From Santo Domingo, Open Bar

Saona Island Tour from Santo Domingo

★ 4.4 14 verified reviews

10 hours, buffet lunch and open bar included, free cancellation.

from $87.90 per person

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Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 10 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Leny Tours

Overview

This full day trip from Santo Domingo trades the capital for the southeast coast, with about 10 hours on the clock from start to finish. Travellers ride out toward Bayahibe, pause at Bayahibe Beach, then cross to Saona Island by boat for the longest stretch of the day, three hours, before returning to the pier and looping back through La Romana to Santo Domingo. The listing bundles an open bar, a buffet lunch, and a catamaran party into the price, with only gratuities left out.

Reviews sketch a day that is long but generally good humoured. Travellers describe drinks that kept flowing on one trip, a lunch that most found tasty, and boat crews who dance and keep the energy up on the crossing. One reviewer called the water clear and turquoise, like in the movies, and praised the photos the staff take in the natural pool. Others flag the reality of the logistics: a packed two hour drive, transfers between multiple boats, and a very early start with a late return, around 6:15am pickup and 7:30pm drop off according to one account.

It suits people who want an all-in day at the beach and on the water without organizing anything themselves, and who can tolerate a big group, up to 70 travellers, and a lot of riding. Anyone hoping for a short hop or a quiet, small-group outing should look elsewhere. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking, and free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the start.

What's Included

Included

Open bar
Buffet lunch
Catamaran Party

Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Depart Santo DomingoThe day starts with a 2 hour leg out of the capital toward the coast.
Stop in BayahibeA 30 minute stop in Bayahibe.
Bayahibe BeachAnother 30 minute stop at Bayahibe Beach.
Saona excursion timeThe main block, 3 hours in Saona Island, with admission ticket included.
La RomanaA 1 hour stop in La Romana, on the way back.
Return to Santo DomingoThe final 3 hour leg returns travellers to Santo Domingo. Reviews mention the return involves a catamaran ride and further boat and bus transfers.

What To Expect From The Tour

A day this long rewards a bit of preparation. Here is what repeat feedback and the listing suggest.

Pace and timing. Plan for an early start and a late finish. One reviewer reported a 6:15am pickup and a 7:30pm drop off, and several described the day as long. Budget a full day and expect the schedule to feel packed.
Boat transfers. Getting to the island can involve multiple boat changes. One traveller counted 1 bus and 3 boats each way and found the transferring annoying, though the same reviewer enjoyed the catamaran ride itself. Expect hopping between vessels rather than one direct crossing.
Food and drink. Drinks are included and one reviewer said they kept flowing, with rum and coke or sprite as the options on their trip. The lunch is advertised as a buffet and most found it good, though one reviewer felt the portion was smaller than a true buffet.
Group feel. The tour runs with a maximum of 70 travellers. Reviews describe a party atmosphere on the catamaran, with music and dancing crew, so this is a lively group outing rather than a quiet escape.
Photos. Staff take photos of guests in the natural pool, according to one review, and reviewers generally praise the crew's energy and attentiveness.
Getting there. The outbound drive from Santo Domingo is listed at 2 hours, with a 3 hour return leg, and one reviewer said the bus was packed tight.

Common issues. The honest downsides are length and logistics. One reviewer described a crowded two hour drive with passengers packed in tightly, and another found the multiple boat transfers between Santo Domingo and the island annoying. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible and that infants must sit on laps. A couple of reviewers were broadly unhappy with the organization, so expectations should account for a big-group, transfer-heavy day. Gratuities are not included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The listing includes an open bar, a buffet lunch, and a catamaran party, plus the admission ticket for the excursion portion of the itinerary. Gratuities are the stated exclusion, so bring cash for the crew if you plan to tip. Confirmation is sent at the time of booking.

Is Food Extra?

No, the buffet lunch is listed as included, along with the open bar. Reviewers confirmed the food was good and the drinks flowed on their trips. Note that one reviewer felt the lunch was smaller than a proper buffet, so treat it as a satisfying meal rather than a feast.

How Long Is The Day?

The listing gives the duration as 10 hours. In practice reviewers report a very early pickup, one cited 6:15am, with a drop off around 7:30pm, and the itinerary includes a 2 hour drive out and a 3 hour return. It is a long day by any measure.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

The listing does not state pickup details, so check the live booking page before you go. What the listing and reviews do confirm is that the tour begins and ends in Santo Domingo.

Is It Suitable For Kids Or People With Limited Mobility?

The listing says the tour is not wheelchair accessible and that infants must sit on laps, while noting most travellers can participate. There are multiple boat transfers and a lot of standing and boarding, which matters for anyone unsteady on their feet. Families with children did report enjoying the trip.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancel or request changes inside that 24 hour window and no refund or change is accepted. Cut-off times follow the local time in the Dominican Republic.