Visiting the stunning Saona Island off the coast of the Dominican Republic is a must-do for any traveler to Santo Domingo. This full-day excursion whisks adventurers away on a picturesque catamaran ride, allowing them to soak up the breathtaking scenery. But the true highlight awaits on the island itself, where guests can indulge in a traditional Dominican buffet lunch, swim among starfish in the largest natural swimming pool, and bask in the sun on the pristine white-sand beaches. With an open bar and three hours to explore, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation and excitement that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

Key Points

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Key Points

  • This day trip from Santo Domingo takes visitors to the picturesque Saona Island, accessible by speedboat and catamaran.
  • A 30-minute stop at the largest natural swimming pool and 3 hours of beach exploration are included in the 10-hour tour.
  • The tour package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a traditional Dominican buffet lunch, and an open bar with refreshments.
  • Travelers can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the white sand beaches, and purchasing optional souvenirs during the excursion.
  • The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with back problems, and it’s recommended to pack essentials like swimwear and sunscreen.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Tour Overview and Pricing

The day trip to Saona Island from Santo Domingo offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of the Dominican Republic’s most picturesque destinations.

Priced from $85.00 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a 30-minute stop at the largest natural swimming pool, and 3 hours on the island itself.

The experience includes a traditional Dominican buffet lunch and an open bar with beer, rum, and soft drinks. Visitors can also opt to purchase DVDs and souvenir photos.

While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with back problems, it’s sure to delight travelers with its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and array of included activities.

Inclusions and Activities

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Inclusions and Activities

What does the Catamaran Boat to Saona Island tour include?

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off service, as well as transportation via speedboat and catamaran.

Guests can enjoy a 30-minute stop at the largest natural swimming pool and 3 hours exploring the beautiful beaches of Saona Island.

A buffet lunch featuring traditional Dominican cuisine and an open bar with beer, rum, and soft drinks are also provided.

For an additional cost, guests can purchase optional souvenirs such as DVDs and photos.

The tour is designed to offer a well-rounded day trip, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and local culture.

Experience Highlights

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Experience Highlights

Visitors can explore Saona Island’s beautiful beaches with palm trees and clear blue waters. They can enjoy activities like swimming in the calm waters and visiting the natural pool full of starfish.

Travelers can relax on the white sand and indulge in drinks from the open bar, creating a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

The island’s stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere provide the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the sun.

Whether seeking a day of adventure or simply a chance to unwind, the excursion to Saona Island offers an unforgettable and immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.

Important Information and Recommendations

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Important Information and Recommendations

Travelers heading to Saona Island should come prepared with a few essentials. It’s important to pack a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and sunglasses to protect against the tropical sun. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with back problems, so individuals with these conditions should consider alternative options. Pickup arrangements can typically be made from hotel lobbies, but those staying in apartments or Airbnbs should contact the local partner for alternative arrangements.

What to Bring Not Suitable For Pickup Arrangements
Hat Pregnant Women Hotel Lobby
Swimwear Wheelchair Users Contact Local Partner
Sunscreen Back Problems Alternative Options
Towel
Sunglasses
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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Customer Reviews and Feedback

The tour to Saona Island has received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 5 customer reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the enjoyable experiences and the beautiful scenery of the island. Customers particularly enjoyed swimming in the calm waters and visiting the natural pool full of starfish.

However, some travelers expressed concerns about the long transportation times, the attentiveness of the staff, and the quality of the food. A few customers also expressed a desire for more time at the natural pool rather than on the island itself.

Tour Duration and Timing

The day trip to Saona Island lasts a total of 10 hours. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by speedboat and catamaran to and from the island.

Visitors get to spend 3 hours exploring the beautiful beaches and natural attractions of Saona Island itself. Along the way, there’s a 30-minute stop at the largest natural swimming pool, where guests can swim and admire the starfish.

The tour also includes a traditional Dominican buffet lunch and an open bar with beer, rum, and soft drinks.

With a wide range of activities and ample time to relax, this daylong excursion provides a comprehensive Saona Island experience.

Transportation and Hotel Pickup

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included as part of this day trip to Saona Island.

Travelers will be picked up from their hotel lobbies in Santo Domingo and transported to the speedboat launch point. The return journey back to the city at the end of the tour is also included.

To accommodate guests staying in apartments or Airbnbs, alternative pickup arrangements can be made by contacting the local partner.

The transportation includes:

  1. Speedboat ride to Saona Island
  2. Catamaran ride back from the island
  3. Efficient pickup and drop-off at the hotel or alternative location
  4. Air-conditioned vehicle for the transfers

Dining and Refreshments

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Dining and Refreshments

During the day trip, travelers can enjoy a delectable buffet of traditional Dominican cuisine for lunch.

The included open bar offers a selection of beer, rum, and soft drinks to quench one’s thirst.

The combination of a hearty lunch and refreshing beverages allows visitors to refuel and rehydrate amid the island’s stunning natural beauty.

Whether sipping a cold drink on the white sandy beaches or indulging in the local flavors, the dining and refreshment offerings enhance the overall Saona Island experience.

Travelers can savor the authentic tastes of the Dominican Republic as they relax and take in the idyllic surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santo Domingo: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island With Lunch - Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in This Tour?

Yes, children can participate in this tour. The tour is suitable for families, and children are welcome to join the excursion to Saona Island and enjoy the activities and amenities provided.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. It’s an individual day trip, so participants can book it as a solo traveler or with a larger group. The tour provider will arrange the transportation and activities accordingly.

Is There an Additional Fee for the Optional Purchases?

There is no mention of an additional fee for the optional purchases, such as a DVD or souvenir photos. The tour package includes these options, but guests can choose whether to make these optional purchases.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Lunch?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions for the buffet lunch on Saona Island. Travelers are advised to inform the local partner of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Are There Any Water Activities or Sports Available on the Island?

The tour offers several water activities and sports on Saona Island, including swimming in the calm waters and visiting the natural pool filled with starfish. Guests can also relax on the white sand beaches and enjoy drinks from the open bar.

Recap

The Saona Island day trip from Santo Domingo promises an unforgettable experience. Guests can expect a scenic catamaran ride, a delectable traditional Dominican lunch, and a chance to swim among starfish at the largest natural swimming pool. With hotel pickup and drop-off, an open bar, and ample time to explore the stunning beaches, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for all visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: