Saona Island Punta Cana

“If you enjoy a large, lively boat atmosphere with loud music and a very full crowd, this trip may suit you. However, if you prefer a calmer experience, it’s worth knowing that the boat was extremely busy, the music was quite loud, and the overall environment felt more geared towards a younger party audience than a relaxed day out. The island itself was beautiful but overwhelmingly crowded. We spent only around two hours there, and most of that time was taken up by queues — particularly for lunch, which had a very long wait. Although the itinerary mentioned a visit to a natural pool, this did not happen, which was disappointing. We had booked what was advertised as a small tour, but we were placed on a boat with a very large group, which did not match the experience we expected. While the free drinks on board were a nice touch, the overall setup felt far more commercial and crowded than described. In summary, the trip did not meet our expectations. For anyone looking for a more comfortable, personalised, and less crowded experience, I would strongly recommend choosing a smaller, private tour instead.”

“Coming from Punta Cana the the drive, transfers, and waiting was not worth the experience. We spend about 5 hours in transit (to and from), waiting for transfers, and waiting for the tour to start. All for a 1.5 minutes (fun!!) party cruise, 30 minute dip in the natural swimming pool, 2 hours on a beautiful but overcrowded beach and a mediocre lunch. Wouldn't go again”

“Coming from Punta Cana, the drive and transfers were not worth the trip. We spent probably 4 hours on busses and waiting for transfers for a 1.5 hour party cruise, 30 minutes in the natural swimming pool and 2 hours on an overcrowded beach with a mediocre lunch....”

“Our experience with the staff on this tour was easily a 5/5, but the current state of Saona Island dragged the overall rating down. The Good: * Driver: Francisco was on time, super polite, and helped us with our bags and getting in and out of the van. * Tour Operator & Crew: Communication before the trip was very responsive. The crew on the catamaran had great energy and was genuinely wonderful with kids. * Thoughtful Touch: When we got to lunch, the staff called the kids up to get their food first. After hours of travel, that was a huge relief for parents with hungry little ones. * Great Support: When we returned to the dock, we couldn't spot our van. A guide asked to see a picture of the vehicle, recognized it, called the driver, and walked us straight to him so we weren't left stranded. * Speedboat: The speedboat ride back was super fun, scenic, and a total hit with the kids. Where Things Fell Short: * The Dock Area: Waiting to board at the dock was hot, crowded, and chaotic. The guides kept a great attitude and directed us to an air-conditioned shop with drinks and a bathroom, but the long wait in the heat was tough. * Saona Island Conditions: Having visited the island 11 years ago, I was shocked by how much it has degraded. The area we visited had a strong, unpleasant sewage odor, dirty surroundings, and broken or filthy lounge chairs. * Unpleasant Ocean Entry: Entering the water was genuinely miserable. The shoreline was covered in heavy rocks and sharp shells, making it nearly impossible to walk into the ocean without hurting your feet. The waves constantly washed big rocks over your feet and slammed them into your ankles. * Wildlife & Facilities: Bees were swarming the buffet and seating areas. The bathrooms on the island had no flush capability and no running water/soap in the sink (just a small trickle from an outdoor tap). * Duration: We ended up getting under 2 hours on the island instead of the scheduled 3 hours, though given the condition of the beach and smell, we were happy to be leaving early. Tips for Other Travelers: * Bring Cash to Tip the Crew: Please bring cash to tip the crew and driver. These people work tirelessly, ensure your safety, keep energy high, and treat your kids like family. They are not beggars—they are hardworking professionals earning a living. Tipping might not be custom everywhere in the world, but showing tangible appreciation here goes a long way. * Must-Haves: Water shoes are non-negotiable—walking in the water is practically impossible without them due to all the sharp rocks and shells. Bring towels, sunblock, a hat, and a handheld fan to cope with the heat. * Pack Extra Water & Snacks: Food is served much later in the day, so pack snacks for the group. While they provide water and soft drinks on board, they are served in small cups, so bring your own bottled water to stay properly hydrated. * Manage Expectations: Be ready for a long, very hot, sweaty, and tiring day. Verdict: The crew on this excursion is top-notch, works hard, and deserves all the credit for keeping everyone happy. However, local management really needs to clean up the island amenities, plumbing, and beach area to get it back to what it used to be.”

“The Sauna Island Excursion in Punta Cana is pure bliss! From the moment we boarded the boat, the experience was luxurious. The floating saunas and ocean views were unforgettable and incredibly unique. The staff provided exceptional service. Highly recommend! It was well priced. It is a whole day experience with travel theough bus and boat. The groups are well sized and not uncomfortably crowded. Family friendly but best experiended without small children.”