Best of · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
Saona is the day almost everyone books, and the difference between the versions is the boat and the crowd. The 15 below compare catamaran against speedboat, buffet against packed lunch, and how long the natural pool stop lasts.
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”
Travel from Punta Cana or Bayahibe to Saona Island by speedboat, stop at a starfish-filled natural pool, enjoy several hours on a white-sand beach, eat a Dominican buffet, and return by music-filled catamaran. Hotel pickup, guides in five languages, drinks, and lunch are available.
“That was breathtaking I enjoyed every bit of that adventure even it ma second trip to this gem island call saona great activity to do while in The Dominican Republic 5 stars”
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:)”
Travel from Punta Cana to Saona Island with guide Manuel or another group guide, stopping at Palmilla’s shallow natural pool before lunch and beach time. A speedboat gets you there, while a lively catamaran usually brings you back. Expect a shared group, rum drinks, and a long day.
“Its was amazing had lots of fun the tour guys were 10/10 would deff recommend to anyone looking to party and have fun!”
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++”
Travel from Punta Cana to Saona Island by speedboat, pause in Playa Palmilla’s shallow natural pool, enjoy lunch and beach time, then return by catamaran. Guides such as Manuel and Nicholas keep the day lively, but shared transfers, crowded boats, and extra charges require patience.
“The bus to the loading dock was fine. The party boat was fun! Two stops. The first is at a beach to view star fish and enjoy the chest high clear water! The second is at a different beach which the main part of the excursion. That beach was nice! The speed boat was fun! Snorkeling was fun! Make sure to bring your own snorkeling set just in case.”
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 about 10.5 hours traveling from Punta Cana to Bayahibe and Saona Island. You’ll swim at Playa Palmilla’s natural pool, enjoy three hours on the island, eat a Dominican-style buffet, and return by party catamaran or speedboat. The tour is shared and can include up to 60 people.
“Saona island was amazing. Nothing like I’ve ever seen before. However when I booked this excursion I was told it would be just our group and it was NOT.”
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)”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
