Full-Day Private, Saona Or Catalina

Overview

This is a full-day private catamaran charter out of La Romana, running about 8 hours, where the crew builds the day around your group rather than a fixed schedule. Only your party is on board. The crew, which includes a professional guide, suggests stops such as Catuano, Saona and Las Palmillas, and the route can be adjusted as you go.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the day starts at your accommodation and ends back there. On the water, the guide gives live commentary on Dominican culture, history and nature between stops. Snacks are served on board, along with water, juices, rum and local beers, all covered in the price. Lunch is not included, and extra alcoholic drinks beyond the standard pour can be bought on the day.

It suits families and groups who want a boat to themselves with a flexible pace, since there is no crowd to work around and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. It is not a fit for wheelchair users, as the listing states the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Several reviewers mention attentive crews, good food and enjoyable snorkeling and beach time.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupHotel pickup and drop-off are included for all travellers, per the listing.
2. Board at La RomanaThe cruise departs from La Romana aboard the Quetzal catamaran for the 8-hour experience.
3. Flexible island stopsYou agree the route with the crew. Stops typically include Catuano, Saona and Las Palmillas.
4. Swim and beach timeSeveral reviewers mention snorkeling, a starfish area and beach time at Saona, plus optional extras such as beach massages.
5. Onboard food and drinksSnacks, water, juices, rum and local beers are included. Lunch is not included in the listing price.
6. Return and drop-offThe boat returns to La Romana and travellers are dropped back at their hotels.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the day right, from what to carry to how the food and fees work.

• Bring cash. Lunch, additional alcoholic drinks, souvenir photos and bracelets for the National Park stop are all excluded, so bring money if you want any of them. One reviewer suggested bringing your own alcohol for more drink variety.
• Water and beach time. Several reviewers describe snorkeling, a starfish area and time on the beach at Saona, so expect plenty of swimming stops. One reviewer also mentioned optional beach massages.
• Pace of the day. With 8 hours on the water and a private boat, the pace is yours to shape with the crew. Reviewers describe attentive staff who help with any needs throughout the day.
• Food and drink. Snacks, water, juices, rum and local beers are included. Reviewers frequently praise the food served on board, though the listing marks lunch as an extra cost, so confirm the arrangement with the operator.
• Dietary needs. The listing asks travellers to flag any dietary requirements at booking, and a vegetarian option exists if requested in advance. Do this when you book rather than on the dock.
• Weather dependence. The tour requires good weather and can be cancelled for poor conditions, in which case you are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer noted sargassum seaweed at Saona, which the reviewer said cannot be controlled.

Common issues. The listing excludes lunch, extra alcoholic drinks, souvenir photos and National Park bracelets, so budget for those separately. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Weather can force a cancellation, with a rebooking or refund offered. One reviewer found snorkeling visibility mediocre and another encountered seaweed at Saona, both one-off observations.

Common Questions