Speedboat And Catamaran Day

Overview

After a coach ride from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, the day runs out to Saona by speedboat and back by catamaran, with the island as the main event. On the way over, the boat pauses at a large natural swimming pool where the water sits at about waist depth and is clear enough that starfish are sometimes visible on the sand below. Riders get roughly half an hour in the water here before the crossing continues.

Once on Saona, there are around three hours to spend as you like. Options include swimming, walking the shoreline, stretching out on a lounge chair, playing volleyball, or visiting the open bar. Lunch is a Dominican buffet of barbecued chicken and pork, rice, beans, salad and fruit, with beer, rum and soft drinks included. A VIP option adds lobster and premium drinks, though lobster is off the menu from the start of March to the start of June each year for conservation reasons.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, and the whole outing lasts about eight hours. Travellers who prefer a calmer day can find it on the island itself, while the boat rides tend toward the lively side.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup is from one of two pickup location options, then a bus or coach carries the group toward the coast.
2. Bus to La Güira CafeThe first bus or coach leg ends with a stop at La Güira Cafe.
3. Bus to BayahibeA second bus or coach leg continues to Bayahibe Beach, where the boats depart.
4. Speedboat and natural poolA 30-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool, with waist-deep transparent water and possible starfish sightings, reached by speedboat.
5. Saona IslandThree hours on the island for swimming, the beach, volleyball, the open bar and the buffet lunch.
6. Catamaran returnThe trip back to the mainland is by catamaran with open-bar drinks and music.
7. Hotel drop-offA coach returns the group to one of two drop-off locations.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from what to pack to how the group travels.

• Bring repellent. Mosquitoes are a known nuisance, especially in the morning. Reviewers mention the insects tend to ease off by midday, and one recommended bringing repellent. There is also a short walk involved.
• Pack for sun. The listing suggests sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash. Cash is useful for gratuities, souvenir photos and the purchasable DVD, none of which are included.
• Long transfers. One reviewer found the journey between hotels and the final destination very long, and noted it gets longer when some passengers are late.
• Party atmosphere. The return catamaran carries music, dancing and open-bar drinks, and several travellers described it as the highlight of the trip. Anyone wanting a quiet ride back should expect the opposite.
• Buffet and bar. Lunch is a Dominican buffet with barbecued meats, rice, beans, salad and fruit. Beer, rum and soft drinks are included throughout; lobster and premium drinks require the VIP option.
• Photos for sale. Photographers work the island and the boats, and the souvenir photos cost extra. One reviewer was very happy with the results and suggested paying for them. Bring cash if you might want them.

Common issues. Toilets at the beach were described as dated by the same reviewer. One traveller complained about the pickup arrangement, since their hotel had no lobby pickup and reaching the gate by taxi was awkward. Pregnant travellers cannot take part because of boat movement, and pets and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Common Questions