Discover the beauty of the wild beach of Canto de la Playa, the fishermen village and the National Park aboard a comfortable boat. Visit the turtle nursery and get a chance to see hatchlings.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 8 - 11 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English, French, Spanish
Pickup optional: Pick-up is usually arranged to the lobby, and sometimes to the security gate of your hotel, airbnb or residence. A member of our team will send you a message to inform you of the exact time and place of the pick-up within 24 hours after we received your booking.
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Jennifer –

We love the fact that this was a female owned business and the price was really good for the experience! We had Christian with Gregory and Manuelo- all 3 were wonderful! Christian is truly passionate about his job and was enjoyable to be around, he answered all of our questions and wanted all of us to have fun! The turtle sanctuary a is grass roots business- not some tourist trap which was very much welcomed! 5 stars for that part of the activity alone! Although many tourists showed up after us, we felt we had a piece of each beach to ourselves. The amount of time between each stop was very well planned and we never felt rushed. Plenty of time to explore, take pictures, and snorkel. My travel partner was my best friend who has MS and they took great care of her every time entering/exiting the boat and even on the beaches. They did this automatically and she never felt like a burden to them! We would definitely do this again and would recommend this company to anyone visiting DR!

Rosemary – United Kingdom

Pick up was on time, the trip says it starts at 7.15 but as we are to the North of Punta Cana it was earlier but we were ok with that as it is best to go early to the island. The crew were great fun, lunch was provided and coffee at Bayahibe. We saw turtles, a stingray and star fish. We did snorkle, as others have mentioned the coral is bleached but we did see a little orange crab and some small colourful fish. We also saw many little crabs on Soana. Soana is beautiful and an absolute haven. Other trips seemed to give much less time on the island as they went by catamaran so we would recommend this tour over others. This island is a must do whilst at the Dominican!

Itinerary

Starting/pickup location
Depends on the selected option
Saona Island
Guided tour (7.5 hours)
10 drop-off locations:
Macao, Punta Cana, Dominican Attitude Excursions, La Romana, Dominicus, Uvero Alto, Bávaro, El Soco, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Hear about Tainos Natives at the Penon cliff and see the mangroves
Enjoy a spot of snorkeling and relaxing at Canto de la Playa
Eat a Dominican lunch at the village of Mano Juan in a restaurant on the beach
Explore Mano Juan village and discover the local way of life of the fishermen
Learn about the turtles at the nursery and see the hatchlings if they are ready

Full description

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Saona Island, one of the most stunning places in the Dominican Republic. This small group tour invites you to explore the pristine beauty of the island and experience its relaxed atmosphere, far from the crowds.

The adventure begins with a picturesque boat ride from the charming village of Bayahibe to Saona Island, where the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, tropical landscapes, and warm sun create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day.

Your first stop is the colorful village of Mano Juan, the only inhabited area on the island. Here, you’ll learn about the important turtle conservation project, which is vital for protecting the local marine life and endangered sea turtles. You’ll get a chance to participate in conservation efforts and understand the island’s commitment to preserving its unique natural resources.

Next, the excursion takes you to the secluded Canto de la Playa, one of the most serene beaches on the island. With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this paradise beach offers the perfect opportunity to snorkel. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, swim, or dive into the underwater world, you’ll feel the tranquility and beauty of Saona Island surrounding you.

After some free time at the beach, you’ll enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch. Tasty rice, grilled meat, fresh salads, and tropical fruits make for the ideal meal to recharge, all served with a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. This authentic lunch on the island lets you taste the flavors of the Dominican Republic in a peaceful and relaxed setting.

The final stop of the excursion is the famous Natural Pool, a unique spot in the middle of the ocean where the water is clear, warm, and inviting. Here, you’ll find starfish dotting the ocean floor, and the shallow waters make it the perfect place to stroll and relax. Take a moment to enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the picturesque views and reflecting on the day’s adventure.

Throughout the excursion, the friendly and knowledgeable crew will ensure you have a pleasant and enriching experience, offering insights into the island's history, ecology, and culture. Unlike larger group tours that accommodate up to 100-120 people on catamarans and over 500 people on the beaches, the Saona Attitude excursion offers a more intimate experience with smaller groups, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

As you return to Bayahibe, you'll be filled with wonderful memories of a day spent discovering the natural wonders and peaceful charm of Saona Island. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, our Saona Island tour offers an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Caribbean.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by 45-foot engine boat
Guide
2.5 hours at Canto de la Playa
2-hours at Mano Juan
45-minutes at the Natural Pool
Dominican lunch
Drinks on the boat and at the beach (sprite, coca cola, rum, beer and water)
Snacks (chips, cake, and pineapple)

Beach towels
Photograph service (available)
Lobster (available)
Tips/gratuities

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the office of Dominican Attitude Excursions in Bayahibe village, Calle Roma n.7. We are located at 2 steps from the public bus station.

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Important information

What to bring

Towel
Sandals
Beachwear

Know before you go

This tour is subject to sea and weather conditions
It is not 100% guaranteed to see turtle hatchlings at the nursery, as this depends on the season and the hatching cycle
It is not allowed to touch the starfish

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