Saona Island Private Boat Tour with Lunch and Beverages

A Day Beyond the Crowds: Saona Island Private Boat Tour with Lunch and Beverages

If you’re visiting Punta Cana and craving a break from the busy resorts, this private boat tour to Saona Island offers a peaceful escape with just your party. For around $680 per group (up to six people), you’ll spend about eight hours sailing, relaxing, and exploring one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful offshore islands. The tour includes pickup from your hotel, an open bar, a delicious onboard and island lunch, and plenty of time to soak up the sun on pristine beaches.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the personalized attention—no crowded tourist buses or large groups—just your private crew making sure you have a memorable day. The smooth sailing to Saona is complemented by good quality drinks and a catered meal, making the trip feel more exclusive and relaxed. Plus, the hassle-free pickup means you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics.

On the flip side, some reviews mention discrepancies between expectations and reality, especially regarding boat condition and food. The boat’s age and the limited drink options on some days have been noted. Also, some travelers found the tour’s offerings slightly different from what was initially promised, such as the transportation modes on the island. If you’re a traveler who values authenticity and personalized service, this tour can be a great fit, especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family.

This experience is best suited for those looking for a relaxed, private day trip. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate connection with your surroundings, especially if you appreciate good food and drinks in a scenic setting. It also works well for families or small groups wanting a customizable, hassle-free outing.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Exclusively for your party, avoiding crowded tours.
• Includes Food and Drinks: Onboard lunch and an open bar make the day more enjoyable.
• Hassle-Free Pickup: Transportation from your Punta Cana accommodations is provided.
• Flexible and Relaxed: About 8 hours to enjoy sun, sand, and sailing.
• Mixed Reviews on Boat Condition: Some mention the boat is older, with limited drinks.
• Authentic Experiences: Many reviews highlight great staff and memorable scenery.

In-Depth Review of the Saona Island Private Boat Tour

The Basics: What You Need to Know

This tour is designed for those who want a more intimate adventure to Saona Island, away from the hustle of larger groups. It’s offered by Cheap Shuttles DR, with a typical start time around 6:30 am. Being a private experience, only your group joins, which gives you more flexibility and personal attention.

The cost is $680.44 per group, which covers up to six people. When you split that, it’s quite reasonable for a full day of sailing, eating, drinking, and relaxing in a stunning setting. Booking is recommended well in advance—most travelers book around 228 days ahead—showing strong interest in this tailored experience.

What the Tour Looks Like: Step-by-Step

The day begins early with pickup at your Punta Cana hotel, setting the tone for a stress-free adventure. Once onboard the boat—an older vessel but operational—you’ll set sail toward Saona Island, a popular destination known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.

The initial stop is at the dock where you meet the boat, often a lively spot to meet fellow travelers. From here, the journey to Saona takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. The boat crew typically offers refreshments during the trip, though some reviews mention limited options—just a bottle of rum and Sprite on board being the usual.

The Main Attraction: Saona Island

Once on the island, the main focus is relaxation. You’ll have around 3 hours to enjoy beach time, lunch, and free time. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with miles of powdery sand and turquoise waters. Many reviewers highlight how quiet and uncrowded it can be compared to other tours, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Lunchtime is included, with options like chicken, pork, rice, and beans, along with more drinks available. Many travelers praise the quality of the food, describing it as plentiful and tasty. On the other hand, some mention that specific expectations, such as lobster or premium seafood, weren’t met, so if gourmet dining is your priority, you might want to temper expectations or bring snacks.

Beach activities are mostly limited to sunbathing, swimming, or strolling along the shoreline. The natural pool, a shallow area with floating barriers, is often a highlight, offering a chance to wade and cool off.

The Return Journey and End of the Day

After a relaxed 3-hour stay, you’ll head back to the dock and then to your Punta Cana hotel. The return trip is generally uneventful but scenic, giving you more chances to savor the ocean views.

What Travelers Say: Highlights and Caveats

Many reviews praise the staff’s friendliness and attentiveness. Christine_L called it “the best tour excursion I have been on,” emphasizing the great staff and accommodations for her son’s needs. Galle_B appreciated the care taken to make the day special and described it as “really worth” booking in a private setting.

Others highlight the scenery—“thanks for the great day,” one reviewer said, adding that the beach was truly beautiful. Anne_E loved the tasty lunch and the natural pool, calling it a “great day out.”

However, some negative reviews point out boat conditions—an older vessel with “dinged-up” appearance—and limited drinks or misleading descriptions. Nicole_P’s experience was disappointing, with no water or food available on board, and just a couple of drinks.

Practicalities: What You Should Know

• Duration: About 8 hours, including pickup, sailing, and beach time.
• Cost: $680.44 total—divided among up to six travelers.
• Inclusions: Pickup, lunch, open bar during the day, and time on Saona.
• Booking: Recommended well in advance to secure your spot.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is weather-dependent; cancellations for bad weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This private Saona Island tour is ideal if you value personalized service and a quieter experience. It suits small groups or families who want a relaxed day with good food and drinks, away from the noisy crowds of larger tours. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic scenery and don’t mind the possibility of an older boat or limited onboard amenities.

For those seeking a luxury experience or expecting gourmet seafood and new boats, this might not be the best fit. But if you prioritize authenticity, attentive guides, and a peaceful setting, this tour offers a genuine taste of Saona’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Punta Cana accommodations, making it a hassle-free start to your day.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup to return, giving plenty of time to enjoy the beach, lunch, and sailing.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers private transportation, the boat ride, lunch, open bar on board and on Saona, and time on the island.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, towels, and maybe a hat or sunglasses. Since drinks are limited on board, having some extra water might be a good idea.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, many reviews mention accommodating children, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for families seeking a calm, scenic day.

Are there any restrictions or considerations?
The boat condition has been noted as older, so if you’re sensitive to vessel age, keep that in mind. The tour is weather-dependent, so be flexible if cancellation occurs.

What if I want a different experience?
You might find other experiences like airport transfers or ATV adventures linked in the same provider’s offerings, but this tour is specifically designed for a peaceful, scenic day at Saona.

In sum, this private boat tour to Saona Island offers a relaxed, intimate way to enjoy one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches. The personalized service, included meals, and scenic sailing make it a good choice for travelers seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience. Just be prepared for some minor drawbacks like the boat’s age or limited drinks, and you’ll be well on your way to a memorable day in paradise.