Heading to Saona: nature, history and snorkeling
A speedboat getaway to Saona, away from the crowds, among coral reefs and secret beaches.
Duration
1 days
From
€99/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
Style
Navigation & Cruises
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Embark on a day of escape in the heart of the Cotubanamá National Park. Aboard a speedboat, reach Saona Island in a small group and discover another facet of the Dominican Caribbean, away from overcrowded excursions. Departure takes place from the port of Bayahibe, in a friendly atmosphere that already announces the change of scenery to come. Snorkeling on the Catuano reefs, sailing along preserved coastlines and a stop on a secluded beach bordered by coconut trees mark each stage of this getaway, inviting relaxation. A lunch with local flavors is served in an exclusive setting before heading to Saona's famous natural pool, where the translucent waters seem to blend with the sky. The return takes place in the late afternoon, extending a little longer this moment of serenity on the Caribbean waters. A friendly escape combining sea, nature and tropical sweetness.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Fast boat excursion to Saona Island
Discover the Saona Island, jewel of the Cotubanamá National Park, on an exclusive small group day tour (maximum 24 participants). Escape the large tourist excursions to experience an authentic adventure, between virgin beaches, turquoise lagoon and coral reefs. Your day starts early in the morning with a departure at 8:30 AM from Bayahibe (transfer available from Punta Cana for an additional fee). Aboard a speedboat, you cross the Caribbean Sea in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, far from the crowds of large catamarans. Along the way, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of El Peñón, an emblematic rock formation that overlooks the coast of Cotubanamá Park. Your English-speaking guide will share anecdotes about the wildlife, flora and local culture before your first snorkeling stop at Catuano Reef: mask and snorkel in hand, swim among tropical fish and colorful corals in a natural aquarium.
Around 11:00 AM, you'll reach an isolated beach reserved exclusively for our company, bordered by coconut trees and white sand. Here, there are no collective buffets or loud music: just the sound of waves, the sea breeze and the tranquility of a preserved setting. A friendly aperitif with your feet in the sand awaits you upon arrival: chips, fruit, mini-pizzas and refreshing drinks served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Then, at 1:30 PM, enjoy a Dominican lunch prepared on-site: fresh fish, grilled chicken, fragrant rice, salads and tropical fruits. After the meal, take time to relax or swim in the crystalline waters, before heading back out to sea at 2:30 PM.
Your last stop will be at the famous natural pool of Saona, a shallow lagoon with surreally blue waters. Surrounded by sandbanks and starfish, this magical place is one of the most photographed locations in República Dominicana. Enjoy a unique swimming moment: float in the warm water, drink in hand, while your guide reveals the secrets of this marine ecosystem. It's the perfect final touch to a day dedicated to discovery, relaxation and natural beauty. Return expected at 4:30 PM to Bayahibe, then transfer back to hotels according to your starting point.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Pickup from hotels in Punta Cana / Santo Domingo or La Romana (possibility to organize your pickup at additional cost)
- Souvenirs
- Beach massage
- Tips
Included
- Pickup from Bayahibe/Dominicus hotels
- Fast boat trip with a maximum of 24 participants
- Open bar drinks at the beach: sodas, water, rum, beers, coffee
- Beach snack
- Typical beach private buffet lunch
- A beach area dedicated to our company
- Entrance to the national park
- Guide
- Flippers/mask/snorkel equipment
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.
Passport
To enter the Dominican Republic, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages). However, it is recommended that your passport remain valid for at least six months after your entry date into the country.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in the Dominican Republic.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. An extension can be requested on site from the Dominican General Directorate of Migration, for a period of up to 60 additional days.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or connecting flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in the country.
Tourist Card (E-Ticket)
Before your arrival, you must complete the online form E-Ticket República Dominicana, established by Dominican authorities. This digital document combines both immigration and customs procedures.
The form must be completed before departure and allows you to provide immigration services with the following information:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in the Dominican Republic
customs declaration
A QR code is generated upon completion and must be presented, in digital or printed format, when passing through immigration upon arrival and departure.
Health
No vaccines are mandatory to enter the Dominican Republic. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the areas visited and the traveler's profile:
vaccination against typhoid fever and hepatitis A is commonly advised,
an antimalarial treatment may be recommended for stays in rural or isolated areas.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization for exit from the territory, accompanied by a copy of the absent parent(s)' passport, may be required by Dominican authorities.
In certain European countries, an exit authorization may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of the Dominican Republic in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation and repatriation assistance insurance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in the Dominican Republic, you must have a valid passport. A tourist card is now often included in your airline ticket; if not, it can be obtained upon arrival for approximately USD 10. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of the Dominican Republic.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 170 and 290 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (600-1000 euros round-trip) are additional. The country offers a wide range, from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and fun activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Punta Cana East Coast
Dominican escape creator, based in Bayahibe
I discovered the Dominican Republic from the sea, then fell in love with it through its lands, villages and people. It's this complete island that I love to share with others.
— Joy
