Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island - Natural Pool and Lunch

Not what I expected

The gathering and waiting times at both departure and arrival points was too long and seem not properly organized which was part of the reason why it took longer to actually depart and return, I was picked up at 8:25am the catamaran initial sail was not until about 10:40am . They gather 2 groups, lots of people filling the catamaran making it crowded and not enough spots to sit. As for The “open bar” was not enough they ran out of alcohol pretty quick only ordered 2 drinks per person and then was told they were out. This is as just not like other saona island tours I’ve taken before we spend very little time at the water… unfortunately I’m so disappointed at the reviews I read which is why I bought this tour, the workers thought were really cool polite and nice it’s more about the organization in general that needs improvement

Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review. We would like to remind you that you were picked up at your hotel at 8:25 a.m.; the tour departs from the meeting point at 9:00 a.m. to allow time for other guests arriving from different hotels. The drive from Punta Cana to Bayahíbe—where we board—takes one hour, a fact you were aware of. Upon arrival at the port, we must wait for the authorities to conduct the necessary inspections and grant clearance for departure. Regarding the claim that the catamaran was overcrowded: our catamarans have a capacity of 70 people, yet there were only 40 passengers on board; the authorities strictly monitor this to ensure we do not exceed the limit. Our catamarans are not designed for 70 people to remain seated; guests generally prefer to dance, join the performers in the show, or sunbathe on the netting—which is precisely why our vessels are designed this way. As for the drinks running out, it is surprising to hear that, given that we were carrying only 40 passengers that day.

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Wild Day

Great trip and great experience

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Experience that everybody provide

Cool experience to visit an island. I loved sailing the catamaran. Food was delicious as well. The downsides are: 1. I am not sure why do you need the guide there as basically there were enough staff to give you all the direction. Yes, guide helped us a bit to get in front of the line for food as we had a child. 2. Catamaran didn't have the sails open (as pictures implies) 3. When returning with a 'speed' boat they were collecting tips for the ride (I don't understand why, as I never tip plane pilot, bus driver, and I payed for the experience that includes these rides..) 4. You can get the same experience from all the vendors. So just book the cheapest one as there is no small group thing there..

Response from the operator: Greetings, thank you for your review. If you read our suggestions, you'll see that tips are not mandatory; it's clearly stated there. Regarding the sailing catamaran, it's used depending on weather conditions, but all our catamarans are sail-powered. Sometimes they aren't used to get there faster, since using only the sails would take two hours and 45 minutes. That's why we use both the sails and the motor to reach the island more quickly. And as for tips, they are not mandatory. You can verify this in the information. And regarding small groups, we remind you that the island is a public beach where many companies go to the same place.

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It’s terrible your bus driver drop us off along the highway and let us walk across the highway it’s not right omg

We bad experience this tour company the bus driver drop us off along the highway no pedestrian & let us walk across the highway which is he knows is dangerous for there guess safety YOU think your guys taking care your guests NOT and you think I can recommend this tour for my family and friends He’ll NO

Response from the operator: Good evening, Mr. Danny. Thank you very much for your review. As we explained to you yesterday, the driver dropped you off on the side of the street because your car was located on the opposite side. He stopped on the pedestrian side to allow you to cross via the crosswalk, as the nearest U-turn at that corner is located a kilometer away, and the vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction. The spot where the driver dropped you off is not a dangerous area, as the designated crosswalk for pedestrians is located right there. Had it been a dangerous location, rest assured that we would not have dropped you off there; you were dropped off directly across from where your vehicle was parked—you simply needed to use the crosswalk to get across. We have been operating in the market for 15 years and have never experienced any incidents. Furthermore, we hold all necessary documentation and permits. Regardless, we appreciate your feedback.

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Too crowded

My family stayed at the Royalton Splash. The bus ride to the advertised speedboat in the listing was almost 2 hours. The kids are 4 and 7. Once we arrived, we waited for 45 minutes on the shore waiting for our boat. There were about 200 people waiting in other groups. The boat was not a speed boat, it sat 50 people. When we arrived at Saona island, it was packed with other tours. Very busy. The catamaran on the way back was huge and packed full. I'd say it held 180 people. Our guides were lovely. It was a very long day given that we had to be up at 6:30 am to be ready and we did not get back until 7pm. Too long for the kids and way too many people for it to be enjoyable for us.

Response from the operator: Good morning, Ma'am. Thank you for your review; however, we would like to clarify that none of our vessels carry 180 people—in the Dominican Republic, vessels of that capacity do not exist, nor are they permitted. Our boats have a capacity of 70 passengers, and we never reach that limit—especially on weekdays, which is when you visited. Furthermore, we would like to remind you that Saona Island is not private property; it is a public beach visited by numerous tour operators. Regarding the various groups waiting at the pier for their respective boats: please keep in mind that this is the *only* pier used by all companies traveling to Saona Island, as there are no other docking facilities available in the area. Finally, regarding the travel time to Bayahibe—which takes 50 minutes—you were already aware of this duration, as you were informed of it in advance.

via Viator