Turtle Sanctuary, Secret Beach Stop

Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour

★ 4.9 1,572 reviews

9 hours, pickup offered, free cancellation.

from $165 per person

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Duration: 9 hours
Group: max 14 travellers
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included

Overview

This full-day excursion from Punta Cana spends roughly nine hours on and around Saona Island, and the schedule is built around beating the crowds. Travellers are picked up very early, taken by air-conditioned vehicle toward the marina, and the group moves by speed boat in both directions. The first stop is not the main beach but a rural village on the island, where visitors see a turtle sanctuary and how eggs are rescued, with hatchlings later released.

Reviewers mention a snorkelling session with provided equipment, and an optional history talk from the guide covering the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the wider Caribbean.

The cap of 14 travellers is the core of the product. Several reviewers describe it as feeling close to a private tour, with no loud music and a more personal pace. It suits adults and families who can handle an early start and a long day, and who want some context and conservation alongside beach time.

What's Included

Included

Lunch
Breakfast
Alcoholic beverages
Bottled water
Soda/Pop
Use of snorkelling equipment
Air-conditioned vehicle

Itinerary

Early hotel pickupPickup is included, and reviewers describe a very early morning start, with several saying the early wake-up was completely worth it.
Drive to the marinaTransport is by air-conditioned vehicle, though one reviewer reported weak air conditioning in the back of the van on a hot day.
Turtle sanctuary and breakfastThe boat lands at the island's inhabited area first. There is a visit to a local turtle rescue project, where eggs are protected and hatchlings later released.
Beach time and lunchThe group reaches the beach before the party boats, with reserved chairs and lunch included.
SnorkelingSnorkeling equipment is provided for a session in the water.
Return by boat and vanThe speed boat returns to the marina and the vehicle brings travellers back to their hotels, closing out the nine-hour day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from the early start to the boat ride and the small-group format.

Early start. The pickup happens very early in the morning, as reviewers repeatedly note. One reviewer said the early arrival was key to fewer crowds on the beach.
Small group. The tour is capped at 14 travellers. Multiple reviewers say this made it feel personal and relaxed compared with large-boat excursions, with no banging music.
Food and drink. Breakfast, lunch and drinks are included, with alcoholic beverages, bottled water and soda listed. Reviewers praise the lunch, with several calling it very good.
Boat ride. The crossing is by speed boat in both directions. One reviewer described it as a smooth ride over.
Photos and gear. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and reviewers mention the guide taking photos throughout the day that are shared at the end.

Common issues. The listing excludes children aged 0 to 5 and does not allow pregnant travellers, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for people with back problems. The day can be cancelled for weather or if a minimum number of travellers is not met, with a different date or a full refund offered in those cases. One reviewer found the vendors on the island persistent in selling massages and goods. Another flagged weak air conditioning in the van, and the full-day length and early start demand stamina.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, pickup is included and transport is by air-conditioned vehicle. Reviewers describe being collected very early in the morning, and the listing notes confirmation is received at the time of booking.

What Food And Drinks Are Included?

Breakfast, lunch, bottled water, soda and alcoholic beverages are all included, along with snorkelling equipment. Reviewers consistently rate the lunch highly.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children?

Partly. Children aged 0 to 5 are not allowed, and pregnant travellers cannot join. The listing also advises against the tour for people with back problems and states it is not wheelchair accessible.

How Big Is The Group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travellers. Several reviewers specifically chose it for this reason and described the experience as personal, quiet and close to a private tour.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, with no refunds or changes inside that window. Weather cancellations and minimum-number cancellations both come with the option of a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

The listing does not give a packing list, so check the live booking page before departure. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and reviewers mention photos being taken and shared at the end, so you may want space on your phone for them.