, English and Portuguese. Anyone after a slower pace or longer island time may find the schedule tight.

What's Included

Included

Swim in the largest natural pool in the Dominican Republic
Free time on Saona Island's beaches
Buffet lunch with local cuisine
Catamaran with music, open bar and entertainment
Round-trip transportation from your hotel
National tour guide

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup from three areas: Bavaro, Bayahibe or Punta Cana. Guests at Airbnbs or private accommodation in Bavaro or Punta Cana get a designated meeting point, and Cap Cana guests meet at the United Petroleum Gas Station.
Coach to HigueyA bus or coach transfer of 35 minutes toward the departure point.
Higuey breakA 15-minute stop with a break, photo stop, free time and shopping.
Coach to the dockA further 25-minute bus ride to board the boat.
Natural pool swim40 minutes at the Saona Island natural pool for swimming, photos, a guided tour and scenic views on the way. Starfish live on this sandbar.
Saona Island timeAbout 3 hours 10 minutes on the island with free time on the beach, photos and a buffet lunch of local cuisine.
Catamaran returnCruise back with music, entertainment and an open bar. Depending on sea conditions, the catamaran may run in one direction only, with a motomaran on the other leg.
Drop-offReturn transport to Bavaro, Punta Cana or Bayahibe.

What To Expect From The Tour

A big, upbeat boat day needs a little planning. Here is what to know before booking.

What to bring. The listing asks for swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera and water shoes. You will be in and out of water twice, at the natural pool and on the island beach, so wear swimwear under your clothes to save time.
Pace and stamina. The day runs 8 to 8.5 hours and keeps you outdoors for most of it.
Group feel. The tour comes with music, entertainment and a national guide, and reviewers describe a lively, social atmosphere. Travellers who enjoyed it often credit the staff energy, with one calling the day fantastic thanks to the crew.
Food and drink. A buffet lunch with Dominican dishes is included, eaten on the island, and the open bar runs on the catamaran. Reviews call the food better than expected, though one traveller said the bar drinks ran out partway through the return sail.
Photographs. The itinerary includes photo stops at the natural pool and on Saona Island, so bring a camera as the listing suggests.
Vendors on the beach. The operator notes that independent local vendors sell goods at some beach spots. Any purchase is optional and made directly with the vendor, not through the tour company.

Common issues. The open bar on the catamaran ran dry halfway through the return trip for one reviewer. Others said they would have liked more time on Saona Island itself, since the schedule moves the group along. The boat type may differ by day, with a motomaran replacing the catamaran in one direction depending on logistics and sea conditions, so travellers set on sailing both ways should keep that in mind. One reviewer also noted the catamaran leg takes longer than the speedboat out.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included from Bavaro, Bayahibe and Punta Cana. Guests staying at Airbnbs or private accommodation in Bavaro or Punta Cana are given a designated meeting point instead. Cap Cana guests meet at the United Petroleum Gas Station.

What Is Included In The Price?

Round-trip transport, the natural pool swim, free time on Saona Island, a buffet lunch with local cuisine, the catamaran with music, entertainment and open bar, and a national tour guide. The listing states no exclusions.

Do I Ride A Catamaran Or A Speedboat?

It depends on the day. The operator states the trip may use a motomaran one way and a catamaran the other way, based on logistics and sea conditions. One reviewer had a speedboat out and catamaran back, and noted the catamaran leg was slower.

How Long Is The Tour?

About 8 to 8.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. That includes the coach transfers, a short break in Higuey, the natural pool stop and around 3 hours 10 minutes on Saona Island.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera and water shoes, per the listing. You will swim at the natural pool and have beach time on Saona, plus shopping time during the Higuey break if you want souvenirs.