Saona Island Full-Day Cruise, Natural Pool and Lunch

The Saona Island Full-Day Cruise offers an immersive Caribbean experience that blends thrilling adventure and natural splendor. Guests can expect a stimulating speedboat ride to the enchanting Saona Island, followed by a leisurely catamaran return journey. Along the way, they’ll indulge in a delectable barbecue buffet lunch and unlimited national rum drinks, while exploring the island’s stunning beaches and natural pools. With a professional guide, competitive pricing, and free cancellation, this excursion promises an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation. What’s more, the unique blend of activities and amenities ensures an experience that caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Punta Cana.

Key Points

• Saona Island full-day cruise from Punta Cana, including transportation via speedboat and catamaran, a barbecue buffet lunch, and unlimited national rum drinks.
• Mixed reviews on the cruise experience, with praise for the stunning scenery and helpful tour guides, but complaints about long wait times and island facility cleanliness.
• Moderate physical fitness required, with the tour not wheelchair accessible, and pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions advised to consult healthcare providers.
• Photography services available at an additional cost, and tipping is appreciated but not mandatory for tour staff.
• Competitive pricing starting from €74.90 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before departure.

Overview of the Cruise

The Saona Island Full-Day Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive excursion from Punta Cana, transporting them to the picturesque Saona Island via speedboat and returning by catamaran, with the total duration spanning approximately 12 hours.

Accommodating up to 65 travelers, the cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and a barbecue buffet lunch featuring grilled meats, rice, pasta, and tropical fruits. Unlimited national rum drinks are also provided, though beers and piña coladas incur an additional cost.

While the cruise generally receives positive feedback for its scenic beauty and entertaining guides, some guests have reported long wait times and issues with the cleanliness and maintenance of the island’s facilities.

Inclusions and Meal Details

The cruise package includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience, with a focus on providing guests with a satisfying meal and refreshments during their time on Saona Island. The tour includes:

• A barbecue buffet lunch featuring grilled chicken, pork, rice, pasta, and tropical fruits.

• Unlimited national rum drinks, allowing guests to enjoy the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

• Towels provided for comfort and convenience during the beach visit.

• The option to purchase additional seafood items, such as fish, shrimp, and lobster, for an extra fee.

While the included meal and drinks are generally well-received, guests should note that beers and piña coladas are available at an additional cost.

Guest Experiences and Reviews

Guests have offered a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding their experiences on the Saona Island cruise. Many travelers have praised the stunning scenery and lively atmosphere during the excursion.

Tour guides were frequently singled out for their helpfulness and entertainment value. The quality of the included barbecue buffet lunch was generally considered satisfactory.

However, some guests reported long wait times to reach the island, with only around 2 hours actually spent on the beach. Complaints have also surfaced about the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities on Saona Island.

A few travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the external photography services and payment disputes that arose.

Health and Safety Requirements

While the cruise offers an opportunity to explore Saona Island’s natural beauty, it’s important to consider the health and safety requirements for participation. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, guests should be aware of the following:

• The minimum drinking age is 18 years, and pets aren’t allowed.

• Participants should have a good level of physical fitness to navigate the island and participate in activities.

• The cruise isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions, and pregnant women should consult their healthcare providers before booking.

• Guests with any concerns are advised to discuss them with the tour operator prior to booking.

Photography and Tipping

Photos taken by an external company aren’t included in the tour price, so guests interested in capturing their memories will need to pay an additional fee.

The photography services are offered by a third-party provider, separate from the cruise tour operators. Guests may feel pressured to purchase these photos, so it’s important to be aware of the additional costs upfront.

Tips aren’t mandatory but are appreciated by the tour staff for their hard work in providing a memorable experience. While tipping isn’t required, it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the guides and staff who work hard to ensure a seamless and enjoyable day on Saona Island.

Pickup and Duration

The tour begins with a collective bus pickup from guests’ hotels at 7:00 am, shared with other participants. The full-day experience lasts approximately 12 hours, with 2 to 2.5 hours spent exploring the beautiful Saona Island.

The journey to the island is made by speedboat, while the return trip is aboard a comfortable catamaran. The tour has a maximum capacity of 65 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Guests can expect:

• A professional guide to accompany them throughout the day

• Towels provided for use on the beach

• Unlimited national rum drinks, with the option to purchase beers and piña coladas

• A delicious barbecue buffet lunch featuring grilled meats, rice, pasta, and tropical fruits.

Transport and Capacity

Typically, the journey to Saona Island begins with a speedboat ride, offering guests a thrilling and efficient mode of transport. The speedboat provides a swift and exhilarating journey, whisking guests across the azure waters to the island in a matter of minutes.

Upon arrival, travelers are welcomed back to the mainland via a comfortable catamaran for the return trip. The catamaran, on the other hand, offers a more leisurely and scenic return, allowing travelers to soak in the stunning views of the Caribbean coastline.

With a maximum capacity of 65 passengers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, providing ample space for everyone to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and activities.

Pricing and Cancellation

With the logistical details of the tour covered, the focus shifts to the pricing and cancellation policy.

The Saona Island cruise offers a competitive rate, starting from €74.90 per person, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring additional costs.

The tour’s inclusions, such as hotel pickup, transportation, a barbecue lunch, and unlimited national rum drinks, provide excellent value for the price.

Plus, guests have the option to purchase supplementary items like seafood or specialty cocktails for an extra fee.

• Competitive pricing starting from €74.90

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

• Extensive inclusions like transportation, lunch, and drinks

• Flexibility to purchase additional items à la carte

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Own Snorkeling Gear on the Cruise?

Yes, guests can use their own snorkeling gear on the cruise. However, the tour company provides snorkeling equipment for those who don’t have their own, so it’s not necessary to bring your own gear.

How Long Does the Boat Ride to Saona Island Typically Take?

The boat ride to Saona Island typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours each way. The tour includes a speedboat ride to the island and a return by catamaran, covering the approximately 10-15 mile distance to and from Saona Island.

Is There an Option to Extend My Time on the Island?

According to the overview, the standard Saona Island cruise provides 2-2.5 hours on the island. However, some tour operators may offer options to extend your time there for an additional fee. Guests should inquire about this when booking their tour.

Can I Purchase Additional Food and Drinks on the Island?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional food and drinks on Saona Island. Fish, shrimp, and lobster are available for an extra cost, as are beers and piña coladas. However, the main buffet lunch and unlimited national rum drinks are included in the tour price.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups or Families?

According to the information provided, there don’t appear to be any advertised group discounts for the Saona Island cruise. However, some tour operators may offer discounted rates for larger bookings, so it’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider.

Recap

The Saona Island Full-Day Cruise offers an unforgettable experience, with a thrilling speedboat ride, a leisurely catamaran return, and ample time to explore the island’s natural wonders.

Guests can enjoy a delectable barbecue buffet lunch, unlimited national rum drinks, and the opportunity to relax on beautiful beaches and natural pools.

With competitive pricing and free cancellation, this excursion promises excellent value and memorable moments for all who participate.