Menu
Cart

Saona Island highlights boat tour with buffet lunch

4.1/5
1192 reviews

Total relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island's dazzling shores. You'll explore this tropical daydream Caribbean Isle, soaking up the sun and the vibrant colours while you stroll along palm-shaded beaches. First up is a coastal tour of Cotubanama National Park, then you'll stop at a natural pool for a dip before heading to the beach for lunch and free time. Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Our priority is to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make Saona so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on the island, too.'

After a relaxing cruise over to Saona, the sightseeing can begin in earnest. You'll cruise the shoreline of the Cotubanama National Park while your local guide points out the island wildlife. See the rocks of El Peñón, and then glide through the Catuano channel. Next, it's time to cool off in the azure water of the natural pools, formed by sandbanks in the open sea. The water is such a tempting shade of blue you won't be able to resist.

Docking at one of Saona Island's fabulous beaches, you'll step off the boat for some beach time. There's the Caribbean for paddling, soft white sand to dip your toes in, and a volleyball pitch to play on. Or you could take the simplest option and just stretch out in the sun. After your tasty buffet lunch is served, there's more free time to enjoy the magical setting.

What is the itinerary for this experience?

The itinerary for this experience is...

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

- 8:15am to 9:15am – transfer to Bayahibe

- 9:15am to 11:30am – catamaran cruise to Saona Island

- 11:30am to 2:30pm – relax and sunbathe on deck

- 12:30pm to 1:30pm – buffet lunch on the beach

- 1:30pm to 3:00pm – free time on Saona Island

- 3:00pm to 3:30pm – visit the Caribbean's largest natural pool

- 3:30pm to 4:15pm – speedboat transfer back to Bayahibe

- 5:30pm to 6:00pm – return transfer to your hotel

Please note, the times and schedule 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 TUI's 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…

  • The quintessential Caribbean Island of Saona is on the agenda for this boat tour
  • You'll explore the stunning coastal features of Cotubanama National Park by boat
  • A dazzling natural pool awaits, perfect for cooling off in the open sea, formed by sandbanks
  • Relaxation awaits on a tropical Saona Island beach, with a tasty buffet lunch and drinks
  • Your expert guide brings a wealth of knowledge about Saona Island and its diverse wildlife

Important to know

  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring a hat
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Cancellation policy

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


What’s included

  • Speedboat ride
  • Boat cruise
  • Lunch
  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Open bar serving locally branded drinks
  • Entrance fee to Cotubanama National Park

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

4.1/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 1192 reviews


Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.2/5


47%
32%
16%
4%
2%

Sort by:

  • N

    Nick

    Traveled with family


    June 15, 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    Both the fast boat and catamaran journey's were great. Beach was beautiful but getting in the sea was tricky, lots of rocks. A decent beach bar and waiter service would be a good improvement to the trip. Maybe a little longer on the beach too. Overall a good day out and great for photo's.

  • T

    Tyler S.

    Traveled as a couple


    June 12, 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    The natural pool and Soana are absolutely beautiful. Be warned this is a long excursion day with a lot of travel time. The buffet food on the island was okay at best. Extra charge for the pina coladas and coconut waters on the island, but they are worth it. This is more of a views and relaxation excursion than activity oriented. Overall would recommend.

  • S

    Suresh Patel

    Traveled with a group of friends


    June 7, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Buffet food needs improvement

  • S

    Saona Visitor

    Traveled as a couple


    June 7, 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    The speed boat was decent. Overall the whole package wasn’t what we were expecting, I didn’t enjoy being charged $110 for some basic photos. I didn’t enjoy the flies on our food. I didn’t enjoy the lack of communication regarding pick up: for example what are we looking for on arrival. There wer so many buses and trucks coming into the reception area and it was so stressful. Basically the whole trip was catered for a hen do that was attending. Sexual talk/dances when children are present.

  • D

    Dario K

    Traveled as a couple


    June 4, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    All good

  • C

    Christopher Burt

    Traveled with family


    June 1, 2026
    2.2

    United Kingdom

    This was awful . Picked up by a small coach, sat at the side of a motorway for over 30min, then transferred to another coach. The lack in communication was terrible and a lot of time wasted. Then packed into a speedboat boat like sardines, It wasn’t a nice experience at all. Lunch in the ‘beach club’ was more a wooden shack. Food was lovely, but the beach was messy, full of rubbish and not the paradise advertised. Toilets were a health hazard and drinks sparse! H&S between boats was shocking