Punta Cana Saona Island: A Tasty Lobster, Drinks & Day Trip Review

So, you are thinking of going on a day trip to Saona Island from Punta Cana, maybe? The image you’ve probably got in your head right now is that it is full of beaches so soft and white it almost looks like clouds and waters so incredibly turquoise that they seem unreal, and that image, very possibly, isn’t far from reality. It is one of the most sought-after excursions in the Dominican Republic, that’s for sure, but deciding if it’s worth your cash and time, and figuring out what to expect, well, that can be a bit of a task. I’m here so you can get a real sense of what the trip involves, covering all from the boat ride to that highly-anticipated lobster lunch.

What to Know About Saona Island Before You Go

Saona Island is a protected nature reserve, and it’s also part of the Parque Nacional del Este. This designation kinda keeps big resorts at bay, which is great in some respects. Its coasts showcase mangrove forests and also reefs, which supports abundant marine life. That means, arguably, it’s more than just pretty beaches – it is also an important ecological place.

Most tours leaving from Punta Cana involve a bus pick-up that, honestly, sometimes feels like it is taking forever. Then, there is a boat ride that is usually on a catamaran or speedboat, very possibly involving some rum punch and also music. The island, you see, has a handful of beaches, with the main ones being Canto de la Playa and Mano Juan. Be aware, though, that many of these tours go to private beach areas so they are set up with lunch facilities.

Speaking of Mano Juan, so you should know, it’s actually the island’s only inhabited area. It is a small fishing village. You will sometimes see this included on itineraries if you’re after a more authentic look at local life. If getting away from hordes is very important to you, verify whether this part of the tour will include the village so there are not too many tourists, basically.

Booking Your Tour: What to Look For

So, like your, the market is absolutely flooded with Saona Island tour options. This can make things seem overwhelming, I am sure! Here are what many feel are the very critical factors when comparing your options so you don’t waste your time or cash:

Tour Length: Tours usually are from around 9 to 12 hours. In reality, arguably, much of that time is spent traveling, so consider what that truly leaves you with for beach time.
Transportation: Find out if you’ll spend a long time driving in a cramped bus or, arguably better, in a smaller, more comfy van.
Boat Type: So you are wanting a party vibe? In that case, choose a catamaran with an open bar and dancing. Prefer something quicker with less people? Then, a speedboat might suit you just a little better.
Included Activities: Is there snorkeling included, perhaps? What about a visit to the sea turtle sanctuary? These can really, very much, enrich your trip.
Lunch Details: Now, the lunch buffet is almost standard, however, its quality will swing pretty wildly. Check reviews! In addition, if the lobster is important to you, make sure the tour specifically states that this is an inclusive meal and, obviously, there are no extra fees.
Group Size: Big groups mean longer lines and it takes longer to actually find a spot to chill on the beach. Smaller group sizes, it is felt, arguably enhance that overall experience just a little.
Reviews: Honestly, dig through some recent reviews. That, it seems, will give you real-world feedback on whether previous travelers felt they got what was promised and at which price.

The Actual Excursion: Setting Expectations

Let’s say you booked your trip. What might happen next? Your day could happen more or less this way:

Early Start: Okay, so be ready for an early pickup, usually, between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, so you should allow time. It all depends on how far your hotel is from the departure point.
Bus Transfer: Get settled. Now it might be a lengthy ride to Bayahibe, that jumping-off point for boats heading to Saona Island. I think you should use this time for napping or viewing the countryside go by.
Boat Ride: Jump aboard either a catamaran or a speedboat. Catamarans, mostly, offer a party vibe complete with music, dancing, and an open bar that almost always has rum and other mixed drinks. A speedboat will likely be quicker. You’ll almost certainly feel that refreshing sea breeze!
The Natural Pool: Some, but not all, tours will pause at the “natural pool,” so it’s this shallow sandbar off the coastline. People pose for pics holding starfish, and many stand around waist-deep drinking. It is just a bit touristy. But that’s fine too, and the water certainly feels wonderful! Just respect the marine life so you don’t cause environmental harm.
Arrival at Saona Island: When you finally arrive, locate your tour’s assigned area on the beach. Now you’ll have a couple of hours, give or take, just to swim, sunbathe, or maybe walk along the shore. If that lunch situation, I feel, is critical, now you want to assess that situation so you understand the amenities.
Lunch Time: Ah, yes. Check the buffet selection so you can plan how many visits it warrants, arguably. Most of them feature pretty standard Dominican food, with rice, beans, grilled chicken or pork, salads, and also fruit. You will very possibly find that the lobster, if it is included, will be grilled separately and is served right up!
Return Trip: Usually, that return trip is something much the same. Maybe with another pause at the natural pool. Keep that sunscreen handy! After that, you might want to sleep the entire way back to the resort on the bus because you’re pretty exhausted from the day’s adventures.

Lobster Lunch: Is It Worth the Hype?

For so many people, that grilled lobster lunch is one of the main draws of this Saona Island excursion. So you may wonder: Is it tasty, genuinely? The answer really relies on a few things, too. I mean, expectations also!

The Lobster Itself: These are very probably Caribbean lobsters. Their flavor is thought to be sweeter and somewhat less rich compared to Maine lobster. Now the cooking process is typically grilling it over open flames. If that lobster’s fresh off the grill and seasoned just right, so I find that you might find it incredibly delicious.
Presentation: Truth be told, it will most likely be served very simply. No drawn butter, perhaps not fancy plating either. Keep this in mind as it might come in just half a shell alongside everything else at that buffet.
Unlimited? Most tours provide only half a lobster per person unless otherwise advertised, as you may have read, or understood, already. Some, basically, let you purchase an additional lobster at a cost if you want to get another helping of this yummy, expensive delight.
Setting Matters: Have you eaten delicious food right at a picnic table only steps from a serene, picturesque beach? Then, that vibe adds flavor in itself. If that’s your speed then you will, arguably, think of it like the tastiest lobster of existence, alright!

Therefore, the lobster is usually a big win. And in case it ends up that you are just fine with simpler dining set in that unreal atmosphere. This may, obviously, be worth a trip. It seems likely to depend a little on if expectations are truly managed, you see.

Potential Snags and How to Avoid Them

Saona Island is wonderful, that’s obvious, however there are always some things that are kind of headaches:

Crowds: This is a well-known excursion and so beaches can sometimes be congested, above all during that peak season or on weekends. You could ask the tour operator for departure times that normally prevent this sort of peak or seriously assess the idea of doing a private tour instead.
Sales Tactics: Photographers usually snap photographs throughout that tour, which can be later offered for sale, I’ve heard. It’s totally fine to say no, of course.
The Weather: This is a tropical location, meaning quick showers come very quickly. These rain showers can be refreshing, but in reality they are always something of a bummer if you wish to have endless sunshine. Therefore, it might be great to peek at a weather report as the date approaches so that you know when the storms will brew, perhaps!
Hidden Fees: Before booking verify just what is already included. Now occasionally there’ll be an additional “port fee” and something else for a “marine park fee”.
Seasickness: In case the water’s choppy you may find yourself getting seasick while aboard. I find it best to come prepared with the non-drowsy motion sickness medicine. Consider sitting out on deck so that you have plenty of fresh air if there is space!

What to Bring on Your Saona Island Adventure

Coming well-prepared will help a great deal to provide yourself with peace-of-mind and comfort. Consider adding these items so you have the trip that’s arguably the very best that you could experience:

Sunscreen: Without saying, so I always bring the reef-safe, high-SPF kind and reapply so often.
Towel: It might come with, though don’t assume! Now bring one just so you will know for certain that you will get dried off between dips.
Swimsuit: Well, that is fairly darn obvious. If not, you probably do not like the sea all that much.
Water Shoes: When walking in that water that isn’t always purely sandy you’ll want to protect your feet so you don’t accidentally touch some sharp stuff on the floor.
Insect Repellent: As for some bugs that could possibly show their faces. Better safe than sorry so I find!
Cash: To give staff that little tip. Also if you wanna have more beverages beyond the ones covered. And maybe that additional lobster that will call to you!
Waterproof Bag: Protects phones or cameras from splashes.
Camera: Honestly because those stunning views simply must be documented.

When you prepare ahead, the experiences tend to go better than ever.

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