Saona And Altos De Chavon

Overview

This day trip from Bávaro pairs two very different Dominican sights in one outing: the stone artists' village of Altos de Chavón, perched above the Chavón River, and Saona Island inside a protected national park. You travel by coach, then cruise to the island aboard a catamaran, with a stop at a natural swimming pool along the way.

The morning belongs to Altos de Chavón. The guide walks you through the replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village and points out the detail work of the Dominican artisans who built it. One hour is allotted here, and several travellers said afterwards they would have liked more time there, so expect a brisk pace rather than a slow wander.

The afternoon is the opposite. Saona Island gets three hours, and most of that is yours: white sand, coconut palms, swimming, or simply doing nothing. A barbecue buffet lunch of typical Dominican food and an open bar are included, plus the entrance fee to East National Park. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Bávaro is part of the package, though Bayahibe hotels carry an extra US$10 fee. It suits people who want beach time and culture in a single day, and who are happy with a busy schedule that packs both into one outing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in BávaroHotel pickup and drop-off is included. Guests staying in Bayahibe hotels pay an additional US$10 fee for the transfer.
2. Coach to La AltagraciaA bus or coach ride of 40 minutes, followed by a 20-minute break time in La Altagracia.
3. Guided tour of Altos de ChavónA guided tour of the replica 16th-century Mediterranean village lasting 1 hour, with commentary on the artisans who crafted it.
4. Transfer to Bayahibe BeachA 20-minute coach ride, then 15 minutes of sightseeing at Bayahibe Beach before boarding the boat.
5. Natural swimming poolA 40-minute stop at the biggest natural swimming pool for photos, a visit, and free time in the water.
6. Saona IslandThree hours on the island with a guided tour, beach time, swimming, and a barbecue buffet lunch with unlimited drinks.
7. La Güira cafe stopA 15-minute break for shopping at La Güira cafe on the way back, before returning to Bávaro.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from what to pack to how the timing at each stop feels.

• Pace at Altos. The village visit is a guided hour, and several travellers said they wanted more time there. Plan to photograph quickly while the guide moves the group along.
• Beach time. Saona Island gets three hours to enjoy the sand and water. The itinerary gives you free time there to swim, explore the tropical surroundings, or simply relax.
• Food and drink. The buffet lunch and open bar are included, with a vegetarian option available if you request it when booking. One reviewer suggested bringing water for the bus, since drinks are only available on Saona or at the natural pool.
• What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sandals, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. Cash is also useful because tips are not included, and photos or souvenirs sold on the tour cost extra.
• Catamaran atmosphere. The crossing to Saona is aboard a catamaran, and multiple reviewers mentioned music and dancing on board. The atmosphere is festive rather than quiet, and one reviewer noted there were not too many people on their crossing.
• Booking details. The tour runs in English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, and Portuguese. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Common issues. The stop at Altos de Chavón is short, and this came up repeatedly in reviews, with several travellers saying they wanted more time there. One reviewer reported that the village stop was skipped entirely on their day. The tour depends on favorable weather, and if it is cancelled for that reason you get a choice of another date or a full refund. Pregnant travellers cannot take part because of movement on the boat, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and pets, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. Tips are not included.

Choosing Your Pickup Time