PRIVATE VIP tour Saona Island with Snorkeling, Starfish, Turtles

Discovering Saona Island: A Private Day of Paradise

Imagine arriving at Saona Island before the crowds, with just your group enjoying pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. For around $440 per person, this private VIP tour offers an approximately 8-hour adventure that combines relaxation, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. Led by friendly, professional guides, you’ll spend five hours on Abanico Beach, where you can lounge, swim, or indulge in a delicious lunch. Later, you’ll explore Cotubanamá National Park, visiting a natural Caribbean pool—a guaranteed spot to see starfish and possibly encounter sea turtles in the mangroves.

Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are its intimate setting—since it’s private, you avoid the typical tourist crush—and the diversity of experiences packed into one day. From beach lounging to snorkeling among vibrant fish, to spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, it’s a well-rounded taste of the Caribbean’s best. One potential consideration is the early start time at 6:00 am, which might be a challenge for late risers or those with flexible schedules.

This tour suits travelers who value exclusivity and want a relaxed, personalized experience, especially if they’re keen on wildlife, stunning beaches, and avoiding crowds. Perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a memorable day in a tropical setting without the noise of large tour groups.

Key Points

• Private experience ensures no crowded beaches or tourist traffic.
• Flexible schedule allows you to enjoy each activity at your own pace.
• Wildlife encounters include starfish and turtles in their natural environment.
• Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with vibrant marine life.
• Early start provides a peaceful, uncrowded experience but requires waking up early.
• Delicious local lunch included during your beach time.

An In-Depth Look at the Saona Island Private VIP Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day on a tropical island where the only footprints are yours, this private VIP tour to Saona delivers on that promise. It’s not just a trip; it’s a carefully curated experience designed for those who want to enjoy authentic beauty and personal attention.

Transport and Timing

The tour begins bright and early at 6:00 am, a wise choice because it lets you beat most other visitors and enjoy the island in peaceful solitude. The transportation, typically by private boat, offers a smooth ride across the Caribbean waters, setting the tone for a luxurious day. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, which might seem long but is broken up nicely with plenty of relaxing stops and opportunities to explore.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Isla Saona – Abanico Beach (5 hours)

This is the heart of your day, where you arrive early, often the first group, and have the entire beach largely to yourselves. You’ll find white sands and gentle surf—ideal for lounging, taking photos, or just soaking up the sun. A delicious lunch is included, giving you energy to continue your adventure.

Multiple reviews highlight the beauty of this part—”Our private family tour to Saona was absolutely unforgettable! The boat ride was smooth and exciting, and we loved having the flexibility to enjoy the day at our own pace.” This underscores the benefit of having a private experience—you can linger, swim, and relax without feeling rushed.

Stop 2: Cotubanamá National Park and the Natural Pool (1 hour)

After your beach time, your guide takes you through scenic mangrove channels, where you can observe sea turtles and other wildlife in their habitat. The highlight here is the guaranteed swim in a natural Caribbean pool, where dozens of starfish await your touch and admiration. Many visitors describe this as “unbelievable”—a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.

One traveler exclaimed, “We arrived really the first, and no one else was on the island! Seeing the starfish and holding them was unforgettable.” This experience is a core part of the tour’s appeal—quiet, personal, and close-up wildlife encounters in an untouched setting.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Beyond its itinerary, the personalized service really shines. Guides like Mariana and Kazik are noted for their professionalism and friendly attitude, making travelers feel cared for and informed. The reviews repeatedly mention “excellent service”, “friendly staff”, and “professional guides”—elements that elevate the overall experience.

On top of that, the timing offers a significant advantage—arriving early means no crowds, giving you space to explore, swim, and take photos without the usual hustle. Many reviews rave about being the first on the island, which enhances the feeling of exclusivity and serenity.

Practical Considerations

While the early start might not suit everyone, it’s a small price to pay for a peaceful, uncrowded environment. The tour includes pickup options (if arranged), and you’ll travel with your private group—whether family, friends, or a special occasion like a honeymoon. The price reflects this personalized service, offering good value considering the exclusivity, wildlife encounters, and the quality of guides.

Wildlife and Marine Life Encounters

Snorkeling is a major highlight—expect to see colorful tropical fish and clear waters that make viewing easy. The marine wildlife in the mangroves includes sea turtles, and the starfish in the Caribbean pool are a must-see. These encounters aren’t just photo ops; they’re immersive experiences that leave lasting memories.

Food and Comfort

The included lunch is described as delicious, letting you fuel up for more exploring. The beaches are equipped with shaded areas and loungers, making the downtime comfortable. Since the tour is private, you’ll have the freedom to relax without the pressure of a large group.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private Saona Island adventure is perfect for travelers who cherish solitude, wildlife, and flexibility. It’s ideal for families seeking a safe, relaxed environment, or couples celebrating a special occasion, like a honeymoon, who want a romantic, private escape. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see turtles, starfish, and vibrant marine life in a peaceful setting.

It’s also well-suited to those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy uninterrupted time on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. If you’re the type who prefers personalized service and a tailored experience over large group tours, this trip fits the bill perfectly.

Summary: The Value of a Private Day in Paradise

In total, this tour offers a luxurious yet accessible way to experience Saona Island’s natural beauty. The early start and private setup mean you get to enjoy peaceful beaches, up-close wildlife encounters, and flexible pacing—all for a price that reflects the exclusivity and quality.

The professional guides are consistently praised, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the environment. The scenery—from turquoise waters to lush mangroves—is breathtaking, providing countless photo opportunities and memories.

While it’s a longer day, many travelers find the intimacy and personal touch make every minute worthwhile. It’s a value-packed option for those who want a calm, private escape to one of the Caribbean’s most iconic islands.

FAQ – Practical Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention families enjoying the experience, especially appreciating the private setting and wildlife encounters.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 6:00 am, aimed at maximizing your time and avoiding crowds.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, pickup options are available, and the trip involves private boat transfer to Saona Island.

How long do we stay on the island?
You’ll spend about five hours on Abanico Beach, with additional time for snorkeling and wildlife viewing.

Are meals included?
A delicious lunch is part of the experience, giving you energy for the day.

Can I swim with starfish?
Absolutely—many reviews highlight the guaranteed swim in the natural pool and the opportunity to hold starfish.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see sea turtles in mangroves and a variety of tropical fish during snorkeling.

Is this tour good for non-swimmers?
Yes, since snorkeling is optional, and the focus on beaches and wildlife makes it suitable for all comfort levels.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on my tour?
It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, ensuring exclusivity and personal attention.

This private VIP tour to Saona Island offers a rare combination of seclusion, wildlife, and scenic beauty—perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Caribbean escape tailored just for them.