📱 CONTACT US ON WHATSAPP : +1 (809) 979-7359
Saona Island, located in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, is one of the most popular excursions in the country. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, tropical vegetation, and starfish, it is part of the Eastern National Park, a protected area.
Only accessible by boat, it is easily reachable from several tourist zones… but where exactly do you depart from?
Most visitors stay in Punta Cana, on the country’s eastern coast. This region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, unlike Saona Island, which is located in the Caribbean Sea.
❌ No, it is not possible. Even though Punta Cana is a very touristic destination, no boat departs directly to Saona Island from its beaches or marinas. The distance, the coastline’s orientation, and the sea conditions make this crossing impractical for excursions.
⚠️ No group excursion or serious provider offers maritime departures from Punta Cana. The sea conditions there (Atlantic Ocean) are often too rough to allow for a pleasant or safe trip.
👉 If you are staying in Punta Cana, the only viable solution remains a ground transfer to Bayahibe, followed by a boat crossing to Saona.
Bayahibe is a charming fishing village located on the south-east coast of the Dominican Republic, about 1h30 by road from Punta Cana. It faces directly Saona Island, in the Caribbean Sea, which makes it the ideal — and official — departure point for all maritime excursions to the island.
Unlike Punta Cana, which is located on the Atlantic coast, Bayahibe benefits from calmer sea conditions and direct geographic proximity to Saona, allowing for short, safe, and comfortable crossings. This is precisely why all serious agencies, both local and international, choose this port to board their clients.
Bayahibe also offers infrastructure adapted to nautical tourism: a well-equipped boarding dock, daily departures, boats suited to all types of excursions (catamarans, speedboats, private yachts), as well as easy access from major hotel areas.
✅ Geographic proximity to the island: less than 20 kilometers of crossing
✅ Caribbean Sea: calmer than the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for smooth navigation
✅ Fast crossing: 30 to 45 minutes by speedboat, a little over an hour by catamaran
✅ Tourist infrastructure: frequent departures, organized boardings, accessible port
Contrary to what one might think, it is not possible to depart directly by boat from Punta Cana to reach Saona Island.
No serious excursion organizes direct sea crossings from this area, due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean and the long distance to travel by sea.
👉 All excursions go through the port of Bayahibe, whether you are staying in Punta Cana, La Romana, Dominicus, or Bayahibe itself.
Are you staying in Punta Cana? ➤ Ground transfer to Bayahibe, then boat to Saona
Are you staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus? ➤ Direct departure by sea from the port
Were you planning to leave by boat from Punta Cana? ➤ This is not possible for geographic and sea safety reasons
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
Contact Quetzal Excursions to plan a trip to Saona Island from your place of stay, with included transport, small group, professional guide, and high-end services.