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Saona Island catamaran cruise with private beach area and lunch

4.2/5
1956 reviews

Pure relaxation awaits on this trip to Saona Island. If you're looking for that perfect Insta-ready escapade, you've found it. Saona is a textbook tropical daydream of an island, swathed in exotic flora and fringed with swaying palm trees, powder white sands and endless blue-green waters. You'll reach the island in a combination of catamaran and fast boat, with an outbound snorkel stop.

Ramon, one of our expert guides, says "we work hard to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make it so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on Saona, too." The island and surrounding sea are of such importance for their biodiversity that they're protected as a national park.

You'll set sail from Bayahibe into the sun-splashed seas surrounding Cotubanama National Park. Along the way, you'll stop to swim or snorkel among shoals of tropical fish at a shallow pool formed by sandbanks in the middle of the sea. Once you arrive at Saona, you'll have plenty of time to soak up those dazzling vistas and snap lots of photos. Perhaps you'll take a barefoot stroll along the one-kilometre-long private beach, or maybe you'd prefer simply relaxing with a cocktail. Although Saona is one of the country's most-visited areas, there's an exclusive beach area reserved just for you. Another highlight is the surf'n'turf lunch at a beachfront restaurant. And don't worry about getting thirsty – all your drinks are included.

What is the itinerary for this experience?

The itinerary for this experience is...

- 6:30am to 7:30am – pick-up from hotel

- 8:00am to 9:30am – drive to Bayahibe Beach and board the boat

- 9:30am to 10:00am – first snorkelling stop

- 10:00am to 10:30am – breakfast snack on board

- 10:30am to 11:30am – fast boat ride along the coast to a natural swimming pool

- 11:30am to 12:00pm – swimming in a natural pool

- 12:00pm to 12:30pm – fast boat ride to exclusive TUI beach on Saona Island

- 12:30pm to 1:30pm – lunch

- 1:30pm to 3:30pm – free time on exclusive TUI beach on Saona Island

- 3:30pm to 5:00pm – catamaran trip back to Bayahibe with party on the back or relax on the nets

- 5:00pm to 6:00pm – return to Punta Cana or Bavaro

- 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm – drop-off at hotel

Please note, the times, schedule and boat sequence may vary on the day

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Punta Cana
Duration: more than 8 hours
Language:German, Spanish, English, French
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Entrance fees included
Guided tour
Instant confirmation
Meal included
e-Voucher
Hotel pick up

Why choose TUI Musement experiences

Get to the heart of every destination with our unique tours and activities. Created by locals, curated by us.

Only the best

The extra details that make the trip. One more stop. That hidden corner. Only the best stuff makes it in. Rated 8.3/10

Made by us

Built around what you love. Shaped by what you tell us. Crafted with TUIs 50+ years of travel know‑how.

Local touch

The right time to visit. The view most miss. Do it like our creators and guides – who live and love it there.

Why you’ll love this…

  • A fast boat and catamaran cruise to Saona Island sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure
  • You'll relax, sunbathe, and soak in the stunning views on deck as you sail across the Caribbean
  • An Insta-perfect private beach awaits, reserved exclusively for guests to stretch out and unwind
  • All drinks are included, allowing you to savour a delicious beachside lunch featuring local food
  • Your expert local guide shares unmatched knowledge about Saona Island and its natural wonders

Important to know

  • Do not use fins for snorkelling to avoid damaging reefs
  • It'll be determined on the day which leg of the journey is by fast boat and which is by catamaran
  • Pick-up transfers are available for this experience from every hotel in the Punta Cana area
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring a hat
  • Subject to weather conditions

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Transport
  • Boat cruise
  • Guide
  • National park fee
  • Lunch
  • Open bar serving locally branded drinks

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI DOMINICANA, S.A.S


What people say about this experience

4.2/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 1956 reviews


Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5


55%
26%
13%
4%
2%

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  • E

    Em

    Travelled with family


    21 May 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    From start to finish fantastic excursion..we do this one on visiting everytime we come to DR as its just fab..Danny is so funny and amazing and a credit to Tui..There are 2 too choose from for the sanoa exursion but always do the private beach one if your goin with Tui as its only for the certain few so no where near as crowded on the island...Speedboat there and catamaran back... what a day..Highly recomend 10 out of 10

  • M

    Martyn

    Travelled with a group of friends


    20 May 2026
    4.6

    United Kingdom

    Catamaran and the staff were brilliant food on Saona superb whole experience was as good as it was 30 years ago ten out of ten

  • P

    Phil

    Travelled with a group of friends


    20 May 2026
    3.4

    United Kingdom

    Not enough food. Music far too loud on boat. Seats on Catamaran very uncomfortable. Beach was better at hotel. Danni the guide was very good and other boat crew. Snorkelling was best part.

  • J

    J. Miles

    Travelled as a couple


    19 May 2026
    4.6

    United Kingdom

    So why only 9 overall? Because it took us 2.5 hours to get there by bus and another 2.5 back, it just made the day really long and my shorts were chaffing the entire time.

  • C

    Charlotte Westerman

    Travelled as a couple


    19 May 2026
    3.8

    United Kingdom

    The island is beautiful! Clear waters and the stop you make in the middle of the ocean is cool! However the snorkelling was rubbish and very hard to breathe. Changing boats seconds after setting off was frustrating! The food was cold when we arrived seem to get there late was told we would be snorkelling for 30 mins and 45 mins in the natural pool which we didn’t was less time, boat broke down on the way back and had to switch in the middle of the ocean! Then the toilets at the port - Disgusting

  • A

    Adam

    Travelled with family


    18 May 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Amazing experience from start to finish, guide was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Made to feel welcome at all times. The island was out of this world and we were never made to feel unwelcome or rushed