8-Hour Trip, Lunch Included

Saona Island Excursion From Punta Cana

★ 4.1 679 verified reviews

8 hours, lunch included, free cancellation.

from $82 per person

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Duration: 8 hours
Meeting point: Punta Cana (Bavaro Hotel Zone)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Cheap Shuttles DR

Overview

This is a full-day outing from Punta Cana to Saona Island, run by Cheap Shuttles DR, with lunch and drinks built into the price. The day follows a familiar shape: hotel-area pickup, a drive to Bayahibe with a stop along the way, then a boat out to the natural swimming pool, a shallow sandbank area in the sea, before continuing to Saona itself for beach time and a barbecue lunch. The return leg is typically by catamaran, with music and an open bar pouring Dominican rum.

The listed run time is 8 hours, and reviewers agree it fills a day, with transfers and multiple hotel pickups eating into the schedule. Several describe the ride out as a mix of speedboat and catamaran rather than one boat for the whole trip, and a few note the total door-to-door time ran longer than advertised. Lunch gets consistent praise, with barbecue, salad, Dominican dishes, fruit, bread, coffee and sodas, and at least one reviewer confirmed vegetarian options were available.

It suits travellers who want a lively, social day on the water rather than a quiet beach escape. The group is large, up to 60 people, and reviews mention dancing on the catamaran, crew-led party energy and photographers selling pictures. Anyone hoping for long, unhurried time on the island itself may find the schedule tight, a complaint that recurs across several reviews.

What's Included

Included

Lunch
Alcoholic beverages
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
All fees and taxes

Itinerary

Pickup and drive southThe day starts with pickup from the Punta Cana area in an air-conditioned vehicle, collecting other travellers along the route.
Bayahibe, pass byThe itinerary lists a 3-hour pass by at Bayahibe, the boarding point for the boats to Saona Island. Reviewers mention a stop at a local shop during the drive.
Boat to the natural poolTravellers board speedboats or catamaran for the crossing, stopping at the natural swimming pool, a shallow sandbank area in the open sea.
Saona Island beach timeThe boat continues to Saona Island for beach time, with lunch served there.
Return by catamaranThe trip back is usually by catamaran, with music, dancing and an open bar, followed by the vehicle transfer to hotels.

What To Expect From The Tour

A day like this runs smoother with a little preparation, and the reviews point to the same few things again and again.

Wear swimwear out. One reviewer suggests leaving the hotel with swimming clothes already on. Several others describe the day as long and busy, which makes that advice practical.
Bring water. Bottled water is provided on the tour. One reviewer also recommends carrying a water bottle and snacks, since lunch is the main meal of the day.
A long, tiring day. Reviewers consistently describe this as an all-day affair with many transfers and stops.
Cash on the beach. Coconut drinks and fresh piña coladas on Saona are sold separately, so reviewers advise carrying cash or a card. Photographers also sell pictures from the day.
Big group energy. The tour runs with up to 60 travellers, and reviews describe music, dancing and an open bar on the catamaran. It is a party-leaning atmosphere rather than a quiet cruise.
Sun protection. Reviewers recommend sunscreen and a hat. Much of the day is spent on open water and at the beach.

Common issues. The recurring complaints are logistical: long transfer times, roadside stops without explanation, and total door-to-door duration running past the listed 8 hours, with one reviewer reporting a day that stretched to roughly 11 hours. One reviewer reported an onboard theft and another described pushy or inappropriate behaviour from boat crew, both single accounts but worth knowing. The listing itself notes the tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers due to boat movement, and requires good weather, with a different date or a full refund offered if weather cancels the trip.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Lunch is included, covering barbecue, salad, Dominican dishes, fruit, bread, coffee and sodas. Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, the air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes are also included. Coconut drinks and piña coladas sold on the beach are extra, as are photographer pictures.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

The listing does not state the pickup arrangements for this tour. Travellers should check the booking page for pickup details before reserving. Reviews do describe being collected from hotels, but the listing itself is the authoritative source.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

The listed duration is 8 hours. Reviewers frequently report the full door-to-door day runs longer, especially with multiple hotel pickups and transfers, so it is best to plan around a full day.

Is It Suitable For Children And Pregnant Travellers?

The listing says most travellers can participate, and at least one reviewer brought a 7 year old who enjoyed the natural pool and the island. Pregnant travellers are not allowed to join due to boat movement, per the listing.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Reviewers recommend a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, cash or a card for beach drinks, and swimwear worn under clothes before leaving the hotel. Comfort with boats helps, since the day involves speedboat and catamaran rides.