Saona Island Tours - Isla Saona Bayahibe La Romana

9 months ago

Great experience with Antonio/Tony the tour guide. The bus picked us up right on time and took us to the island through a motorboat and on the way back at catamaran. We made a pitstop for chocolate on the way back, which was nice because you could use the bathroom on the way back. I do suggest bringing change of clothes because it does get a little cold on the bus and you’ll be in a wet bathing suit. Other than that, it was a great experience and Saona Island is beautiful.

11 months ago

Our experience on the Saona Island Tours was quite an adventure! However, I must admit, I wasn’t a fan of the chaotic scene as people jostled to board the boat. It felt a bit overwhelming at times. The tour guides could certainly benefit from improving their readiness when it comes to docking and undocking the boats. However, let me tell you, the location itself was absolutely stunning! I was captivated by the beauty of Bayahibe, and honestly, I wish we could have stayed for a couple more days. The beach was simply incredible—much more appealing than what I’ve seen in Punta Cana. If you appreciate breathtaking views and pristine sands, this is definitely the place to be!

7 months ago

great experience first time there they were able to fit us on same schedule we went on a bus to get there they offer us drinks on the boat nice vibe atmosphere wish they have more than coke and jack afterward they drop us where we would swim for a bit and then we explore the island for a few hours overall nice overall experience it take us around 7 am to 7 pm back to about 12 hours altogether bus stops and final reachpoint

2 years ago

The place is beautiful. However, my experience was negatively impacted by the locals... I totally understand that locals depend on tourism to make a living, but they push constantly offering things, then saying, "Oh, tips are not mandatory, but depend on them" and then reminding you every 5 min about tipping everyone every where; they told us before boarding the speed boat that for safety, they needed a picture of every group in the boat. At the end of the day, they gave us bottles with the picture attached to a bottle full of wood to prepare mamajuana (local liquor) yourself and requested 20 usd for it. Personally, I don't like to feel coerced into buying things that I personally dislike. Additionally, the beach is not well kept. There is a lot of trash, broken pieces of plastic, polystyrene plates, and cigarette butts. The kitchen where the food for the buffet came from was beyond dirty. Then you line up to get your food served, and it feels like jail. The waiters were in a rush. They literally dumped the food, and they did not even ask what you wanted from the options. They had "fresh" fish on a tray with dead lobsters, under at least 35 degrees, no refrigeration whatsoever... a salmonella waiting to happen, anddd, yes, you guessed it, you have to pay extra for it. The boats stay close to the shore, so the water is not crystal clear due to pollution with petrol. I tried to have a peaceful moment, but constantly was interrupted by people selling stuff/services. To be honest, it was really disappointing to see how an amazing place like that island has been taken for granted by the locals and do not take care or protect their natural resources. If you are booking the excursion, DO NOT PAY more than 65 USD per person. AirTransat offers the same thing for 144 CAD plus tax. Expedia is close to 80 USD. I think if you made it to Punta Cana, this excursion is a nice day trip, but the 65 USD per person is over-priced for what they offer you, and get ready for being bombarded with offers and tip demands. Bargain with the representatives at the hotel.

a year ago

Great experience but very expensive , try snorkeling with a life jacket on, plus getting back on board the boat in deep water was difficult, especially as no rope on the bottom runs of the ladder, food was mediocre on board and at saona island, overall a very long day , it took us 3 hrs to get to the first boat , bus journey very long .