Punta Cana: Catamaran Boat to Saona Island review

My verdict: the Saona catamaran is the most-booked excursion for good reason. Full day, catamaran out and speedboat back (or vice versa), natural-pool swim stop with starfish, buffet lunch on the island, open bar on board, and it’s the one you remember. The honest con: expect a bus shuffle at pickup and a change of bus on a busy road midway. Thousands of travellers have rated it well. This is the tour I’d book first.

4.4★★★★★4,528 reviewsfrom $82

Duration~8 hours (door-to-door)

DepartsYour resort, morning

IncludedCatamaran, speedboat, buffet lunch, open bar

StopSaona natural-pool sandbank (waist-deep)

Group sizeLarge group

CancellationFree, 24 hours

What the day is like

You’re picked up from your resort lobby around 7–7:30 a.m., consolidated into a coach with other guests, and driven to Bayahibe (~45 minutes). Once there, you board the catamaran. The ride out to Saona is about two hours with a drinks service. First stop is the natural pool — a shallow offshore sandbank in Cotubanamá National Park where you swim in waist-deep turquoise water surrounded by starfish. Then back to the island for a buffet lunch under the palms. On the return, you either take the speedboat back (faster, bouncier) or the catamaran, depending on the operator. Open bar runs all day. Drop-off is back at your resort by late afternoon.

What works

Calm turquoise swim at the natural pool (sandbank, not open ocean)
Buffet lunch included on the island
Open bar on board all day (drinks, water, rum punch)
Most-booked for a reason: 4,528 reviews and 4.4 stars
Full-day experience, worth the time

Worth knowing

Expect a bus shuffle at pickup and consolidation
A change of bus midway on a busy road
Large group — the boat is not intimate
Full day (8 hours) means you give up other excursions

Price$82

Rating4.4 / 5

Reviews4,528

Duration~8 hrs

IncludedTransport, lunch, bar

StarfishYes (don't lift out)

Insider tip

Don’t lift the starfish out of the water. They live in the shallows and stay healthy in the water. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat — the sun is intense on the water.

Who it’s for

Anyone who wants the classic Punta Cana sea day, families, groups. If you don’t like crowds, the premium catamaran ($89) is smaller and calmer. Short on time? The party boat ($65) is 3.5 hours and highest-rated.

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup on most tours — book now, decide later.

We’re an independent guide, not a tour operator. Booking links go to GetYourGuide and are affiliate links — book through them and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Other sea day options

Small group

Punta Cana: Catamaran Tour with Food, Drinks, and Snorkeling

Punta Cana: Party Boat with Snorkeling, Open Bar And Hip Hop

★ 4.8 · 604 reviews

from $65 / person

Check availability

Frequently asked questions

Is Saona worth the full day?

Yes, if you want to swim and eat in one trip. The natural-pool swim is the calm turquoise experience the resort beaches don’t have, and buffet lunch is included. If you only have 3–4 hours, the premium catamaran or party boat are faster.

Will the bus shuffle ruin the day?

No. The pickup consolidation is standard — everyone does it. The midway bus change is quick. One reviewer, Sinead, put it perfectly: “Bit of hanging about for others and a change of bus on a busy road. Guide was ok but the trip itself on the catamaran was fantastic. The swimming spot was gorgeous.”

Do I really need cash for tips?

Excursion prices are in USD. Guides and drivers on these tours depend on tips. $5 is standard for a good guide. See our money guide for the full breakdown.