Full day - Saona Island from Punta Cana

So 7:30 pick up from our hotel turned out to be 45 minutes late!! They weren’t a registered agent so security wouldn’t allow them into the hotel, this they would know and if explained we would have made arrangements to be at the main gate. When we finally met our driver we were a family of 3 he opened the bus door and they only had 2 spots free! Next thing he’s waving down another bus and bundles us on to that where we drive to a petrol station, get dropped off and wait another 20 minutes in the heat for alternative transport with guys coming up to us asking what excursion we’re on!!! Finally another mini bus arrived we then fuel up and get on route. He then takes us to another petrol station/souvenir shop (commission) for a “restroom stop” when we finally get to the harbour it’s chaos so many people being bundled onto speed boats . They tie wool round your wrist to label you along with a wrist band for what purpose who knows. We ended up having to wait another 20/30 minutes for what I can only describe as a dingy to pick us up and then the driver floored it going so fast the boat was airborne at one point crashing over the waves to the point where it jolted your body so much it physically hurt. We eventually slow down and visit the natural pools but this speed boat didn’t have ladders at the back just a side ladder so for people with mobility issues wouldn’t be able to exit the boat easily. Then another 100mph wave crashing experience to the island again struggle of the boat disembarked off the beach. Lunch was good and island was lovely, sea was gorgeous and clear, tip where water shoes as some parts quite rocky under foot. Catamaran on the way back very busy but good atmosphere and pleasant crew very loud music so more like a party boat and lots of rum.

Negatives: Pick Up and Drop off process is very sketchy/unorganized and leaves customers feeling vulnerable to possible abandonment, ESPECIALLY when they're ES/EN speaking. Had a family from Deutschland who struggled to communicate their concerns. Positives; THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLE in the DR, EXTREMELY FUN atmosphere the karaoke and dancing on the Catamaran + Pineapple drinks and provisioning of sufficient time for activities with very clear communication and expectations for activities. Staff were all helpful and happy

Staff was great very respectful and made sure everyone was taken care off the buffet was pretty good definitely recommend this excursion