Saona Island tour from Punta Cana: boat, lunch & pickup

Summary

Drifting to Saona: A day of salt, sun & stories from Punta Cana

You’ll drift from Punta Cana to Saona Island by catamaran with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Swim in a natural pool mid-ocean, eat Dominican food under palms, and hear about Taíno legends right where they happened. It’s a day of saltwater, music, and small moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Punta Cana that morning — just this vague excitement in my chest. The minibus was already humming with sleepy chatter as we wound through little towns toward Bayahibe. Our guide, José, kept tossing out facts about the Taíno people and how Saona used to be called Adamanay. I tried repeating it under my breath (definitely got it wrong), but he just grinned and said I had the spirit. There was this salty tang in the air even before we reached the water, and I remember thinking, “Okay, this is starting to feel real.”

The catamaran ride out was louder than I’d pictured — music thumping, people dancing or just staring at the blue that goes on forever. At one point we stopped at this natural pool in the middle of nowhere; you could stand waist-deep and see starfish if you squinted hard enough. Someone handed me a plastic cup of rum punch (not fancy, but cold), and for an hour it felt like time slowed down. The sunlight bounced off everything — skin, water, even the laughter floating around us.

When we finally landed on Saona Island itself, I kind of lost track of time. There were palm trees everywhere and this buffet set up under a big thatched roof — rice with beans, grilled chicken that tasted smoky-sweet, some salad I still can’t name. José pointed out where scenes from Blue Lagoon were filmed (he seemed proud of that), and told us about Cotubanamá cave and its history with the Taino chief. Some people wandered off for photos or naps in hammocks; I just sat there for a while with sand stuck to my legs and watched pelicans dive near the shore. It wasn’t perfect — there were other groups around — but somehow it still felt personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saona Island Full Day Tour

• Stop at natural pool for swimming
• Visit Saona Island and enjoy buffet

Top questions

How do you get to Saona Island from Punta Cana?

You’re picked up at your hotel in Punta Cana and driven to Bayahibe, then take a catamaran boat to Saona Island.

Is lunch included on the Saona Island tour?

Yes, there’s a buffet lunch with typical Dominican food included on Saona Island.

How long do you spend on Saona Island?

You spend about 3 to 4 hours on Saona Island itself during the tour.

Does the tour include swimming stops?

Yes, there’s a stop at a natural pool where you can swim for about an hour before reaching Saona Island.

Are transfers included from all Punta Cana hotels?

Pickup is included from Uvero Alto hotels, Cap Cana, Cortecito, Bávaro Punta Cana, and Cabeza de Toro areas.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Punta Cana areas like Uvero Alto or Cap Cana, transfer by bus to Bayahibe village, then a catamaran ride with local drinks and music out to Isla Saona. On the island you’ll have a buffet lunch featuring Dominican dishes before heading back in the afternoon.