This Saona Island tour from Punta Cana takes you by speedboat and catamaran to a white-sand Caribbean paradise, with a stop at a natural pool full of starfish, a buffet lunch, and an open bar, all in one full day from $82 per person, hotel pickup included.
Tour Details and Price (2026)
Saona Island Day Trip from Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar
- From $82 per person (discounted rates for children)
- Full day, around 9 hours
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana
- Speedboat ride out and catamaran on the way back (or vice versa)
- 30-minute stop at the natural swimming pool to see starfish
- Around 3 hours on Saona Island
- Buffet lunch of BBQ, salad, and traditional Dominican fare
- Open bar: beer, rum, and soft drinks
- Snacks included
- 4.3 stars from 3,210 reviews, Badge of Excellence
- Operated by Caribbean Route
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Saona Island sits inside a protected national park and can only be reached by boat, so a tour is the only way to visit. This one bundles the transfers, both boat rides, lunch, and drinks into one hassle-free day.
👉 Book your Saona Island tour from Punta Cana
What Your Day Looks Like
Early hotel pickup (around 6:30 AM). You’re collected from your Punta Cana hotel and driven to the port at Bayahibe. The drive takes 1 to 2 hours depending on your hotel, so eat breakfast and settle in.
Speedboat to the natural pool. Board a speedboat for the ride out. Partway across, you stop at the famous natural swimming pool, a shallow sandbar in the middle of the sea where the water is waist-deep and starfish rest on the bottom. Time for photos and a first drink.
Saona Island (around 3 hours). Reach the island and spend the afternoon on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches. Swim in the warm, clear water, relax under the palms, and enjoy the buffet lunch of Dominican BBQ and sides. The open bar keeps the rum and soft drinks flowing.
Catamaran back. The return trip is on a catamaran, a relaxed sail with music, drinks, and the sun setting behind you.
Before You Book
- It’s a long day with a lot of transport. Pickup is early and you may not be on the boat until late morning. Reviewers are candid: much of the day is transfers, and you get roughly 2 to 3 hours on the island itself. Go in knowing that the journey (speedboat, catamaran, natural pool) is part of the experience, not just the beach.
- Pack for the boat. Bring water, snacks for the drive, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag. There’s a short walk to the boat at the port.
- Vendors on the beach. The island has vendors selling souvenirs, photos, and extras, and some reviewers found them persistent. A polite “no, gracias” is your friend.
- The open bar is basic. Expect rum, beer, cola, and sprite, not cocktails. It’s generous, but don’t expect a full cocktail menu.
- Sea conditions vary. On choppy days the speedboat ride is bumpy. Not recommended for pregnant travelers, and older travelers or young children may find rough days uncomfortable.
- Great customer service. Multiple reviewers praise Caribbean Route’s WhatsApp support for rescheduling and pickup coordination. Message them if plans change.
- Book ahead. Averaged 26 days in advance, and it’s one of the most booked experiences in Punta Cana.
- Cancellation: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What Travelers Say
“I loved getting to experience the clear blue waters in Saona Island, no sargassum! The process was well planned from beginning to end, which gave me the peace of mind to just enjoy. Our tour guides were really amazing. I would book this tour again.” (Precious A., July 2026)
“This tour was one of our favorite parts of DR. Our tour guide was Fabian and he was amazing. Food, drinks, vibes were all great. Highly recommend to anyone coming.” (Nicole T., June 2026)
“Christian our guide was very helpful and communicative, drinks are generous, food was good and plentiful, and the beach was gorgeous. The trip to the catamaran was long, so pack snacks and eat breakfast. Worth it for the beautiful island.” (Kaylee J., June 2026)
Book Your Saona Island Tour
An idyllic Caribbean island, a natural pool full of starfish, a speedboat and catamaran, lunch, and an open bar, all in one full day from Punta Cana. From $82 per person.
👉 Check availability and book your tour
Prices based on 2026 rates. Much of the day is spent in transit, with around 2 to 3 hours on the island. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Confirm details at checkout.
