Island hopping · CATAMARAN CRUISES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Good catamaran cruises in the Dominican Republic sell out weeks ahead in high season and the early departures go first. Below: the 12 to book now, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend a full day reaching Saona Island by speedboat and returning by party catamaran. You’ll swim in a starfish-filled natural pool, eat Dominican food, and relax on a postcard beach. Guides such as Christian, Alex, and Eduardo are known for keeping the day lively and organized.
“Tour guide was so helpful and instructions were very clear”
Cruise from Bayahibe aboard the 75-foot Quetzal catamaran with a maximum of 30 people. Guides such as Charlotte, Lola, and Enrique provide commentary, snorkeling help, drinks, and local insight. Visit Catuano reef, Saona Island, and Las Palmillas, with lunch and hotel transfers included.
“I got picked up at my hotel. Then it was about 90 mins to get to the site. I checked in and th company gave me a bracelet. And off we were. Angel, Captain Andre’s and the staff were so professional and very friendly and it was an amaRead more”
You’ll travel from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Uvero Alto, or Macao to Saona Island by bus and speedboat or catamaran. Expect a natural pool stop, white-sand beach time, Dominican buffet dishes, and drinks throughout the day. Guides such as Indiana Jones help keep the boat ride lively.
“Amazinnng!I went with my friend and Indiana jones was our guide and he was such a good vibe, as well as picachu the photographer!”
Sail from Bayahibe to Saona Island by catamaran, spend 2.5 hours on a white-sand beach, enjoy a buffet and open bar, then stop at a shallow natural pool. Guides such as Christian, Juan, and Paulda are known for keeping the day organized and fun.
“it was one of the prettiest beaches we‘ve been and not to forget the guides, especially andy:)”
Sail from Bayahibe to Catalina Island aboard Quetzal, a modern catamaran carrying no more than 28 people. Snorkel at The Wall and The Aquarium, enjoy a buffet lunch and open bar, relax on the beach, then cruise past Casa de Campo and up the Chavón River with guide Lolo.
“This catamaran excursion to Catalina Island was absolutely unforgettable! Unlike other boats packed with tourists, we had the privilege of being on an almost private catamaran with only 10 passengers, making the experience even more enRead more”
Spend 10 hours aboard Quetzal from Bayahibe to Saona Island, with guides such as Angel or Charlotte, snorkeling at Catuano, a quiet beach stop, fresh lunch, and a calm natural pool filled with starfish. This suits anyone who prefers elegant sailing over a loud party boat.
“It was such a wonderful day! The crew and guides were fun and helpful. Everything was taken care of so we could just relax and enjoy ourselves. We saw stingray, puffer fish, huge starfish and so much more! The food they prepared was great too! A++”
You will travel from your pickup point to Bayahibe, then reach Saona Island by catamaran or speedboat. Swim at a shallow natural pool with starfish, enjoy a Creole buffet, and spend nearly three hours on the island. Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish.
“Excelente tour a Isla Saona. La organización fue clara, el personal siempre atento y el ambiente muy agradable. Disfrutamos mucho la música, la playa y el almuerzo típico.”
Travel from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, then sail toward Saona Island with a Spanish or English-speaking guide. You will stop at a shallow natural pool, enjoy a Dominican buffet and open bar, and spend about three hours on the island. Guide Alex has received special praise for his friendly service.
“From the moment we boarded the catamaran, the experience was top-tier. The staff were attentive, and the drinks were flowing. The scenery was unreal—turquoise water and palm-lined beaches. The lunch was flavorful and fresh. This tour gives you a bit of everything!”
Spend about nine hours traveling from Punta Cana to Saona Island by speedboat and catamaran. Stop at a natural pool, swim in turquoise water, eat a Dominican buffet lunch, and join music, dancing, and drinks aboard. Guides such as Enrique and Danny have earned praise, but transport can be slow and crowded.
“This was the best experience! I was solo. Made friends. Driver Enrique was the best. 10/10 I’d do it again!”
Set out from La Romana at 7:30 am aboard a private catamaran for up to 15 people. The crew can shape your day around Saona, Catalina, Catuano, and Las Palmillas, with snacks, drinks, commentary, snorkeling opportunities, and hotel transfers included.
“Could not have been more perfect. Our crew was wonderful the food was delicious and the scenery was unbelievably beautiful. Truly magical experience. Quetzal was superbly organized and experienced. Our group had the time of our lives.”
Spend a full day traveling from Punta Cana or Bayahibe to Saona Island, with a swim at a starfish-filled natural pool, a local buffet, beach time, and a two-and-a-half-hour catamaran ride with music and an open bar. Guide Mama Diari helps in English, Spanish, and French.
“Très bonne ambiance. Et avec la guide Mama Diari qui était top ! Elle fait même l’effort de traduire en français pour ceux le moins a l’aise avec l’espagnol ou l’anglais. Petit bémol pour l’arrivée tardive sur l’île, en toute fin de service pour le déjeuner. Résultat : presque plus rien à manger (plus de viande du tout) alors que la prestation est incluse. D’où le 4 (au lieu d’un 5/5)”
Spend about 10 hours traveling from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, then reach Saona Island by speedboat and return by catamaran. You get hotel pickup, Cotubanamá National Park entry, a natural-pool stop, two hours on the island, lunch, and local drinks. Expect shared transport and a market stop.
“Massentourismus pur. Das Wasser ist über die Jahre durch den Massentourismus ki plett zerstört. Überall im Wasser liegen Knochenreste vom essen und das Wasser ist aufgrund 100 er Bote aufgewirbelt. Man erkennt überhaupt nichts einfach nur Müll. Bist 3 h unterwegs weil der Bus diverse andere Touristen von hotels einsammeln, voll mit Urlaubern aus frn Nachbarländern (Kolumbien, Kuba etc.). nicht zu empfehlen!!”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
