Saona Island Sailing Tour – All Inclusive

If you’re heading to Punta Cana and craving a day of sun, sea, and stunning scenery, the Saona Island Sailing Tour offers a pretty compelling package. For $89.99 per person, you get hotel pickup, transport by catamaran or speedboat, and a full day of fun that includes lunch, unlimited drinks, and free time on the island. The tour lasts about eight hours, making it a well-paced escape from the resorts’ buzz into the natural tranquility of one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful spots.

We love that the tour simplifies logistics, so you don’t need to worry about planning transportation or meals — everything’s arranged for you. The highlight is definitely the sailing experience itself, where the sleek catamaran glides along coastlines offering fantastic views. Plus, the lunch — a tasty meal with unlimited drinks — is a real perk, especially in a setting where bar tabs can add up quickly.

One aspect to keep in mind: reviews highlight that organizational issues can sometimes mar the experience. From delayed pickups to confusion at the start, some travelers have faced chaos that distracts from the scenery and fun. This tour might suit those who are flexible and eager to enjoy the day rather than perfection in logistics.

If you’re someone who enjoys socializing, scenic boat rides, and a laid-back island vibe, this tour is likely a good fit. It’s best for travelers who want a fully guided, all-in-one day trip without the hassle of arranging everything themselves.

Key Points

• Convenient all-inclusive package with hotel pickup, transport, lunch, drinks, and entertainment.
• Stunning views during sailing, with ample time on Saona Island for swimming, relaxing, and exploring.
• Organizational issues mentioned in reviews suggest flexibility and patience are helpful.
• Value for money with food, drinks, and transport included, saving you time and extra costs.
• Tour duration of about 8 hours strikes a good balance, giving plenty of time to enjoy the island.
• Primarily suited for relaxed travelers who want a guided experience with minimal planning.

What’s Included and How It Works

This all-inclusive tour starts early, with hotel pickup around 7:30 am, ensuring you beat the busier parts of the day on the water. Once collected, you’ll travel approximately 90 kilometers to the nearby town of Bayahibe, where your adventure begins aboard a speedboat or catamaran. The voyage offers a chance to enjoy coastal views and a breeze that’s often more invigorating than the resort air conditioning.

The first stop is at Playa Bayahibe, where you’ll step onto the boat, and from there, the journey continues towards Saona Island — a picture-perfect destination known for its powder-soft beaches and clear waters. The boat ride itself is a highlight, with many mentioning the spectacular scenery observed en route, making it a worthwhile part of the experience.

Exploring Saona Island

Once on the island, you’ll have approximately three hours to explore. The island is loved for its white sands and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snapping photos. Many reviews emphasize the opportunity to swim with starfishes and enjoy the natural beauty away from crowded resorts.

One reviewer noted, “The island is gorgeous, and the stop to the natural pool was a highlight,” though some mentioned disorganization, such as chaotic check-ins or confusing schedules, which can sometimes detract from the calm vibe. Still, the luxury of a provided lunch — a tasty meal with unlimited drinks — means you won’t be searching for a place to eat or worry about additional costs on drinks.

Food, Drinks, and Entertainment

The lunch included is a big plus, especially given the all-day nature of the trip. Expect a decent meal designed to keep you fueled for the day. The open bar features alcoholic beverages and sodas, which many find to be excellent value, preventing the need to buy expensive drinks on the island.

Live entertainment onboard adds a festive touch, making the journey enjoyable whether you’re sailing or relaxing on the beach. It’s a good way to meet fellow travelers and soak in the Caribbean vibe.

The Challenges: Organizational and Experience Variations

While many travelers find the tour enjoyable, some reviews point out organizational shortcomings. A few mentioned delays in pickup, confusion with transfers, or feeling that the trip was poorly coordinated. For instance, one traveler said, “We were very disappointed with the lack of organization,” which can be frustrating, especially if you’re expecting a seamless experience.

Another review pointed out they did not get the lobster or wine they anticipated, and the guide’s professionalism varied, affecting the overall atmosphere. It seems that while the core experience is beautiful, the execution can sometimes fall short.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for relaxed travelers who prioritize convenience and value. If you enjoy sailing, natural beauty, and good food without worrying about logistics, this tour offers a lot. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a fun, guided day trip. However, those who demand the highest organization or are on a tight schedule might find the occasional chaos less appealing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For many, this all-inclusive sailing tour to Saona Island strikes a good balance between cost, convenience, and memorable scenery. The sailing experience itself, combined with leisurely hours on the island, offers a true taste of Caribbean paradise. The lunch and open bar add significant value, especially for travelers who want a hassle-free day with drinks and food included.

However, it’s important to remember that reviews highlight some organizational issues. If you’re flexible and can adapt to minor delays or confusion, you’ll likely enjoy the incredible views, warm hospitality, and the natural beauty of Saona Island.

This tour suits easygoing travelers who want a guided adventure without the stress of planning every detail. If you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and all-in-one day trip, this could be just what you need.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by boat, a delicious lunch, unlimited drinks (alcoholic and sodas), and live entertainment onboard.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 8 hours, allowing enough time for transportation, sailing, relaxing on the island, and enjoying the amenities.

What are the main stops during the tour?
First, you’ll board at Playa Bayahibe, then sail to Saona Island, where you’ll have around three hours to explore, swim, and relax.

Are there any reviews about organizational issues?
Yes, some travelers report chaos and delays, especially during pickup or transfers, which can affect the overall experience.

Does the tour include activities besides sailing and relaxing?
Most of the focus is on the sailing, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the included lunch and drinks. Some reviews mention live entertainment onboard as a plus.

Can I purchase souvenirs or DVDs?
Yes, souvenirs and DVD videos of the trip are available to buy but are not included in the tour price.

In sum, this Saona Island Sailing Tour offers a wonderful way to see one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful spots with the convenience of an all-inclusive package. It’s a great choice for those who value scenic sailing, good food, and relaxing on the beach, provided you’re okay with some potential organizational hiccups.