Tour details
Enjoy a full-day tour to the beautiful Saona Island (Isla Saona)! Relax on the pristine beaches, swim in the island's natural pool, and indulge in authentic Dominican cuisine.
Why you'll love it
- Isla Saona, the largest offshore island in the Dominican Republic, inside Cotubanamá National Park.
- Stop at the Natural Pool, a waist-deep sandbar in the open ocean famous for starfish.
- Speedboat-and-catamaran combo across the Caribbean Sea.
- Open bar from the moment you board: beer, rum, and soft drinks (18+).
- Traditional Dominican BBQ buffet lunch on the island.
- Hotel pickup around 7:30 a.m., back around 6 p.m. Pickup and drop-off included.
- Kids' pricing: $45 (adults $85). Free cancellation up to 24h. Reserve now, pay later.
Overview
A full day on Isla Saona, the largest offshore island in the Dominican Republic, protected inside Cotubanamá National Park. Roughly 110 square kilometers of island: white sand, coconut palms, turquoise shallows, and one tiny village, Mano Juan. No resorts, no roads, none of the hotel-zone crowds. Just the Caribbean the way the postcards promised. Christopher Columbus anchored here in 1494, and travelers have been falling for Saona ever since.
Your day starts easy. We pick you up at your hotel lobby around 7:30 a.m. and roll through the Dominican countryside to the fishing village of Bayahibe, about an hour and twenty minutes away, where the boats are waiting. From there you'll ride the speedboat-and-catamaran combo across the Caribbean Sea, with a stop at the famous Natural Pool: a waist-deep sandbar in the open ocean where starfish rest on the sandy bottom and every camera comes out.
Then, Isla Saona itself. Claim your spot on the beach, float in water so clear it doesn't look real, and load up a plate at the traditional Dominican BBQ buffet. There's merengue if you're dancing, palm shade if you're not, and hours of free time either way. We keep our groups on a quieter stretch of beach: fewer people in your photos, more Caribbean in your day.
The bar? Open from the moment you board: beer, rum, and soft drinks all day (drinking age is 18). The catamaran leg home is the party, with music, drinks, and the coastline sliding by until you're back in Bayahibe, then at your hotel around 6 p.m. It's roughly ten hours door to door.
Adults are $85 and kids ride for $45, and you're booking direct with a local Punta Cana team: reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. Isla Saona is the most requested excursion in Punta Cana. Pick your date. The moment you wade into the Natural Pool, you'll know why.
What you'll do
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Pickup at your resort
Guests are picked up from their hotel lobby or nearby designated point for convenient round-trip transport to Bayahibe.
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Transfer to Bayahibe
Enjoy a scenic drive of about an hour and twenty minutes from Punta Cana to the departure point at Bayahibe.
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Departure to Saona Island
Board a catamaran or speedboat and cruise through the Caribbean Sea, stopping at the Natural Pool to admire the crystal-clear waters and starfish.
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Arrival at Saona Island
Explore the pristine white-sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, or relax under swaying palm trees.
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Lunch and refreshments
Enjoy a traditional Dominican BBQ buffet with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
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Free time and activities
Stroll along the beach, swim, lounge, and experience the island’s natural beauty at your own pace.
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Return transfer
Depart Saona Island in the afternoon and return by speedboat or catamaran to Bayahibe, then board buses back to your hotel.
Inclusions
- Bilingual guides: Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience on the tour. They will provide information about the island and its history, as well as answer any questions you may have.
- Roundtrip transportation: Convenient round-trip transportation from your Punta Cana resort is included in the tour price. This means that you won't have to worry about getting to and from the island – we'll take care of all the details.
- Catamaran and speedboat trip: On this excursion, you'll have the opportunity to travel to and from Saona Island on a catamaran or speedboat. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and the natural pool as you journey to the island.
- Open bar on board and on the island: beer, rum, and soft drinks are included, with beer flowing from the moment you board (drinking age: 18).
- BBQ Lunch: A delicious BBQ lunch served buffet style is included in the tour price. Indulge in a variety of tasty dishes and fuel up for your day on the island.
What our customers say
Did two tours with Punta Cana Adventures, Saona Island and Scape Park. It was worth the pay and cost less than what was offered from the hotel. Messaged them and called through the...
I want to thank Punta Cana Adventure for being a safe and fun Company. First timer in the DR and I had a blast! I had a confusion when booking pick up location for the adventures I...
We did the Saona Island Day Trip and loved it!! The staff did a great job of making sure we got to the sand bar and Saona Island before so many other groups by taking a speed boat ...
We booked a day trip to Saona Beach for our family, and it was a very enjoyable experience. The team arrived right on time to pick us up from the hotel lobby, and the entire proces...
We took the Saona trip and it was just perfect. From the hotel pick-up to the guide and the island. We had a wonderful guide that spoke in 3 languages and gave us a lot of informat...
What to bring
- Booking confirmation (digital or printed) for check-in
- Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent
- Beachwear and towel
- Comfortable sandals or sneakers
- Sunglasses and a camera
Important details
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Not suitable for pregnant travelers.
- Not recommended for participants with serious back problems.
- Minimum drinking age: 18 years.
- Departure point: Bayahibe (about 1 hour 20 minutes from Punta Cana). Private transport available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included on the Saona Island excursion?
Round-trip hotel transfer, the boat ride to Saona Island by catamaran or speedboat, a stop at the famous Natural Pool sandbar, free time on a white-sand beach, and a traditional Dominican buffet-style lunch.
What is the Natural Pool at Saona Island?
The Natural Pool is a shallow, crystal-clear sandbar in the open sea where you can stand in waist-deep turquoise water and spot starfish - the signature stop of the Saona Island day trip.
How long is the Saona Island day trip?
It's a full-day excursion, roughly 10 hours door-to-door. Most hotel pickups happen around 7:30 a.m., and you're back at your hotel around 6 p.m.
Do you offer transportation for from hotel/rental?
We offer transportation for most hotels, resorts, and retails in Punta Cana. You can select yours at the time of booking and if it's not listed we can still arrange it. Just type it into the booking notes section at checkout.
How much does it cost to go to Saona Island?
Around $90 per person with most reputable operators. Our Saona Island excursion is $85 for adults and $45 for kids, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
How long does it take to get from Punta Cana to Saona Island?
The drive from Punta Cana to the departure point at Bayahibe takes about an hour and twenty minutes, followed by the boat ride out to the island.
Why is Saona Island so popular?
Saona Island is popular for several reasons. First, the island is known for its natural beauty, with crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches lined with palm trees. Second, there are many activities available on the island, such as swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on the beach. Third, many Saona Island tours include round-trip transportation from Punta Cana, making it easy for visitors to access the island. Finally, Saona Island is a local favorite, with many locals and visitors alike choosing to experience the island's beauty and charm. These factors all contribute to Saona Island's popularity. For the full picture before you book, read our Saona Island travel guide.
What's your refund policy?
Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
Am I able to reschedule?
Yes. We can reschedule your activity as long as you notify us in time. If we cannot reschedule due to matters outside of our control and were notified 24-48 hours in advance, a full refund will be issued.
How big is Saona Island?
About 110 square kilometers. Saona is the largest offshore island in the Dominican Republic, part of the protected Cotubanamá National Park (formerly Parque Nacional del Este).
Is Isla Saona the same as Saona Island?
Yes. Isla Saona is simply the Spanish name for Saona Island. Locals, guides, and most signage use "Isla Saona"; either name refers to the same island off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic.
What drinks are included on the Saona Island tour?
Open bar: beer, rum, and soft drinks are included, and the beer starts flowing as soon as you board the boat. Drinking age is 18.
Group Bookings Available
Special rates for groups of 10 or more. Perfect for corporate events, family reunions, or celebrations.