Saona Island Punta Cana

Coming from Punta Cana the the drive, transfers, and waiting was not worth the experience. We spend about 5 hours in transit (to and from), waiting for transfers, and waiting for the tour to start. All for a 1.5 minutes (fun!!) party cruise, 30 minute dip in the natural swimming pool, 2 hours on a beautiful but overcrowded beach and a mediocre lunch. Wouldn't go again

Coming from Punta Cana, the drive and transfers were not worth the trip. We spent probably 4 hours on busses and waiting for transfers for a 1.5 hour party cruise, 30 minutes in the natural swimming pool and 2 hours on an overcrowded beach with a mediocre lunch....

Our experience with the staff on this tour was easily a 5/5, but the current state of Saona Island dragged the overall rating down. The Good: * Driver: Francisco was on time, super polite, and helped us with our bags and getting in and out of the van. * Tour Operator & Crew: Communication before the trip was very responsive. The crew on the catamaran had great energy and was genuinely wonderful with kids. * Thoughtful Touch: When we got to lunch, the staff called the kids up to get their food first. After hours of travel, that was a huge relief for parents with hungry little ones. * Great Support: When we returned to the dock, we couldn't spot our van. A guide asked to see a picture of the vehicle, recognized it, called the driver, and walked us straight to him so we weren't left stranded. * Speedboat: The speedboat ride back was super fun, scenic, and a total hit with the kids. Where Things Fell Short: * The Dock Area: Waiting to board at the dock was hot, crowded, and chaotic. The guides kept a great attitude and directed us to an air-conditioned shop with drinks and a bathroom, but the long wait in the heat was tough. * Saona Island Conditions: Having visited the island 11 years ago, I was shocked by how much it has degraded. The area we visited had a strong, unpleasant sewage odor, dirty surroundings, and broken or filthy lounge chairs. * Unpleasant Ocean Entry: Entering the water was genuinely miserable. The shoreline was covered in heavy rocks and sharp shells, making it nearly impossible to walk into the ocean without hurting your feet. The waves constantly washed big rocks over your feet and slammed them into your ankles. * Wildlife & Facilities: Bees were swarming the buffet and seating areas. The bathrooms on the island had no flush capability and no running water/soap in the sink (just a small trickle from an outdoor tap). * Duration: We ended up getting under 2 hours on the island instead of the scheduled 3 hours, though given the condition of the beach and smell, we were happy to be leaving early. Tips for Other Travelers: * Bring Cash to Tip the Crew: Please bring cash to tip the crew and driver. These people work tirelessly, ensure your safety, keep energy high, and treat your kids like family. They are not beggars—they are hardworking professionals earning a living. Tipping might not be custom everywhere in the world, but showing tangible appreciation here goes a long way. * Must-Haves: Water shoes are non-negotiable—walking in the water is practically impossible without them due to all the sharp rocks and shells. Bring towels, sunblock, a hat, and a handheld fan to cope with the heat. * Pack Extra Water & Snacks: Food is served much later in the day, so pack snacks for the group. While they provide water and soft drinks on board, they are served in small cups, so bring your own bottled water to stay properly hydrated. * Manage Expectations: Be ready for a long, very hot, sweaty, and tiring day. Verdict: The crew on this excursion is top-notch, works hard, and deserves all the credit for keeping everyone happy. However, local management really needs to clean up the island amenities, plumbing, and beach area to get it back to what it used to be.

We had a great time, drinking music and very good atmosphere. A good experience. Several beaches on the same excursion but the best the first stop

The Sauna Island Excursion in Punta Cana is pure bliss! From the moment we boarded the boat, the experience was luxurious. The floating saunas and ocean views were unforgettable and incredibly unique. The staff provided exceptional service. Highly recommend! It was well priced. It is a whole day experience with travel theough bus and boat. The groups are well sized and not uncomfortably crowded. Family friendly but best experiended without small children.

I was pretty disappointed. I chatted with a customer service rep to ensure this boat would not have more than 20 occupants. They confirmed. We were a group of 8 so a few others besides us wouldn't have been a problem. Once we arrived, there were at least 80 people, kids included. We spoke with another couple that stated they booked a reservation advising of the same thing and was put on the same boat. When asked to speak to a manager, they advised what the representative and the description meant was that you're not allowed to purchase more than 20 tickets. Which was a lie. They offered to take us back to our hotel and refund us, but with us leaving the next day, we didn't want to miss out on seeing the island, so we got on the boat. There was literally nowhere to sit! People had to sit and lay on the hard floor. There was almost no room to walk around. Imagine sitting/laying on the hard floor for hours. Very uncomfortable. And what I wanted to prevent. The food offered was cold and not good. We were given 1 shot of rum and that's it. The island was beautiful and the guys on the boat did a good job and taking great pictures that was available to purchase at the end. Next time I won't book on Viator. I would wait until I get to the resort to book.

This tour was the EXACT OPPOSITE of what I wanted for my family of 4 (husband and 2 teens). I am extremely disappointed in Trip Advisor/Viator, and I WILL be contacting a manager!!! I feel that Trip Advisor used false, misleading advertising: Trip Advisor Ad: "Unlike other tours, we offer a small group setting that ensures personalized attention, allowing you to fully appreciate the island's charm." Trip Overview: "max of 16 per group" OUR REALITY: We were stuffed onto a catamaran with 120 people, barely enough seats for everyone! No water was offered on the boat, only rum and coke (not good for minors or for adults who are more interested in hydrating!). When we got near Saona Island, we were transferred to a smaller speedboat, crammed in like sardines! Trip Advisor Ad: "Our itinerary includes a visit to the stunning natural pool, where you can take unforgettable photos with starfish in its crystal-clear waters.""Stop-45 minutes" OUR REALITY: We saw absolutely no fish/starfish whatsoever in the water! The annoying photography company monopolized our family's time by insisting on taking pictures with us in different poses which we did not want nor ask for! We just wanted to relax in the water with our family! We were told we had 25 minutes in the water before we were herded back into the boat, instad of the 45 minutes promised in the ad. Trip Advisor Ad: "Additionally, we provide a delicious local lunch on the island, featuring traditional Dominican flavors, along with ample time to relax on pristine beaches or explore the lush surroundings." "Stop: 3 hours" OUR REALITY: Because we were a group of 120 people, we were instructed to wait in the picnic shelter (herded like cattle by our "guide") until the other speedboat arrived. Then, it took FOREVER to get through the buffet line, leaving us only an hour or so to relax on the island (versus the "3 hours" quoted in the ad) before they herded us back on the return boat! Food was not very good, to top it off. Again, no water offered anywhere. Trip Advisor Ad: "With knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights into the island's history and ecology, this tour promises not just sightseeing but an enriching experience that connects you to the heart of the Caribbean." OUR REALITY: Our guide, "Danny Boy", shared absolutely no history or cultural facts whatsoever with us! He just barked orders at us to stay together, herded us like cattle, and pressured us to spend more money by purchasing those uncomfortable photographs!! On the return speedboat home, the boat ran out of life jackets for everyone (because the boat was over capacity, most likely). My family of 4 were without life jackets! So unsafe! Trip Advisor Ad: "Duration: 8–9 hours" OUR REALITY: We spent 2.5 hours each way in the van for a total of 5 hours driving, with about 1 hour of relaxation on the beach. We were picked up at 7:30am, returned back to our hotel almost 11 hours later at 6:20pm, so we were too late to jump in our pool--wasted day! What a waste of money! I WILL be requesting a refund! DO NOT BOOK THIS EXCURSION!!

Excellent service, a spectacular experience full of dancing and fun 😍😍😍 they treated us divinely, I will return very soon to enjoy, thank you very much for everything.

+1

That clear water the views the breeze the ride was smooth and fun. The music just like I love. Great tour especially the organizers guides they all professional and trustworthy.

The tour was very nice and definitely, exceeded expectations! My family and I spent a dream vacation and the tour organizers were very attentive and friendly throughout.