Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana – Discover a Caribbean Paradise Adventure
Last updated Thursday, May 8, 2025

Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana – Discover a Caribbean Paradise Adventure

🌴 Discover the Ultimate Private Experience at Saona Island from Punta Cana

You arrive at Punta Cana airport excited to live a unique experience: visiting that paradise island you've seen so many times on social media. That's how your tour to Saona Island with your favorite people begins with Punta Cana Transfer: an escape designed for those who want to experience it their way, without rigid schedules or crowds.

More than just an excursion, this is a full day of pure disconnection: turquoise sea, palm trees, starfish, and delicious Dominican food. Because Saona Island isn't just famous for its landscapes — it's about how it makes you feel: free, relaxed, and completely in paradise.

🏝️ Why does Saona Island keep captivating everyone who visits?

Located within Cotubanamá National Park in the province of La Altagracia, Dominican Republic, Saona Island is like a scene straight out of a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean. Here, the Caribbean Sea shows its full splendor: turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've found a hidden oasis.

During the tour, it’s common to spot sea turtles and tropical fish swimming near the boat, along with colorful coral reef formations. And of course, there’s the famous stop at the lagoon where hundreds of starfish live — one of the most magical moments of the day.

Saona Island isn’t just a beautiful beach. It's living nature, culture, and freedom, all in one place.

🚤 Private Tour vs Group Tour: The difference is bigger than you think

We know group tours can be fun — and yes, we offer those too. But if you value your time, peace, and control over your experience, a private tour is a whole different story:

  • Total Exclusivity: No sharing the space or waiting for other travelers.

  • You’re in Charge: Decide how long you want to stay in each spot, what you want to do, and how you want to live the experience.

  • Private Guide and Boat: Whether it's a motorboat or an elegant catamaran, it's all for you.

Plus, the experience includes a stop at Bayahibe, the charming fishing village where boats depart toward the island.

It’s your day. We just make it happen.

🌊 What’s included in the Saona Island tour?

✔ Transportation from your resort in Punta Cana or Bávaro in an air-conditioned bus.

✔ Ride in a private motorboat or catamaran, sailing along the beautiful Dominican coast.

✔ Snorkeling at coral reefs and calm-water areas.

✔ Stop at the natural swimming pool to see the famous starfish.

✔ Traditional Dominican lunch on the beach, featuring specialties like fresh fish, coconut rice, and an open bar with rum and coke.

✔ Unlimited drinks (water, sodas, and Dominican rum).

✔ Snorkeling equipment to explore the ocean.

✔ Access to a tiki bar on the beach where you can enjoy a Caribbean cocktail with your feet in the sand.

✔ Free time to relax in hammocks, swim, or stroll along the coast.

✔ Private crew and guide exclusively for your group.

✔ 100% personalized itinerary.

Catamaran sailing over the Caribbean Sea to Saona Island from Punta Cana – tropical adventure in Dominican Republic

📅 When is the best time to visit Saona Island?

You can visit Saona year-round thanks to the Dominican Republic’s tropical climate. However, the months between December and April are especially popular due to less rainfall, calmer seas, and cooler temperatures — perfect for enjoying the Caribbean at its best.


For those coming from places like the United Kingdom, Spain, or France, the European winter months are ideal to escape to the Caribbean and enjoy a warm, relaxing climate.

Remember to bring your sunscreen to protect your skin under the Caribbean sun.

🐠 Must-Do Activities at Saona Island

Besides relaxing on its beaches, Saona Island offers a variety of activities to enhance your experience:

  • Snorkeling at coral reefs: Dive into crystal-clear waters and swim among colorful fish, stingrays, and — if you're lucky — a sea turtle.

  • Visit to Mano Juan: A small village full of history, where you can learn about local turtle conservation efforts.

  • Starfish sanctuary: Be amazed by these creatures in their natural habitat.

  • Mangrove tour: Sail near the mangroves that surround parts of the island, a hidden ecosystem full of life.

And as part of its history, remember that Christopher Columbus was one of the first to explore these shores, and the area has seen both colonization and pirate tales throughout the centuries.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who can take this tour?

This tour is designed for everyone:

  • Couples looking for a romantic plan, sailing at sunset on a catamaran.

  • Families with young children enchanted by marine life.

  • Groups of friends seeking an unforgettable celebration.

  • Solo travelers who prefer a tailor-made experience.

Whether you're vacationing at a luxury hotel like Cala Saona Hotel & Spa or a small boutique hotel in Bávaro, this private tour is perfect for you.

📸 Memories That Last a Lifetime

✨ Sailing over the Caribbean Sea in an elegant boat.

✨ Sipping a glass of rum while watching the sunset.

✨ The sparkle of coral beneath the water as you snorkel.

✨ Your children smiling while searching for starfish in the lagoon.

✨ Peaceful walks under the palm trees, finding the perfect coconut to refresh yourself.

💬 What People Are Saying About the Experience

"The Saona tour was incredible. We had our own boat and could stop wherever we wanted. Snorkeling with colorful fish, seeing turtles, and swimming in the natural pool was simply magical. 100% recommended.".

"We went with friends on a private tour from our hotel in Bávaro. The service was perfect, and we ended the day on the beach drinking rum and coke under a palm tree. Without a doubt, the best day of our vacation in the Dominican Republic.

✨ Live Saona Island Your Way with Punta Cana Transfer

Many people choose Punta Cana Transfer to visit Saona Island. But only one lets you do it at your pace, with your music, your schedule, and your priorities. This is your Caribbean paradise, and we want to help you experience it the way it should be: free, authentic, and unforgettable.

Ready for paradise? 🌴

Snorkeling in the coral reefs of Saona Island, Caribbean Sea – colorful fish, starfish, and sea turtles near Bayahíbe

Where is Saona Island located?

Saona Island, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and pristine landscapes, is located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, it forms part of the East National Park, a protected area that preserves the rich biodiversity of the region. The island stands out for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, creating an idyllic tropical paradise.

Approximately 25 kilometers from the town of Bayahibe, Saona Island is easily accessible by boat tours that offer spectacular views of the coastline. Beyond its natural splendor, the island is also a haven for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. Highlights include expansive stretches of powdery white sand like Playa Pública and secluded lagoons teeming with marine life.

Its geographical location makes it an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the bustle of more crowded tourist areas, offering a peaceful experience immersed in nature. The combination of breathtaking scenery and cultural richness makes Saona Island a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Dominican Republic.

Do you have pickup from my hotel?

Hotel

Pickup Time Estimate

Transportation Estiamte

SIVORY PUNTA CANA

7:30 AM

45-75 minutes

ZOETRY AQUA

7:30 AM

45-75 minutes

EXCELLENCE PUNTA CANA

7:35 AM

45-75 minutes

SIRENIS COCOTAL/REC MEETING POINT

7:35 AM

45-75 minutes

EL CARMEN EXCELLENCE/FINEST PC

7:40 AM

45-75 minutes

BREATHLESS PUNTA CANA

7:40 AM

45-75 minutes

NOW ONIX

7:45 AM

45-75 minutes

LIVE AQUA BEACH RESORT

7:50 AM

45-75 minutes

DREAMS PUNTA CANA

7:55 AM

45-75 minutes

NICKELODEON SENSATORI

8:00 AM

45-75 minutes

CHIC PUNTA CANA

8:00 AM

45-75 minutes

OCEAN EL FARO

8:10 AM

45-75 minutes

OCCIDENTAL CARIBE

7:55 AM

45-75 minutes

RIU REPUBLICA

8:00 AM

45-75 minutes

ROYALTON PUNTA CANA

8:05 AM

45-75 minutes

ROYALTON PUNTA CANA

8:05 AM

45-75 minutes

ROYALTON SPLASH 

8:05 AM

45-75 minutes

ROYALTON BAVARO

8:10 AM

45-75 minutes

MAJESTIC COLONIAL/ELEGANCE/MIRAGE

8:15 AM

45-75 minutes

BAHIA P. BAVARO

8:30 AM

45-75 minutes

BAHIA P. FANTASIA

8:30 AM

45-75 minutes

BAHIA PUNTA CANA

8:35 AM

45-75 minutes

BAHIA AQUA MARINE

8:40 AM

45-75 minutes

BAHIA AMBAR

8:45 AM

45-75 minutes

DREAMS MACAO

7:25 AM

45-75 minutes

RIU PALACE PUNTA CANA / RIU BAMBU

7:45 AM

45-75 minutes

RIU PALACE MACAO

7:50 AM

45-75 minutes

RIU NAIBOA/RIU PALACE BAVARO

7:55 AM

45-75 minutes

IBEROSTAR P.C/IBEROSTAR DOMINICANA

8:05 AM

45-75 minutes

IBEROSTAR BAV/IBEROSTAR GRAND

8:10 AM

45-75 minutes

OCEAN BLUE

8:30 AM

45-75 minutes

VIK ARENA

8:35 AM

45-75 minutes

PUNTA CANA PRINCESS

8:35 AM

45-75 minutes

PARADISUS P.C/ THE RESERVE

7:30 AM

45-75 minutes

WHALA URBAN PUNTA CANA

7:20 AM

45-75 minutes

CARIBE CLUB PRINCESS

7:30 AM

45-75 minutes

BAVARO PRINCESS

7:35 AM

45-75 minutes

PLAZA BRISAS

7:40 AM

45-75 minutes

OCCIDENTAL PUNTA CANA

7:45 AM

45-75 minutes

PALLADIUM ROYAL

7:50 AM

45-75 minutes

PALLADIUM PALACE (LOBBY P.C)

7:55 AM

45-75 minutes

PALLADIUM BAV/ MEETING POINT

8:00 AM

45-75 minutes

PRESIDENTIAL SUITES

8:10 AM

45-75 minutes

VISTA SOL

8:15 AM

45-75 minutes

IMPRESSIVE P.C

8:15 AM

45-75 minutes

IMPR. PREMIUM/REC EN P.C

8:20 AM

45-75 minutes

PLAZA TURQUEZA

8:20 AM

45-75 minutes

WHALA BAVARO

8:25 AM

45-75 minutes

SECRETS ROYAL BEACH

7:40 AM

45-75 minutes

DREAMS ROYAL BEACH

7:45 AM

45-75 minutes

MELIA CARIBE / MELIA P.C

7:55 AM

45-75 minutes

PALMA REAL THE RESERVE

8:05 AM

45-75 minutes

PALMA REAL EL CIRCULO

8:10 AM

45-75 minutes

LOPESAN COSTA BAVARO

8:15 AM

45-75 minutes

BARCELO BAVARO Y PALACE

8:30 AM

45-75 minutes

NATURA PARK

8:50 AM

35-65 minutes

DREAMS PALM BEACH

9:00 AM

35-65 minutes

BE LIVE

9:05 AM

35-65 minutes

RADISSON BLU/BLUE BEACH

9:10 AM

35-65 minutes

SERENADE PUNTA CANA BEACH

9:10 AM

35-65 minutes

CATALONIA BAVARO Y ROYAL

9:20 AM

35-65 minutes

TORTUGA BAY

9:20 AM

40-70 minutes

WESTIN PUNTA CANA

9:25 AM

40-70 minutes

CLUB MED

9:30 AM

40-70 minutes

FOUR POINTS

9:40 AM

40-70 minutes

MARGARITAVILLE CAP CANA

9:15 AM

45-75 minutes

SENSATORI CAP CANA

9:15 AM

45-75 minutes

TRS CAP CANA

9:20 AM

45-75 minutes

ANCORA CAPCANA

9:30 AM

45-75 minutes

SANCTUARY CAP CANA

9:20 AM

45-75 minutes

CAP CANA SECRETS

9:30 AM

45-75 minutes

TANAMA LODGE

9:35 AM

45-75 minutes

HYATT ZILARA/ZIVA

9:40 AM

45-75 minutes

AQUA MARINA CAP CANA

9:45 AM

45-75 minutes

SOTOGRANDE

9:45 AM

45-75 minutes

PUNTA PALMERA CAP CANA

9:45 AM

45-75 minutes

EDEN ROC

10:30 AM

45-75 minutes

Please note, this time depends on if you are going from the hotel directly to the port and the time varies from each other so our team will reach out to you to coordinate the exact pickup time.

📍 How to Book Your Private Saona Island Tour

Booking is as easy as deciding you’re ready to experience the real Caribbean:

🌐 Book online here

📧 Email us at: [email protected]

📱 WhatsApp: +1-849-654-2047

Just tell us your hotel and your preferred date. We'll take care of the rest.

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