Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar

Outty Ranking 62 4.5 · 10 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $89
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar worth booking?

Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar is a 12-hour experience in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from $89 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (10)
Duration
12 hours
From
$89 per person

Join us for an unforgettable full-day adventure to Saona Island, ideal for families and couples! Your experience begins with convenient hotel pickup in a comfortable minivan, followed by a transfer to a meeting point. From there, you’ll board a bus to Bayahibe, where your speedboat awaits. Your first stop is at a stunning natural pool with crystal-clear waters, where you can enjoy drinks from our open bar, available throughout the tour. Next, we’ll head to Saona Island, where you’ll have your own table to savor a delicious paella lunch. You'll also have the chance to snorkel and discover the vibrant marine life or simply unwind on the beach with a cocktail. At the end of the day, you’ll follow the same transportation process as the beginning, returning to Bayahibe before heading back to your hotel on the bus. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity—book your tour to Saona Island today!

What you get

    About this experience

    Join us for an unforgettable full-day adventure to Saona Island, ideal for families and couples! Your experience begins with convenient hotel pickup in a comfortable minivan, followed by a transfer to a meeting point. From there, you’ll board a bus to Bayahibe, where your speedboat awaits. Your first stop is at a stunning natural pool with crystal-clear waters, where you can enjoy drinks from our open bar, available throughout the tour. Next, we’ll head to Saona Island, where you’ll have your own table to savor a delicious paella lunch. You'll also have the chance to snorkel and discover the vibrant marine life or simply unwind on the beach with a cocktail. At the end of the day, you’ll follow the same transportation process as the beginning, returning to Bayahibe before heading back to your hotel on the bus. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity—book your tour to Saona Island today!

    What's included

    Included

    • Roundtrip Transport From Your Hotel
    • Beachside Lunch with Paella and your Own Table
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Domestic Open Bar (Rum, Beer, Soda, Mojito, Rum Punch, Water)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Souvenirs and Photos

    What you'll see and do

    1. Bayahibe

      Here is where you will board your boat after being picked up from your hotel for an unforgettable journey to the stunning Palmilla Natural Pool, followed by a visit to Saona Island.

      120 minutes here

    2. The Palmilla Natural Pool, located near Saona Island, is a breathtaking oasis known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy bottom. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and stunning views, this tranquil spot is perfect for swimming and relaxation. The natural pool is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy refreshing cocktails from nearby bars while soaking up the sun in this serene Caribbean paradise, creating unforgettable memories in a picturesque setting.

      30 minutes here

    3. Saona Island, part of the East National Park in the Dominican Republic, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush palm trees. This idyllic island boasts pristine natural pools and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and relaxing under the sun. With its unspoiled beauty, Saona Island offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in a serene, picturesque environment. A true gem of the Caribbean!

      180 minutes here

    4. Bayahibe

      At the end of your tour, you'll board the bus for a comfortable return to your hotel.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Xcape Tours

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, photo 2Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, photo 3Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, photo 4Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, photo 5Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, photo 6Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar in Punta Cana, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

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

    Organization

    4 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    carlospW3601WK · June 2026

    Amazing experience

    Amazing tour! Definitely worth it! We will be back one day to do this again.

    via Tripadvisor

    aaliyah_p · March 2026

    Not good, spent most of...

    Not good, spent most of the time transporting different vehicles and waiting around. only had 1 hour at the actual island and we were told 1.5 but then an hour in the boat tried to leave without us and we had to practically swim to the boat through a forest of seaweed. we got back home 1 hour later than we were told. food was mid, drinks didn’t get us any level of drunk. only redeeming part was the views and the fact i went thru it with my friend lol

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’re sorry to hear that parts of the excursion did not meet your expectations. The itinerary is followed as outlined prior to booking, and the experience includes both land and maritime transportation, as Saona Island is located outside of Punta Cana. Travel time is an essential part of reaching such a beautiful destination and is reflected in the overall schedule. Saona Island time is carefully planned within the day’s logistics, though minor adjustments can occasionally happen due to operational or environmental factors. We understand how important timing is and regret if this impacted your experience. Our excursion includes an open bar throughout the trip; however, we maintain responsible service practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests. The goal is a fun, relaxed atmosphere—not a race to see who can forget the ride home. We’re glad you were able to enjoy the views and share the experience with your friend—those moments are what make the journey worthwhile. We also encourage reviewing the full tour details in advance so expectations align with the structure of the experience. Thank you again for your feedback and we hope to welcome you again on one of our experiences

    via Viator

    linda_R · July 2025

    Brush up on your Spanish or end up on the wrong bus

    They should be aware that there are several changes in transportation and that the drivers do not communicate in English.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. As stated in the tour description, the experience includes multiple transportation changes to minimize the time it takes to pick all guests from hotels and the transfer drivers generally do not speak English. However, our office staff stays in constant communication with guests throughout the entire process to ensure everything runs smoothly. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts as it helps us continue improving.

    via Viator

    Voyage47346955792 · June 2025

    Visit Saona right now!!!

    The trip was very good, the units met their goal in time of departure and arrival !! The weather in Saône was regular as it started raining early but enjoyed the trip

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    259luanal · June 2025

    Great experience

    It was an amazing experience. Pretty well organized and the place is a paradise! Stunning blue sea and warm water. I would definitely return

    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
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Xcape Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.0.

    See everything Xcape Tours runs

    Why this scores 62

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)66
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)27
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)48
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Punta Cana.

    How much does Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar cost?

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    Prices start at $89 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 Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar 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 Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 10 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 Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar?

    +

    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 Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar?

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    Around 4 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?

    +

    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 Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar?

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    Included: Roundtrip Transport From Your Hotel; Beachside Lunch with Paella and your Own Table; All Fees and Taxes; and Domestic Open Bar (Rum, Beer, Soda, Mojito, Rum Punch, Water). Not included: Gratuities; and Souvenirs and Photos. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 167 listed pickup locations in and around Punta Cana. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Saona Island Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English 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 Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar?

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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 Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Tour with Buffet Lunch, Paella, & Open Bar?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, organization, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

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