Punta Cana Hotel Pickup Duration: 60 minutes approx. Start your day with pickup from selected hotels and meeting points in Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cabeza de Toro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto, and nearby tourist areas. Pickup time depends on the guest’s hotel location and the daily route. Guests staying in villas, condos, Airbnbs, or locations not accessible by tour vehicle may be assigned a nearby meeting point.

Transfer to Bayahibe Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approx. After pickup, travel by air-conditioned transportation toward Bayahibe, the coastal departure area used for most Saona Island boat excursions. Bayahibe is one of the main gateways to Saona Island, Catalina Island, Palmilla Natural Pool, and Cotubanamá National Park.

Bayahibe Boarding Area Duration: 20–30 minutes approx. Upon arrival in Bayahibe, guests check in with the tour team and board the assigned boat. Depending on the day’s operation, the tour may use a speedboat, catamaran, or a combination route. This boarding period is normal for shared Saona tours because guests are grouped by boat, crew, route, and operational logistics.

Scenic Boat Ride Toward Saona Island Duration: 60 minutes approx. Board the boat and begin the Caribbean crossing toward Saona Island. Enjoy sea breeze, coastal views, music, Animation shows,turquoise water, and photo opportunities while navigating through the Saona route. The boat type may vary depending on supplier availability, sea conditions, weather, and safety logistics. Several Saona products operate with speedboat one way and catamaran or boat return depending on the daily setup.

Guided Snorkeling Stop Duration: 25–35 minutes approx. Before continuing toward Saona Island, enjoy a guided snorkeling stop in a selected area along the Caribbean route, depending on sea conditions, visibility, and daily boat logistics. Guests receive snorkeling equipment and have time to observe tropical fish, underwater scenery, and the clear Caribbean water under staff supervision. This stop is designed as a light, beginner-friendly snorkeling experience, not a deep-water diving activity. Snorkeling location may vary depending on weather, water visibility, sea conditions, and supplier operation. For safety reasons, snorkeling may be adjusted, shortened, relocated, or replaced by additional beach or natural pool time if conditions are not suitable.

Natural Pool / Palmilla Area Duration: 45 minutes approx. Stop at the famous natural pool area near Saona Island, commonly associated with Palmilla. This shallow-water area is one of the strongest visual highlights of the tour, known for turquoise Caribbean water and a wide natural pool setting. The Dominican Republic tourism site describes Palmilla as a shallow turquoise natural pool and a featured stop on Saona tours.

Saona Island Beach Time Duration: 3 hours approx. Arrive at Saona Island and enjoy free time on the beach. Guests can swim, relax under palm trees, walk along the shoreline, take photos, enjoy alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages or simply enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere. Saona Island is part of Cotubanamá National Park and is known for long stretches of white sand, coconut palms, and turquoise water.

Dominican-Style Buffet Lunch Duration: 60 minutes approx. Enjoy a Dominican-style buffet lunch during the island stop. The menu may vary depending on the day but it commonly includes local-style dishes such as rice, pasta, salad, Included Drinks Duration: During selected portions of the tour Enjoy included drinks during selected parts of the boat and island experience. include water, soft drinks, rum, beer, or local alcoholic beverages.

Return Boat or Catamaran Ride to Bayahibe Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approx. After the island stop, return toward Bayahibe by boat or catamaran depending on the day’s operation. Some Saona products include a catamaran return with music, drinks, and Caribbean atmosphere.

Return Transfer to Punta Cana Hotels Duration: – 2 hours approx. After arriving back in Bayahibe, guests board transportation back to their hotel or assigned meeting point in the Punta Cana area. Return time varies depending on traffic, hotel location, group size, and drop-off route.