SAONA ISLAND BY SPEEDBOAT – AFFORDABLE GETAWAY
Experience Saona Like Never Before – Small Group Tour from Bayahibe & Punta Cana
Explore Saona Island, the jewel of Cotubanamá National Park, on a speedboat tour from Bayahibe or Punta Cana. Enjoy an exclusive small-group experience away from the crowds. Discover paradise beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling, and a swim in a stunning natural pool — a perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and authentic Caribbean charm.
$US99
Heading to Saona: History, Nature & Snorkeling Before the Paradise Island
After an early 8:30 a.m. departure from Bayahibe, our speedboat heads to Saona Island for a peaceful and scenic crossing filled with discovery. Leaving early allows us to avoid the crowds and reach the best spots before the large catamarans arrive, giving you time to truly enjoy the beauty of the island in serenity.
With a small group of up to 24 guests, the atmosphere remains friendly and personalized, far from mass tourism.
Along the way, admire the panoramic view of El Peñón, a majestic limestone cliff steeped in history and once a spiritual refuge of the Taíno people, the island’s first inhabitants. The speedboat then follows the coast of the Cotubanamá National Park, gliding past protected mangroves, home to turtles, colorful fish, and seabirds.
Your English speaking guide will share fascinating insights about this unique ecosystem before a snorkeling stop at Catuano. Equipped with fins, mask, and snorkel, you’ll swim among tropical fish in a natural aquarium, the perfect warm-up before reaching Saona’s paradise beaches.
Exclusive Saona Island Stop: Private Beach, Welcome Drink & Beachfront Lunch
Around 11:00 a.m., our speedboat arrives at Saona Island. We’ll start with a short 10-minute walk through a coconut grove to reach our private beach area, exclusively reserved for our company, a true paradise far from mass tourism.
Thanks to our early morning departure from Bayahibe, we’re among the first to arrive on Saona.
Here, there are no crowds, no loud music, just the sound of the waves, the rustling palms, and the turquoise sea stretching to the horizon.
Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome aperitif right on the sand: chips, mini pizzas bananas, served with a beach open bar offering rum, beer, and soft drinks. Relax and savor this moment in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Around 1:30 p.m, it’s time for a traditional Dominican lunch, prepared exclusively for our small group of privileged guests. Enjoy grilled fish and chicken, fragrant rice, fresh salads, local vegetables, and tropical fruits. There’s no shared buffet with hundreds of tourists, everything is served directly on our private beach, in a calm and authentic setting.
After lunch, take some time to swim, unwind, or simply admire the view before we set off around 2:30 p.m. toward the natural pool, one of the highlights of the day — a magical Caribbean experience reserved for those who choose the Saona speedboat tour from Bayahibe or Punta Cana.
The Hidden Natural Pool: Swim with Starfish in Crystal Waters
Around 2:30 p.m., we leave our private beach on Saona Island for a short 20-minute speedboat ride to the famous Natural Pool. This shallow turquoise lagoon is a true Caribbean gem, home to countless starfish and offering crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
What makes this stop so special is our exclusive, secluded location, far from the crowded areas visited by other tours, a secret spot known only to our guests.
With mask and snorkel in hand, dive into this natural aquarium, or simply relax in the warm, waist-deep waters while enjoying a floating aperitif, a rare and magical experience where the Caribbean Sea itself becomes your lounge.
Between marine exploration and the simple pleasure of floating in paradise, this stop is the perfect finale to a day filled with discovery and relaxation, a truly unforgettable moment surrounded by the beauty of Saona Island and its pristine surroundings.
What Makes Our Saona Island Speedboat Trip Unique?
Choosing our Saona Island excursion means opting for an exclusive, intimate, and perfectly organized experience. Here’s why travelers love it:
✔️ Small Group – Maximum 24 Guests
Enjoy a friendly, personalized atmosphere, far from the crowds and mass tours. With fewer people on board, you’ll have more space, comfort, and personal attention throughout the day.
✔️ Early Departure & Fast Speedboat Navigation
By leaving early and traveling by speedboat, you save time at every stop, giving you more opportunities to enjoy the beach, panoramic views, and snorkeling before the larger catamarans arrive.
✔️ Three Hours on a Private Beach
Thanks to our small group size and faster travel time, you’ll spend around three full hours relaxing on our exclusive private beach, far from the crowded tourist zones.
✔️ Private Buffet & Traditional Dominican Lunch
Unlike standard excursions where hundreds of people share a buffet, here everything is prepared just for your group: grilled fish and chicken, rice, salads, and fresh tropical fruits, all served right on our private beach.
✔️ Immersive & Cultural Experience
Learn about the Taíno heritage, explore protected mangroves, and observe the local wildlife in a pristine natural environment, a journey combining nature, culture, and relaxation.
✔️ Excellent Value for Money
With a private beach, authentic Dominican meal, aperitif, snorkeling stop, and bilingual guide, this tour offers a complete, premium experience at a very competitive price, the best way to enjoy Saona Island without the crowds.
Saona Island Speedboat Tour from Punta Cana, La Romana & Santo Domingo
Set off to discover the breathtaking Saona Island aboard a speedboat departing from the port of Bayahibe, a strategic location close to the main tourist areas of the Dominican Republic. This departure point offers easy and quick access, no matter where you’re staying.
From Punta Cana, plan about one hour’s drive to reach Bayahibe. From La Romana, the transfer is shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re traveling from Santo Domingo, the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before boarding.
Our team can also arrange your round-trip transfer (with a variable supplement depending on your hotel) to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. When booking, simply share your accommodation details, whether you’re staying in a hotel, villa, or resort, we take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your day from start to finish.
Availability
Wednesday
Duration
Full Day
Pick-up from hotels begins at 7:00 a.m., depending on your location. You’ll receive your exact pick-up time upon confirmation.
Included
- Exclusive Speedboat Experience – Limited to 24 Guests
- Free Hotel Pick-Up in the Dominicus / Bayahibe Area
- Aperitif Snack on the Beach and Sweet Break at the Natural Pool
- Exclusive Private Beach Spot
- Private Buffet-Style Lunch on the Beach
- Open Bar – Soft Drinks, Beer & Rum
- Snorkeling Gear
- Guide
- National Park Fees
Not Included
- Hotel pick-up from Punta Cana, La Romana or Santo Domingo available with an extra charge
- Souvenirs, beach massages and gratuities
- Optional lobster upgrade (available outside the breeding season – March 1st to June 30th) – US$40 per person → version fluide
*To confirm your reservation, a PayPal deposit is required. The balance can be paid in cash (EUR, USD, or DOP) on the day of the tour.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How long does the Saona Island excursion last from Punta Cana, La Romana or Santo Domingo?
The tour duration is more or less 8 hours from Bayahibe.
From Punta Cana, pick up are around 7am and return around 6pm.
From La Romana,pick up starts at 7.45am and return around 5.30pm, and from Santo Domingo, approximately pick up starts at 6am and return at 7pm.
The full-day excursion allows you to enjoy a complete experience with multiple stops, beach time, and lunch on Saona.
What’s the difference between a speedboat and a catamaran to Saona Island?
Both offer beautiful ways to reach the island, but the experience is different.
The speedboat is faster, allowing you to spend more time on the beach, snorkeling, and swimming.
The catamaran offers a longer, smoother navigation, ideal for travelers who enjoy sailing and relaxing at sea.
Our speedboat tour is perfect if you prefer more time on Saona and fewer crowds.
Is the speedboat excursion safe and suitable for children or people prone to seasickness?
Yes. Our boats are equipped with life jackets for everyone, and our experienced captains ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Because the journey is shorter than a catamaran trip, it’s also better suited for children and those who are sensitive to motion sickness.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing:
Swimwear and a towel
Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
Sunglasses and a hat
Flip-flops or water shoes
Cash for souvenirs, massages, or tips
A waterproof phone case or camera for photos
What are the conditions for joining the excursion?
The tour is open to everyone aged 3 and over.
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems or severe medical conditions.
We strive to offer a comfortable and safe experience for all guests.
What kind of meals and drinks are included?
Enjoy a private buffet-style Dominican lunch on our exclusive beach, featuring grilled fish and chicken, rice, salads, and fresh tropical fruits.
An open bar is available throughout the day, offering soft drinks, beer, and Dominican rum.
A snack aperitif is also served on the beach and later at the natural pool stop.
Can I be picked up directly from my hotel, or do I need to go to Bayahibe?
If you’re staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus, pick-up is free.
For hotels in Punta Cana, La Romana, or Santo Domingo, transfers are available with an additional cost.
We’ll confirm your exact pick-up time when you book.
Why choose our Saona Island excursion over others?
Our tour offers a small-group experience (maximum 24 guests), early departure to avoid crowds, and access to a private beach area reserved only for our company.
You’ll enjoy a more authentic, relaxing experience, far from the mass tours and noisy catamarans, with a bilingual guide and personalized service.
How do booking and payment work?
To confirm your reservation, we require a deposit via PayPal.
The remaining balance is paid in cash (EUR, USD, or DOP) on the day of the excursion.
You’ll receive a confirmation email with all details upon booking.
Is the excursion maintained in case of bad weather?
Your safety is our priority. In case of bad weather or rough seas, the excursion may be postponed to another date or fully refunded if rescheduling isn’t possible.
We always inform our guests as early as possible in such cases.