From Santo Domingo: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch

Planning a getaway that combines stunning scenery, a taste of Dominican culture, and a dash of adventure? A trip to Saona Island from Santo Domingo ticks all those boxes. This full-day excursion offers a chance to escape the city buzz and enjoy some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. While some travelers find this tour to be a fantastic value with breathtaking views, others mention areas for improvement — like the return journey and facilities.

What we love about this experience is the ease of transportation, the all-inclusive vibe with unlimited drinks and buffet lunch, and the opportunity to relax on pristine beaches. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the double boat transfer, which may be inconvenient if you’re sensitive to wet clothes or lack a change of clothes.

This tour is perfect for anyone wanting a day of scenic sailing, beach lounging, and good food, especially if you’re short on time but craving a taste of island paradise. Now, let’s go through what makes this trip worth considering and what you might want to keep in mind.

Good To Know

• Comfortable transportation combines speedboats and spacious catamarans for a smooth experience.
• All-inclusive drinks and buffet lunch offer great value and convenience on the island.
• Stunning beaches and crystal waters make for memorable photo ops and relaxing swim sessions.
• Some logistical inconveniences like multiple boat transfers and lack of showers are worth noting.
• Flexible cancellation policies provide peace of mind for booking.
• Experienced guides speak multiple languages, making communication easier for diverse groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Saona Island Day Trip

This tour is designed as a full-day escape, starting from the vibrant city of Santo Domingo. You’ll be picked up early, heading toward the meeting point near Pizzarelli, where you’ll board your transfer. From there, the journey to Saona Island takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the boat and group size.

The Journey: Speedy to Scenic

The tour kicks off with a fast and fun speedboat ride across the water — a highlight for many. This part of the trip is lively, often accompanied by music, and offers a chance to enjoy the sea breeze. You’ll love how efficiently the transfer gets you out of the city and into the open waters, with plenty of chances for photos along the way.

Once you arrive at Saona Island, the real relaxation begins. The island itself is famed for its crystal-clear waters and wild, untouched vegetation. Expect a setting that feels authentic and relatively untouched by mass tourism, perfect for unwinding on the beach or taking a dip in the inviting waters.

The Beach Experience

At Saona, you’ll find beaches with soft white sand and warm, shallow waters, ideal for swimming and floating above the reef. According to reviews, the scenery is truly spectacular — “the beaches are really beautiful,” notes one traveler. The environment is laid-back, with plenty of space to stretch out, read, or simply soak up the sun.

The Lunch: A Tasty Break

A key part of this tour is the buffet lunch, included in the price. Expect a delicious spread that allows you to refuel after your morning of travel and beach time. Reviews mention the food is “very rich,” a sign that it hits the spot without being overly fancy or complicated.

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The Return Journey: Relaxed and Musical

For the return trip, you’ll switch to a spacious catamaran, which offers a more relaxed vibe. This part of the day is typically accompanied by music and an open bar with unlimited drinks, making the sail back a highlight in itself. You can sip cocktails or soft drinks while enjoying the views and the rhythm of the waves, which many find to be a perfect way to wind down.

The Logistics and Practicalities

Meeting Point & Timing: Arrive 10 minutes early at the designated spot near Pizzarelli at the coordinates 18.473539352416992, -69.8840103149414. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Duration: The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each part of the day.

Transportation: The tour includes a transfer from Santo Domingo, with guides speaking Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian. The multilingual guides are helpful for understanding the itinerary and making the most of your day.

What to Bring: Pack sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable to protect marine life), comfortable clothes, and a reusable water bottle.

Facilities & Comfort: Some reviewers mentioned the absence of showers or changing facilities at Bayahibe, which could be inconvenient after swimming. Bringing a dry change of clothes and a towel can help.

Cancellation & Payment: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

While many find the tour enjoyable, some feedback is worth noting. One traveler from the U.S. rated the experience a 3/5, citing that it “was not worth it” and was frustrated with the cost difference compared to local companies. This highlights the importance of comparing prices and understanding what is included.

Conversely, a traveler from Mexico rated it 5/5, enjoying “spectacular” landscapes and tasty food. They did mention that having to switch boats twice and returning with wet clothes was a minor inconvenience, emphasizing the need for a change of dry clothes.

Another review pointed out the lack of showers or changing facilities at the return, which can make the day less comfortable if you prefer fresh clothes after swimming. Bringing extra clothes and towels is advisable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip appeals most to travelers who value scenic sailing, beautiful beaches, and a hassle-free day of relaxation. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy social atmospheres with music and open bars, and are happy to deal with some logistical quirks like multiple boat transfers.

If you’re on a budget, comparison shopping might be necessary, as some reviews note the price difference with local operators. It’s also an excellent choice for first-timers to the Dominican Republic wanting a structured, all-inclusive day that balances adventure with comfort.

Final Thoughts

The From Santo Domingo: Saona Island Day Trip with Lunch offers a solid mix of stunning scenery, culture, and fun. The crystal-clear waters and soft beaches are a definite highlight, making it a great day out for those seeking natural beauty. The all-inclusive drinks and buffet lunch add value, especially for travelers who want to relax without worrying about extra costs.

While the double boat transfer and lack of shower facilities may be minor inconveniences, they shouldn’t overshadow the overall charm of the experience. The tour’s ability to deliver beautiful views, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a worthwhile option for most visitors, especially if you’re new to the island and want an effortless way to tick Saona off your list.

This trip is best for relaxing beach lovers, social travelers, and those seeking a day of scenic sailing. Its combination of comfort, adventure, and natural beauty is sure to create memorable moments without breaking the bank.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The full experience lasts around 8 hours, including transportation, boat rides, and leisure time on the island.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes transportation from Santo Domingo, all boat rides, an open bar, and a buffet lunch.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
No, the open bar provides unlimited drinks during the return sail, but bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages is fine too.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking on the beach, swimwear, and a towel are recommended.

Is there a guide on the tour?
Yes, guides speak multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

Are there any facilities on the island?
The tour does not specify showers or changing rooms, so plan accordingly.

Is there a recommended age or group size?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but expect a group setting with potentially mixed age ranges.

What quality is the food?
The buffet is described as “very rich,” indicating a tasty and satisfying meal.

What should I bring to ensure comfort?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a dry change of clothes, and plenty of water are key.

To sum it up, this trip offers a well-balanced adventure combining natural beauty, comfort, and fun. It’s particularly suited for those wanting a straightforward, enjoyable day on the water with plenty of opportunities to relax and take photos. Just prepare for the boat transfers and bring some extra clothes if you want to stay comfortable after swimming.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby