What time do Saona Island tours start and finish?
Understanding Saona Island Tour Schedules
Most travelers planning a vacation to the Dominican Republic eventually search for “What time does a Saona Island tour start?” or “When do Saona excursions return?” The truth is simple: start and end times vary widely depending on the company you choose.
Large tour operators tend to follow the same schedule every day, meaning crowds move all at once—hundreds of people boarding at the same time, arriving at the same time, and leaving at the same time.
But specialized agencies operating small-group, quiet Saona excursions by catamaran follow a completely different rhythm.
Their schedules are intentionally shifted to avoid the mass-tourism flow and to give travelers a calmer, more exclusive experience.
Below, you’ll find an overview of how these boutique-style Saona tours are structured, using the typical timetable of a small-group catamaran excursion as a real example.
Morning transfers: early, smooth, and without the crowds
For small-group excursions, hotel pick-ups generally begin between 7:00 and 7:30 AM—a little earlier than most mainstream tours.
This early start has one purpose:
to reach the boarding point in Bayahibe before the arrival of large groups.
Transfers are provided from the Bayahibe / Dominicus zone, and semi-private transportation is arranged from Punta Cana, shared only between two or three families to reduce time on the road.
Travel times to Bayahibe are approximately:
30min from La Romana or Boca Chica
1h–1h30 from Punta Cana
2h00 from Santo Domingo
Once at the marina, boarding takes place in a calm, peaceful atmosphere—no loud music, no rushing, and no waiting behind dozens of boats.
Catamaran departure: Around 8:30AM for a relaxed sail
Small-group Saona tours typically leave the marina between 8:30 and 9:00 AM.
Instead of boarding a fast boat with powerful engines and heavy waves, travelers step onto a stable sailing catamaran, designed for comfort and smooth navigation.
The early departure allows the catamaran to reach the snorkeling site of Catuano before other boats arrive.
Why this schedule works perfectly for a quiet experience:
The sea is calmer in the morning
Marine life is more active
Water visibility is often at its best
You avoid the line of speedboats arriving later
Mid-morning snorkeling in Catuano
Around 10:00 AM, the catamaran reaches Catuano, a renowned snorkeling area famous for: its turquoise water, colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, occasional sea turtles, shallow and calm conditions…
The snorkeling session is supervised by a professional guide—ideal for beginners, children, and travelers nervous about deep water. Because the group size is intentionally limited, everyone enters the water at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Midday on a quiet beach in Saona
Right after snorkeling, the catamaran continues toward a peaceful, partially privatized beach located inside Cotubanamá National Park.
Arrival time is usually between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM—before the large tour boats reach the island. Here, travelers enjoy: soft white sand, shade under tropical palm trees, comfortable loungers and postcard-perfect turquoise water.
Guests generally stay around 1.5 hours, enough time to relax, swim, take photos, and disconnect in a serene environment rarely found on the main tourist beaches.
Afternoon stop at the Natural Pool of Las Palmillas
After leaving Saona’s secluded beach, the catamaran sails toward Las Palmillas, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the Dominican Republic.
This incredible shallow lagoon is chosen specifically for its isolation:
far from the speedboats and far from the crowded sandbanks seen on mass-market tours.
Here, the crystal-clear water rarely rises above the waist.
It’s perfect for:
relaxing in warm, shallow water
spotting starfish at a respectful distance
enjoying calm, peaceful snorkeling
taking beautiful photos
Another 45–60 minutes are spent here, enough to soak in the Caribbean beauty without noise or stress.
Return Schedule
The final sail back to Bayahibe is slow, peaceful, and scenic.
Unlike speedboats that race back to port, a catamaran allows travelers to enjoy: the wind, the open sea, panoramic ocean views, drinks on deck and a quiet, relaxing ride.
Small-group catamaran tours usually return between 4:30 and 5PM—just before the busiest hours at the marina. Hotel drop-offs typically finish between 5:00 and 6:30 PM, depending on your location.
So yes—the start and finish times depend on the operator, but choosing a boutique-style catamaran tour ensures you enjoy Saona before everyone else, and return long after the chaos has passed.
Who are we?
Based in Bayahibe, Quetzal Excursions is a local agency specialized in small-group sea trips to Saona, Catalina, and the most beautiful hidden gems of the Dominican Republic. We focus on comfort, safety, and authenticity, aboard high-end boats with a professional crew.
📱 CONTACT US ON WHATSAPP : +1 (809) 979-7359
Our Regular Excursions
Saona by Catamaran – All Comfort
Our Excursion to Catalina Island
Snorkeling Tour to Catalina
Our Private Excursions
Private rental of the Quetzal catamaran
📌 Need help planning your excursion?
Contact Quetzal Excursions to plan your activities from your place of stay, with included transport, small group, professional guide, and high-end services.