Saona Island Tour: Speedboat & Catamaran Ride

Sip cocktails and swim in crystal waters on Saona Island’s shores

A full-day tour from Juan Dolio to Saona Island, Dominican Republic, with fast speedboat transport one way and a leisurely catamaran return that includes music and an open bar. The day centers on swimming in a natural pool 200 to 300 meters offshore (knee to waist-deep water where you wade 800 meters across white sand and coral terrace) plus a buffet lunch on the island and free time to relax on the beach. A professional guide leads the group in your choice of five languages, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour to Saona Island

• Travel from Juan Dolio by speedboat
• Relax on Saona Island beaches
• Enjoy buffet lunch on the island
• Swim in Saona Island waters
• Stop at natural pool near beach
• Return aboard spacious catamaran with music and open bar

The experience

Saona Island sits among the Dominican Republic's most remote islands, and the route there shapes the whole day. You leave Juan Dolio aboard a fast speedboat that cuts the crossing short, so you arrive with energy left to swim and explore. The return journey trades speed for comfort: a spacious catamaran with music and an open bar carries you back at an easier pace, turning the ride itself into part of the experience.

The centerpiece is the natural pool, a geological formation about 200 to 300 meters offshore where the water holds at knee to waist height. You wade roughly 800 meters across white sand, walking parallel to the beach with an enormous coral terrace on one side separating you from the open sea. It is the kind of landscape most travelers see only in photographs. After swimming, the day opens up: a buffet lunch waits on the island, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to rest on the beach or wade back into the water.

The tour runs eight hours total and includes a professional guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of two other languages. Hotel pickup from Juan Dolio is part of the booking, and children from age one are welcome: infants sit on an adult's lap during the boat rides. The pace suits all fitness levels. The main physical demand is the wade across the sand to reach the natural pool, which is shallow enough that most swimmers find it manageable.

What’s included

• Speedboat transport to Saona Island and catamaran return with music and open bar.
• buffet lunch on the island.
• professional guide in your choice of five languages.
• hotel pickup from Juan Dolio.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:10

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Shelting Tours

Is this one for you?The eight-hour day includes a wade across shallow sand to reach the natural pool, which is the main physical activity: manageable for most swimmers, but worth noting if you prefer to stay on the beach. The catamaran return is unhurried, so you are not rushed off the island if you want to linger in the water or rest after lunch.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

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.

What is the natural pool at Saona Island like?

The natural pool sits about 200 to 300 meters offshore in water that reaches knee to waist height. You wade roughly 800 meters across white sand between the beach and an enormous coral terrace that creates this shallow-water formation and separates it from the open sea.

How do I get to Saona Island and back?

You travel there aboard a fast speedboat that makes the crossing quick, then return on a spacious catamaran with music and an open bar, turning the journey back into a more relaxed part of the day.

What meals and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch is served on Saona Island. The catamaran return includes an open bar with drinks available throughout the ride.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from Juan Dolio is included in the booking.