Punta Cana: Saona Island Tour & catamaran food & open Bar

A full-day adventure from Punta Cana to Isla Saona promises sun, sand, and sea, with plenty of opportunities to unwind and indulge. For around 8 hours, you’ll travel by speedboat or catamaran, visit the famous Natural Swimming Pool, and lounge on some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. Guided in several languages, this tour from Saona Island Paradise Oficial offers a mix of lively boat rides, authentic food, and plenty of drinks, making it ideal for travelers craving a classic Caribbean escape.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines adventure with relaxation. The speedboat or catamaran ride adds an element of excitement, and the buffet lunch, featuring traditional Dominican dishes and vegetarian options, is genuinely tasty. Plus, the unlimited drinks—rum, beer, soda, and water—keep the vibe lively all day. That said, a possible consideration is the long drive from Punta Cana, which can be about 3 hours in total, something to keep in mind if you prefer shorter travel times. This tour suits those who love a mix of scenic travel, beach lounging, and lively socializing, especially if you’re up for some boat action and good food.

This experience made our article of Discover 15 Great Food Tours In Punta Cana.

Key Points

• Beautiful Destination: Isla Saona offers postcard-perfect beaches with white sand and turquoise waters.
• Full-Day Flexibility: Around 8 hours with ample free time on the island, ideal for soaking in the scenery.
• Fun Transportation: Options for lively catamaran or speedboat rides that enhance the experience.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Unlimited drinks, including rum, beer, soda, and water, plus a buffet lunch.
• Authentic Flavors: The buffet features traditional Dominican dishes and vegetarian options.
• Travel Consideration: Long transfer times (about 3 hours roundtrip) may impact those with limited tolerance for lengthy journeys.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Practical Side of the Saona Island Tour

Starting from Punta Cana, this tour takes you on a 1.5-hour bus ride to the departure point, followed by either a catamaran or speedboat to Isla Saona. The choice of boat inherently influences your experience: a catamaran often feels more relaxed and social, with music and dancing, while a speedboat adds a sense of thrill and speed. Both options are popular, and the lively atmosphere is a big part of the tour’s appeal.

Once on the island, you’ll get about 4 hours of free time. That might seem like plenty, but some travelers note that the long transit times from Punta Cana—around 1.5 hours each way—mean a very early start and a late return, often around 7 PM. As one reviewer mentioned, “the route is long for just 3 hours at the island,” but most agree that the stunning scenery and relaxed vibe make it worthwhile.

What to Expect at Isla Saona

The main attraction is of course the white sandy beaches and the clear, warm waters perfect for swimming and photos. Many travelers enjoy lounging in hammocks or wading out to the shallow Natural Swimming Pool. The latter is a highlight, especially in calm weather, where you can float in crystal-clear water among starfish and be surrounded by the Caribbean’s signature beauty.

Food and Drinks

The included buffet lunch is well-received, with fresh, flavorful traditional Dominican dishes. Vegetarian options are available, which is a plus for those with dietary restrictions. As one reviewer said, “attention to the food is worth noting,” and many appreciate the authentic flavors.

Unlimited drinks, especially the rum, are a major part of the fun. You can sip your free cocktails or beer while relaxing on the sand or on the boat. Just remember, no alcohol is sold on the island or during the boat ride, so bring cash if you wish to buy souvenirs or additional drinks from third-party vendors—though most are focused on the scenery and the company.

The Boat Ride and Overall Atmosphere

The catamaran ride is often described as lively, with music, dancing, and a festive crowd. It’s perfect if you want a social, party-like atmosphere. The speedboat option tends to be more exhilarating but can be less spacious and more intense for some travelers.

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Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The long travel times mean you should be prepared for a full day, including early pickup and late return. This can be tiring but also ensures you maximize your time on the island.
• Group Size: The tours tend to be popular, which means groups can be large, but the experience remains enjoyable if you’re comfortable in lively settings.
• Comfort: Comfortable shoes and sun protection are a must, especially for the transit and beach time.
• Booking Flexibility: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve now and pay later, adding peace of mind.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Feedback

Many reviewers appreciate how well-organized the tour is. For example, one said, “Heel leuke gag gehad,” praising the overall fun. Another, from France, noted, “Très bien organisé,” emphasizing good organization and attentive pickup. Travelers also highlight the stunning views, with photos of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters reinforcing why Isla Saona is so beloved.

However, some mention the demand for tips and the persistent solicitations from vendors once ashore. While that’s typical for many Caribbean spots, it’s good to be prepared and decide how much you want to engage.

Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

After pickup from various locations—Macao, Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Bávaro—the journey begins with the 1.5-hour bus ride to the departure point. The boat ride itself varies depending on whether you choose the catamaran or speedboat. The catamaran, often lively with music and dancing, creates a festive atmosphere, perfect if you’re traveling with friends or want to meet others. The speedboat, by contrast, offers a more thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience, ideal if you enjoy fast rides and a taste of adventure.

Upon arriving at Isla Saona, the main focus is relaxation. Spend your time lounging on the white sand beaches, swimming in the warm waters, or trying to spot starfish in the natural pool. There’s also time for snorkeling, which some travelers find rewarding.

The lunch buffet is served on the beach, with a variety of local dishes, and the unlimited drinks keep the energy high. Many mention the delicious food, describing it as authentic and satisfying, with vegetarian options available.

The return journey mirrors the outward trip, with the bus ride back to your hotel. Expect to arrive around 7 PM, so it’s a full day. The extensive travel time is a tradeoff for the scenery and experiences gained, but for many, the visual rewards outweigh the long hours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value scenic boat rides and enjoy beach lounging with a lively social atmosphere. If you love authentic local food and unlimited drinks, you’ll find the buffet and open bar a major plus. The tour is suitable for energetic groups, families, and couples alike, especially those who don’t mind a long day of travel in exchange for the scenic payoff.

However, it might be less suitable for non-swimmers, people with back problems, or travelers looking for a shorter, less demanding trip. The long transit times and physical exertion involved in swimming or snorkeling may also influence your decision.

This Saona Island tour from Punta Cana offers a comprehensive Caribbean experience—from adventurous boat rides to relaxing beaches and delicious local food. It truly captures the essence of a tropical getaway, with postcard-perfect scenes and lively social vibes. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic flavors, this could be a highlight of your trip.

While the long travel times might be a drawback for some, the stunning scenery and fun atmosphere make it a worthwhile day for many. The all-inclusive drinks and buffet lunch add value, ensuring you stay energized and satisfied throughout the day.

This tour fits best for adventurous beach lovers who want to experience the true charm of Isla Saona, especially if they enjoy boat rides with a festive atmosphere. Travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic escape with good food and drinks will also find it hard to beat. Just be prepared for a full day, and don’t forget your sunblock and camera!

How long is the total trip?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including pick-up, travel, and free time on the island.

What transportation is used?
You’ll travel by bus for approximately 1.5 hours each way, then by either a catamaran or speedboat to Isla Saona.

Is there a limit to the drinks?
No, drinks—including rum, beer, soda, and water—are unlimited throughout the day.

What is included in the lunch?
A buffet featuring traditional Dominican dishes and vegetarian options, served on the beach.

Are there any extra costs?
On the island, no alcohol or souvenirs are sold, so any additional purchases are third-party and not included. Also, guests at certain hotels pay an extra $10 for pickup at the lobby.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, waterproof camera, insect repellent, and cash.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
It’s best suited for non-swimmers and those comfortable in the water. People with back problems might want to consider this before booking.

Are the tour guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Russian.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if needed.

This full-day Saona Island trip offers a well-rounded taste of the Caribbean: lively boat rides, stunning beaches, authentic food, and unlimited drinks. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, it’s a trip that tends to leave a lasting impression—just be ready for a long but scenic day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby