Bayahibe sailing tour: Snorkel, turtles, Saona Island
Eight hours sailing from Bayahibe: the Rock, mangroves, Saona Island and a dip in hidden beaches
A full-day sailing tour from Bayahibe's public beach with a live English guide, stopping to snorkel at the Rock and Sand Bar, spot turtles and rays in the mangroves, and spend beach time on Saona Island. Snorkel equipment and paddleboards are provided. The boat departs from Playa Publica and returns there at the end of the day.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sailing and snorkeling around Bayahibe
- Meet at Playa Publica
- Take photos and have breakfast toast
- Stop at the Rock and learn history
- Swim and snorkel at Sand Bar
- Spot turtles and blankets in mangroves
- Snorkel at Saône Island, Catauan dock
- View Saona Island
- Relax on the beach
What’s included
- Snorkel equipment, inflatables and paddleboard use.
- live English-speaking guide.
- pickup to Playa Publica.
- eight hours on the water with stops at the Rock, Sand Bar, mangroves and Saona Island.
Times
- Every day 09:30
Before you book
Operated by NAVEGANDO RD RENT BOAT
Prices and times updated 6 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves Playa Publica in Bayahibe at the start of the day, and you begin with a breakfast toast and photos at the Bayahibe sign before heading out. The first stop is the Rock, a shallow snorkeling site where the guide shares the history of the area while you're in the water. From there you move to the Sand Bar, a sandbank in open water, where you can swim and snorkel again, this time in deeper, clearer conditions.
The route then takes you into the mangroves, where you watch for turtles and rays moving through the shallows. This is a quieter part of the day, a shift from the open water stops. Weather permitting, you snorkel near Saona Island and have time to walk on the beach there before the return journey to Bayahibe. Snorkel equipment, inflatables and a paddleboard are yours to use throughout. The guide is with you the whole time and speaks English.
The tour runs eight hours total. Pickup is included, so you don't need to arrange transport to Playa Publica. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, and plan to eat before departure or bring food: lunch is not part of the package.
Is this one for you?The tour departs from Bayahibe's public beach with pickup included, so you don't need a car or your own transport to the meeting point. Eight hours on the water means a full day commitment, but it covers four distinct stops (snorkeling sites, wildlife spotting and beach time) without you having to plan the route or manage a private boat.
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Top questions
What's the difference between the Rock and the Sand Bar stops?
The Rock is a shallow snorkeling site near shore where the guide talks about local history. The Sand Bar is a sandbank in open water with deeper, clearer water for snorkeling and swimming.
Will I see turtles on this tour?
Turtle and ray sightings happen in the mangrove section, though wildlife sightings depend on conditions and time of year.
Is snorkel gear provided, or do I bring my own?
Snorkel equipment, paddleboards and inflatables are all included and provided by the operator.
How do I get to Playa Publica if I don't have a car?
Pickup is included in the tour, so the operator arranges your transport to the meeting point at Playa Publica in Bayahibe.
What should I bring or know before booking?
Bring a towel and sunscreen. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. A high level of physical fitness is needed.
Bayahibe sailing tour: Snorkel, turtles, Saona Island
8h · EN
from US$ 950 per group
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