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Saona Island catamaran cruise with private beach area and lunch

4.2/5
1287 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 Collection

We've carefully designed our experiences to help you get the most out of every trip.

Exceptional experiences

Led by friendly expert guides, these authentic experiences are highly rated by customers.

Created with care

Every experience you buy donates to the TUI Care Foundation, which runs environmental and social initiatives worldwide.

Best value guaranteed

If you find the same value experience for a lower price, we'll happily refund the difference.

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 1287 reviews


Review categories

Safety

4.1/5

Value for money

3.9/5

Staff

4.1/5

Service

4.1/5


56%
26%
11%
4%
3%

Sort by:

  • S

    Simon

    Travelled with a group of friends


    10 March 2026
    4.6

    United Kingdom

    The guide Robles was great and the team on the boats were brilliant

  • S

    Stuart and Elizabeth

    Travelled as a couple


    9 March 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    It was fantastic through out, great staff all round from transport there to all the boat crews and transport back.

  • G

    Giles family

    Travelled as a couple


    9 March 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    We spent extra unneeded time picking up at a central point ,we could have neen picked up 30mins later and had breakfast. Also extra half hour unnecessary at a gift shop. Loved boats and Saona island.

  • M

    mark & carina Chilton

    Travelled as a couple


    7 March 2026
    1.4

    United Kingdom

    We did not enjoy the trip at all. The boat wasn't ready for half an hour after we arrived at the port. The snorkeling experience was very poor. Didn't much enjoy the sand bank & certainly not the experience described. If u didn't drink rum or fizzy drinks there was nothing else. The island however was beautiful & peaceful. For such an expensive excursion at $181.00 both boats were appeared old & poor - 2 hrs returning sat on the floor was not a good experience.

  • S

    Samantha

    Travelled as a couple


    7 March 2026
    3

    United Kingdom

    The food on the catamaran was poor. The guides did make a good effort to keep us entertained with drinks and dancing. The stop for snorkelling was poor. Once we reached the island we had time to ourselves before lunch was served which was adequate. The return journey on the speed boat was a terrible for the people seated in the right side of the boat. We also experienced an engine problem and a stop to look at rock formations that wasn’t necessary.

  • B

    Bob

    Travelled as a couple


    7 March 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    Catamaran leg was long and uncomfortable, a long day 12hrs in total and most of that was travel.

Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number: +44 121 468 3145