Saona Island Catamaran and Boat Tour with Natural Pool

“Cost was £58 (roughly $75) per person after conversion rates and any taxes applied. Overall a fair price for pleasant day out; the transfer was very good - the safest, most polite and accommodating driver we had over our entire 2 week stay; the island and the sandbank (referred to as the ‘natural pool’) were both naturally beautiful places well worth visiting. A few points worth noting: As with all the reviews I read with all the other tour companies, you do not spend 3 or 3.5 hours on Soana Island as advertised. It’s 2 at a push. We had less than 1.5 hours after we had been fed, which took longer than it reasonably should have done but it was not well organised and I’m assuming local or DR citizens don’t have to form part of the queue with the foreigners/tourists, because they just cut the line and go round to the rear of the serving station. There is no tour guide as such. There was one lad on the boat who spoke decent English and gave us instructions about where to he and when. This seems to be something some of the other tour groups are lacking. We had no issues or worries of not being able to get to the right place for pickup or being marooned. The transfer was in a minibus from our hotel to the harbour without a transition onto a larger bus, which appears to be common among orher tour operators. The Island is very busy, in September at least, so if you were hoping for a tranquil and relaxing swim and quiet moment on the beach forget it - you can’t walk anywhere near isolated or even sparsely populated in the time you have to ‘explore’. The advertisement states beer is included in the drinks on the island, however when I ordered a beer the barman asked for $5. Not sure if this is an official or unofficial charge. If you like loud Latin music and dancing you will enjoy the trip out to the natural pool on the catamaran. The staff on the boat are very enthusiastic and entertaining. If you are not a fan of the above, take ear plugs, mentally prepare yourself and embrace it for the 2 hour trip or don’t go. From what I could find all the group catamaran trips offer pretty much the same experience as far as this is concerned. Don’t expect a seat under the shade on the catamaran - bring water, hat, sunglasses, loads of sun cream (especially if you’re fair skinned) or rash vests/water shirts, because you may be in the sun for a while. However this isn’t necessarily a negative - you can lie out on the deck, catch some spray and enjoy it. The so called speedboat used for the trip back broke down and we ended up being overtaken by the catamarans that left after us. Probably a freak occurrence so hopefully not something you will need to consider, unless you read it in another review from a separate trip. All considered, it being roughly a 2 hour trip from our hotel west of Bavario (1 other stop for other participants included) to the harbour on the south of the DR island, food, about 4 hours of boat trips and a brief and busy, but still enjoyable visit to a tropical island, it was well worth the money. Just the lack of time on the island is disappointing and clearly lied about or deliberately mis-sold by the tour operator, but this appears to be consistent across all of them. There is time wasted with inefficiency and hanging around waiting for who knows what when this could give you an extra hour on the island.”

“The crew were great. I have been to Saona Island before however on the other side of the island. This side was full of rocks in the ocean so not as enjoyable of an experience.”

“It was an amazing experience, I hope you have your experience with Mr. Rey David He and the whole crew were very friendly”

“The whole day was full of energy and fun. The catamaran ride had great music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere. The natural pool stop was amazing for swimming and relaxing in shallow clear water.”

“This trip to Saona Island felt like stepping into a postcard. The catamaran ride was relaxing with beautiful ocean views and music that set the perfect mood. The natural pool stop was crystal clear and refreshing. The island itself is pure paradise with white sand and turquoise water everywhere.”