Buffet Lunch Catamaran Day

Punta Cana: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island with Buffet Lunch

★ 4.4 4,780 verified reviews

8 hours, hotel pickup listed, buffet lunch and open bar included.

from $71.20 per person

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Duration: 8 hours
Meeting point: Punta Cana (Bavaro Hotel Zone)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Caribbean Route Punta Cana

Overview

A speedboat, a natural swimming pool, and roughly three hours on Saona Island: that is the shape of this full-day excursion from Punta Cana, run by Caribbean Route Punta Cana. The day runs about 8 hours door to door, with hotel pickup and drop-off included from two base areas, Bayahibe and Bavaro. After a coach transfer with a short cafe break at La Güira, the group boards the speedboat and stops at a huge waist-deep natural pool where starfish sometimes appear.

On the island itself there is a buffet lunch of Dominican fare, chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad and fruit, plus an open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks. Time on Saona is largely your own: swim, walk the coast, use a lounge chair, or play volleyball. The return leg is by catamaran, and several reviewers single it out, describing dancing, drinks and a lively party atmosphere on the way back. A dance show and sailing are part of the itinerary too.

This suits travellers who want a full beach day with logistics handled, transport, guide, food and drinks bundled into one price. One reviewer found the day busy with lots of tourists, so anyone seeking quiet should plan accordingly. A VIP option adds lobster and premium drinks, though lobster is unavailable from the start of March to the start of June each year for preservation reasons.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
3 hours at the Saona Island
Snacks
Professional guide
Speed boat and catamaran to Isla Saona
Buffet lunch (BBQ, salad and typical Dominican fare)
Beer, rum, and soft drinks (open bar)
Lobster and premium drinks (only included in the VIP option)

Not Included

Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup and drop-off are included, with two pickup location options: Bayahibe and Bavaro.
Coach transfer and cafe breakA 30-minute bus ride to La Güira, then a 15-minute break with free time and shopping.
Bus to Bayahibe BeachA further 25-minute coach transfer, with a 10-minute visit and scenic views along the way.
Natural swimming poolA 40-minute stop at Piscina Natural Saona for photos, a guided tour, free time and a swim in shallow, transparent water.
Saona IslandThree and a half hours on the island with a guided tour, followed by a 1-hour buffet lunch.
Island time and catamaran returnAnother 1.5 hours for photos, free time and a boat cruise, including a dance show, sailing and sunset views on the way back, before drop-off.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points recur across the listing and recent reviews, and they are worth knowing before booking.

Bring repellent. Two reviewers recommend packing mosquito repellent, and one of them noted the insects had disappeared by noon. It is a small item that can make the morning walk more comfortable.
Pack for sun. The listing suggests sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash. You will be on open water and an exposed beach for much of the day.
Expect crowds. One reviewer describes the trip as full of tourists and endless noise. Another, though, found plenty of space on the catamaran.
Food and drink. The buffet and open bar are included, with beer, rum and soft drinks. One reviewer called the lunch very good, while another described the food as fine rather than remarkable.
Transfers take time. The coach rounds up guests across hotels before reaching Bayahibe, and reviewers say the journey feels long, especially when other guests are late. Build that into expectations for an 8-hour day.
Photos for sale. Souvenir photos are not included but can be purchased. One reviewer praised the photographers and bought the full set, so decide in advance whether that appeals.

Common issues. Time on the island is the main complaint: one reviewer counted less than two and a half hours on Saona, which felt short, and the general feedback echoes a wish for more island time. The coach transfers are long, and delays picking up other guests stretch them further. One reviewer found the beach toilets outdated. Gratuities, souvenir photos and the DVD are extra, and lobster requires the VIP option, and is unavailable from early March to early June each year. Pregnant travellers cannot take part because of the boat movement, and pets and oversize luggage are not allowed. One reviewer also noted that English from some staff was limited, and another expected German guiding that was not provided despite the listing.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with two pickup location options covering Bayahibe and Bavaro. One reviewer noted their hotel required meeting at the gate rather than the lobby, so check the exact pickup point on the booking page.

What Does The Price Include?

Transport, a professional guide, the speedboat and catamaran rides, a stop at the natural swimming pool, snacks, a buffet lunch, and an open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks. Lobster and premium drinks only come with the VIP option.

Is The Lobster Available All Year?

No. From March 1 to June 1 every year, lobster is not served for natural preservation reasons. Outside that window it is available with the VIP option.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, the listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for anything beyond that.

Is It Suitable For Everyone?

Pregnant travellers are not allowed because of the boat movement, and pets and oversize luggage are not permitted. Otherwise it is a general group beach day with optional swimming, walking and volleyball.

What Should I Bring?

The listing recommends sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash. Reviewers also strongly suggest mosquito repellent for the morning, plus cash if you want to buy souvenir photos.