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

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 tasty 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

What people say about this experience

4.2/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 2340 reviews

Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

4.2/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

4.2/5

All ratings (2340)

5 stars (1262)

54%

4 stars (609)

26%

3 stars (317)

14%

2 stars (101)

1 star (51)

J
John and Kelly
Travelled as a couple
24 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
Fantastic day. Quite a distance to get to the boat, but totally enjoyable thanks to our superbly entertaining host, Castro. Great time on the boats, not overcrowded and lovely staff. Nice stay on the island, good food and drinks. Was expecting relaxing with drinks around the 'floating bar' at the sand banks, which turned out to be no more than a car inner tube with bottles of rum and coke in the middle😄
B
Brian
Travelled as a couple
23 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
To much waiting around didn't seem well organised the guide tried to be to funny it became a bit over the top and mentioned cancer too many times as a joke not funny.
L
Lisa and Ray
Travelled as a couple
19 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
Breakfast was very poor. Would not class cheese on sticks, and ham on sticks and a few Doritos as a breakfast when many of us was unable to have anything as the breakfast buffet only opened at 7am. Transport there was good, but on the way back not enough seats and 2 of us had to sit on our husbands lap until the 1st drop off that was 15 minutes away so unsure how the safety of the passengers was thought to be acceptable which if an accident occurred TUI were very at fault. More snorkelling time
D
David & Jayne Burnett
Travelled as a couple
19 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
You could make it more affordable to other people as many have said too expensive, give them the pina coladas free as a promotional item, but overall a good day
W
William McFarlane
Travelled as a couple
19 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
From the Transfer to and Return/ To the Cattarmaran / To the Staff And the island was excellent A really beautiful 😍 island Special Place 😀
L
Liam Lennon-vaughan
Travelled as a couple
19 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
Right from the start this day was magical Everything from the catamaran journey to the 3 hour stay on Soana island was magical a true bucket list experience for my new wife and I on our honeymoon. Our guide Bambi was amazing and looked after us all with plenty of food drink and laughter. The visit to our snorkelling destination and the sand flats ill never forget then you arrive to paradise and that is the icing on the cake sat under a palm tree enjoying a pina colada wish i got to do it again