Isla Saona tour from Punta Cana with hotel pickup
Escape to paradise with our Isla Saona tour from Punta Cana, featuring hotel pickup, a stop at the famous starfish natural pool, open bar, and a beachside Dominican buffet, all in one unforgettable full-day Caribbean experience.
About this tour Popular
Discover the ultimate Caribbean escape with our Isla Saona Full-Day Tour from Punta Cana, the most famous and beloved island adventure in the Dominican Republic.
Your journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, or Uvero Alto, followed by comfortable ground transportation to the port of Bayahibe. This ensures a smooth start to your day and eliminates the hassle of arranging transportation on your own. After arriving at the marina, you’ll board a catamaran or speedboat for an exciting ride across crystal-clear turquoise waters. (As with all Isla Saona tours, boats departing from Bayahibe are shared between operators — we’re fully transparent so you know exactly what to expect.)
On the way, we stop at the famous natural swimming pool of Palmilla, a shallow sandbar in the middle of the Caribbean Sea where starfish rest peacefully. This iconic stop is perfect for photos, relaxing in waist-deep water, and enjoying a refreshing drink surrounded by paradise.
Once on Isla Saona, you’ll experience everything the island is known for: white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, turquoise waters, and an authentic Caribbean atmosphere. Relax on hammocks, swim in calm waters, sunbathe on pristine beaches, or enjoy light beach activities. A traditional Dominican buffet lunch and national open bar are included to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
For travelers looking for a more exclusive experience, VIP and private options are available — offering priority transportation, more space, and enhanced comfort.
As the day comes to an end, the return journey may feature music and entertainment aboard the catamaran, providing a lively and memorable conclusion to your island adventure. By early evening, you’ll be back at your hotel in Punta Cana with unforgettable memories of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic tours.
Regular Group Departure
Most affordable option. Shared transportation to Bayahibe with varying group sizes. Hotel pickup may not be included.
Regular Group with Hotel Pickup
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, or Uvero Alto. Shared transportation and standard group experience.
VIP Transportation
Premium option featuring private or luxury transportation directly from your hotel to the Bayahibe port and back, offering maximum comfort and fewer stops.
Why Book With Us
- Hotel pickup included → no taxis, no confusion, no extra costs.
- Efficient transfers → smoother logistics compared to mass-market tours.
- Early departure → arrive before the busiest crowds.
- Full transparency → boats in Bayahibe are shared (industry standard), and we’re upfront about it.
- Better beach experience → buffet lunch, hammocks, open bar & cleaner beach areas.
- Flexible options → Budget, Shared with Pickup, or VIP Transportation.
With Others
- Long hotel pickup routes with multiple stops.
- Late arrivals leading to overcrowded beaches.
- “Small group” tours that turn into 50+ people.
- Generic food & drinks with inconsistent service.
- Unclear logistics and last-minute surprises.
👉 Book with us for comfort, clarity, and a stress-free Isla Saona tour from Punta Cana.
Itinerary Overview
6:30–7:30 AM – Hotel pickup from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, or Uvero Alto
9:00–9:30 AM – Arrival at Bayahibe port and boarding of catamaran or speedboat (boats are shared between operators as industry standard)
10:00 AM – Stop at the Palmilla natural pool for photos and starfish spotting
11:00 AM – Arrival at Isla Saona with free time for swimming, relaxing, or exploring the beach
12:30 PM – Dominican buffet lunch and national open bar
1:30–3:00 PM – Additional beach time to enjoy hammocks, beach activities, or simply sunbathe
3:00 PM – Departure from Isla Saona by catamaran or speedboat with music and entertainment
6:30–7:30 PM – Return to hotels in Punta Cana area
⚠️ Disclaimer: This itinerary is for reference only. Timings and order may vary depending on sea conditions, group size, and operational logistics. We always adapt to ensure the best possible experience on the day of your tour.
Map
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation with hotel pickup from Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana*, or Uvero Alto*
- Boat ride by catamaran or speedboat
- Beachside Dominican buffet lunch
- National open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Stop at the Palmilla natural pool
- Professional local guides throughout the experience
*May have an extra cost.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs, massages, specialty drinks
Know Before You Go
- Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Waterproof case for phone/camera
- Cash for tips & optional purchases
- Light cover-up or change of clothes for return
- Travelers prone to seasickness: request seat at back of boat
Meeting & pickup
Pickup starts:
30 Minutes before departureAdditional pickup details
Hotel pickup is available from most hotels in Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, and Uvero Alto.
For Airbnb stays, designated meeting points will be provided.
*In some hotels or locations, pickup may be from a nearby meeting point or may require an additional fee.
What To Expect


Bávaro
Bavaro is Punta Cana’s most famous resort area, featuring white-sand beaches, luxury all-inclusive hotels, shopping, nightlife, and excursions to nearby…


Bayahibe
Bayahibe is a charming fishing village in La Altagracia Province, best known as the main departure point for excursions to…


Cap Cana
Cap Cana es el destino premium de la República Dominicana: marina de clase mundial, playas vírgenes, golf de lujo y…


Palmilla
Palmilla Natural Pool, known locally as Piscina Natural de Palmilla, is a shallow Caribbean sandbank near Saona Island, famous for…


Parque Nacional Cotubanamá (Parque Nacional del Este)
Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, formerly known as Parque Nacional del Este, is a protected area in La Altagracia with caves, mangroves,…


Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic’s top destination, famous for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, nightlife, and excursions like Saona…
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for...
Health Restrictions
Not recommended for travelers with back problems Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for...





