Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana

Outty Ranking 69 4.2 · 145 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $45

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$45
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 145 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana worth booking?

Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana is a 8-hour experience in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, from $45 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 145 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (145)
Duration
8 hours
From
$45 per person

Pure relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island from Bayahibe. Saona Island is all swaying palm trees, white soft sands and crystal clear waters. In other words, it’s what a desert island is supposed to lo

What you get

    About this experience

    Pure relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island from Bayahibe. Saona Island is all swaying palm trees, white soft sands and crystal clear waters. In other words, it’s what a desert island is supposed to look like. You’ll be whisked over for free time and lunch. Stroll along its palm-fringed beach, take a dip in the largest natural pool in the Caribbean and have a tropical buffet lunch by the sea. Then hop aboard our speedboat to head back to Bayahibe in no time.

    What's included

    Included

    • National park entrance fees
    • Catamaran cruise to Saona Island with swim stops
    • Speedboat ride back to shores
    • Lunch
    • Roundtrip transportation from Punta Cana or Bayahibe hotels

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Destination Services Dominican Republic

      Saona Island is all swaying palm trees, white soft sands and crystal clear waters. In other words, it’s what a desert island is supposed to look like. You’ll be whisked over for free time and lunch. Stroll along its palm-fringed beach, take a dip in the largest natural pool in the Caribbean and have a tropical buffet lunch by the sea. Then hop aboard our speedboat to head back to Bayahibe in no time.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Punta Cana Excursions & Tours

      Free time in Saona Caribbean’s largest natural pool Catamaran & Fast Boat

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 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
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Destination Services Dominican Republic

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • You must be 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol
    • The activity start time excludes pickup times. Please contact your Concierge for the exact pick-up time
    • You will receive confirmation of your exact tour departure time at your hotel or through the number provided
    • Bring bathing gear, sunblock, a towel and a hat
    • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility

    Photos

    Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana in Puerto Plata, photo 2Discover Saona Island Catamaran CruiseSaona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana in Puerto Plata, photo 4Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana in Puerto Plata, photo 5Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana in Puerto Plata, photo 6Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana in Puerto Plata, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 145 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    4 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.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    145 verified traveler reviews for Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    98
    4 star
    13
    3 star
    10
    2 star
    7
    1 star
    17
    Sort
    Marq_H · February 2026

    Awesome!

    Very scenic , I believe we saw a whale! Boat staff was very helpful in the island was amazing!!!!!!!!

    via Viator

    Kent A · July 2025

    SAVE YOUR MONEY … STAY AT YOUR RESORT

    DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY. You start off in a boat that is not very clean, then you motor about 100 yards into the busy harbor where you jump off and snorkel while other boats are going close by. Then on your way they give you the “lunch” which consists of sandwich bread with a thin slice of “mystery meat” and cheese which is sitting in trays (UNREFRIGERATED) in the boat for who knows how long, with the ocean salt spray all over them. Next they hand you cubes of cheese and mystery meat that has also been in trays unrefrigerated in the 90+ degree heat. We flat refused to eat as it was disgusting. The boat ride to the island was miserable with ocean spray dousing everyone constantly. When you make it to the island the “bar” with unlimited drinks is extremely limited to mostly beer and rum & coke served in Dixie cups. To get one full beer you’d have to go back 3-4 times for constant refills. The food was subpar and this was supposed to be a “PREMIUM PACKAGE”. The catamaran ride back was painfully slow and not safe as you’re forced to sit along the slim rails and there are no life jackets. Again they tried serving the same sandwiches and cheese cubes. Take into account the catamaran had been sitting at the island for hours before we got on to head back… no doubt the unrefrigerated food had been basting in the heat for 6+ hours. On the return tour bus trip you’re hijacked to a nasty roadside souvenir place with horrible restroom facilities and cheap junky merchandise that is worthless. The island is beautiful but the trip to and from just isn’t worth it and… it takes up your entire day.

    via Tripadvisor

    john_r · June 2025

    We had an awesome time on...

    We had an awesome time on the island swimming and just enjoying the sun with our family. The kids had a blast on both boat rides.

    via Viator

    Sarah_O · November 2024

    Not worth it

    Time under was not long enough. I feel like it was to expensive for about 7 minutes under water and I didn’t even get to go all the way down and see the corals. Never again

    Response from the operator: Dear Valued guest, Thank you for your feedback and the time you have dedicated to write it. We are sorry to hear that this service did not meet your expectations and needs. Nevertheless, your comments really matter to our local team to improve the quality's standard service by applying the appropriate corrective actions. Kind regards, Customer Service Team

    via Viator

    Cara_L · April 2024

    Excellent day trip from Punta Cana

    We had an amazing time on our day long excursion. The weather was hot, the water was warm, and the staff on the boats were super fun. I'd highly recommend seeing this beautiful part of DR!

    Response from the operator: Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and we are glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $45 to $90
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    51
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 69

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)47
    Review evidence (18% weight)86
    Booking momentum (14% weight)84
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puerto Plata.

    How much does Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana cost?

    +

    Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puerto Plata 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 Lunch from Punta Cana take?

    +

    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 Puerto Plata is not rushed.

    Is Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 145 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Puerto Plata, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana?

    +

    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 Lunch from Punta Cana 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 Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana?

    +

    Around 51 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 Puerto Plata 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 Puerto Plata and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Saona Island Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Punta Cana start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puerto Plata 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 Puerto Plata?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Puerto Plata experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Monkeyland and Zipline Adventure from Puerto Plata, Monkeyland Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata Highlights City Tours from amber cove and Taino bay. 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 Puerto Plata?

    +

    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 Puerto Plata?

    +

    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.

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