From Santo Domingo: Saona Island Day Trip W/ Lunch & Drinks

Escape the bustling city of Santo Domingo and embark on a day trip to the stunning Saona Island. This excursion promises a perfect blend of natural beauty and indulgence, with a scenic speedboat ride, ample free time to explore the island’s attractions, and a delectable buffet lunch to savor. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled day, this Saona Island experience has something to offer everyone. Discover the island’s captivating charm and make memories that will linger long after you’ve returned to the mainland.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Lunch Experiences In Santo Domingo.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Santo Domingo to Saona Island, including transportation, activities, buffet lunch, and drinks.
• Tour highlights include a stop at the Blue Lagoon, free time to explore Saona Island, and a lively catamaran return trip.
• Comprehensive package with guided experience, entry fees, and gratuities covered in the price.
• Suitable for adults, with some restrictions for pregnant women due to activity level.
• Overall positive reviews praising the tour guide, natural beauty, and value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Saona Island Day Trip offers travelers an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic.

Priced from $95.00 per person, this day-long excursion lasts approximately 12 hours. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour departs from Santo Domingo’s Columbus Park, transporting participants to Bayahibe and then by speedboat to the island. With 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time on Saona Island, visitors can enjoy the Blue Lagoon, sandbanks, and a buffet lunch before returning by catamaran.

Itinerary and Activities

Pickup from the designated meeting point at Columbus Park, Zona Colonial, takes travelers to Bayahibe, where they board a speedboat for the journey to Saona Island.

Upon arrival, guests enjoy a 45-minute stop at the Blue Lagoon or sandbanks, with a maximum depth of 1 meter.

After, they’ll have 2 hours and 45 minutes to explore the island freely.

At 1:00 PM, a buffet lunch with various side dishes and meats is served.

The return trip is by catamaran, with 1 hour and 30 minutes of party and dancing entertainment.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour includes a guided experience, with entry to the Blue Lagoon, a buffet lunch, drinks, towels, and even photos. Guests will have access to these amenities throughout the day.

The live tour guide provides commentary in both English and Spanish, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all. Tips are also included in the package, so travelers don’t have to worry about additional costs.

Important Information

Certain important details should be considered when booking this Saona Island day trip. It’s not suitable for pregnant women due to the activities involved. Guests are advised to bring swimwear and a towel. The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for any weather conditions.

Key Considerations	Details
Accessibility	Not suitable for pregnant women
Packing List	Swimwear, towel
Weather	Tour operates rain or shine

While the tour offers an unforgettable experience, it’s crucial for participants to plan accordingly and be aware of these important factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to Saona Island.

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Customer Feedback

Overall, customers have provided mixed feedback on their experiences with the Saona Island day trip. Based on over 70 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Customers praised the tour guide’s responsibility and the friendliness of the crew, as well as the natural beauty of the island. However, some improvements were suggested regarding the terrestrial transportation and the availability of vegetarian meal options.

The value for money was rated highly at 4 out of 5 stars. Despite the positive and negative aspects, the Saona Island day trip appears to offer a unique and enjoyable experience for most participants.

Meeting Point and Transportation

Travelers begin their Saona Island day trip by meeting at the designated pickup location in Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo – Columbus Park, Restaurante Pizzarelli.

From there, they’ll be transported via bus or van to the town of Bayahibe.

Once in Bayahibe, guests board a speedboat for a 45-minute ride to the beautiful Saona Island.

Throughout the transportation process, the tour guide provides commentary and ensures a smooth transition between each mode of travel.

The tour’s logistics are carefully coordinated to maximize the time spent exploring the natural wonders of Saona Island.

Natural Attractions and Free Time

Upon arrival at Saona Island, guests have approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time to explore the natural attractions.

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool with a maximum depth of 1 meter, offering a refreshing swimming experience. Guests can also visit the nearby sandbanks, which provide a unique opportunity to take in the island’s stunning vistas.

Throughout this free time, visitors can relax on the beach, stroll along the coastline, or engage in various activities at their own pace.

The tour ensures a well-balanced itinerary, allowing ample time to take in the natural beauty and tranquility of Saona Island.

Lunch and Return Trip

At 1:00 PM, guests gather for a buffet-style lunch featuring an assortment of savory side dishes and meats. After satisfying their appetites, the group boards a catamaran for the return trip, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, the boat transforms into a lively party atmosphere, complete with music and dancing.

Lunch Menu Items
Roasted Pork
Grilled Chicken
Rice and Beans
Tossed Salad

The return journey provides an opportunity to reflect on the day’s adventures and soak up the stunning Caribbean scenery one last time before disembarking back in Bayahibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule on the Day?

The tour schedule is flexible, allowing for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The day trip operates rain or shine, offering a consistent experience regardless of weather conditions.

Are There Any Restrictions on What Can Be Brought on the Island?

There aren’t any major restrictions on what can be brought to Saona Island. Visitors are advised to bring swimwear and a towel, but beyond that, they’re free to bring personal items they may need for the day.

Is There an Option to Stay Longer on the Island?

There’s no option to stay longer on the island. The itinerary includes 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time on Saona Island before the return trip back to the mainland.

Can I Purchase Additional Photos or Souvenirs During the Tour?

Customers can purchase additional photos and souvenirs during the Saona Island day trip. The tour includes some photos, but travelers may opt to purchase more from the crew or local vendors on the island.

What Is the Policy for Travelers With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour provides a buffet lunch with various side dishes and meats. Travelers with dietary restrictions can notify the tour operator in advance, and the staff will make reasonable efforts to accommodate their needs.

Recap

Escape the city and discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Saona Island. Enjoy a scenic speedboat ride, 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time, and a delicious buffet lunch. The return journey on the lively catamaran, complete with music and dancing, provides the perfect ending to this unforgettable day trip from Santo Domingo.

You can check if your dates are available here: