Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon worth booking?
Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon is a 12-hour experience in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from $43 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (27)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $43 per person
This selection also includes a visit to Alto Chavón. Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a Mediterranean-style European village located on the Chavón River in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is the most popular attraction in the city and houses a cultural center, an archaeological museum and an amphitheatre.
What you get
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
This selection also includes a visit to Alto Chavón. Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a Mediterranean-style European village located on the Chavón River in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is the most popular attraction in the city and houses a cultural center, an archaeological museum and an amphitheatre.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Sunscreen, sun glasses
What you'll see and do
The full-day excursion to Isla Saona departs from Bayahibe by Speedboat or Catamaran, making a stop near El Peñón, coral rocks that were below sea level thousands of years ago and now protected as part of the National Park from the east.
Pass by without stopping
Altos de Chavon
This selection also includes a visit to Alto Chavón. Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a Mediterranean-style European village located on the Chavón River in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is the most popular attraction in the city and houses a cultural center, an archaeological museum and an amphitheatre. You will also enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the local habitat. We will make a stop at the Natural Pool so you can enjoy a swim or simply relax with a drink of rum, soft drinks or water. We continue the trip to the Caturano Channel, where you can see mangroves, the separation of the Spanish and Saona islands, as well as the confluence between the Caribbean Sea and the Ocean.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Punta Cana
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DR Day Trips
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
HONEYMOONERS
We enjoyed our trip to Saona Island and to the Altos de Chavon plus the visit to MACAO beach. The trip on the catamaran was marvelous.
via Tripadvisor
All day samona island
This trip was awesome, I would recommend to anyone travelling to the Dominican Republic. Carlos Jr. Was a good driver to and from the boats!.
via Tripadvisor
Don't take this tour, is disappointing
Initially, the tour was supposed to include Alto de Chavón, but it was canceled because the group did not reach full capacity. I planned to request a full refund, but the guide contacted me via WhatsApp and convinced me to continue with the tour without Alto de Chavón, offering professional photos included instead. I agreed and decided to go. However, the experience quickly became disappointing. After being picked up, we arrived at the dock where we were supposed to take the boat to La Palmilla, but we were forced to wait between one and one and a half hours inside the car because one person was late. This was extremely frustrating and poorly managed. We were not informed or given any alternative while waiting. Once we arrived at La Palmilla, the experience improved slightly. The guide took photos as promised, but there was an uncomfortable situation when he suddenly asked me to pay $100 for the pictures, which is even more than the total cost of the tour. I had to explain that the photos were included in my package. He eventually agreed, but the fact that he even asked for that amount was very unprofessional and embarrassing. When we arrived at Saona Island, the tour advertised an “extraordinary buffet,” but the food was very basic, just spaghetti, chicken, and beef. Because of the large number of people, I was not allowed to get more food, and it ran out quickly. I was left hungry, which was very disappointing given how the buffet was promoted. The worst part was that Saona Island was supposed to be the main attraction, yet we barely had any time there. After waiting about five minutes, going into the water, and swimming for just a few minutes, we were told it was already time to leave and get on the catamaran. We basically had no time to enjoy the beach at all. Additionally, the tour advertised free drinks on the catamaran, but the only option available was rum with Coke—nothing else. Overall, this tour was poorly organized, misleading, and disappointing. Between the long waits, lack of transparency, rushed schedule, and unmet promises, I do not recommend this trip at all.
Response from the operator: Dear Sergio, On behalf of dr day trips, I sincerely thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent excursion with us. We deeply regret that your experience did not meet the expectations we strive to offer all our visitors. Viator Operator Resource Center Viator Operator Resource Center +2 We have taken note of each of the points raised in your review and would like to address your concerns responsibly: Logistics and Wait Times: We acknowledge that the extended wait at the pier was unacceptable. We are reviewing our departure protocols to ensure that individual delays do not affect the group experience. Staff Conduct and Photos: We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding regarding the photo package. The attempt to charge for a service that was already offered complimentary is a serious breach of our professional ethics, and we have initiated the corresponding internal corrective measures. Service Quality (Buffet and Drinks): We regret that the food offerings were insufficient. Your feedback regarding the variety and availability of food and beverages has been shared with our catering team for immediate improvement. Itinerary Management: We understand your frustration with the limited time on the island. We are evaluating the allocation of time on our routes to ensure you have adequate time to enjoy the main attractions. Sincerely, Carlos Herrera, Managing Director of Dr daybtrips
via Tripadvisor
Nice trip
Nice trip i love it . People is so friendly . I think that i come bake again . The fotographer Petion is so profesional. He took nices pictures
via Tripadvisor
Saona island
We were delighted to visit Saona Island; we had an unforgettable experience. We spent half an hour in the natural pool before arriving on Saona, enjoying the crystal-clear water. Then we sailed to Saona to enjoy the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic. It was so much fun going to Saona Island; we'll be back soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $43 to $85
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Punta Cana.
How much does Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon cost?
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Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Punta Cana usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Punta Cana is not rushed.
Is Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Punta Cana, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Punta Cana can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Punta Cana and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Punta Cana within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Punta Cana?
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On Outty we rank every Punta Cana experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Punta Cana Zipline - 8 lines and a suspenseful hanging bridge, Buggy Excursion to Macau Beach and Natural Cave, Small Group Buggy Tour to Water Cave and Macao Beach. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Punta Cana?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Punta Cana?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon?
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Included: Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Sunscreen, sun glasses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 160 listed pickup locations in and around Punta Cana. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Full Day Tour to Isla Saona and Altos de Chavon?
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Across 27 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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