Saona Island tour from Uvero Alto: catamaran & natural pool

Eight hours on the water: beaches, a natural pool, and lunch between two boats

A full-day catamaran and speedboat tour from Uvero Alto to Saona Island in the Dominican Republic, with hotel pickup, a professional guide, and lunch included. You board a catamaran in Bayahibe for the outbound journey, spend the day swimming and walking the white sand beaches of Saona Island, then return by speedboat with a stop at the natural pool near Playa Palmilla to swim among starfish. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour to Saona Island

• Pickup from Uvero Alto
• Travel to Bayahibe
• Board catamaran to Saona Island
• Relax on loungers and enjoy open bar
• Stroll on white sand beach and collect shells
• Swim in the sea
• Buffet lunch on Saona Island
• Speedboat ride to mainland
• Stop at natural swimming pool to swim and view starfish
• Return to hotel

The Experience

Morning pickup from your hotel in Uvero Alto means no early scramble to find transport. The drive to Bayahibe takes you through the scenery before you board the catamaran for Saona Island. Once there, the day is yours to shape: lounge on the beach with drinks from the open bar, walk the white sand under palm trees to collect shells, or swim in the water. Lunch is a buffet served on the island, so you eat when you're ready.

The return journey switches to a speedboat and includes a stop at the natural pool near Playa Palmilla, about 200 to 300 meters offshore. The water reaches your knees or waist, and you swim across roughly 800 meters of shallow water between the white sand and a coral terrace that creates this geological formation. Starfish live in the pool, visible as you float. After that swim, the speedboat carries you back to the mainland and your hotel.

A professional guide travels with the group and speaks your language—English, Spanish, Italian, French or two others—so questions about what you're seeing get answered. Children from age one are welcome, though infants sit on an adult's lap. The full day runs eight to ten hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport from Uvero Alto.
• catamaran passage to Saona Island and speedboat return to the mainland.
• professional guide in your choice of five languages.
• buffet lunch on the island.
• drinks from the open bar while on the island.
• a stop at the natural pool at Playa Palmilla to swim and view starfish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Oasis Humpack RD

Is this one for you?The eight to ten hour commitment means a full day away from your hotel, but it leaves the evening free. Choose this tour if you want the beaches and the boat rides arranged and guided rather than navigating the logistics yourself, and if you're comfortable with a group rather than a private departure.

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Top questions

What is Saona Island like when we get there?

Saona Island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and sits in the southeast of the Dominican Republic. The white sand beaches have swaying palm trees, and you can walk along the shore to collect shells or swim. The island is one of the most sought-after destinations in the region, and the day gives you several hours to explore it at your own pace.

Can we choose what to do on Saona Island, or is the schedule set?

The day is flexible on the island itself. You can relax on loungers and drink from the open bar, stroll the beach, swim, or collect shells—the choice is yours until lunch is served. A buffet meal is included, and you eat when you're ready.

What is the natural pool stop like on the way back?

The natural pool at Playa Palmilla sits about 200 to 300 meters offshore in water that reaches your knees or waist. You swim across roughly 800 meters of shallow water between white sand and a huge coral terrace that creates this geological wonder. Starfish live in the pool and are visible while you swim.

How long is the full day from pickup to return?

The tour runs eight to ten hours total, including hotel pickup in Uvero Alto, the drive to Bayahibe, the catamaran journey to Saona Island, your time on the island, the speedboat return with the natural pool stop, and the drive back to your hotel.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages, so you can ask questions and learn about what you're seeing throughout the day.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children are welcome from age one. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat rides and transport. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and there are no strenuous requirements.