Saona Island Tour from La Romana: Small Group & Natural Pool

Saona Island in one morning: village, turtles, snorkeling and a sandbank in shallow turquoise water

A small-group shore excursion from La Romana to Saona Island, timed to AIDA cruise schedules, combines speedboat transport, snorkeling and four distinct stops: the village of Mano Juan with its turtle conservation center, the beach at Canto de la Playa, mangrove cruising with a guide, and the Natural Pool sandbank. Groups stay under 34 guests, and the return to the cruise port is coordinated to your ship's departure time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Saona Island shore excursion

• Pickup at La Romana cruise terminal
• Transfer to Bayahibe office
• Enjoy coffee and meet guide
• Board speedboat to Saona Island
• Visit Mano Juan village and turtle nursery
• Relax and explore Mano Juan beach
• Stop at Canto de la Playa beach
• Cruise along mangroves with guide
• Visit the Natural Pool sandbank
• Return to Bayahibe and transfer to ship

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from La Romana cruise port.
• certified local guide in English, Spanish or French.
• speedboat to Saona Island.
• snorkeling equipment.
• entrance to Cotubanamá National Park.
• Dominican lunch served on the island.
• snacks and beverages including rum, beer, soft drinks and water.

Times

• Thursday and Saturday 08:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 34

Live guide English, Spanish and French Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly

Operated by Dominican Attitude Excursions

Traveler reviews

4.67 ★★★★★ Excellent 3 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

You arrive at La Romana cruise port and head straight to the taxi stand outside the terminal at 8:00 AM, where your driver calls your name and gathers passengers from your ship. The transfer to Bayahibe takes you away from the port rush. At the office there, you get coffee, water and a chance to meet your guide before boarding the speedboat. This timing matters: the excursion is built around your ship's schedule, so the return is locked in well before departure.

The speedboat takes you to Mano Juan, a village on Saona's south side where colorful wooden houses sit quiet and unhurried. You walk the beach and explore the local turtle nursery (activity depends on the season), learning how the conservation work protects marine life. From there, the boat heads to Canto de la Playa, a beach on the same south shore known for clear water and few crowds. You swim, snorkel if conditions allow, or simply rest on the sand. Your guide cruises you through the mangroves next, pointing out the birds and fish that live in this protected ecosystem, then brings you to the Natural Pool: a shallow sandbank where you stand in warm turquoise water, sometimes spotting starfish in their habitat. Drinks and snacks arrive at each stop.

The boat returns you to Bayahibe, and your driver takes you back to the cruise port. The whole day runs 8 hours from pickup to return, with snorkeling gear, a certified guide in English, Spanish or French, Dominican lunch, entrance to Cotubanamá National Park, and all transport included. If weather or other cruise circumstances force a schedule change, you receive a full refund.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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 Mano Juan and why does the tour stop there?

Mano Juan is a village on the south side of Saona Island with colorful wooden houses and a local turtle nursery. The stop lets you see a quieter, more authentic side of the island away from the main tourist beaches, and you can visit the conservation center to learn how sea turtles are protected.

Can I snorkel on this excursion, and what equipment do I need?

Snorkeling is included at Canto de la Playa depending on sea conditions. The tour provides snorkel, mask and fins, so you don't need to bring your own gear.

What happens at the Natural Pool?

The Natural Pool is a sandbank with shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water where you can stand in the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a drink, and sometimes see starfish in their natural habitat. It's one of the day's highlights and a popular spot for photos.

How does the tour time work with my ship's departure?

Pickup is at 8:00 AM at the La Romana cruise terminal, and the return is carefully timed to get you back to the port well before your ship leaves. If your ship cannot dock due to weather or other circumstances beyond your control, you receive a full refund.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes round-trip transport from the cruise port, speedboat to Saona, a certified guide, snorkeling equipment, entrance to Cotubanamá National Park, Dominican lunch, snacks and beverages (rum, beer, soft drinks and water) throughout the day.