Saona Island: 2026 boat tour reviews and prices

+4
recos
5/5 2 reviews
Isla Saona, 23000 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Isla Saona, 23000 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Boat tours from 3,500 DOP (~$60)*
Booking recommended
Book now
Ile de Saona
Grillades sur la plage
Cocktail dans la mer

Visiting Saona Island

Deep in the Caribbean Sea, off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, lies a landmass spanning 110km². Measuring 20km long and 5km wide, it might seem like just another unremarkable spot in the region at first glance.

An island paradise

Saona Island is a white-sand gem tucked inside the protected grounds of the Parque Nacional del Este (Eastern National Park). You can reach it by catamaran or smaller motorboats. The natural beaches draw tourists and film crews alike. When production teams need a shot of an untouched tropical island, they head straight for Saona.

The island is home to a small community of 480 year-round residents. The locals rely primarily on fishing and tourism. For a fee, you can even hire a local fishing boat for a tour around the island.

Caribbean wildlife

It is no coincidence that this island is part of a nature reserve. Beyond the dolphins and manatees you might encounter while swimming, the local waters are home to a variety of species, some of which are quite rare. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to observe, as several endemic and uncommon bird species are documented on the island.

To avoid unlicensed operators, book your trip to Saona Island through an official tour provider, particularly those based in the village of Bayahibe. This excursion is the most popular day trip for visitors staying in Punta Cana, so be sure to make your reservations well in advance. If you are looking for sun, clear water, white sand, and palm trees, book a catamaran tour and prepare for scenery that looks exactly like a postcard.

Boat tours from 3,500 DOP (~$60)*Booking recommended
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Reviews of Saona Island

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Summary of 2 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+4
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
5
With friends
5

Avygeo ranking

#1010
in the world
#184
in Americas
#2
in Dominican Republic
#2
in Punta Cana

Saona Island with a small French agency

For our part, we had a fantastic vacation near Bayahibe and took the opportunity to visit Saona Island. We went through a small local agency run by two French women and it was top notch!
Comfortable boat, small group size far from the big crowds, French speaking atmosphere... everything was perfect!
Here is the contact info for the agency for those who want to get in touch: https://www.dominican-attitude.com/
You can do like we did and contact them to book in advance from home.
Thanks Marina and Nadine!
Stéphane

1
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Saona Island, the pristine island

This island is classified as a nature reserve. I was lucky enough to be able to admire this beautiful place with its flora and fauna. In my opinion, the only negative point is that the island is so well known that tourist boats are constantly flooding in to spend a few hours, which makes the experience feel less intimate. I noticed that despite the fact that the island is protected, some tourists do not care about its preservation, especially with the plastic cups floating in the sea.

1
Recommends :
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As a couple :
With friends :