Saona Tour by Catamaran
SAONA ISLAND
Set off on a unique experience aboard the Quetzal catamaran — a peaceful cruise to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches: Saona Island.
Located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, within the Cotubanamá National Park, Saona Island is a natural gem renowned for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, majestic palm trees, and exceptional biodiversity. Only accessible by boat, it offers a postcard-perfect setting, ideal for a getaway far from mass tourism.
Sail in a small group, away from the crowds, with a professional and attentive French-speaking crew. Your adventure begins with a stop at Catuano, the perfect spot for a snorkeling session in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish and colorful corals.
Next, head to a private beach lined with coconut trees and pristine white sand, where you can relax in the shade in an authentic and unspoiled environment. A refined lunch served on board accompanies your journey to the natural pool of Las Palmillas — a magical place where you’ll have the chance to observe giant starfish in a transparent lagoon.
No loud music, no party vibes — just soft sand, turquoise sea, and absolute tranquility.
An exclusive and unforgettable day in the heart of the Caribbean, exploring some of the most spectacular beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Perfect for lovers of nature, snorkeling, relaxation, and raw beauty.
🐠Snorkeling in Catuano: dive into the heart of the seabed
Boarding the Quetzal takes place around 8:30 / 9:00 AM for a relaxing 1.5-hour sailing journey through the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, en route to Catuano — a renowned snorkeling site famous for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Equipped with fins, mask, and snorkel, you’ll set off to discover tropical fish and colorful corals in an exceptionally clear turquoise sea. This special moment takes place in the company of our passionate guide, who will introduce you to the various marine species you’ll encounter during this peaceful, fun, and educational experience.
An ideal activity for all ages, in a preserved natural setting, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and discovering the underwater world — far from the crowds.
A true invitation to explore the seabed in total serenity.
🌴 Exclusive Beach & Lunch on Board: Relaxation and Comfort Guaranteed
After your snorkeling session in Catuano, it’s time to head to a paradisiacal beach on Saona Island — one of the Caribbean’s most stunning seaside destinations, located in the heart of the Cotubanamá National Park. We’ll take you to a partially privatized area, specially set up for our small group.
Here, no crowds, no loud music... Just the soothing sound of the waves, soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and comfortable loungers in the shade — the perfect setting for a true moment of relaxation facing the turquoise sea. A postcard-worthy landscape, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or strolling peacefully along one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
You’ll enjoy about 1.5 hours on this pristine stretch of sand — a dream location for beach lovers, tropical nature enthusiasts, and seekers of absolute tranquility. During this downtime, our crew will remain at your service, bringing you fresh drinks right on the beach with the same care as on board.
Meanwhile, a delicious lunch awaits you aboard the Quetzal: freshly prepared with local, quality ingredients for a complete and satisfying meal, which you’ll enjoy as we sail back through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
A true moment of comfort, connection, and discovery — set in breathtaking scenery, surrounded by turquoise lagoons, rich marine life, and white sandy beaches.
🌊 Natural Pool of Las Palmillas
The afternoon continues with an unforgettable stop at the natural pool of Las Palmillas, one of the hidden gems of the Dominican Republic, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean.
This incredible turquoise lagoon, located in the middle of the sea, forms a vast submerged sandbank where the crystal-clear water often doesn’t reach above waist level. It’s like walking on the ocean, surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery, with tropical palm trees in the distance and sunshine all around.
Here, time stands still. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful swim, to soak in the warm water, or to snap some of the most stunning vacation photos. In this heavenly cove, you’ll also encounter magnificent starfish — true treasures of the sea — which we’ll observe during a second gentle snorkeling session, with mask, and snorkel.
This corner of paradise is carefully selected for its isolation: far from tourist boats and crowded areas, it offers an exclusive experience in a preserved environment — ideal for lovers of wild nature, tranquility, and turquoise waters.
A moment of pure serenity, in a small group, between sky and sea — where light snorkeling, soft sand, and relaxation come together to create a unique memory, worthy of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
⭐ Why choose Quetzal Excursions?
Because not all Saona excursions are the same.
At Quetzal, we offer you much more than a simple round trip to the beach. We’ve designed an exclusive, comfortable, and peaceful day, in a small group, to let you discover Saona far from the crowds, in the best possible conditions.
✅ A unique catamaran
Our sailing boat is a spacious and high-end model, rare in Bayahibe. It offers:
A large tanning area at the front
A shaded outdoor lounge and an air-conditioned indoor space
Several toilets and showers on board
Cabins available for young children or to rest in complete privacy
✅ A relaxed atmosphere, far from party boats
We prioritize tranquility and quality of experience. No loud music: here it’s all about calm, swimming, exploration and relaxation in a nature-friendly environment.
✅ An exclusive beach, just for you
On Saona, we dock in a partially privatized beach area, far from crowded tourist spots. You enjoy 1h30 of peaceful relaxation, with sun loungers under the palm trees and drinks served directly on the beach by our crew.
✅ A quality meal on board
Lunch, served aboard the Quetzal, is prepared with fresh and local products, carefully selected. A real meal, healthy and tasty, to enjoy at sea during the cruise.
✅ Ideal for families and travelers in search of authenticity
Parents will appreciate the safety and comfort on board, as well as the presence of an attentive English-speaking crew. Kids will be fascinated by the snorkeling, the beach, and the starfish in a peaceful setting.
✅ A truly exceptional moment
Whether as a couple, a family, or a small group of friends, our excursion is designed to leave a lasting memory. It’s an unforgettable experience, far from standardized tours.
Important Information
Departure time of the boat:
08:45am
Duration:
± 8h
Included:
Meal on the boat: various salads, avocadoes, pasta, chicken, beef, fruits and rosé wine
Snacks: Doritos, sandwichs, bananas, cake.
Beer, rum, soft drinks, water and cofee
Live commentary on board
Professional guide
Pickup and drop-off at the same location (Included for hotels in the Bayahibe area; for hotels outside this area, an extra charge will apply)
Not included / Available at extra cost:
Lobster
Massage on Saona Island
Souvenir gifts on Saona Island
Transportation if your hotel is located outside the Bayahibe area
Excursion to Saona Island from La Romana, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo
Included
Snacks: sandwiches, chips, cake and bananas
Open bar: Beer, rum, soft drinks, water and coffee.
Meal on board: various salads, pesto pasta, chicken, beef, fruits and rosé wine.
Hotel pickup and drop-off at the same location (Included for hotels in the Bayahibe area, for hotels outside this area, an extra fee will be charged)
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. Transfer duration is approximate; the exact time will depend on time of day and traffic conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if needed.
Cancellation Policy
All bookings will require a deposit request via Paypal.
In case of bad weather or minimum number of passengers not reached, Quetzal Excursions reserves the right to reschedule the excursion to another day. If passengers are not available on this other day, the deposit will be refunded.
If the client wishes to cancel the booking more than 48 hours before the excursion date, the deposit will be refunded.
Less than 48h before the excursion date, proof must be provided to claim a refund (flight cancellation, illness…) – no refund without proof.
Summary of your Saona excursion in video
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