Isla Saona & Bayahibe

About Isla Saona and Bayahibe

Isla Saona is a 110 km² protected island about 2.4 km off the south-east coast, part of Cotubanamá National Park (formerly Parque Nacional del Este). It has two permanent settlements, the fishing village of Mano Juan and the naval base at Catuano. Most trips leave from Bayahibe, a former fishing village about 16 km east of La Romana, with hotel pickup from Punta Cana and La Romana on many tours.

Tours differ more than they look. Big catamaran days combine sailing, a beach buffet and the shallow natural pool with starfish; speedboat eco tours run smaller groups to quieter beaches; and private charters let you set the pace.

Operators and prices

Pro Excursions Bayahibe lists its Saona Prestige at US$165 per adult (US$149 internet rate) and US$99 per child under 12. Quetzal Catamaran lists a Saona day trip on its own boat from US$159 and runs small-group Saona and Catalina catamarans, with a private motor catamaran for up to 60, a 43-ft sailing boat for up to 10 and a speedboat for up to 6. SeavisTours, family-owned since 1999, runs the Saona Crusoe VIP by speedboat to Mano Juan with its sea-turtle project, Canto de la Playa and the natural pool, plus a Jungle Eco Tour. Saona Travelers sells regular, VIP, catamaran and private speedboat tours from Bayahibe, La Romana, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

Divers should look at Casa Daniel, a Swiss-Dominican dive school since 1991 with 15+ local sites, boat dives to Catalina, Saona and the St. George wreck, dives from US$44, island day trips from US$30 and PADI courses from US$95.

What to ask before booking a Saona trip

Ask how many guests share the boat, how long you spend on the beach versus at sea, whether lunch and drinks are included, and the pickup time from your hotel, since departures from Punta Cana start early. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and cash for tips. Celebrating? A private charter plus ExperiencesDR's in-house video or an Event DJ from US$1,000 turns the day into a private party.

Who each format suits

First-time visitors and families usually enjoy the classic catamaran day; couples and photographers prefer a small-group speedboat eco tour; celebrations and families with mixed ages do best on a private boat, where the schedule is yours. Divers and snorkelers should base themselves in Bayahibe, where Casa Daniel has more than 15 local dive sites.