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Saona Island Tour with SeaVis Tours
Saona Island tours are the most popular tour to do in the Dominican Republic. There is good reason for this as it is truly beautiful however many tours are crowded “party boats” which isn’t really the laid back tropical island vibe we were looking for.
This is why we chose to go with SeaVis. They offer smaller groups, eco focused and less chaotic schedules.
This tour is perfect for travellers who value a calmer, more ethical tour. One where the people and the place are valued and you truly feel part of the experience. If you want a more relaxed and nature focused Saona Island tour, SeaVis is the best choice.
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Quick Overview Of The Tour
Our Saona Island tour departed Bayahibe harbour at 9am and returned at 5pm. We went on a speedboat and had a group of approximately 15 people. Lunch, snacks and drinks were provided and we visited 2 beaches, a natural pool, local township and a turtle sanctuary. The cost of the tour is $105 USD per adult and children 2-11yr are $60 USD.
What Is Saona Island?
Saona Island is part of the Cotubanamá National Park near Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic. It is famous for its turquoise water, palm beaches and starfish pool.
Why We Chose SeaVis Tours?
We chose SeaVis Tours originally as we were attracted to the smaller groups and eco focus of the tour they offer. Their itinerary is created to avoid the largest crowds and to give a better understanding of the area including is ecology and history. They are consistently rated the best Saona Island tour and after going we can see why. Our guide was informative and caring, the locations well thought out and vibe was fun and educational. We could tell this was a going to be a quality tour from the start!
Full Day Itinerary
The SeaVis Saona Island tour itinerary is a full day, we had a fantastic time and really got a well rounded experience. This is how the itinerary:
Morning Departure from Bayahibe
All the Saona Island trips go from Bayahibe harbour which is right on the beach front. We met at the SeaVis office, located right near the harbour at 8:30am for our briefing and to put on the National Park Fee wristbands.
By 9am we were heading to the boat to board. The boarding process was simple, we lined up, shoes were taken off and washed clean before climbing on to the speedboat finding a seat. Lifejackets were mandatory and available on the seats for us.
The whole process was simple and quick, we were all excited to get going and this ran really smoothly. As we drove out to our first location we were told about the area. The captain paused near the Rocks of Penon and our tour leader explained the history of the island and indigenous Taino people to us.
Stop 1: Mano Juan Village + Turtle Project
Our first stop was at Mano Juan Village, the local settlement on Saona Island. We were given some refreshing drinks, a choice of soft drink, water, juice or rum and the went off on a walking tour of the area. We visited the village and learnt about daily life here. It is a colourful little town with a couple of shops, a colmado, a rarely used jail! It was so interesting to see how eco friendly the village was and how it all worked in unison with each other.
We also visited the Saona Island turtle project which is an incredible aspect to the tour. Our guide took us to the project and explained the history of the turtles. Their numbers were declining and if not for the local man who started the project himself, counting and caring for turtles there wouldn’t be as many as there are now. SeaVis supports his work and he helps to keep the turtle project running and we loved supporting a company with a heart. We were able to meet him and ask questions about why and how he began which was so interesting. He sells honey and coconut oil as well as jewellery that his family makes to support the project as well. This was such a unique and special place to visit, it really made the tour feel more personal.
Lunch Experience
We walked back to the beach and headed over to our lunch spot. It was set up for us right on the sand under the palm trees. There was a buffet of local foods, meat, rice, potato and fruits. Our plates were full and enticing.
We grabbed some drinks and ate at the benches with our feet in the sand. It was of high quality and really delicious. Sitting under the palms was such a memorable moment, truly perfect! Even with my gluten free and seafood allergy I was catered for which was wonderful.
Stop 2: Canto de la Playa
Our next stop was Canto De La Playa, one of the stunning beaches on Saona Island. SeaVis chooses to go to one of the quieter beaches, away from the crowds. It was really beautiful! There were palm trees everywhere, clear blue water and perfect white sand. After grabbing a drink and snack we strolled along the sand to find our own private part of the beach. The water was crystal clear and shallow, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. We laid out on the sand relaxing and feeling like we were the only people there. Our tour guide led a snorkel trip but we couldn’t tear ourselves away from our patch of beach.
Stop 3: Natural Pool / Starfish Sandbank
After dragging ourselves off the beach we headed to Saona Island Natural Pool. This is a really cool spot, the water is shallow enough to stand and super clear. We pulled up and got into the water, it was breathtaking. Literally like a natural swimming pool, we loved this stop!
There were starfish we could see under the water and our guide explained that it was important not to touch them, she provided a viewing cone so it was possible to see them clearly. We loved the care that SeaVis took making sure that no one was mistreating the starfish and the surrounding environment.
Stop 4: Mangroves
Our final stop on the way back to Bayahibe was at a mangrove area. We learnt about the bird and animal life here without having to leave the boat. It was an interesting stop and easy on everyone as it was the final part.
What The Tour Actually Feels Like
It is really important to understand what the tour feels like so you can decide what suits you. The atmosphere was relaxed and un-rushed. We never felt hurried even though we were on a schedule, the day just flowed. It was not a ‘party’ atmosphere although it was upbeat. There wasn’t the shots or constant drinking pressure that comes with party tours, although rum and drinks were readily available if wanted.
The tour guide made an effort to include everyone and give us as much information as possible. The group dynamic was friendly and fun. We learnt a lot and everyone was upbeat and happy to spend time in these incredible locations.
The speedboat was in good condition and we all had a bench seat and lifejackets were worn. The boat ride was exciting and does go fast so you will need to hang on!
The day felt really well organised. It flowed easily on to each location and everyone was happy with the timing. It really felt effortless. The overall feeling was relaxed and informative. The perfect mix of soaking up beautiful destinations, fun, experiencing local village life and learning. Honestly it was a perfect vibe.
Is SeaVis Worth It?
Yes! SeaVis is absolutely worth it! We really think this is the perfect tour to experience Saona Island and really get to understand the island, history and culture as well as just enjoy the beaches.
Pros: Beautiful locations with fewer crowds, a friendly and fun vibe, great information and cultural understanding, eco-orientated and excellent food and drinks.
Cons: Getting wet on the speedboat ride! It doesn’t matter where you sit, you will get wet.
Who it’s best for: This is the best tour to Saona Island, I believe it would suit most people! If you are looking for a Saona Island tour with heart, one that you completely indulge in beautiful beaches and locations but also learn about the community and gain understanding and connection to this island then the SeaVis Saona Island Tour is for you.
How Much Does The Tour Cost?
The SeaVis Saona Island tour costs $105USD per adult and $60 USD for children. It is a really fair price when looking at what is included and also at other options available.
What’s included: Speedboat round trip from Bayahibe to each of the 4 locations, a buffet lunch in the sand, snacks, drinks including alcohol, a tour guide, captain and crew, photographer (photos are available for purchase if required), guided snorkel trip, guided walk through village and visit to the turtle sanctuary and national park fees/wristbands.
What’s extra: professional photographs taken on the day for purchase if wanted, any souvenirs, extra drinks or food bought from shops or vendors.
Tipping expectations: at the end of the trip the staff will pass around a hat for tips if you would like to give any.
Important Things To Know Before You Go
These are the useful tips that you should know about Saona Island tour:
- Bring cash – in case you want to purchase souvenirs, we didn’t need to buy extra food or drinks but I did buy a bracelet from the turtle sanctury to help support them, you also need cash for tipping.
- Sun protection – bring sunscreen and a hat. You will be in the sun all day and can easily burn.
- Waterproof bag – you will definitely get wet, even on the boat.
- Seasickness warning – the waves can get a bit high and the boat does go fast so this might help if you are prone to seasickness. We didn’t have any problem with this.
- Hold on while on the boat, it can get rocky and you need to stay in your seat.
What To Pack For Saona Island Tour
These are the things you really need to bring to to bring Saona Island:
- Reef-safe sunscreen – sunscreen is a must and they request only reef safe to protect the waters.
- Swimmers – there will be lots of opportunity to swim!
- Towel – to sit on the sand and dry off on the boat.
- Water shoes – if you don’t like walking on sand, it wasn’t very rocky. We took thongs (flipflops) and were fine.
- Dry bag – essential, everything will get wet at some point.
- Sunglasses – essential, you will be looking at full sun and water all day.
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Where To Stay For The Tour
Where to stay for Saona Island tour depends on your itinerary. We stayed in Bayahibe which is the best option as the boats all leave from the Bayahibe harbour. This means we only had a 5 minutes walk to the harbour in the morning instead of the 1.5 hour bus ride from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. This makes the whole day easier and less exhausting, at the end of the day you just walk back to your hotel rather than another 1.5 hour bus!
SeaVis Tours do offer pick up from Punta Cana as well for an extra $20 USD to arrange the trip over to Bayahibe before and after for you.
Saona Island Tour Map
Best Photo Spots
There are some stunning Saona Island instagram spots to grab that perfect picture to post. Our favourites are the colourful buildings at Mano Juan, the beachfront at Mano Juan and the cute coconut stall. The beach at Canto de la Playa is perfect as well for pure white sand and palm trees, just wander around to find your favourite spot. Lastly the natural pool is a must for the perfect water shot!
Mistakes To Avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid when booking your Saona Island Tour is booking massive party boats that just cruise and drink as you will miss the heart and soul of this beautiful location. Forgetting cash to purchase a souvenir or to tip and sitting at back of speedboat if you are prone to getting seasick.
SeaVis vs Party Boat Tours
The biggest difference between the SeaVis Tour and party boat tours is that SeaVis offer a well rounded tour. It is not all drink until you can’t remember the day. Time is spent giving you understanding and information about where you are and what you are seeing. While at the beaches you are soaking up the views and serenity rather than having blasting music and drunk people running around. It is a calmer and more relaxed day trip that does offer alcohol but doesn’t pressure it.
FAQ For Saona Island Day Trip
What is the best Saona Island tour?
The SeaVis Saona Island Tour is the best, we loved it!
Should you visit from Bayahibe or Punta Cana?
We stayed in Bayahibe and think it is by far the best and easiest option, if you can only do it from Punta Cana they offer pick up for an extra $20 USD. From Bayahibe it is a 5 minute walk to the harbour, from Punta Cana it is a 1.5 hour bus.
Is Saona Island crowded?
It can be crowded if you go with a party cruise as they all take you to the same area. SeaVis goes to a quieter beach at alternative times so the biggest crowds are missed.
Is Saona Island worth visiting?
Yes! It really is a gorgeous island and so worth visiting if you are in the Dominican Republic.
Is SeaVis Tours worth it?
SeaVis Saona Island day trip is one of the best things we did while in the Dominican Republic. If you are considering doing the tour we can only recommend it for a relaxing and fun day out.
Plan your trip:
👉 Read next: Things to do in Punta Cana
👉 Plan your trip: Dominican Republic Travel Guide
👉 Don’t miss: Is Bayahibe worth visiting?
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We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
