Saona Island Full Day: Catamaran, Natural Pool & Beach Lunch

Speedboat to Saona: A Day in the Natural Pool & on the Sand

You board a speedboat from Bayahibe, swim in a natural pool of clear turquoise water, then transfer to a catamaran for the journey to Saona Island. Lunch is served on the beach with unlimited drinks included, and the return trip features live Caribbean music and entertainers. Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport from Santo Domingo are included, so you arrive and depart without arranging anything yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Saona island tour

• Leave Bayahibe beach by speedboat
• Visit the natural swimming pool
• Arrive at Saona island
• Enjoy lunch on the beach
• Walk and swim on the island
• Return by catamaran with Caribbean music

The experience

The beach at Bayahibe is still quiet when the speedboat idles at the dock. You climb aboard, and within minutes the Dominican coast shrinks behind you. The natural pool appears first: shallow turquoise water so clear you see the sand ripples beneath your feet, and you wade in with a dozen other travelers, all of you suspended in the same warm bath. It takes about an hour to get there from the mainland, and the ride itself is part of the day. The boat cuts through Caribbean swells and the spray hits your face and you're already thinking about how you'll describe this to someone who wasn't there.

After the pool, the catamaran carries you to Saona Island itself. Lunch waits on the beach (a proper meal, not a token plate), and you eat sitting in the sand with your feet in the water, the island behind you empty and pale. The afternoon stretches. You can walk the shoreline, swim again, sit under the palapa with a drink. The entertainers come aboard for the return journey, and the catamaran fills with Caribbean music and the sound of people who've spent the day in the sun and are loose and happy. Unlimited drinks flow the whole time (beer, rum, water), so you're never thirsty and never rushed.

The air-conditioned bus picks you up from your hotel in Santo Domingo and brings you back the same way, which means you don't have to think about driving or timing or finding your way to Bayahibe. The day is structured but not tight. There's room to float and do nothing, which is often the best part of a beach day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and air-conditioned bus transport from Santo Domingo, speedboat transfer to the natural pool, catamaran ride to Saona Island, a full beach lunch, unlimited beer, rum and water throughout the day, a tour guide, and return transport to your hotel. Live Caribbean music and entertainers join you on the catamaran for the return journey.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 06:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bayahibe Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full Caribbean day without arranging boats, transport, or meals yourself. The catamaran handles all three, which is what makes a natural pool swim and a beach lunch possible in one departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs the full day, departing early morning from Santo Domingo and returning in the evening. Exact departure and return times depend on your hotel location and current availability.

What's included in the unlimited drinks?

Beer, rum, and water are included throughout the day on both the speedboat and catamaran portions.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a full lunch is served on Saona Island beach as part of the tour.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Bayahibe?

No. Air-conditioned bus transportation from your Santo Domingo hotel is included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, and any personal items you want during the day. The boat ride can be wet, so consider a waterproof bag for valuables.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

The natural pool is shallow and calm, making it safe for non-swimmers. You can wade and float without difficulty.

Can I book a late departure?

Reservations after 8:00 p.m. are available subject to availability. Contact the operator to confirm.