Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romana, Dominican Republic
La Romana, Dominican Republic

Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group

Outty Ranking 75 4.8 · 38 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $135
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 38 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group worth booking?

Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group is a 8-hour experience in La Romana, Dominican Republic, from $135 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 38 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (38)
Duration
8 hours
From
$135 per person

Discover Saona Island, a natural jewel of the Dominican Republic, Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and endless palm trees, only accessible by boat, far from mass tourism. Embark on a friendly day trip in a small group, accompanied by a English-speaking guide. We board the catamaran sailing boat around 9am and then go at the snorkeling place of Catuano, where, you will discover a lot of tropical fishes, where you will be accompanied by our guide Quetzal, certified diving instructor! After snorkeling we will enjoy one of the most gorgeous, turquoise-water, white-sand beach of Dominican Republic for 3 hours. In this preserved spot, far from the crowds, a simple yet tasty meal will be served directly on the beach, in a warm and laid-back atmosphere, with your feet in the sand. Then we will head to the natural pool of Las Palmillas, is a magical secluded place with the clearest of waters where you can see starfishes.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover Saona Island, a natural jewel of the Dominican Republic, Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and endless palm trees, only accessible by boat, far from mass tourism. Embark on a friendly day trip in a small group, accompanied by a English-speaking guide. We board the catamaran sailing boat around 9am and then go at the snorkeling place of Catuano, where, you will discover a lot of tropical fishes, where you will be accompanied by our guide Quetzal, certified diving instructor! After snorkeling we will enjoy one of the most gorgeous, turquoise-water, white-sand beach of Dominican Republic for 3 hours. In this preserved spot, far from the crowds, a simple yet tasty meal will be served directly on the beach, in a warm and laid-back atmosphere, with your feet in the sand. Then we will head to the natural pool of Las Palmillas, is a magical secluded place with the clearest of waters where you can see starfishes.

    What's included

    Included

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Lunch
    • Use of snorkeling equipment
    • Pick up from Bayahibe / Dominicus
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Pick up from La Romana / Punta Cana or Santo Domingo
    • Lobster option - Please ask us when booking

    What you'll see and do

    1. Bayahibe

      We will receive you at Bayahibe to board the catamaran

      30 minutes here

    2. After 1 hour navigation we will stop to the snorkeling place, at Saona island. Your guide will show you all type of tropical fishes we can have like stingray, lobster, puffer fish...

      45 minutes here

    3. Punta Cana Excursions & Tours

      You will enjoy an amazing beach with white sand, blue water... We will take advantage of a place away from the tourist crowds... here, walk on the beach, swim, sunbathe or take a drink... you decide, we adapt to your rhythm! Lunch will be served at the beach, in a private area for our company. You will enjoy about 3 hours of tranquility. Swimming, relaxing, walking along the shore—an idyllic postcard setting far from the crowds.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Palmilla

      At 2.30pm we will board the boat to navigate to the natural swimming pool, located about thirty minutes from Saona. You will see amazing starfishes and enjoy a drink in the shallow water.

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    La Romana

    Plaza Roma #7 - close to CaribeExpress, in front of the main parking in Bayahibe

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Plaza Roma #7 - close to CaribeExpress, in front of the main parking in Bayahibe

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Thu
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Quetzal Catamaran Excursions - Saona & Catalina

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 1 hour - 1 hour &15 minutes to go to the first stop (Catuano)
    • 1 hour - 1 hour &15 minutes to go back at the end of the afternoon at Bayahibe
    • Navigation time: 30 minutes between Catuano and the beach / 30 minutes between the beach and las Palmillas

    Photos

    Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romana, photo 2Saona Island, Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romanaprivate buffet at the beach, Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romanalunch at the beach, Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romanastarfish at the natural pool, Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romananatural pool, Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group in La Romana

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 38 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Organization

    5 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    38 verified traveler reviews for Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    36
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    238katelynf · October 2026

    Doubt I will do it again

    I wanted to write an honest review. This was my second time doing this excursion. I wanted to bring my family along this year. 1. BEWARE OF SHARP ROCKS!! We were not warned that the start/end point was so rocky, we cut our feet trying to get on/off at this point of the tour. We requested they tell future visitors to bring water shoes. 2. WATCH OUT FOR PUSHY PHOTOGRAPHERS! we wanted some family photos during the sand bar portion of the tour, it was a great experience until we were told it would be close to $400 usd for our photos. My husband said we would get 5 photos for an agreed upon $12 per photo. They were not happy with us, but when they said no, we walked away and they changed their minds. Then our card for payment would not work. They said they would have us pay later in the day. As we were walking back to our resort shuttle 2 random big guys ran up to my husband demanding the payment, it was scary. They ended up charging us more than $60, we just wanted to get them out of our hair so we paid. 3. Tour is long! We were told it would be all day, however by hour 6, some guests on the island and then catamaran were sleeping or upset bc they did not feel well. It was alot in the direct sun all day. Hoping this helps future visitors.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback and for choosing us again. We’re sorry for these inconveniences. Please note that the photographers are independent providers and are not part of our company. We sincerely regret this experience and will also take your comments regarding the rocky access points and the duration of the excursion into account to help improve our guests’ experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    JessicaMarie_V · July 2026

    5 star!

    Everything about our trip is absolutely perfect. We recommend doing the small group tour with them. It was worth the price. Beautiful saona beach! Nice team!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that everything was perfect and that you enjoyed your day with us. Our goal is to offer a relaxed, high-quality experience in a genuine small group, and we're so happy you felt it was worth it. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you back to the Dominican Republic for another adventure in the future! Quetzal Team

    via Viator

    AMcCoy1234 · July 2026

    Would definitely do it again

    Catamaran trip was fun, food was good, the beach and snorkeling spot was good. Enjoyed meeting Jorge and his family from Argentina and Charlotte did a great job making sure that we enjoyed ourselves!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the catamaran trip, the snorkeling, the food, and the beautiful beach at Saona Island. Charlotte will be especially happy to read your kind words, and we're glad you had the chance to meet Jorge and his family. One of the things we love most about our small-group tours is bringing together travelers from different parts of the world in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the Dominican Republic! Quetzal Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Wheretogo36 · March 2026

    Amazing catamaran tour!!

    Fantastic family excursion to Isla Saona. We had a blast. The crew was amazing, helpful, and knowledgeable. Entire tour was well-organized - and the areas we visited were absolutely stunning. Lunch was great too. Highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your family had a fantastic time on Isla Saona. It’s great to know that our crew made your experience enjoyable, helpful, and informative. We’re glad you loved the stunning locations, the well-organized tour, and the lunch. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and it was a true pleasure having you on board. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable day soon! 🌴🐠

    via Tripadvisor

    Skelly1420 · February 2026

    Catamaran to Saona Island

    We just came back from Punta Cana. We chose Quetzal excursions for a catamaran excursion of Saona Island because of all the great reviews. They were right. Charlotte and the crew were fantastic. From the taxi , to the water taxis to and from the catamaran, everything was smooth and organized. They did not overcrowd us, took us to beautiful locations to snorkel and see starfish. It was relaxing and fun. And on top of it they served us a delicious lunch. Thank you for a great day!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that your day with Quetzal Excursions exceeded your expectations. It’s great to hear that Charlotte and the crew made everything smooth, from transportation to the catamaran, and that you enjoyed snorkeling, seeing starfish, and the beautiful locations. We’re also glad you enjoyed the lunch and the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and it was a true pleasure having you on board. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable day in the future! 🌴🐠

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Thu
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    13
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Quetzal Catamaran Excursions - Saona & Catalina, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Quetzal Catamaran Excursions - Saona & Catalina runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Romana.

    How much does Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group cost?

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    Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in La Romana usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group take?

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    Plan for about 8 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 La Romana is not rushed.

    Is Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 38 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in La Romana, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group?

    +

    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 Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group?

    +

    Around 13 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 La Romana 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?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in La Romana and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group 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 La Romana 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 La Romana?

    +

    On Outty we rank every La Romana experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour, Hip hop boat party punta cana live Dj & OPEN BAR soca dancehall, Saona Island small group and relax - luxury catamaran. 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 La Romana?

    +

    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 La Romana?

    +

    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 Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group?

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    Included: Alcoholic beverages; Carbonated beverages; Lunch; Use of snorkeling equipment; and Pick up from Bayahibe / Dominicus. Not included: Pick up from La Romana / Punta Cana or Santo Domingo; and Lobster option - Please ask us when booking. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 14 listed pickup locations in and around La Romana. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group offered in?

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    It is offered in English, 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 Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group?

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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.

    What happens to Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group 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 Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group?

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    Across 38 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, food and drink, photo opportunities. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Saona Island: Full-day Catamaran Tour - Small Group.

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