Small-Group Speedboat, Lunch

Saona Island Small Group Speedboat Tour with Lunch

★ 4.9 70 verified reviews

8 hours, hotel pickup listed, lunch included.

from $100 per person

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Duration: 8 hours
Meeting point: Bayahibe (Main Saona Boat Departure)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Dominican Attitude Excursions

Overview

This full-day trip from Bayahibe puts you on a speedboat with a maximum of 30 travellers and a certified local guide, running through Cotubanamá National Park to Saona Island and back over roughly 8 hours. The day starts at 07:00 from the operator's office on Calle Roma in Bayahibe, with optional transport available from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Uvero Alto, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and La Romana if you select the right pickup option when booking. Guests staying in Bayahibe can walk to the office in about 5 minutes.

The route strings together several stops before the main event. You get a short pass through Cotubanamá National Park and a stop at Catuano, then around 2 hours at Saona Island itself, plus a further hour on Isla Saona. Later stops include Palmilla and a 40-minute stop at the natural pool.

Lunch on the island, drinks (rum, beer, soft drinks and water), snacks such as pineapple, nachos and cakes, snorkeling gear and national park entrance fees are all in the price. A lobster option costs extra and only runs from July 1st to the end of February. One reviewer preferred this smaller boat to the big full boats seen during the day, though another said extra passengers joined on the day.

What's Included

Included

Dominican lunch served on the island
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (rum, beer, soft drinks, water)
Snorkeling equipment
Entrance fees to the National Park
Hotel and residence pickup in Dominicus (if required)
Snacks during the day (pineapple, nachos, cakes)
Certified local guide throughout the excursion

Not Included

Lobster option (available from July 1st to the end of February only): $50 USD per person
Professional photos (optional purchase)

Itinerary

Meet in BayahibeStart at 07:00 at Dominican Attitude Excursions, Calle Roma 7, Bayahibe. Bayahibe guests can walk to the office, and optional transport from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Uvero Alto, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and La Romana is available if selected at booking.
BayahibeA 30-minute stop in Bayahibe.
Cotubanamá National ParkA 15-minute pass through the park, with admission included.
Catuano30 minutes at Catuano.
Saona Island beach stop2 hours at the main Saona Island stop.
Isla SaonaA further 1 hour on Isla Saona.
PalmillaA 15-minute stop at Palmilla.
Natural Pool40 minutes at the natural pool, before the boat returns to the meeting point in Bayahibe.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape the day, from boat access to food timing.

Getting in the boat. One reviewer found this challenging and noted the ride can be rough at times, so a reasonable level of mobility and comfort in the water helps.
Pace and duration. This is a full day of roughly 8 hours.
Group size. The cap is 30 travellers. One reviewer found it more pleasant than the big full boats seen during the day, but another reported extra passengers joining on the day, which stretched the group.
Food and drink. Lunch is a Dominican meal served on the island, and several reviewers described the food as great. Drinks flow all day, and snacks include pineapple, nachos and cakes. Lobster is an optional extra at 50 USD per person, only available from July 1st to the end of February.
Photography. Professional photos are an optional purchase, not included.
Booking and extras. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking. One reviewer specifically praised the operator for stating the itinerary and optional additional costs up front, with no pushy sales.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and the listing advises against it for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, those with serious heart conditions, and children under 3. Weather and minimum traveller numbers can both trigger cancellation, with a different date or a full refund offered when they do. The lobster option carries a 50 USD per person fee, and one reviewer felt Saona's main beach gets crowded regardless of the boat size.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The Dominican lunch on the island, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, national park entrance fees and a certified local guide are all included. Optional extras are the lobster meal at 50 USD per person, available only from July 1st to the end of February, and professional photos.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pickup in Dominicus is included if required, and optional transport can be added from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Uvero Alto, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and La Romana by selecting the correct pickup option at booking. If you stay in Bayahibe, the office on Calle Roma 7 is within a short walk, and guests with a car can come directly.

Where And When Does The Tour Start?

It starts at 07:00 at Dominican Attitude Excursions, Calle Roma 7, Bayahibe. The day runs about 8 hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is It Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

It is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing does not recommend it for people with back problems, pregnant travellers or those with serious medical conditions.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window there is no refund and changes are not accepted, with cut-off times based on local time. Poor weather or unmet minimum numbers lead to a different date or a full refund.

How Big Is The Group?

The maximum is 30 travellers. One reviewer described it as more pleasant than the big full boats seen during the day, though another reported extra passengers being added on the day.