Saona Island Excursion: My 2025 Review

So, if you’re daydreaming about soft, white sands and turquoise water, a full-day excursion to Saona Island in 2025 might just be what you need; that said, getting some real insight can, too, be the difference between an amazing trip and a, well, slightly less amazing one; this review is all about giving you the lowdown on what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to make the absolute most of your Saona Island getaway.

Getting There: Choosing the Right Boat

First off, how you get to Saona Island is very much part of the adventure, that is to say, you’ve usually got two options: the speedboat or the catamaran, each one bringing something different to the table. Now, speedboats get you there quicker, often bouncing over the waves with a bit more energy; that is to say, if you’re the type that loves a faster pace, and wants more time actually *on* the island, that’s often the way to go. On the other hand, catamarans are generally all about taking it easy, think: music, dancing, and an open bar; as a matter of fact, it’s practically a floating party, getting you in the island spirit before you even arrive; that said, catamarans can, too, take longer, so that is something to think about if beach time is very important to you.

Speaking from my own experience, so, I once went on a catamaran where the music was maybe a *bit* too loud for very early in the morning – a slight consideration if you value a calm beginning; conversely, on a speedboat trip, the thrill of zipping across the water was very memorable, yet, it got rather choppy, so keep that in mind if you are prone to seasickness.

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What to Expect on Saona Island

Ok, Saona Island, very much like the pictures suggest, is a slice of paradise, boasting some truly jaw-dropping beaches, the sand is that powdery white you dream about, and the water? Crystal clear, perfect for a swim or just wading about. However, do remember that you’re usually sharing this heaven with lots of other tourists; for instance, the main beach can, too, get a bit crowded, mostly around lunchtime when many excursions converge. Still, don’t let that completely put you off; that is, there’s usually space for everyone, and honestly, the beauty of the island is still very obvious.

One thing you definitely want to check out is the natural swimming pool, a shallow sandbar out in the ocean where you can, too, stand waist-deep in the clearest water you can believe, this spot is really amazing for taking pictures and, also, spotting starfish; that said, it’s usually part of most excursions, but just double-check when you’re booking; as I was saying, keep an eye out for the starfish and please, please don’t take them out of the water; it’s definitely tempting to get that amazing photo, yet, they’re very delicate creatures.

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Lunch on the Island: What’s on the Menu?

So, most full-day trips include a lunch served right on the beach, very much like a tropical buffet. Typically, you’re looking at the usual: grilled chicken, rice, beans, pasta salads, and local fruit. Food quality can, too, vary from trip to trip; some are genuinely quite good, offering fresh, flavorful dishes, while others, well, they’re mostly there to fill you up; honestly, don’t expect a gourmet experience, but, hey, you’re eating on a stunning beach, so a bit of compromise is acceptable.

That is to say, if you’re a picky eater or have dietary requirements, then it might be wise to bring a snack or two, as a matter of fact, it gives you some wiggle room if the main options don’t tickle your taste buds, that said, usually there is enough choice so you won’t go hungry; so, another little tip: keep an eye out for the local Mama Juana, a traditional Dominican drink – it’s something you should probably try, but it’s also really potent, so maybe just sip slowly!

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Making the Most of Your Day: Tips and Tricks

Ok, to really get the best experience from your Saona Island trip, some prep makes the world of difference; as a matter of fact, the sun can be fierce, so that said, lather up on the sunscreen constantly; reapply, reapply, reapply! Seriously, it’s very easy to burn, even on a cloudy day; also, bring a hat and sunglasses – you’ll probably thank me later. As a matter of fact, the water’s lovely, but the rocks? Not so much. Water shoes could be your friends here, especially when you are exploring the natural pool.

Don’t forget your towel and a waterproof bag for your phone and camera, as I was saying, you’ll probably want to capture all those postcard-perfect moments without, too, risking water damage. And talking of photos, a portable charger could just be what you need; there’s nothing worse than your battery dying halfway through a beautiful day.

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Choosing the Right Tour Operator

So, with pretty much countless tour operators offering trips to Saona Island, finding the right one for you can, too, take some time; as a matter of fact, read reviews. Look around at what people are saying about different companies; what you want to focus on is what their experiences were like in terms of: customer service, how crowded the tours usually are, and the overall value you get for your money. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best.

When you book, then it’s also worth asking about exactly what’s included; as I was saying, some tours charge extra for drinks or particular activities; you’ll also probably want to confirm the size of the boat; smaller groups tend to equal a more personalized experience; also, find out their environmental policy: a good operator will be committed to sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastics, so that is what you want to aim for; the last thing you’d probably want to do is, too, harm paradise while visiting it.

Read our full review: Saona Island Excursion Full Review and Details