Catamaran Day, Flexible 7 To 11

Saona Island: Dream Beach Tour by Catamaran & Speedboat

★ 4.3 325 verified reviews

7 to 11 hours, buffet lunch and open bar included, free cancellation.

from $89 per person

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Duration: 7 to 11 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Saona Sail & Speed

Overview

This tour splits the Saona Island run between two very different rides: a speedboat and a sailing catamaran, one leg on each. Everything starts in Bayahibe, the fishing village and port where the transfer coaches arrive and the whole group gathers. After a briefing on the beach, a shuttle boat takes everyone out to the catamaran for boarding.

The speedboat leg is fast. Roughly 45 minutes by speedboat brings you to Saona, where the day's longest block sits: 3 hours on the island covering the buffet lunch, the open bar, deckchairs, hammocks and swimming. The listing allots about 2.5 hours of free beach time within that stop. From there a motorboat runs out to the natural pool, a shallow sandbar where you climb down a ladder and stand in clear water among starfish, with a rum pour and local music to close things out.

The catamaran is the slow, festive half. Just under two hours sailing along the Cotubanama National Park coastline, with rum, beer, merengue and bachata on board, then the coach back. Total running time lands between 7 and 11 hours depending on your option. It suits travellers who want a full group day at Saona with transport, food, drinks and park entrance bundled in, and it runs in English, French and Spanish.

What's Included

Included

One way on a speed boat and one way on a sailing catamaran
2.5 hours at Saona Island
Complete buffet lunch served at the beach
Drinks including beer, rum, and soft drinks (open bar)
30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
National park entrances
Official guide

Not Included

Towels
Snorkeling equipment
Lobster
Photos service
Tips

Itinerary

Pickup or meeting pointThe starting location depends on the option selected; the listing states hotel pickup is not included, so check the booking page for the exact meeting arrangements.
Coach to BayahibeA 75-minute bus or coach ride brings the group to the port village of Bayahibe, where everyone gathers on the beach for the guide's briefing.
Speedboat to SaonaA 45-minute speedboat crossing to the island.
Saona Island, 3 hoursThree hours on the island covering beach time, the buffet lunch, open bar and sightseeing, with about 2.5 hours free for swimming, photos or the hammocks.
Catamaran return, 105 minutesThe 105-minute sail back along the national park coastline, with drinks and music on board. The full-description version of the route also includes a roughly 30-minute natural pool stop by motorboat before the sail; confirm the exact sequence for your option on the booking page.
Coach back and drop-offA 75-minute coach transfer from Bayahibe, with drop-off at one of up to 10 locations depending on the option selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from what the open bar actually covers to how the two boat legs differ in pace.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not included, so pack one along with sunglasses, sunscreen, flip-flops and beachwear. The natural pool involves climbing down a small ladder into the water, so wear something you can get wet in.
Food and drink. A full buffet lunch is served on the beach, and the open bar covers beer, rum and soft drinks. Several reviewers praised the food and drinks, though one felt the variety and quality could be better.
Group pace. This is a shared group tour with live entertainment on the boats, which reviewers consistently enjoyed. One reviewer noted there were a lot of tourists on the island, so the beach and the natural pool can feel busy rather than quiet.
Two boat rides. One leg is a speedboat and the other a sailing catamaran, with drinks and music on the sailing leg. One reviewer preferred the reverse arrangement to what they got, so if the order of the legs matters to you, it is worth reading the itinerary carefully before booking.
Snorkel gear. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and lobster, photo service and tips are also excluded.
Organization. Multiple reviewers described the day as well organized and well timed, with friendly guides and photographers. Coordination at pickups and boat transfers can involve some waiting according to the review summary, so build a little slack into any evening plans.

Common issues. The main gripes are minor. The review summary notes that tighter timing and clearer coordination at pickups and boat transfers would reduce waiting and leave more time on the island. One reviewer said the buffet and drinks could offer more variety and better quality, and that water bottles should be handed out on the return boat and bus. Another reported a coach without seat belts, and one found the island overly crowded with tourists.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The listing covers one leg by speedboat and one by sailing catamaran, 2.5 hours at Saona Island, a buffet lunch on the beach, an open bar with beer, rum and soft drinks, a 30-minute stop at the natural pool, national park entrances and an official guide. Coach transfers of 75 minutes each way are also part of the itinerary.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No, hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point varies depending on the option selected, so check the booking page for the exact starting location before you travel.

What Should I Bring?

The listing recommends sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops and beachwear. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not provided, and cash is useful for tips, lobster or photos if you want them.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

The full day runs 7 to 11 hours depending on the option. That includes the coach transfers, the boat crossings, about 3 hours on Saona Island and the catamaran sail back.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the listing does not state a refund, so plan changes early.

What Languages Does The Guide Speak?

The tour is offered in English, French and Spanish. The guide gives the boarding briefing and island orientation at the start of the day.