Punta Cana Saona Island Catamaran: The Deluxe VIP Experience Reviewed

Planning a trip to Punta Cana? You should probably include a visit to Saona Island, it’s almost obligatory. Picture this: you are relaxing on powdery soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise water is lapping at the shore, and palm trees are swaying gently in the breeze. Sounds like paradise, right? Well, that is Saona Island for you. It is a postcard-perfect tropical getaway just off the coast of the Dominican Republic. There are many tours available, so the “Deluxe VIP” catamaran tour grabbed my attention, and I thought I should share my thoughts with you about whether it lives up to its name and if it’s actually worth the money. This is, anyway, my detailed take on this popular excursion, designed to provide you with the inside scoop to help you decide if this experience is the right fit for your dream vacation.

Why Choose a VIP Catamaran Tour?

With lots of Saona Island tours floating around, it’s very important to consider why you would go for the “VIP” option. Saona Island draws quite a crowd, and with this popularity comes masses of people all wanting a piece of this island dream. Regular tours can often feel quite crowded, that is a bit like being packed on a party bus on water. The “Deluxe VIP” tours, more or less, promise a more intimate and premium experience. This typically translates to smaller group sizes, nicer boats, premium drinks, and, apparently, upgraded food options. I figured I’d treat myself, since it could be a worthwhile investment to actually sidestep the crowds and enjoy the island at a higher comfort level, so that’s why I gave the “Deluxe VIP” tour a go.

The Allure of Saona Island: What to Expect

Before getting into the specifics of the tour, I want to spend a bit of time chatting about Saona Island itself. Located off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, it is part of the Parque Nacional del Este. The island, too, is a protected nature reserve, boasting pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests, and vibrant coral reefs. You can easily spend your time swimming in unbelievably clear waters, sunbathing on beaches that are quite soft, exploring the local wildlife, and learning about the natural beauty. So Saona Island is an escape from the tourist hot spots. It’s the sort of place where time actually slows down and you can unwind surrounded by unreal nature. I’ve visited several Caribbean islands, but Saona is still different, in a way.

Booking and Pre-Trip Expectations

Booking the tour wasn’t too hard; I made the booking online after doing some price comparisons, or something like that. Be sure that you are reading the fine print for those inclusions and exclusions. Often, the listed price apparently doesn’t include things like park entrance fees or transportation from your hotel, it can vary. Leading up to the trip, I tried to keep my expectations in check, of course I wanted a super fun VIP experience, yet I wanted to remain realistic, and that is not always easy, is it? The tour description promised “premium” everything, so in some respects I was curious to see if they would actually deliver on it.

The Catamaran Experience: Sailing and Onboard Ambiance

The day began with a pickup from my hotel, and the transport was reasonably comfortable, at least. Once at the departure point, I laid my eyes on the catamaran. It looked really good and seemed well-kept, nothing too fancy, just a standard catamaran really. What made this journey unique, it could be argued, were the people onboard. It wasn’t too full, just enough people to create a comfortable vibe. The crew members, too, were super friendly, immediately offering drinks and getting people into the party spirit. The route to Saona Island involved smooth sailing with beautiful views of the coastline, or something like that. So music was playing, people were dancing, and the vibe was fairly upbeat and celebratory. This part was great, no complaints here.

Stop at the Natural Pool: A Star Attraction

Before getting to Saona Island, most tours will usually make a pit stop at the natural pool. This is probably a shallow area in the middle of the ocean where you can get out and wade in waist-deep water, that is also clear. It’s usually a really touristy place, and yet it’s very worth a look. The water is super warm, and it’s quite the experience to stand in the middle of the sea with a drink in your hand. These natural pools tend to be a prime photo spot. Apparently, some tours even include starfish encounters. Our guide was very insistent on people not picking them up and keeping them out of the water too long. The natural pool, anyway, was very memorable and a wonderful teaser for the main event that day, that is Saona Island.

Saona Island Arrival: Beach Time and Lunch

Finally arriving at Saona Island was sort of breathtaking. The beach apparently looked just like the photos. The sand seemed to stretch on forever, and the water was just the prettiest blue color. The “Deluxe VIP” tour provided a designated area, away from the larger crowds, more or less, and there were comfortable beach chairs and shade available. After settling in, lunch was served. Now, this is where things get a little interesting, or I thought they did. The lunch, it was okay, not great. The food that was available included a buffet, featuring grilled meats, salad, rice, and some local sides. It didn’t strike me as super “VIP,” just standard fare. I will say, so they were generous with the drinks all day long, with local beer, rum, and sodas flowing freely, it did compensate for the food somehow.

Exploring the Island: Activities and Relaxation

After lunch, I dedicated some time to discovering Saona Island. I took a walk along the beach. It was pretty calm and quiet, except for some birds, so you might hear some chirping. I brought a book, too, and got a lot of reading done, as I relaxed. Of course you could go swimming. Some folks, too, went snorkeling around the coral reefs closer to shore, with all kinds of colorful fish swimming, if you look carefully. This tour is usually your free time to enjoy paradise as you wish, as a matter of fact. Overall, the island has so many activities.

The Return Trip: Sunset and Farewell

The return trip could be considered another high point. I enjoyed a beautiful sunset on our cruise back to Punta Cana. The sky changed color as the sun got closer and closer to the water. It was very dreamy. We had entertainment during the return. As we sailed, we talked and sang. It was a beautiful goodbye. I’m sure that other tour goers will enjoy this cruise just as much as I did.

Was It Really “Deluxe VIP”? A Critical Look

So, the main question: Did the “Deluxe VIP” Saona Island catamaran tour actually live up to the name? Sort of yes, and sort of no, arguably. The smaller group size, attentive crew, and free-flowing drinks apparently added a luxurious feel. The beach area set up for “VIP” tour guests also felt really exclusive and way better than the main public beach. Where the tour fell a little short, though, was the food. “Deluxe” it was not. It was acceptable, even though not outstanding. I was also very happy with how nice the crew was. Even with those tiny issues, the VIP option was a major boost from the regular excursion, to be honest. If you prioritize comfort and avoiding crowds, the “Deluxe VIP” is possibly a really worthwhile thing to think about.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Saona Island Tour

If you are planning your very own Saona Island adventure, bear these suggestions in mind: Remember that you need sunscreen, or the sun will burn your skin. Bring a towel and bathing suit too, that’s usually important, I mean. Bringing a camera to capture memories might not be such a bad idea either, that, or your phone, is that an option for you? Staying hydrated is very critical, particularly when drinking those free-flowing rum punches, right? If you’re prone to seasickness, just in case you should take motion sickness medicine prior to setting sail, so you’ll be prepared. Respect local wildlife, very critical to not touch or disrupt the sea creatures, in a way. If you want to truly unwind, bring a book or something else to keep you amused on the beach, anyway. By preparing adequately, your experience must be quite enjoyable.

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