Full-Day Cruise to Saona Island - Natural pool and lunch

It was a terrible excursion to Saona Island! I booked the earliest time, 7:00 a.m., to get to the island before the big

It was a terrible excursion to Saona Island! I booked the earliest time, 7:00 a.m., to get to the island before the big flow of tourists. The day before, I received a message that the tour would start at 7:30, but we didn’t get to the island until 4 hours later. We were picking up other people from different hotels along the way, which was okay, but then we drove in the opposite direction to pick up another large group. There weren’t even enough seats on the bus for everyone! I booked the tour in English, but it was in Spanish. A guide met us and gave us yellow wristbands, saying we had to follow him all day. When we arrived at the place where we were supposed to transfer to the speedboat, we were handed over to other people and given wristbands of a different color. We were supposed to go see starfish, which I never saw. From 7:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m., we only got 20 minutes in the natural pool where the starfish were supposed to be, and just 2 hours on Saona Island itself, where it was already very crowded. Out of those 2 hours, we spent 20 minutes standing in line for lunch. In the end, you get almost nothing. There wasn’t even enough time to walk along the beach. On the way back, we were again handed over to another driver. Instead of going straight to the hotel, we stopped somewhere and were transferred to yet another bus with different people. We were the last to get off the bus. Our journey home took 4 and a half hours. The island itself is very beautiful, but the people who organized this trip do not know what good service is. On the catamaran on the way back, there was a “disco” where they offered to sell you a hat for $5. If you refuse, they tell you it’s a tip for the workers. But it should be my choice whether I want to leave a tip or not.

Response from the operator: Good morning, thank you for your review. We would like to clarify a few points: First, the 7:00 a.m. time shown on the website is the start time for pickups. Pickup times vary depending on the hotel. At your hotel, the pickup was at 7:30 a.m. The website doesn't allow us to assign a specific time to each hotel, as there are 165 hotels in the area. Therefore, we contact our clients to inform them of the pickup time based on their hotel and location. This is why you were shown as 7:30 a.m., but this does not mean the tour departs at that time. Pickups for this tour are group tours, as it is not a private tour. The schedule shown on the page is the schedule for hotel pickups, not the schedule for the tour to Saona. Regarding the tour language, it is conducted in the languages ​​spoken by the participants: English, Spanish, French, and others. The guide, who has 12 years of experience in this job, cannot conduct the entire tour solely in English when there are also clients who speak other languages, as information must be provided in all languages ​​present. Regarding tour departure times, all companies and boats leave Bayahibe starting at 9:45 a.m. local time. No company can depart earlier, as boats are only authorized to set sail at that time. Therefore, regarding your comment about booking earlier to arrive at the island sooner, I believe you are mistaken, because no company is permitted to depart before 9:45 a.m. local time. As for the starfish, their presence is beyond our control, as they are a natural phenomenon. Sometimes they appear, and other times they hide; that is not something we can influence. Regarding the food, there is a line to enter the buffet, just like in any hotel, where you have to wait your turn. If the tour were private, the arrangements would be different. The tour works as follows: if you go by speedboat, you return by catamaran, and vice versa. Our tour is very well organized, and we are one of the best companies in terms of logistics. However, when clients are looking for a quieter experience with fewer people, they usually opt for a private tour. Tips are not mandatory, as stated on the website. It is also not mandatory to buy a swim cap or any other product sold during the tour. The time spent in the natural pool is not 20 minutes, but rather 35 to 40 minutes, and cannot be extended because all boats must be back at the dock by 6:00 PM. Regarding the return to your hotel, once we arrive in Punta Cana, we use support transportation to drop clients off at their respective hotels, as two buses are not enough to cover all destinations. Thank you.

via Viator

Great time very well...

Great time very well spent good vibes a load of fun. I went solo and still enjoyed it as if I had someone with me

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are very happy to know you had a "great time" and enjoyed "good vibes and lots of fun" on your Saona Island excursion with us. It is especially rewarding to hear that, even though you traveled solo, you had as good a time as if you had come with company. Our goal is to create a welcoming and unforgettable atmosphere for all our travelers, whether they come in a group, as a couple, or alone. We hope to welcome you back on another one of our adventures. See you soon!

via Viator

Amazing tour attraction

Saona Island is absolutely beautiful! It’s one of those places that really lives up to the attraction and stays with you long after you leave. The water is unbelievably clear and the beach is quiet and relaxing.

via Tripadvisor

Wonderful Experience

All I have to say is beautiful clear blue sea water. Good experience for couples,friends, families or even solo. They also take to a natural pool No Regrets.

via Tripadvisor

A Slice of Caribbean Paradise That Exceeded All Expectations!

If you're looking for heaven on earth, let me tell you: it exists, and it's called Isla Saona. My excursion to this corner of the Dominican Republic wasn't just a trip; it was an experience forever etched in my memory. The magic began at dawn. The journey by catamaran (with bachata music in the background!) offered views of turquoise water I thought only existed in postcards. The sea breeze and the group's excitement created a vibrant, joyful atmosphere, perfectly capturing the Dominican spirit. The moment I stepped onto the island's fine, white sand, I felt like I'd walked into a dream. Palm trees swayed over hammocks inviting you to relax, and the sea… the sea was a natural swimming pool of warm, crystal-clear water! Being able to walk meters into the ocean and still see my feet on the sandy bottom was surreal. The excursion included a delicious buffet lunch with authentic Creole flavors, which we enjoyed at a table right by the water. The moment with the grilled lobster, freshly caught, was an absolute treat for the palate. But without a doubt, one of the highlights was the stop at the Natural Pool. Standing chest-deep in that water, surrounded by hundreds of starfish, was a unique connection with nature. A spectacle of biodiversity that makes you feel like a privileged witness. The staff was exceptional: attentive, fun, and always smiling, making us feel right at home. The organization was impeccable, allowing us to relax and enjoy without a single worry.

via Tripadvisor