Saona Island: Small Group Catamaran with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Relax on Saona’s beaches, swim in clear waters, enjoy local food

You’ll float in crystal-clear shallows searching for starfish before landing on Saona Island’s soft sand with a small group. Enjoy a Dominican buffet lunch under swaying palms, sip rum punch from the open bar, and let your worries drift away as you listen to waves and laughter all around.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on the boat ride out to Saona Island. The sun was already sharp over Punta Cana when we piled into the minibus (pickup was right at our hotel, which felt like cheating). Our guide, Luis, kept switching between Spanish and English — sometimes both in the same sentence — and somehow made everyone feel like we’d known each other longer than an hour. The speedboat ride was loud and windy, salt stinging my lips. We stopped at this shallow “natural pool” where the water’s so clear you can see your toes — and if you’re lucky, starfish just hanging out on the sand. I tried to pick one up but chickened out at the last second; Luis said it’s better not to touch anyway.

Landing on Saona Island felt like stepping into a postcard but with real heat and the smell of grilled chicken drifting over from somewhere behind the palms. There were maybe twenty of us total — small enough that you could actually hear the waves without someone shouting over them. Some people went straight for the open bar (rum punch before noon is apparently normal here), but I just wanted to walk along the beach for a bit. The sand is almost too white; it squeaks under your feet. I ended up sitting under a palm tree next to an older couple from Montreal who shared their sunscreen and told me about their last trip here years ago when there were fewer boats. Funny how places change but still feel familiar.

Lunch was simple: chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after swimming. I tried saying “gracias” with my mouth full and nearly choked; one of the cooks laughed and handed me a slice of pineapple. After that I just lay back in a beach chair listening to people play volleyball nearby (Dominicans are way better at it than I am). There’s something about that mix of sunburned skin and salty air that makes you want to do nothing at all except watch clouds drift by. On the way back, everyone was quieter — maybe tired or just content? I still think about that blue water sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day trip to Saona Island

• Pick up from hotel in Punta Cana
• Travel by speedboat to Saona Island
• Stop at natural pool to see starfish
• Walk on beach and swim in blue waters
• Relax on white sand and enjoy open bar
• Eat typical Dominican lunch on the island
• Play volleyball or nap on beach chair
• Walk along the coast of Saona Island
• Return to Punta Cana hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Punta Cana to Saona Island?

The boat ride from Punta Cana to Saona Island typically takes about 1-1.5 hours including stops.

Is lunch included on the Saona Island day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch featuring typical Dominican dishes is included.

Are alcoholic drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, there is an open bar with alcoholic beverages included.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Can children join this Saona Island catamaran tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; some physical fitness is required.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during this tour?

No snorkeling equipment is mentioned as included in this tour.

What kind of food is served for lunch on Saona Island?

The buffet includes chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad, fruit.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana, a lively speedboat ride with a stop at a natural pool for starfish spotting, time relaxing on Saona Island’s beaches with access to an open bar serving alcoholic drinks throughout the day, plus a traditional Dominican buffet lunch before heading back in the afternoon.