The 6 Best Island Day Trips in the Dominican Republic

1.Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island – Natural Pool and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 260 reviews · from $71Our pick

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!”

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2.Saona Island: Small Group Virgin Beaches Cruise Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 178 reviews · 8 - 11 hours · from $128

Travel from Bayahibe to Saona Island on a 45-foot boat with a small group, led by guides such as Christian. Visit Mano Juan, learn about turtle conservation, eat Dominican food, snorkel at Canto de la Playa, and swim at a natural pool.

“Dominican Attitude Excursions is an excellent guide with professional staff who provide an authentic, fun, educational and safe experience throughout. We were picked up at our hotel lobby, the transport made a few other hotel stops which takes some time but to be expected. Once we arrived, we were met by the staff who checked us in and brought us directly to the boat. From that point it was nothing but fun and sun, some music and drinks on the boat, visits to several places around Soana island and swimming and snorkeling in tropical waters. We met several local islanders who provided some of the best Dominican food we’ve had…”

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3.Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island – Natural pool and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 117 reviews · from $71

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.”

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4.Saona Island Full Day Excursion from Punta Cana + Catamaran Party

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 103 reviews · from $79

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!”

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5.Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island – Natural Pool and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 75 reviews · from $71

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.”

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6.Saona Island Day Tour and Catamaran Party

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 5 reviews · 9 hours · from $67Best value

You’ll travel from your hotel to Bayahibe, then reach Saona Island by motorboat and catamaran. Expect white sand, clear Caribbean water, a natural pool stop with drinks, lunch, music, dancing, and English, Spanish, or French tour support. The day costs $67 and lasts about nine hours.

“Mauvaise expérience, organisation catastrophique très mal géré par les guides surtout qu’il y’a un seul guide pour 10 groupé différent , on a du attendre presque une heure avant de monter à bord ou même dans le catamaran nous empêche de boire à volonté , au bout d’un moment ils nous ont dit qu’il ne servent plus à boire. Une fois arrivé sur l’île saona , fallait encore attendre 30minute avant de pouvoir manger. Mal bouffe , deux collègue sont tombé malade juste après cette expérience deux fois toxication alimentaire. A évité !”

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