Buffet Lunch, Catamaran To Saona

Overview

This is a full-day Saona Island trip built around two very different boat rides. You head out from Punta Cana by coach to Bayahibe, then cross to the island on a speedboat, with a stop at a shallow natural swimming pool on the way.

On Saona itself you get about 3.5 hours, which includes a 1-hour buffet lunch. The buffet covers Dominican staples like chicken, 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 March 1 to June 1 each year because of conservation rules.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup points in Bávaro and Bayahibe, and the whole outing runs about eight hours. Guides work in several languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese and French. It suits travellers who want a lively, organised beach day rather than a quiet one. Reviewers repeatedly mention the party atmosphere on the catamaran, so anyone after a calm sail should know what they are signing up for. Pregnant travellers cannot join because of the boat movement.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup is offered from two location options, Bávaro and Bayahibe, and drop-off returns to the same areas.
2. Coach to La GüiraA 30-minute bus or coach ride, followed by a 15-minute cafe break at La Güira with free time and shopping.
3. Transfer to Bayahibe BeachAnother 25-minute coach leg, then a 10-minute stop at Bayahibe Beach with scenic views along the way.
4. Natural swimming poolA 40-minute stop at the Piscina Natural Saona, waist-deep and transparent, with a photo stop, guided tour and free time. Starfish are sometimes spotted here.
5. Saona IslandAbout 3.5 hours on the island with a guided tour, including a 1-hour buffet lunch and a further 1.5 hours of free time, a photo stop, boat cruise, sunset, a dance show and sailing.
6. Return and drop-offThe catamaran trip back to the mainland is followed by coach transfer back to Bávaro or Bayahibe.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from the morning wait to what the buffet actually offers.

• Morning pickup. The tour summary notes that some travellers find pickup and transfer coordination could be clearer and more timely. Build some slack into your schedule rather than expecting a precise door-to-door timing.
• What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash. Cash matters because souvenir photos and a DVD are sold separately.
• Pace and time. You get about three hours on the beach and 40 minutes at the natural pool. Some reviewers felt both were too short, so decide your priorities early and do not linger over lunch if beach time matters most.
• Food and drink. The buffet is Dominican fare: BBQ, chicken, pork, rice, beans, salad and fruit, with an open bar of beer, rum and soft drinks. One reviewer found the buffet options limited, so go in expecting simple, hearty food rather than variety.
• Group feel. The day has a lively tone. Reviewers often mention music, drinks and dancing on the catamaran, and guides translating for a multilingual crowd. It works best for people who enjoy a party atmosphere.
• Photos. Souvenir photos are available to purchase but not included. Reviewers who bought them said the quality was good though the price was high, and one was glad they paid.

Common issues. The most common complaint is timing: one reviewer wanted far more time on Saona, another found 30 minutes at the natural pool too short, and several mentioned waits around morning pickup. The buffet has few options according to one reviewer. Photos and a DVD cost extra, and vendors on the island can be persistent, which one reviewer flagged with humour. Lobster, part of the VIP option, is unavailable from March 1 to June 1 each year due to conservation measures, and pregnant travellers cannot participate at all because of the boat movement.

Choosing Your Pickup Time