Saona Island Day Trip from La Romana: Catamaran & Natural Pool

Speedboat to Saona Island: Turquoise Water & a Sandbar Lunch Stop

You board a catamaran or speedboat in Bayahibe and head to Saona Island, stopping first at a natural pool where you swim in waist-deep turquoise water with a drink in hand. The boat then takes you to the island's beach for a buffet lunch and free time to swim and relax. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Bayahibe hotels, plus all drinks and meals, are included in the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Saona Island boat trip and swimming

• Take speedboat to Saona Island
• Enjoy ocean and shore scenery
• Stop at natural swimming pool
• Swim in waist-deep waters
• Have a drink at the pool
• Relax on unexplored beach
• Enjoy included lunch and drinks

The experience

The boat leaves Bayahibe in the morning, and within minutes you're on open water heading toward Saona Island. The ride itself is part of the thing: the spray, the engine noise, the way the coastline shrinks behind you. You're on a catamaran or speedboat depending on the day, and either way it's fast enough that the journey doesn't drag. The water shifts from pale green near shore to that almost-unreal turquoise once you're out past the reef, and you start to understand why people come back to this part of the Dominican Republic.

The first real stop is the natural pool, a sandbar between Saona Island and the mainland where the water sits at waist depth and the bottom is pure sand. It's the kind of place that looks like it was filmed in a movie because, well, parts of it were: Blue Lagoon was shot here, and you can see why the moment you step in. You get a drink in hand (rum, coke, water, your choice) and time to swim and float without the current pulling you anywhere. It's shallow enough that you can stand, deep enough that it feels like the ocean, and crowded enough that you're never alone but not so packed that you can't move.

After the pool, the boat takes you to Saona Island itself, where the beach is wide and the sand is white and genuinely fine. Lunch is a buffet (they've got a vegetarian option if you need it), and it's served right there on the beach or on the boat depending on the weather and the group size. You eat, you swim again, you lie on the sand if you want to. The day doesn't have a rigid schedule once you're on the island. It's more that you're there for a few hours and you do what feels right. Then the boat brings you back to Bayahibe, and the hotel pickup that brought you to the dock in the morning is waiting to take you back.

The whole thing runs full day, and it's the kind of excursion where you don't have to think about transport, tickets, or what to bring for lunch. It's all arranged. If you're staying in a Bayahibe hotel, pickup is included, which saves you the hassle of finding the dock on your own.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Bayahibe hotels.
• transport by catamaran or speedboat.
• stop at the natural pool with drinks.
• access to Saona Island beach.
• buffet lunch with vegetarian option available.
• alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transfers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Sol Cana Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full beach day on Saona Island without arranging your own boat, lunch, or transport from your hotel. The pickup and all-inclusive format means you show up ready to swim.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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 24h before the start.

Is lunch included in the Saona Island excursion?

Yes. Buffet lunch is included, with a vegetarian option available. Drinks (rum, coke, water) are also included throughout the day.

What is the natural pool stop like?

The natural pool is a sandbar between Saona Island and the mainland where the water is waist-deep and the bottom is sand. You swim and float there, and a drink is served. It's the location where parts of the Blue Lagoon film were shot.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but only for hotels in Bayahibe. You'll be picked up from your hotel and returned there at the end of the day.

What type of boat is used?

Transport is by catamaran or speedboat, depending on the day and group size.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Do I need to be fit for this excursion?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will there be a guide?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide, depending on the group and departure.