Luxury Catamaran, Snorkel Included

Saona Island: Small-Group Luxury Catamaran & Snorkel Tour

★ 4.8 359 verified reviews

10 hours, hotel pickup listed, lunch included.

from $169 per person

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Duration: 10 hours
Meeting point: Bayahibe (Main Saona Boat Departure)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Quetzal excursions

Overview

Quetzal Excursions runs this as a full day out of Bayahibe, about 10 hours from pickup to return. Boarding happens in the morning around 9am, and the catamaran sails for 1 hour 20 minutes to the broken pier of Catuano on Saona, where the first snorkel stop happens with gear provided. Tropical fish gather around the pier, and reviewers mention spotting stingrays at the snorkelling stops.

After that comes a short 10-minute hop to a quiet stretch of Saona beach that the operator reserves for its own guests. Because of the early arrival, the group often has the sand to itself before other boats show up, with sun loungers set up under the palms for a 1h30 stretch of swimming or doing nothing much. Lunch is cooked fresh on board during the cruise to Las Palmillas, a shallow sandbank where the boat anchors away from the busier sections; there are 45 to 60 minutes in the water before the 90-minute sail back along the coast, docking around 5:00 PM.

The whole thing is built around calm. There is no loud music on board, the crew serves drinks and snacks throughout the day, and the group stays small, which reviewers repeatedly say made the trip feel relaxed rather than like a party boat. It suits travellers who want the Saona highlights without the crowds and who do not mind a full day on the water.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pick up and drop off from Bayahibe and Dominicus Area only
Quetzal guide
Entry to the national park
Snacks and drinks
Lunch on the boat
National park fees

Not Included

Souvenirs
Lobster for the lunch
Tips

Itinerary

Pickup and boardingHotel pickup and drop-off is included from Bayahibe and Dominicus only. Boarding is around 9am, reached by water taxi.
Sail to CatuanoA 1 hour 20 minute catamaran crossing towards Saona and the broken pier of Catuano.
Catuano snorkel stopSnorkelling by the broken pier with included gear, with a wide range of tropical fish to observe.
Cruise to Saona beachA 10-minute sail to a secluded beach spot chosen for its quiet.
Secluded Saona beach1h30 reserved on a quiet corner of the island, reached by a 5-minute walk, with sun loungers under coconut palms.
Lunch and sail to Las PalmillasFreshly prepared onboard lunch served during the cruise. A lobster menu is available as a paid upgrade, except during the March to June breeding season.
Las Palmillas natural pool45 to 60 minutes at a quiet section of the sandbank to swim, float, snorkel or drink in the shallows near giant starfish.
Return to BayahibeAbout an hour and a half sailing along the coastline, arriving back at the harbour around 5:00 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from the water taxi boarding to the insect repellent on the what-to-bring list.

Getting on board. The listing notes that a water taxi is used to board and disembark the catamaran. The beach spot itself involves a 5-minute walk from where the boat stops.
Pace of the day. This is a leisurely schedule, not a packed one. Reviewers describe a relaxed, uncrowded boat and well-timed stops, with regular drinks and both morning and afternoon snacks.
Food and drink. Lunch is freshly prepared on board with local ingredients, and several reviewers called it delicious. Lobster costs extra and is unavailable from March to June during the breeding season.
Mosquitoes. One reviewer flags mosquitoes as aggressive, and the listing's what-to-bring list includes insect repellent. Pack it, especially for the beach stop.
Sun protection. The listing recommends sunglasses, sunscreen and a towel, plus cash. Much of the day is spent in open sun or shallow water.
Group feel. Several travellers chose this specifically for the smaller group and calmer vibe. No loud music is played on board.

Common issues. Pickup covers Bayahibe and Dominicus only, and one reviewer went back and forth about whether the drive from Punta Cana was worth it before concluding it absolutely was. Club Med Punta Cana guests cannot book through the listing at all and must reserve through the Club Med Excursion Desk. Lobster is a paid extra and is off the menu from March to June. A small number of reviewers said clearer information on transfer fees and pickup points would help. Souvenirs and tips are not included.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Bayahibe and Dominicus is included. Guests staying at Club Med Punta Cana cannot book this tour through the listing and must reserve directly with the Club Med Excursion Desk.

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Bayahibe and Dominicus, the Quetzal guide, national park entry and fees, snorkel gear, snacks, drinks and lunch on the boat. Lobster at lunch, souvenirs and tips are extra.

How Long Is The Tour And What Is The Schedule?

The full day runs about 10 hours, boarding around 9am and returning to the harbour around 5:00 PM. It includes the Catuano snorkel stop, 1h30 on a secluded Saona beach, lunch while sailing, and 45 to 60 minutes at the Las Palmillas natural pool.

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 outside that window.

What Should I Bring?

Sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, insect repellent and cash. One reviewer found the mosquitoes aggressive, so repellent is more than a formality here.

What Languages Does The Guide Speak?

The tour is offered in French, English and Spanish. One reviewer also mentioned guides who spoke several languages and stayed attentive throughout the day.