Saona Island Catamaran Tour from Santo Domingo: Full Day Trip

4.06

(36 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Salt in the air, sun on my face—leaving Bayahibe by speedboat felt like waking up in a postcard. The water’s that wild turquoise you only see in the Caribbean, and the breeze is just right, not too strong. Our guide, Miguel, pointed out the mangroves as we zipped past—he said you can sometimes spot starfish if you look close enough. I caught a whiff of grilled fish from a boat nearby, and suddenly I was starving.

The natural swimming pool isn’t really a pool, but a shallow patch of sea where you can stand waist-deep and sip a cold beer. It’s quiet except for the splash of folks jumping in and the distant beat of bachata from another group. We drifted there for a while, just soaking it all in—literally. When we finally reached Saona Island, lunch was already sizzling on the beach. Rice, chicken, fresh salad, and that sweet plantain you only get here. I wandered along the sand after eating, toes sinking into the warm grains, watching local vendors set up bracelets and shells on little tables.

On the way back, we boarded a catamaran with music pumping and rum flowing. The crew got everyone dancing—even the shy ones. I remember laughing at how everyone’s moves got looser as the sun started to dip. The ride back felt slower, in a good way. You could just lean back, watch the coastline slide by, and let the day sink in. If you’re looking for a real slice of Dominican beach life—with some party thrown in—this is it.