Open Bar Catamaran, Beach Lunch

Punta Cana: Catamaran to Saona Island with Food & Open Bar

★ 4.3 1,218 verified reviews

8 to 8.5 hours, hotel pickup listed, buffet lunch and open bar included.

from $66 per person

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Duration: 8 to 8.5 hours
Meeting point: Punta Cana (Bavaro Hotel Zone)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: JAC Tours Punta Cana

Overview

A boat ride out, a swim in the Dominican Republic's largest natural pool, free time on Saona's white sand, a buffet lunch of local dishes, and a catamaran cruise back with music and an open bar. That is the shape of this roughly 8 to 8.5 hour day run by JAC Tours Punta Cana, with round-trip transportation from your hotel included. Which boat you take in each direction depends on the day's logistics and sea conditions, so the order may flip, but both legs are part of the package.

The day starts with pickup, either at your hotel or at a designated meeting point if you stay in an Airbnb, private accommodation or Cap Cana, followed by a coach ride toward Bayahibe. On the way to the island the boat stops at a natural sandbar pool where starfish live and drinks flow from the open bar. Once on Saona you get free time to swim, take photos and eat from the buffet, and the return leg doubles as a party of sorts, with entertainment and the bar running again.

It suits travellers who want a full day out with everything arranged: transport, lunch, drinks and a guide are all in the price. Guides work in Spanish, French, English and Portuguese. Reviews repeatedly praise the staff, with several travellers calling their guides excellent, kind and attentive to everyone's needs, and describing the onboard atmosphere on the catamaran as entertaining.

What's Included

Included

Swim in the largest natural pool in the Dominican Republic
Free time on Saona Island's beaches
Buffet lunch with local cuisine
Catamaran with music, open bar and entertainment
Round-trip transportation from your hotel
National tour guide

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup is included, with several pickup location options. Guests in Airbnbs or private accommodation in Bávaro or Punta Cana use a designated meeting point, and Cap Cana guests meet at the United Petroleum Gas Station.
Coach transferA bus or coach carries the group toward the departure point for the boat.
Boat to the natural poolTravel by motomaran or catamaran, depending on the day's logistics and sea conditions, to the country's largest natural pool, a sandbar with turquoise water where you can swim and use the open bar.
Saona IslandFree time on the beach plus a buffet lunch of local Dominican cuisine. Independent local vendors sell goods here, and any purchases are optional and paid directly to them.
Catamaran returnCruise back with music, entertainment and an open bar. The other boat type is used for this leg, whichever direction it ran in the morning.
Drop-offCoach transfer back, with several drop-off location options.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, based on the listing and what travellers report.

What to bring. The listing asks for swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses and a camera. Water shoes are also recommended for comfort. There is a photographer on the day, according to one reviewer, so a camera is mainly for your own shots.
Pace of the day. Expect a full day of around 8 to 8.5 hours including transfers. One reviewer noted the catamaran return takes longer than the speedboat out, so plan for a relaxed, not rushed, final leg.
Group feel. This is a group excursion with a national guide and shared boats and bus. One reviewer said their guide's planning helped them avoid the busiest moments. Independent vendors may approach you at the beach.
Food and drink. A buffet lunch with local cuisine is included, and reviewers call it good to very good, with one saying it exceeded expectations. The open bar runs at the natural pool and on the catamaran return, though one traveller found the catamaran drinks ran out partway through.
Guides and staff. Reviews consistently praise the guides and staff. Multiple travellers describe them as attentive and personable, with one reviewer adding they felt safe and well looked after.
Boat direction varies. The listing states the route may run motomaran out and catamaran back, or the reverse, depending on logistics and sea conditions. Both options are part of the same tour, so the direction is not something you choose.

Common issues. The main honest caveats are the fixed group schedule and the boat logistics. The operation can vary with sea conditions, and one reviewer wished for more time on the island, a view echoed in the review summary. One traveller reported the open bar on the catamaran ran dry partway through the return. At the end of the day guides may invite you to leave a review, which is optional, and independent beach vendors are not affiliated with the operator, so any purchase is your own arrangement.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included. If you stay at an Airbnb or private accommodation in Bávaro or Punta Cana, you are given a designated meeting point, and Cap Cana guests meet at the United Petroleum Gas Station.

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel transport, a national guide, the boat trips, the swim stop at the natural pool, beach time on Saona, a buffet lunch with local cuisine, and an open bar with music and entertainment on the catamaran. The listing shows no items listed as excluded.

How Long Is The Tour?

The listing gives a duration of 8 to 8.5 hours. That covers pickup, the coach transfer, both boat legs, the natural pool stop, island time with lunch, and the return drop-off.

Do I Travel By Motomaran Or Catamaran?

Both are used on the same day, one in each direction. The direction depends on the day's logistics and sea conditions, and the listing makes clear you may get either combination. You do not choose in advance.

What Should I Bring?

Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera and sunscreen, plus water shoes for comfort. These are the items the listing specifically asks you to bring.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes. The listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.