Full-day Caribbean adventure from Santo Domingo
Saona Island Tour from Santo Domingo
Private transportation from your door. An unforgettable Caribbean adventure from beginning to end.
Sail the coral-blue Caribbean, swim in the warm shallows of Palmilla Natural Pool and slow down beneath the palms of Saona Island. On this day, getting there is part of the celebration.
Our highest-rated excursion
No payment is required to request availability. We verify your date, pickup location and complete price first.
Duration
Full Day
Approximately 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Road transfer
Private from your door
Direct Santo Domingo accommodation pickup
Boat experiences
Sailboat + speedboat
Two distinct ways to enjoy the Caribbean
Main stops
Palmilla + Saona Island
Warm shallows and white-sand beach time
Included
Lunch and drinks
Buffet, rum, beer, water and soda
The journey is part of the adventure
A Caribbean Day That Begins at Your Door
Some island excursions begin when you reach the beach. On this one, the experience starts the moment your private driver collects you in Santo Domingo—and keeps building all the way across the Caribbean.
Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your party and travels directly to Bayahibe, where a large catamaran sailboat and a full day of Caribbean fun await.
Swim at Palmilla Natural Pool, relax for several unhurried hours on Isla Saona, enjoy a buffet and cold drinks, then finish with an exciting speedboat ride before your private return to Santo Domingo.
More than a crossing
The Catamaran Sailboat Is Half the Fun
The large, open design offers freedom that a smaller boat cannot match. Move between sunny and shaded areas, find a comfortable place to relax, take photographs from different points along the deck or stand at the rail with the Caribbean breeze on your face.
Music plays, drinks are served from the onboard bar and the atmosphere builds naturally as Bayahibe fades behind you. Some guests dance. Others talk, laugh, sunbathe or quietly watch the changing colors of the sea. Make the ride as lively or as relaxed as you want.
This vessel is a catamaran sailboat. When conditions permit, it travels under sail; its motor keeps the adventure moving when the breeze is light or operating needs require it.
Either way, getting to the island is not simply transportation—it is part of the adventure.
Three unforgettable moments
Swim, Unwind and Feel the Energy
The day changes pace naturally—from the open-water calm of Palmilla, to a long tropical afternoon on Saona, to one final burst of Caribbean energy.
Palmilla Natural Pool
Step Into the Caribbean
Float, swim and take photographs in naturally shallow, warm water with the open sea stretching around you.
Isla Saona
Let the Afternoon Slow Down
Swim, walk the beach, enjoy lunch and a cold drink, find shade beneath the palms or settle into an available chair or hammock.
The return adventure
Finish With a Speedboat Ride
After the relaxed rhythm of the sailboat, Palmilla and the island, skim back toward Bayahibe with the wind and sea around you.
Relaxed by design
Your Saona Island Day-Trip Itinerary
This is not a minute-by-minute tour. These are the day’s four main estimated checkpoints; the sailing, swimming, lunch and island time unfold naturally between them.
About 7:00 a.m.
Private Pickup
Your driver collects your party from one confirmed Santo Domingo hotel, Airbnb, villa or residence.
About 9:00 a.m.
Depart Bayahibe
Meet the excursion team, board by tender and begin the Caribbean portion of the day.
About 4:00 p.m.
Return to Mainland
Arrive back in Bayahibe and meet your assigned driver for the private journey home.
About 6:00 p.m.
Back in Santo Domingo
Return to your confirmed accommodation after a full day in the Caribbean.
All times are estimates. Traffic, boarding, wind, sea conditions and operating needs can affect departure and return times. Please do not plan a flight, cruise departure or other time-sensitive commitment around an exact 6:00 p.m. arrival.
Your private road transfer
Your Santo Domingo Door
Your hotel, Airbnb, villa or residence
Direct to Bayahibe
No unrelated hotel stops or roadside meeting point
Same Driver for the Return
Your assigned driver meets you after the boats return
Easy from door to shore
Private Transportation from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe
A vehicle reserved exclusively for your party collects you from one confirmed Santo Domingo accommodation. You will not spend the morning collecting unrelated passengers, and there is no planned roadside meeting point or vehicle change.
- Direct pickup and drop-off
- One private vehicle for your group
- Fuel, road tolls and taxes
- The same assigned driver for the return
- Child or infant car seat when requested in advance
Transparent from the start
Saona Island Tour Prices from Santo Domingo
The prices below are typical for guests staying in Santo Domingo. We can arrange pickup from anywhere in the Dominican Republic and provide a quote for your location and group. Complete the form below for your exact price and availability. Solo travelers are welcome.
Typical Santo Domingo pricing: boat tickets + $150 for one private round-trip vehicle
Boat-Excursion Tickets
Adult · age 12+
$65
per person
Child · ages 4–11
$40
per child
Infant · ages 0–3
Free
counts toward vehicle capacity
Private Santo Domingo Transportation
One round-trip vehicle for 1–6 total passengers in the standard pickup area
$150
Every infant requires a vehicle seat and counts toward the six-passenger capacity. Tell us during booking when an infant will be traveling so we can provide the appropriate child safety seat at no additional charge.
Clear before you go
What’s Included in Your Saona Island Excursion
Boat tickets and private transportation are priced separately, so the inclusions for each part of the day are shown separately too.
Included with Each Boat Ticket
- Catamaran sailboat and speedboat transportation
- Tender transfers between shore and larger vessels
- Admission to Cotubanamá National Park
- Swimming stop at Palmilla Natural Pool
- Access to the designated Saona Island beach
- Caribbean buffet lunch
- Rum, beer, water and soda on the boat and island
- Assistance in English and Spanish
- Life jackets
- Shade, chairs and hammocks, subject to availability
- Applicable boat-ticket taxes and service charges
Included with Private Transportation
- One private round-trip vehicle for your group
- Direct pickup and drop-off at one confirmed Santo Domingo accommodation
- Fuel, road tolls and taxes
- The same assigned driver for the return
- Child or infant car seat when requested in advance
Bring With You or Purchase Separately
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Sandals or water shoes
- Dry clothing and waterproof phone protection
- Personal or motion-sickness medication
- Food required for a strict diet or medical allergy
- Cash for photographs, massages, souvenirs or gratuities
- Transportation outside the standard pickup area unless quoted
Keep valuables with you because lockers are not available at the Saona Island beach.
A day made for celebrating
Caribbean Buffet and Included Drinks
A great day on the water should include good food and cold drinks.
The buffet normally includes fish, chicken or both, plus rice, vegetables, salad and bread. Exact selections may change. Rum, beer, water and soda are included on the catamaran sailboat and at the Saona Island beach.
Included drinks
Rum, beer, water and soda. Alcohol is served only to guests 18 or older and is subject to responsible-service policies.
Special diets
The standard buffet cannot reliably accommodate vegan, gluten-free or allergy-sensitive requirements. Special meals cannot be guaranteed, and allergen cross-contact may occur. Contact us before booking and plan to bring appropriate food.
Made for memorable days
Who Will Love This Excursion?
Choose this day if you want both a relaxed island afternoon and an energetic boat experience—with the convenience of private transportation from Santo Domingo.
A day for two
Couples
A memorable Caribbean day beyond Santo Domingo, with plenty of time for photographs, the sea and each other.
Easy family adventure
Families
Convenient private road transportation, children’s pricing and a full day of swimming, beach time and fun.
Celebrate together
Friends
Music, cold drinks, dancing, wide-open views and a tropical beach afternoon made for sharing.
Always welcome
Solo Travelers
No passenger minimum and no need to arrange every part independently. One traveler is always welcome.
Choose the right day for you
Important Details Before You Book
The fun comes first, but a great excursion also starts with clear expectations. Open any topic that matters to your party.
Your Santo Domingo-to-Bayahibe transportation is private. The marine excursion is shared with other travelers. Guest counts vary: the excursion usually hosts 50–60 people and can approach 100 on busy days. Expect a sociable atmosphere with music, dancing, included drinks and an onboard bar rather than a quiet private yacht cruise.
Santo Domingo Taxi provides the private road transportation and arranges the excursion. A partner boat operator runs the tenders, catamaran sailboat and speedboat and makes final decisions about route, vessel order, timing and safety.
This excursion is not wheelchair-accessible. Small tender boats carry guests between the shoreline and larger boats offshore. The tender is secured alongside the larger vessel, and crew members help as guests step across. Depending on tide and landing position, guests may also need to wade through water normally below knee height.
The excursion is not recommended for guests with serious back or neck conditions, significant mobility limitations, recent surgery or severe seasickness. Non-swimmers may participate and life jackets are available, but guests must be able to complete assisted boat transfers.
Pregnant guests may participate, but later-stage pregnancy is not recommended because the day includes speedboat travel, tender transfers and possible shallow-water wading. Consult a healthcare professional and contact us before booking. Children and infants are welcome; parents remain responsible for supervision.
The Saona Island beach has toilets, shade and many chairs and hammocks. Seating is subject to availability. Changing rooms, showers and lockers are not provided, so bring a towel, dry clothing if desired and waterproof storage for your phone and valuables.
The advertised $150 price applies to one private vehicle carrying 1–6 total passengers from one confirmed hotel, Airbnb, villa or residence within Santo Domingo. It does not include an airport, cruise terminal or out-of-city pickup.
Ask for a custom transportation quote for: Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), Sans Souci Cruise Terminal, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, La Romana, or parties of seven or more.
This full-day excursion may not fit every ship schedule. Send your ship, terminal, arrival time and required onboard time so we can evaluate it; a return-to-ship guarantee is not included.
Clear arrangements
Booking, Payment, Cancellation and Weather
Payment
The full boat-ticket total is due at least 72 hours before pickup. A request inside 72 hours may still be accepted if space is available, with immediate boat-ticket payment after confirmation.
Boat tickets and transportation may be paid by cash, Visa or Mastercard. Transportation is paid after service. We quote in USD, but accept any major currency (USD, euros, DOP, CAD, etc.). The USD quote will be converted to your desired currency for payment at the time of service. For advance boat-ticket payments, conversion is made when that payment is processed.
Cancellation
- At least 72 hours before pickup: full refund of prepaid boat-ticket charges.
- Inside 72 hours, late arrival or no-show: the boat-ticket portion is nonrefundable.
- Transportation is not charged if it has not been dispatched and service is not provided.
- A rescheduling request inside 72 hours may require purchasing new boat tickets.
- Operator cancellation: refund or transfer to another available date.
Eligible card refunds are processed within 24 hours; the bank then controls posting time. Eligible cash refunds are returned within 24 hours.
Weather
Rain alone does not automatically cancel the excursion. When the captain determines the day can proceed safely, normal cancellation terms apply.
Wind, waves, rain, traffic, boarding and operating needs can alter vessel order, route, timing or return.
Straight answers
Saona Island Tour FAQs
Open a question for the practical details about timing, price, transportation, food, families, weather and what to bring.
A private driver collects your party from one confirmed Santo Domingo accommodation and drives directly to Bayahibe. From Bayahibe, the boat excursion visits Palmilla Natural Pool and Saona Island before your assigned driver meets you for the private return trip.
Plan on a full-day excursion. Pickup is normally around 7:00 a.m., and the estimated return to Santo Domingo is around 6:00 p.m. Traffic, boarding, weather and sea conditions can change the timing.
Boat tickets are $65 for adults ages 12 and older, $40 for children ages 4–11 and free for infants ages 0–3. Add one $150 private round-trip vehicle for 1–6 total passengers within the standard Santo Domingo pickup area.
Yes. There is no passenger minimum. One adult pays the $65 boat ticket plus the $150 private round-trip vehicle, for a complete price of $215 within the standard Santo Domingo pickup area.
No. Your road transfer is private, but the boat excursion is a shared, social experience with other travelers, music, drinks and dancing.
The boat excursion departs from Bayahibe on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Your private driver takes you from Santo Domingo directly to the boarding area and meets you again after the boats return.
Yes. One leg uses a catamaran sailboat and the other a speedboat. The usual order is catamaran sailboat outbound and speedboat back, but the operator may reverse it when conditions require. The sailboat travels under sail when wind permits and uses its motor when the breeze is insufficient or operating needs require it.
Palmilla is a broad area of warm, shallow Caribbean water where guests can swim, float, take photographs and enjoy the scenery. It is primarily a relaxed swimming stop rather than a guided reef-snorkeling tour.
The normal day provides several relaxed hours at the Saona Island beach. You will have time to swim, enjoy lunch, relax in the shade and appreciate the white sand and turquoise water. Exact timing may vary with the day’s conditions. The boat excursion normally runs from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving you roughly seven fun-filled hours of sailing, swimming at Palmilla Natural Pool, relaxing on Saona Island and enjoying the speedboat return.
The buffet normally includes fish, chicken or both, plus rice, vegetables, salad and bread. Rum, beer, water and soda are included on the catamaran sailboat and at the island. Special meals cannot be guaranteed, and the standard buffet cannot reliably accommodate vegan, gluten-free or allergy-sensitive requirements. Allergen cross-contact may occur.
Yes. Infants, children and non-swimmers may participate, and life jackets are available. Infants ages 0–3 travel free on the boat but require a vehicle seat and count toward the six-passenger vehicle capacity. Tell us how many infants and children are traveling so the required car seats can be provided at no additional charge. Parents remain responsible for supervision.
It is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests must complete assisted transfers between small tenders and larger boats and may need to wade through shallow water. Pregnant guests may participate, but later-stage pregnancy is not recommended because of speedboat travel and assisted boat transfers.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, sandals or water shoes, waterproof phone protection, any necessary medication and cash for optional purchases. There are no changing rooms, showers or lockers at the Saona beach.
The captain and excursion operator decide whether the excursion can proceed safely. If it operates, rain alone does not automatically qualify for a refund. If the operator cancels, prepaid charges are refunded or may be transferred to another available date.
Cancel at least 72 hours before pickup for a full refund of prepaid boat-ticket charges. Within 72 hours, the boat-ticket portion is nonrefundable. Transportation is not charged if the vehicle has not been dispatched and the service is not provided. A rescheduling request made within 72 hours may require new boat tickets.
A living habitat
Help Protect Saona Island
Saona Island and Palmilla are inside Cotubanamá National Park. Leave starfish underwater, observe wildlife without touching it, avoid disturbing coral, do not remove shells or other natural objects, secure loose belongings and return all waste with the excursion crew.
These waters are home to wildlife. Every guest can help keep this special place beautiful and protect the wildlife that depends on it.
Your Caribbean day is waiting
Ready for an Unforgettable Saona Island Day?
Leave Santo Domingo in a private vehicle. Feel the breeze aboard a spacious catamaran sailboat. Swim at Palmilla Natural Pool, relax beneath the palms of Isla Saona and add the excitement of a speedboat ride.
Submitting a request does not obligate you to book. Boat space is reserved only after availability is confirmed and payment is received.