Punta Cana Saona Island Day Trip: A Complete Review

Planning a trip to Punta Cana and thinking of checking out Saona Island? You’re very likely on the right track! A Saona Island day trip seems to be a pretty staple excursion for anyone visiting Punta Cana, and that’s really because it hands down offers a chance to get away from the resorts and really just soak in some amazing Caribbean beauty. Now, this review isn’t just a pat on the back for the tour, very well; instead, it is more about providing you with some real, on-the-ground information so you actually know what you’re in for and will actually get the very most out of your day.

What Exactly Is Saona Island Anyway?

Saona Island, more or less, is a protected nature reserve located off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. It’s truly part of the Parque Nacional Cotubanamá (Cotubanamá National Park), which also is just so you know actually home to loads of interesting flora and fauna. What makes it almost unique is definitely the pristine beaches, super turquoise waters, and seemingly endless stretches of fine, white sand. The island has quite a history, being discovered by Christopher Columbus way back in 1494. He was actually so taken by its real beauty, that he named it “Saona” in honor of Michele da Cuneo from Savona, Italy, very well; that one who was with him on that voyage.

Booking Your Saona Island Adventure

Booking this Saona Island day trip can be a piece of cake. The tour is that popular that tour operators and hotels very actually offer it! So, too you can find various packages. You might consider booking, you know, ahead of time to make certain you actually have a spot, basically during the peak tourist seasons. I went with a tour operator, like your Amstar, as they seemed to have really good reviews. When looking for options, look at things that really like your hotel pick-up and drop-off are actually included, too a speedboat or catamaran ride option, lunch, and actually if drinks are included, because they often actually are!

The Day Itself: What To Expect

The day is going to be a reasonably packed one. In general, you will actually be picked up very early from the hotel to begin, yet it actually depends on the provider and the particular hotel you’re in. Be ready! It might be an hour or two on the bus depending how many people the bus has to pick up! So, then, you’ll head to the departure point where the boats actually are waiting for you. So, that there are different types of boats actually available to take – speedboat and catamaran.

The speedboat option usually really gets you to Saona faster, while too it seems like catamarans are pretty much about the party ambiance from the very start. The very trip actually itself is an experience, by the way; along the way, there’s often a stop at the really beautiful natural swimming pool, more or less where the water is quite shallow and starfish are actually spotted all over! I chose a catamaran tour for that very reason actually, because what I had in mind was some super scenic views and a kind of party vibe along the ride with some music. Plus I didn’t really have to zoom there that fast.

Beach Time and Buffet Lunch

Upon, you know, actually reaching Saona Island, you’ll usually, typically, have many hours to unwind and actually soak up that sun. Seriously, it is quite what the Caribbean dream is like. The beaches are like snow with super-fine sand, and then again the water actually shimmers in so very many shades of blue. Seriously, the provided buffet lunch typically features local dishes – like your grilled meat, rice, beans, and salads. Very likely it isn’t a Michelin-star feast, basically, but very likely is just about right actually after some swimming and sunshine.

Seriously, take a wander a bit, so, too that you’ll get a chance to find some quieter spots actually along the beach if it isn’t what you really expected. Most tour operators very probably set up shop actually near a certain part of the coast, so just move a few minutes to get a really much better, like your more peaceful spot, actually away from a bit of crowd.

Snorkeling or Diving (If Offered)

Actually, if your chosen tour actually includes snorkeling or a scuba option, grab the very opportunity! Though to me I wouldn’t really say that the snorkeling right there actually is the best that can be found, basically, but the very waters around Saona, really just so you know, are actually teaming with a super abundance of sea life. I took an excursion around the coral reefs and checked out many colored fish, more or less; it actually felt so magical, frankly.

The Return Trip

In the late afternoon, it seems like you’ll start the very trip back to Punta Cana. It’s definitely likely that the ride back might very well be on a different type of boat than what you had in the morning, typically as part of the full loop. We sailed back actually on a larger catamaran, which involved that one very last party with fellow tourists and the crew. Be sure to catch the sunset! It’s really that pretty to witness at some point on the open water, just so you know. Actually, when you get back to the hotel, be ready to have some very major relaxation so you know actually, because the sun and salt take quite a lot out of you! So, now!

Is Saona Island Worth It?

In short, is that, that yeah it is so really worth it. When visiting Punta Cana I mean really getting away from your all inclusive resort will be something to consider. But seriously, even though it’s pretty touristy and well trod, it’s one that I really suggest, so too I reckon I’ll very probably return there again in the future!

Here’s a summary:

Pro Really good scenic beauty. So very fine sands, super turquoise waters. Buffet lunch will probably actually feed you very well.
Con Bus actually takes so long. Gets very crowded with the tourists!

Tips For A Smooth Trip

Remember to bring a beach towel, even though many tour operators will give you with towels!
Reapply sunscreen! Sun and sea definitely aren’t messing!
Take your camera to capture some very memorable pictures, too!
In case you do get seasick you can get anti sickness tablets beforehand. It’s far easier than waiting until you’re ill.

Anyway, planning for that Punta Cana day trip is so easy when, actually, you have got a glimpse of the actual full itinerary. To make that super memorable experience, keep what was very just explained here!

Alright! Get started on some planning right now. Hope for that sunshine to come, but don’t give up, actually, even in case it is a cloudy day!

Now!

That should provide you with just everything that I know.