Private Speed Boat, 10.5 Hours

Punta Cana: Saona Island Private Speed Boat. Sun & Sea

★ 5.0 2 verified reviews

10.5 hours, hotel pickup listed, lunch included.

from $820 per group

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Duration: 10.5 hours
Meeting point: Punta Cana (Bavaro Hotel Zone)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Perico Ripiao Tours

Overview

A single boat, one group, and a full day on the water: this private speedboat trip from Punta Cana spends about 10.5 hours getting you to Saona Island and back without sharing the vessel with strangers. Perico Ripiao Tours matches the boat size to the number of guests, and a dedicated bilingual guide stays with the party for the whole day. Pickup is included, with a single stop, and the drive to Bayahibe doubles as a short introduction to local history and culture from the guide.

The day runs reef first. After the drive, there is optional snorkeling at the Bayahibe reef, then time at the Natural Pool, the shallow sandbar stretch known for its turquoise water and starfish. From there the boat heads to Canto de la Playa, a quiet beach on Saona, a ride of roughly 30 to 50 minutes depending on conditions. Travellers who would rather spend less time on the water can ask for Paradise beach instead. Lunch is a traditional Dominican meal served on the beach, with the menu adaptable to preferences, and national drinks flow all day.

Because it is private, the timing bends to the group rather than the reverse. The listing puts the return to hotel between about 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. It suits anyone who wants beach hours instead of a rushed photo stop and who is comfortable with a full day out that includes a one-hour coach transfer each way.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off (single stop only)
Private boat exclusively for you or your group (round trip)
Entrance to East National Park
Dedicated bilingual guide (Spanish/English) exclusively for you or your group
Snorkeling equipment
Traditional Dominican lunch served on the beach
Unlimited national drinks throughout the day
Water and soft drinks
Life jackets

Not Included

Premium drinks, available at an additional cost
Professional photo session
Special decoration for honeymoon or birthdays, available upon request
Visit to Mano Juan, available only upon request and subject to daily conditions
Seafood
Tips, optional
Souvenirs

Itinerary

Hotel pickup in Punta CanaPickup is included, with a single stop only. A bilingual guide rides along and shares local history and stories on the drive.
Coach transfer to BayahibeThe drive to the departure port takes 1 hour.
Snorkeling at Bayahibe reefOptional stop, 30 minutes, with snorkeling equipment provided. Coral formations and tropical fish are the draw.
Natural Pool swimmingOptional stop, 1.5 hours, in shallow turquoise water where giant starfish live.
Beach time and lunch on SaonaAbout 5 hours at Canto de la Playa, or Paradise beach on request for a shorter boat ride. A traditional Dominican lunch is served on the beach and the menu can be adapted to preferences.
Second Natural Pool stopOptional 30-minute swim on the way back.
Coach transfer and drop-offA 1-hour drive back to Punta Cana. Estimated return to hotel is between about 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and traveller reviews that are worth knowing before reserving a full day like this.

What to pack. The listing suggests a sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of clothes, water shoes, insect repellent, cash and a charged phone. Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes are also on the operator's list, useful for the coach transfers.
Pace and fitness. Most of the day is spent swimming, eating and relaxing rather than walking. Snorkeling and the Natural Pool stops are optional, so guests can stay on the boat or on the sand if they prefer.
Drinks and food. National drinks are unlimited throughout the experience, though once the supplied drinks run out, replenishment is not included. Guests may bring their own beverages, and the team can help arrange extra purchases before departure. Premium drinks cost extra.
Group feel. This is a fully private trip: no strangers and no shared groups, with personalized service throughout the day. One reviewer called it a day where needs were perfectly understood and met; another praised the pickup as very professional and elegant.
Weather and sea. The boat ride from the Natural Pool to Canto de la Playa takes roughly 30 to 50 minutes depending on sea and weather conditions. The operator keeps the latest recommended departure from Saona at 5:30 PM so the return finishes before sunset.
Photos and extras. A professional photo session is available upon request, as is special decoration for honeymoons or birthdays. A visit to Mano Juan can also be arranged on request, subject to daily conditions.

Common issues. It is a long day, about 10.5 hours with a one-hour coach leg each way. Seafood is not included and the operator actively advises against buying it on the island, lobster in particular, citing freshness and handling concerns it cannot guarantee. Premium drinks cost extra, tips are optional, and souvenirs are not included; pickup covers a single stop only. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and intoxication, alcohol and drugs, and baby carriages are not allowed.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana are included, covering a single stop only. A bilingual guide accompanies the group on the drive to Bayahibe. The tour starts and ends in Punta Cana.

What Is Included In The Price?

Round-trip private boat, hotel pickup and drop-off, East National Park entrance, a dedicated bilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, a traditional Dominican lunch on the beach, unlimited national drinks, water and soft drinks, and life jackets. Premium drinks, photos, seafood and tips are extra.

How Long Does The Tour Last?

The full experience runs 10.5 hours, with an estimated return to your hotel between about 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Two coach transfers of 1 hour each bookend the boat day.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

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

Is The Snorkeling And Swimming Suitable For Beginners?

Snorkeling at the Bayahibe reef is an optional 30-minute stop with equipment and life jackets provided. The Natural Pool is shallow turquoise water, and both swimming stops are optional, so less confident swimmers can skip them. The listing does not state specific age or mobility restrictions.

What Should I Bring?

Sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of comfortable clothes, water shoes, closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, cash and a charged phone. Baby carriages are not allowed on the tour.