Bayahibe: Saona Island Excursion

The Bayahibe: Saona Island Excursion offers an unforgettable full-day adventure in the Dominican Republic. Priced at $64.70 per person, this excursion whisks visitors away from their hotel to the stunning Saona Island, where they’ll explore the Eastern National Park, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in a delicious Dominican-style barbecue lunch. With opportunities for dancing and relaxation on beautiful beaches, this excursion promises to immerse travelers in the breathtaking landscapes of the Caribbean. But what makes this particular excursion stand out from the rest?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Dominican Republic.

Key Points

• The Saona Island excursion is a full-day tour from Bayahibe, priced at $64.70 per person, with a duration of approximately 8 hours.
• The tour highlights include exploring the Eastern National Park, swimming, traditional Dominican dance, and a barbecue lunch on the island.
• The itinerary involves hotel pickup, bus transfer to Bayahibe, and a catamaran ride to Saona Island, with a return journey including a stop at a natural pool.
• While the scenic views and landscapes are praised, the tour has received mixed reviews, with some criticisms regarding lengthy hotel pickups, uninteresting souvenir stops, and average barbecue.
• Recommended activities on the island include swimming, relaxation on the beaches, learning traditional dance moves, and browsing local shops for souvenirs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Saona Island excursion offers a full-day adventure for visitors, priced from $64.70 per person.

This 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include exploring the Eastern National Park, swimming, dancing, and enjoying a delicious Dominican-style barbecue lunch.

The excursion begins with hotel pickup at 7 AM, followed by a bus ride to Bayahibe. Guests then board a catamaran and travel to the picturesque Saona Island, where they can relax on the beach, take part in dance lessons, and even spot starfish.

The return journey includes a stop at a natural pool before arriving back at the hotel around 6 PM.

Itinerary and Schedule

Beginning at 7:00 AM, the excursion includes hotel pickup, followed by an 8:30 AM bus departure to the coastal town of Bayahibe, near La Romana. Arriving at 10:30 AM, guests then board a catamaran at 10:45 AM, enjoying local drinks and entertainment during the journey to Saona Island. Reaching the island at 11:45 AM, a buffet lunch featuring Dominican Creole cuisine is served at 1:00 PM. The afternoon offers dance lessons with local music at 2:30 PM, followed by a return boat trip with a stop at a natural pool to see starfish, before the 6:00 PM hotel drop-off.

Time	Activity
07:00	Hotel pickup
08:30	Bus departure to Bayahibe
10:30	Arrival in Bayahibe
10:45	Catamaran departure to Saona Island
11:45	Arrival at Saona Island

Experience Highlights

Upon arriving at Saona Island, guests can explore the Eastern National Park and indulge in a variety of activities.

They can cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the pristine white-sand beaches.

For those seeking more adventure, there are opportunities to learn traditional dance moves to the rhythm of local music.

The highlight of the experience is the delicious barbecue lunch featuring authentic Dominican Creole cuisine.

Guests can also browse for souvenirs or enjoy beachside cocktails, making the most of their time on this tropical paradise.

Included Services

This excursion includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests.

The package includes hotel transfers to and from Bayahibe, where guests board a catamaran to Saona Island. On the catamaran, local drinks and entertainment are provided.

Upon arrival at Saona Island, a delicious buffet lunch featuring typical Dominican cuisine is served.

The return journey includes a stop at a natural pool to see starfish before being transported back to the hotel.

These inclusive services make for a hassle-free and immersive day trip to explore the natural beauty of Saona Island.

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Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Saona Island excursion seems to have received a mixed response.

While some customers praised the good cruise experience, beautiful sea, and beaches, others found the excursion to be a mass event with lengthy hotel pickups, an uninteresting souvenir stop, and an average barbecue.

Some noted that the persistent solicitation for purchases was a downside.

However, many customers felt that the scenic views and landscapes compensated for these issues.

Travel Time and Logistics

The Saona Island excursion involves a multi-part journey. Guests are picked up from their hotels around 7 AM and depart for Bayahibe near La Romana by bus, arriving around 10:30 AM.

From there, they board a catamaran for the 45-minute trip to Saona Island, arriving at 11:45 AM.

The return journey includes:

1. Lunch on the island around 1 PM.
2. A boat trip with a stop at a natural pool to see starfish.
3. Transport back to Bayahibe by speedboat.
4. A final bus ride returning guests to their hotels, arriving around 6 PM.

This full-day excursion allows visitors to experience the beauty of Saona Island while navigating a well-coordinated schedule of transportation and activities.

Recommended Activities

Visitors often explore Saona Island’s stunning beaches and natural landscapes. Once on the island, there are a variety of activities to enjoy. Here’s a quick overview:

Activities	Description	Duration
Swimming	Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters	1-2 hours
Relaxation	Lounge on the soft, white sand beaches	1-3 hours
Dance Lessons	Learn traditional Dominican dance moves	30 minutes

Apart from these, visitors can also browse the local shops for souvenirs or sip on beachside cocktails. The excursion provides a well-rounded experience to immerse in the island’s natural beauty and cultural offerings.

Additional Information

One important consideration for the Saona Island excursion is the transportation options.

Travelers can choose between hotel pickup or making their own way to the departure point in Bayahibe. While hotel pickup adds convenience, it may result in a longer journey due to multiple stops.

Alternatively, arranging independent transportation allows for more flexibility and a quicker commute.

The excursion includes:

1. Hotel transfer to Bayahibe
2. Catamaran departure to Saona Island
3. Lunch with traditional Dominican cuisine
4. Return transport by speedboat and bus to the hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation to the Island Included in the Tour Price?

Yes, transportation to the island is included in the tour price. The excursion includes hotel transfer to Bayahibe, catamaran departure to Saona Island, and return transport by speedboat to Bayahibe and then to the hotel.

Can I Book This Excursion Upon Arrival in Bayahibe?

Yes, you can book the Saona Island excursion upon arrival in Bayahibe. The tour includes transportation to the island, and you’ll have the option to reserve the excursion when you get there.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The company offers discounts for children and seniors, though the specific discount amounts are not provided in the overview. Customers should inquire about any applicable child or senior pricing when booking the Saona Island excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Island?

According to the tour information, personal food and drinks are not mentioned as allowed on the island. Most likely, guests are expected to purchase any desired refreshments and meals from the included buffet lunch and on-site amenities during the excursion.

Are There Any Restrictions on Activities or Behavior on the Island?

There are some restrictions on the island to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Guests shouldn’t engage in disruptive behavior, damage property, or bring outside food and drinks onto the island.

Recap

The Bayahibe: Saona Island Excursion offers a full-day adventure packed with exploration, relaxation, and culture. At $64.70 per person, it’s an excellent value for travelers seeking to experience the natural beauty and vibrant spirit of the Dominican Republic. With convenient transportation, a diverse itinerary, and delectable cuisine, this excursion promises an unforgettable day amidst stunning landscapes and warm island hospitality.

You can check if your dates are available here: