VIP Saona Island Tour
- ExperienceTop
- 10-12h
Description
Discover different corners of Saona Island with our VIP tour by speedboat or motor catamaran. Visit beaches, natural pools and Mano Juan on a route designed to show you some of the island's most special landscapes.
VIP Saona Island Tour: your adventure begins
After picking you up, we'll head to Bayahibe to set sail for Saona Island.
Along the way you'll see the natural pools, Playa Toro or Flamingo Beach, and enjoy views of the Catuano Channel and its mangroves.
We'll also visit Mano Juan, where you can explore this small Saona Island village and enjoy a typical Dominican lunch with drinks. In season, the visit lets you learn about the area's sea turtle protection project.
The adventure continues to Canto de la Playa, where you can enjoy the water and, if you bring your own gear, snorkel on your own when conditions allow.
Depending on sea conditions and the day's logistics, Canto de la Playa may be replaced by Playa Palmilla or Playa Abanico.
Get ready to discover different landscapes and corners of Saona Island on a full day in the Caribbean!
Details
- 10-12h
- Tour duration may vary depending on your hotel's location and daily operations
- Pickup at hotels in Punta Cana, Bávaro, Arena Gorda, Uvero Alto and Bayahibe
- Exceptions and meeting points:
- Downtown accommodations in Punta Cana and Bayahibe (Airbnbs, boutique hotels or private rentals): Ask for the meeting point.
- Hotel transportation
- Travel insurance
- Sea transportation by speedboat or catamaran
- Marine park fees
- Tour guide
- Catuano Channel and mangroves (panoramic view)
- El Canto Beach
- Mano Juan and its beautiful beach
- Turtle sanctuary (seasonal)
- Flamenco Beach/Toro Beach
- Natural Pool
- Traditional Dominican lunch
- Drinks: Water, soft drinks and rum
- Snorkel gear
- Tips (optional)
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Snorkel gear (optional)
- Hat to protect you from the sun
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Flip-flops
- Cash
- Not wheelchair accessible
- For safety reasons and due to weather conditions, the planned order of stops may change during the tour. These decisions are made directly by the Port Authority. Such changes do not entitle you to a refund.
- About snorkeling: if you'd like to snorkel during the stop, you can bring your own gear. The guides can point you to the best spots. Keep in mind that sea conditions, visibility and the presence of marine life vary from day to day, and that snorkeling is a free activity done at your own risk.
- Sea turtle sanctuary: Mano Juan is home to a sea turtle conservation project. Sightings depend on the natural presence of turtles on the day of your visit and cannot be guaranteed.
- A note about the name: “Playa de los Flamencos” (Flamingo Beach) refers to its proximity to a protected inland lagoon within the national park. It is not a flamingo-watching area on the beach: these birds live in the inland lagoon and do not come near the swimming area.
- Depending on the day's operations and sea conditions, the stop at El Canto de la Playa may be replaced by Playa Palmilla, known as Barceló Island, or Playa Abanico. This is done to ensure the best possible experience on the day.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book?
We recommend booking in advance if you have a specific date in mind, as spots are subject to availability.
What will you see on the VIP Saona Island tour?
Along the way you'll visit different spots on Saona Island, such as the natural pools, Playa Toro, Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa, and enjoy views of the Catuano Channel and the mangroves. The route may vary depending on the day's conditions and logistics.
What's the difference between the VIP tour and the Saona Island catamaran tour?
The VIP tour sails by speedboat or motor catamaran and takes you to places like Mano Juan, Playa Toro and Canto de la Playa. The catamaran tour combines catamaran and speedboat and follows a different route that includes the natural pools and Playa Abanico.
How do you get to Saona Island on the VIP tour?
The boat trip is made by speedboat or motor catamaran from the Bayahibe area.
Do you visit Mano Juan?
Yes. The tour includes a visit to Mano Juan and its beach. There you'll also enjoy the typical Dominican lunch included in the tour.
Do you visit the Mano Juan turtle sanctuary?
Mano Juan is home to a sea turtle protection project. The visit depends on the season and the presence of turtles depends on natural conditions, so sightings can't be guaranteed.
Do you visit Canto de la Playa?
The route includes a stop at Canto de la Playa. Depending on the day's operation and sea conditions, this stop may be replaced by Playa Palmilla or Playa Abanico.
Can you snorkel on the tour?
You can snorkel on your own during the stop if you bring your own gear. The activity depends on sea conditions and visibility and is done at your own risk.
Is snorkel gear included?
No. If you want to snorkel on the tour, you'll need to bring your own gear.
How long is the VIP Saona Island tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10-12 hours and may vary depending on your hotel's location and the day's logistics.
Is transportation included?
Yes. The tour includes pickup from participating hotels in Punta Cana, Bávaro, Arena Gorda, Uvero Alto and Bayahibe. For downtown accommodations, boutique hotels and private rentals in Punta Cana and Bayahibe, please check the meeting point.
Is lunch included?
Yes. The tour includes a typical Dominican lunch and drinks such as water, soft drinks and rum.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, a towel, a cap or hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, flip-flops and cash. If you want to snorkel, you'll also need to bring your own gear.
What's not included?
Snorkel gear, optional tips and any other personal expenses or services not expressly listed as included are not included.
Who shouldn't take this tour?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with spinal problems. It's also not wheelchair accessible.
Can the route change?
Yes. For safety reasons, weather or sea conditions, the order of the stops may change. Canto de la Playa may also be replaced by Playa Palmilla or Playa Abanico depending on the day's conditions.
Is the VIP Saona Island tour suitable for kids?
Families can take it, but keep in mind it's a full-day tour and the boat trip is by speedboat or motor catamaran. Check the activity conditions if you're traveling with young children.
Which operator will run this tour?
Your provider's name will appear on your confirmation voucher after you book. We work with local partners for shared experiences, while Xplora Riviera runs its private tours directly. Either way, Xplora Riviera will be your point of contact to help with any issue related to your booking.
Cancellation
- Free! Cancel at no cost up to 72 hours before the activity. If you cancel later:
- Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance: a 30% penalty of the total amount applies.
- Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance: a 100% penalty of the total amount applies.
- No-shows: 100% penalty, except in case of an accident or a justified medical reason.
- If you need to reschedule your tour, we'll do everything we can to move your booking to the new date you choose, as long as there is real availability on the date you want.