Saona Island Snorkeling: Private Yacht Full Day

Snorkel at your own pace, then drift across a sandbar kilometers wide.

A full-day private yacht snorkeling tour to Saona Island in the Dominican Republic, where you choose how long to spend at each site: a reef stop with equipment provided, a private beach lunch on the island, and Palmilla sandbar with water shallow enough to stand. The captain and first mate stay with you the whole day; pickup is included, and the boat departs from one of the Caribbean's main marinas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private yacht tour to Saona Island

• Depart from beautiful marina
• Visit Saona Island private area
• Enjoy lobster and buffet lunch
• Relax on beaches or get massages
• Snorkel at top snorkeling spot
• Visit Palmilla natural swimming pool

The Experience

You arrive at the marina and board your private yacht with a captain and first mate who stay with you for the full eight hours. The boat heads out to a snorkeling reef stop where equipment is already on board — mask, fins and snorkel are yours to use. After you've had time in the water, the yacht moves to Saona Island itself, where a private area on the beach waits with a lobster and buffet lunch. The island's beaches are there if you want to swim or sunbathe between courses, and massages are available on the sand.

Once lunch is done, the boat takes you to Palmilla, a sandbar that stretches for kilometers with water so shallow you can stand across most of it. The sand is pale and the water stays clear even at low depth — it's one of the largest natural swimming pools in the Dominican Republic. You decide how long to stay; the captain works around your timing, not a fixed schedule. Water, sodas and ice are on board throughout the day.

The return to the marina gives you time to rinse off before heading back into the city. The whole day is private to your group, which means no strangers on the boat and no waiting for other passengers to finish at any stop.

What’s included

• Captain and first mate for the full day.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• lobster and buffet lunch on Saona Island.
• water, sodas and ice throughout the day.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Atlantida Punta Cana

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to set your own rhythm at each stop instead of following a group schedule — the captain stays with you from the reef to Palmilla, and you decide how long to spend at the island lunch or the sandbar without anyone waiting.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's included in the snorkeling equipment?

Mask, fins and snorkel are provided on the yacht and ready to use at the reef stop. You bring your own swimsuit and towel, though the crew can rinse you off with fresh water after the water.

Is the lunch on Saona Island included in the price?

Yes. A lobster and buffet lunch is served in a private area on the beach. You choose how long to stay on the island — the captain works around your timing, not a set schedule.

How deep is the water at Palmilla sandbar?

Palmilla is a natural swimming pool with water shallow enough to stand across most of the sandbar, even at low tide. The depth stays minimal across the kilometers of sand, which is why it's one of the biggest attractions on Saona Island.

What time does the yacht leave and return?

The full day is eight hours. Pickup is included, and the boat departs from the marina. Your captain will confirm the exact departure time when you book.

Can I bring children or elderly family members?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the yacht and at the beach. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the marina?

No. Pickup is included with your booking. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer, and all transportation to and from the marina is wheelchair accessible.