Lunch And Open Bar, 9 Hours

Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar

★ 4.3 3,348 verified reviews

9 hours, hotel pickup listed, buffet lunch and open bar included.

from $82 per person

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Duration: 9 hours
Meeting point: Punta Cana (Bavaro Hotel Zone)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Caribbean Route

Overview

The day starts early, with hotel pickup in the Punta Cana area before a bus ride of about an hour to the departure point at the national park near La Romana. From there the group boards either a speedboat or a catamaran, and the run out to Saona Island includes a 30-minute stop at a large natural swimming pool, a shallow spot where reviewers describe clear water and swimming. Once on the island, travellers get roughly 3 hours of beach time along with a buffet lunch of BBQ meats, salad and Dominican dishes, plus an open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, the buffet lunch and the open bar are all included in the tour price. Lobster and the DVD of photos are sold separately, and reviewers mention pineapples and coconuts being available to buy, so bringing cash is wise.

This is a large-group excursion, with up to 300 travellers per departure, and it fills most of the day. It is not a fit for pregnant travellers, and the listing advises it is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Snacks
Buffet lunch (BBQ, salad and typical Dominican fare)
Beer, rum and soft drinks (open bar)
30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool
3-hours at the Saona Island

Not Included

DVD (available to purchase)
Lobster (Available to purchase)

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup is included from Punta Cana hotels and happens early; reviewers report collection times before 7am.
Bus transfer to BayahibeA drive of about an hour from Punta Cana hotels to the departure point, with stops along the way to collect other passengers.
Bayahibe stopA 20-minute stop at Bayahibe.
Natural swimming poolA 30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool to swim and take photos in shallow, clear water.
Saona IslandAround 3 hours on the island with beach time, buffet lunch and open bar.
Return and drop-offBoat back, then the bus returns travellers to their hotels; reviewers describe days finishing in the evening.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in traveller reviews and in the listing details.

Arrive on time. Be in the lobby early and keep your phone with you. One reviewer reported waiting an hour at their hotel with no pickup and no answer on the phone, and missed the tour entirely.
It is a long day. Several travellers describe pickup before 7am and return around 8pm, with a lot of the day spent on transfers and collecting other passengers. Plan nothing else for that day.
Sun protection. One reviewer warns of getting burnt, and the return boat can lack shade after a full beach day. Bring sunscreen and consider a hat or cover-up.
Bring cash. Lobster, the photo DVD, pineapples and coconuts all cost extra. One reviewer recommends bringing cash for upgraded food and tips.
Food expectations. The buffet is plentiful, with BBQ meats, salad and Dominican fare, but multiple reviewers rate it as okay rather than great. Inclusive drinks lean toward rum and beer.
Group feel. With up to 300 travellers, this is a mass excursion, not a small-group trip. Reviewers describe music, rum on the boats and a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of chances to meet new people.

Common issues. The transfer is the most common complaint: several reviewers describe long bus rides and extra time spent picking up passengers, with the journey to the first swim stop taking hours. One reviewer reported a missed pickup with poor communication from the operator. The listing bars pregnant travellers due to boat movement, notes the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and caps groups at 300 travellers, so expect crowds. Weather can cancel the trip, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana hotels are included. Pickup is early, and the drive to the departure point near La Romana takes about an hour by bus. Be waiting on time, since the day involves collecting many passengers across the area.

What Food And Drinks Are Included?

Snacks, a buffet lunch of BBQ, salad and typical Dominican food, and an open bar with beer, rum and soft drinks are all included. Lobster is not included but can be bought on the island. The photo DVD is also a separate purchase.

How Long Is The Tour And How Much Time Is On The Island?

The full experience runs 9 hours door to door, with roughly 3 hours of that on Saona Island. There is also a 30-minute stop at a natural swimming pool on the way. Expect the rest of the day to be taken up by bus and boat transfers.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The listing says most travellers can participate but the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers because of boat movement, and pregnant travellers are not allowed. The only age rule mentioned is the minimum drinking age of 18 for alcohol.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the trip, a different date or a full refund is offered.

What Should I Bring?

Sunscreen, since reviewers report getting burnt on this trip. Bring cash for extras like lobster, pineapple and coconut vendors, photos and tips, plus a hat or cover-up for the boat rides.