Economic Saona by Catamaran
Saona Island – Premium Tour on a Motorized Catamaran
Discover Saona Island on a small-group excursion (max 20 people) aboard a motorized catamaran, with an early departure to avoid the crowds. Begin the day with included snorkeling at Catuano, then enjoy more than 3 hours on a private beach area reserved only for our company, far from mass tourism. No shared buffets here—your fresh Caribbean lunch is prepared exclusively for your group. The tour ends in the stunning natural pool, a shallow turquoise lagoon perfect for relaxing after this exclusive and crowd-free Saona experience.
🐠 Snorkeling in Catuano: an accessible marine adventure for everyone
Departure takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. for a pleasant 1-hour crossing aboard the motorized catamaran, sailing on the calm Caribbean waters toward Catuano, a well-known snorkeling spot thanks to its tropical fish and colorful corals.
Fins, mask, and snorkel are provided, giving you the chance to swim in clear turquoise water and observe many marine species in a protected natural area.
This activity is supervised by a English-speaking guide, who joins you in the water to ensure safety and show you the best spots.
A simple, fun, and relaxing moment, perfect to share with family or friends, allowing you to discover the marine world in total tranquility, without needing to be an experienced diver.
🏝️ 3 hours on a paradise beach & lunch included: an intimate experience far from the crowds
After your snorkeling session in Catuano, set course for a natural beach on Saona Island, one of the most renowned in the Caribbean for its beauty. We take you to a quiet spot, far from the crowds, so you can fully enjoy the landscape for 3 hours.
No loud music or noisy entertainment here—only the sound of the waves, warm sand, palm trees, and a sea with an incredible shade of blue. You’ll be able to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax in this peaceful setting. Our team remains available to assist you during this relaxation time before returning on board.
A full lunch is served with your feet in the sand, made of fresh local products. The view over the turquoise bay and the calm atmosphere make this a truly Caribbean dining experience, far from mass tourism. You enjoy a total of 3 full hours on this exceptional beach—the ultimate luxury on Saona.
A pleasant break in the middle of the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters, ideal for recharging and enjoying nature.
🐚 Natural Pool of Las Palmillas: a unique moment at sea
The afternoon ends with a stop at one of the most beautiful places of the region: the natural pool of Las Palmillas. This sandbank in the middle of the sea, surrounded by shallow turquoise water, is perfect for a refreshing swim in the sun.
The water is warm and transparent, ideal for relaxing, taking beautiful photos, or simply enjoying the view with your feet in the water. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, far from the crowds, in a preserved natural environment.
You will also have the chance to see giant starfish, typical of this peaceful lagoon. For those who wish, fins and masks are available for a short session of free snorkeling.
A truly simple and joyful moment, with friends or family, to end the day on a magical note, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
⭐ Why choose the Economic Saona excursion with Quetzal?
Because not all Saona excursions are the same.
With our Saona Economic Motorized Catamaran formula, you enjoy a complete program (snorkeling, beach, lunch, natural pool), in a small group, on a comfortable boat, all in a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
A beautifully organized day to explore Saona under ideal conditions, with quality service.
✅ A friendly catamaran, limited to 20 passengers
Embark on a small-group cruise aboard a comfortable motorized catamaran welcoming up to 20 guests maximum. Ideal for enjoying the Caribbean in complete tranquility, without crowds, in a warm atmosphere.
✅ A peaceful ambiance, far from party boats
No loud music or noisy crowds here—this excursion prioritizes relaxation, exploration, and calm, in a natural environment respectful of the sea and its beaches.
✅ 3 hours of relaxation on a private beach + lunch included
Head to a wild and preserved beach on Saona, lined with palm trees, where you will enjoy about 3 hours of tranquility. Swimming, relaxing, walking along the shore—an idyllic postcard setting far from the crowds.
A complete tropical lunch prepared with fresh local products is served directly on the beach, along with open bar and appetizers for a friendly gourmet moment.
✅ Ideal for families and travelers seeking authenticity
Perfectly suited for families, with an attentive crew, snorkeling, a quiet beach, and the chance to encounter starfish in a peaceful tropical setting.
✅ A unique experience in the Caribbean
Whether you travel as a couple, with friends, or with family, this day trip offers the opportunity to experience the Dominican Republic differently, far from the beaten path and standard circuits.
Important information
Availability :
All year round – Thursdays
Boat departure time:
08:45 AM
Duration:
± 8h
Included:
Meal on the beach & appetizers
Beer, rum, soft drinks, water, coffee
Live commentary on board
Professional guide
Pick-up and drop-off at the same location (included for hotels in Bayahibe / Dominicus; supplement applies for hotels outside this area)
Not included / Available at extra cost:
Lobster (except during breeding season: March 1 to June 30)
Massages on Saona Island
Souvenirs on Saona Island
⭐ Saona Island excursion departing from La Romana, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo
All excursions to Saona Island, regardless of the provider, depart from Bayahibe.
It is important to note that even though many visitors stay in Punta Cana, boarding takes place in Bayahibe, and nowhere else.
Transfers are included from the Bayahibe / Dominicus area.
We organize semi-private transfers from Punta Cana, shared between 2 to 3 families to reduce travel time and cost for each group.
If you are staying in La Romana, Boca Chica, or Santo Domingo, we also offer private taxis.
Please note that the travel time is about 30 to 45 minutes from La Romana / Boca Chica, and 1h45 to 2h from Santo Domingo.
Transfer time depends on your exact location.
Included:
Snacks on board
Open bar: Beer, rum, non-alcoholic beverages, water, and coffee
Beach lunch & aperitif
Pick-up and return to the same place: (Included for hotels in the Bayahibe area, a supplement will be charged for hotels outside this zone)
Additional information:
The confirmation of your reservation will be sent within 48 hours after booking, subject to availability. Please indicate any specific dietary requirement at the time of booking. The transfer duration is approximate; the exact time will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A vegetarian option is available, please let us know when booking if necessary.
Cancellation policy:
Deposit: Any reservation will require a deposit request via PayPal.
Bad weather or minimum number of passengers not reached: Quetzal Excursions reserves the right to reschedule the excursion to another date. If passengers are not available on this new date, the deposit will be refunded.
Cancellation by the client: If the client wishes to cancel the reservation more than 48 hours before the excursion date, the deposit will be refunded.
Cancellation less than 48 hours before the date of the excursion: Proof (flight cancellation, illness, etc.) must be provided to request a refund – no refund will be given without proof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What are the essentials to bring on a budget catamaran trip?
To make the most of your day, remember to bring a swimsuit, beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and light, comfortable clothing, preferably with sandals or flip-flops.
We also recommend bringing a small amount of cash if you want to treat yourself to local drinks, buy a few souvenirs, or enjoy a massage on the island.
How many hours can we enjoy Saona Beach during the trip?
In general, you will have 3 hours of free time on the beach to relax, swim, have lunch, or take photos. Once this time is up, you will be invited back on board for lunch.
Where is the meal included in the economy package served?
Lunch is included in the excursion. A full lunch is served with your feet in the sand, made with fresh, local produce. The view of the turquoise bay and the relaxed atmosphere create a typical Caribbean culinary experience, far from mass tourism.
Does the catamaran offer shaded areas to protect from the sun?
Our catamaran has a covered outdoor area that allows you to travel in the shade. This means you can relax and enjoy the cruise in the best possible conditions.
Are there toilets available on board the economy boat?
On board, you will find a basic but functional boat toilet (marine toilet). It is accessible throughout the excursion to ensure passenger comfort.
Why do prices vary so much between a low-cost excursion and the 109$US option?
The difference between the economy Saona excursion ($109) and the classic Saona excursion ($159) lies solely in the type of boat used. Both packages offer exactly the same program, with the same crew and the same stops. The economy option even includes a longer beach stop, and on this version, lunch is served directly on the beach for a more authentic island experience.
The economy excursion uses a functional excursion boat, while the classic package is operated on a catamaran offering more space and comfort.
How many passengers share the catamaran for the economy excursion?
In order to guarantee a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, we deliberately limit our excursions to a maximum of 20 participants. This reduced capacity offers more space and comfort for everyone. For those looking for an even more personalised experience, it is possible to hire the catamaran entirely for private use.
Is there musical entertainment during the catamaran trip?
Yes, there is a little more music on board than on our other excursions, in order to create a friendly atmosphere during the trip. However, we stay far away from the noisy and crowded atmosphere of party boats. The aim is to maintain a balance between relaxation, good humour and comfort for all our passengers.
Is snorkelling equipment included in the excursion?
Snorkelling equipment is included and available for use during the excursion: masks, snorkels, fins and life jackets. We offer a range of sizes to suit as many people as possible. For very young children (under 3 years old), we recommend bringing your own equipment, as we do not provide it for this age group.
Can we pay for the excursion by credit card or do we need to bring cash?
To avoid additional fees, it is preferable to pay the remaining amount in cash, whether in euros, US dollars or Dominican pesos. Credit card payments incur a 10% surcharge, and PayPal payments incur a 6% surcharge.
What happens if the trip is cancelled due to bad weather?
If the weather prevents the trip from taking place, we will offer to reschedule it for another date. If this is not possible, you will receive a full refund.
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Saona Island with Catamaran
