Small-Group Luxury, 10 Hours

Overview

This is a full day on the water with Quetzal Excursions, a catamaran outing to Saona Island that runs about 10 hours door to door. Boarding happens in Bayahibe around 9am, and from there the boat sails for 1 hour 20 minutes to the broken pier of Catuano, the first snorkel stop. Gear is included, and the waters around the pier hold a wide range of tropical fish, with some past guests also reporting stingrays. After roughly 10 minutes more on the water, the boat reaches a quiet stretch of Saona beach set aside for the group, which the operator says is often reached before the crowds.

The beach portion lasts about an hour and a half, with sun loungers set up in the shade of coconut palms and time to swim or wade with a drink. Lunch is prepared fresh onboard during the cruise to Las Palmillas, a shallow sandbank where the boat anchors in a quiet spot away from other vessels. Guests get 45 to 60 minutes in the water there, often near giant starfish resting on the sand. The sail back to Bayahibe takes about an hour and a half, with no loud music, and the day ends around 5pm.

It suits travellers who want a calmer alternative to the large party catamarans: reviews repeatedly describe an uncrowded boat, attentive crew, and regular drinks and snacks. Hotel pickup is included, but only from Bayahibe and Dominicus, so guests based in Punta Cana resorts should check the pickup details carefully before booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup is included from hotels in Bayahibe and Dominicus only. Guests board the boat via a water taxi.
2. Sail to CatuanoThe catamaran departs around 9am and sails for 1 hour 20 minutes toward Saona Island.
3. Snorkel at CatuanoSnorkel stop at the broken pier of Catuano with included gear, where tropical fish and sometimes stingrays appear.
4. Saona Island beachA 10-minute sail followed by a 5-minute walk brings the group to a secluded beach spot, reserved for guests for 1.5 hours with loungers under palm shade.
5. Lunch onboardA freshly prepared lunch is served during the cruise to the natural pool, with snacks and drinks included. Lobster is an optional upgrade on request, unavailable from March to June.
6. Las Palmillas natural poolThe boat anchors at a quiet section of the sandbank for 45 to 60 minutes of swimming and floating near giant starfish.
7. Return to BayahibeA roughly one and a half hour sail back along the coast, arriving at the harbor around 5pm, followed by hotel drop-off.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews, and they shape how the day feels.

• Mosquitoes. The listing lists insect repellent under what to bring, and one reviewer warned that mosquitoes on Saona can be aggressive. Bring strong repellent and consider covering up for the beach walk.
• Food and drink. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included, and reviewers said the food was good with drinks offered constantly. Lobster is a paid upgrade and not served from March to June. One reviewer noted fish was not on the menu.
• Calm atmosphere. The operator advertises no loud music, just sailing sounds. Reviewers described a relaxing day on an uncrowded boat, with one mentioning light music that never became excessive.
• Crew and guidance. Several travellers praised the crew's attentiveness and friendly service, and one reviewer said the guide made sure everyone spotted the stingrays and fish before the group moved on. Guides speak French, English, and Spanish.
• Getting on and off. Boarding and disembarking use a water taxi, and reaching the beach spot involves a 5-minute walk from where the boat stops. Wear sandals or shoes that can handle sand and a short walk.
• Sun and sea gear. The listing recommends sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash alongside repellent. Much of the day is spent in open sun on deck or in shallow water, so sun protection matters.

Common issues. Pickup only covers Bayahibe and Dominicus, and one reviewer advised reading pickup instructions carefully when staying somewhere remote, since transfer details were a recurring source of confusion. Guests at Club Med Punta Cana cannot book through this listing and must reserve via the Club Med Excursion Desk. Lobster, tips, and souvenirs cost extra. One reviewer found the snorkel spot small with limited marine life. The lobster option is unavailable from March to June.

Common Questions