Saona Island tour: Small group trimaran with lunch and snorkel

A motorized trimaran carries small groups to three distinct stops across Saona Island in a single morning and afternoon.

A small-group tour of Saona Island on a motorized trimaran departing from Bayahibe, with stops at the fishing village of Mano Juan, the wild beach of Canto de la Playa, and the natural swimming pool. The boat leaves between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. and returns in the late afternoon. Lunch with meat, fish or lobster is served in a shaded spot at the village, and snorkeling equipment is provided for the coral reef in front of Canto de la Playa. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and includes pickup from your hotel, all drinks, coffee and fruit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Saona Island small group tour

• Depart Bayahibe to Mano Juan
• Visit village and turtle nursery
• Lunch at shaded waterside spot
• Boat trip to Canto de la Playa beach
• Swim and snorkel at beach
• Depart to natural swimming pool
• Stop and swim with starfish
• Return to Bayahibe port

The experience

The motorized trimaran departs Bayahibe in the morning and heads first to Mano Juan, a working fishing village with colorful houses and a turtle nursery. A guide accompanies you through the village, then lunch is set up in a private shaded area right at the water's edge: grilled meat or fish with rice and salad, or lobster when in season, with drinks included. The small group size keeps the experience from feeling crowded, and the village itself is the draw: you're not just passing through but actually spending time where people live and work on the island.

After lunch, the boat moves to Canto de la Playa, a wild undeveloped beach where you swim and snorkel on the coral reef directly in front of the shore. Coffee and fresh fruit are served here. The final stop is the natural swimming pool, where starfish gather in shallow water and you can wade in to see them before the boat returns to Bayahibe. The whole route is built around water (boat, beach, reef, pool), so swimming and snorkeling are the main activities, not sightseeing from a distance.

Pickup from your hotel is included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish or French depending on the group. Children from age one are welcome, and the boat is suitable for all fitness levels. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you only need to bring a swimsuit and sunscreen.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Bayahibe.
• motorized trimaran transport to Mano Juan, Canto de la Playa, and the natural swimming pool.
• guide in English, Spanish or French.
• lunch with meat, fish or lobster, rice and salad.
• snorkeling equipment.
• water, rum, soda, coffee and fresh fruit throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 36

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 30

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ryanna Sun

Is this one for you?The small-group format and fixed itinerary mean all three island stops fit into one morning-to-afternoon outing, so you see the fishing village, the wild beach and the natural pool without needing a full day or separate bookings.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 16 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): 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 24 h before the start.

What is Mano Juan village like when we arrive?

Mano Juan is a small fishing village with colorful houses and a turtle nursery. A guide walks the group through it before lunch is served at the water's edge in a shaded spot, so you get a real sense of daily life on the island rather than just a quick stop.

Can I snorkel on this tour, and is the equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling is possible at Canto de la Playa on the coral reef in front of the beach. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour, so you don't need to bring your own.

What food and drinks are served during the day?

Lunch in Mano Juan includes grilled meat or fish with rice and salad, or lobster when available, served in a private shaded area. Coffee and fresh fruit are served at Canto de la Playa. Water, rum, soda, and other drinks are included throughout the day.

What time does the boat leave Bayahibe, and how long is the full tour?

Departure is between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. from Bayahibe. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours, so you return in the late afternoon.