11-Hour Catamaran, Open Bar

Saona Island: Catamaran Boat with Open Bar, Lunch and More

★ 4.2 10 verified reviews

11 hours, hotel pickup listed, buffet lunch included.

from $110 per person

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Duration: 11 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Completravel Srl

Overview

This is a full-day trip to Saona Island, run by Completravel Srl, and it runs about 11 hours door to door. Pickup is offered from six locations including Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, La Romana, Playa Nueva Romana and the Zona Colonial, followed by a van transfer of 75 minutes to the coast. From there the day splits between a catamaran and a speedboat, with the boats doing double duty as your bar for the day.

The structure is simple. You get roughly 3 hours on Saona Island itself, with free time to swim or sit on the sand after the entertainment staff greet the group on arrival. Later the speedboat runs out to the natural pool, a shallow area of transparent water in the middle of the sea where starfish live, for a 30-minute stop before heading back. Lunch is a buffet, and beer, rum and soft drinks flow from the open bar on the island, the catamaran and the speedboat.

It suits travellers staying in or near the pickup zones who want a beach day organised end to end, with transport, food and drinks bundled in. Set expectations accordingly: one reviewer described the day as closer to organised transport to the island than a guided excursion, and the travel legs take up a fair share of the day.

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
Staff
Speed boat and catamaran to Isla Saona
Buffet lunch
Beer, rum, and soft drinks

Not Included

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

Itinerary

Hotel pickupChoose from six pickup points: Playa Nueva Romana, Zona Colonial, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo or La Romana. The operator contacts you the day before with the exact pickup time.
Van transferA van ride of 75 minutes takes the group from the pickup area toward Bayahibe and the departure point for the boats.
Saona Island sailingRoughly 6.5 hours of sailing on the water by catamaran and speedboat, with drinks from the open bar available on board.
Natural pool visitA 30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool, a shallow area in the middle of the sea where starfish can be seen in their habitat. A dedicated 1-hour visit slot is also listed on the schedule.
Time on Saona IslandAbout 3 hours on the island. Entertainment staff greet arrivals, then the time is free for swimming, relaxing on the white sand and a buffet lunch.
Return and drop-offThe speedboat heads back along the coast, and the van returns you to the same six drop-off locations.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points recur in the listing and in traveller reviews, and they shape the day more than the brochure suggests.

Bring basics. The listing asks for a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a towel and sunglasses. These cover a full day spent mostly outdoors, on the boats, in the water and on the sand.
Pace and time. The day is long, with a 75-minute van ride plus hours on the water. One reviewer wished for more time in the natural pool and less on the island, so the split of the day may not match everyone's preference.
Food and drink. A buffet lunch, snacks, beer, rum and soft drinks are included. Several reviewers found the buffet basic and the drink range narrow, with one noting water was not always easy to get.
Tipping pressure. Gratuities are not included, and multiple reviewers described frequent, direct requests for tips throughout the day, including on the boats and at lunch. Budget some extra cash if this would catch you off guard.
Group feel. Vehicles are described by one reviewer as large and spacious, and staff as friendly and capable. The listing mentions entertainment staff greeting arrivals on the island, so expect an organised group day with staff around rather than time on your own.
Photos and extras. Souvenir photos and a DVD are available to purchase but not included. Leave oversize luggage behind, as it is not allowed, and pets and outside alcohol are also off the list.

Common issues. The most consistent complaints are about tipping, with several reviewers reporting repeated, sometimes insistent requests from staff on the catamaran, the speedboat and at lunch, and one mentioning a hat handed out on board that was then charged for. The buffet and drinks draw mixed comments, with one reviewer calling the food quality poor and noting only rum and Coca-Cola at the bar. Transport time is another sore point for some, with one reviewer flagging the long stretches spent getting there and back. One reviewer also felt the guiding was minimal and the day functioned mainly as transport to the island rather than a led excursion. Gratuities, souvenir photos and the DVD are excluded from the price.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. There are six pickup and drop-off locations: Playa Nueva Romana, Zona Colonial, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo and La Romana. The operator contacts you one day before the tour to confirm the exact pickup time at your hotel or Airbnb.

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport by van, the catamaran and speedboat ride, about 3 hours on Saona Island, a 30-minute stop at the natural pool, snacks, a buffet lunch, and beer, rum and soft drinks from the open bar. Staff and entertainment are also part of the package.

Is Anything Extra To Pay On The Day?

Gratuities are not included, and souvenir photos and a DVD are available to purchase separately. Multiple reviewers also reported frequent requests for tips during the day, so carrying some extra cash is wise.

What Is The Food Like?

Lunch is a buffet described in the listing as well varied. Reviews are mixed, with some finding it acceptable and others calling the quality poor, and one reviewer said the drinks were limited to rum and Coca-Cola. Snacks are included as well.

Can I Cancel The Tour?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

The listing recommends a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a towel and sunglasses. Pets, alcohol and drugs, and oversize luggage are not allowed.