Saona Island
Saona Island
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
27,234 reviews
Excellent
17,762
Very good
5,586
Average
2,507
Poor
857
Terrible
523
Desislava K
Varna, Bulgaria18 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Great! Wild! I have no words to describe. But go to the left from the port- there is the real
Island. On the right side the agencies’ beaches with restaurants are located. The real Caribbean island. No resorts, just nature!
Island. On the right side the agencies’ beaches with restaurants are located. The real Caribbean island. No resorts, just nature!
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coleyyy_Woleyyy
Colorado Springs, CO3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We took a catamaran out to the island! Great food drinks and culture! It was a great time. We got to see dolphins, starfish, drank coconut water from a coconut, and pina coladas from a pineapple. Our guide was fantastic!
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve L
7 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
A stunning island on the carib side of the Dominican. Its a must visit, we have been Dominican 3/4 times now and this is the most important trip of them all. Stunning place for that tast of the carib. If any downs, try n select a trip that offers the quieter side of the island, we found that the main landing area is getting too busy and takes away the feel of the place
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lenae D
9 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Where do I even start! We booked this excursion after an agent at our resort sold us on it for its beautiful clear water and beaches, but what wasn’t explained prior was the amount of time you would spend sitting on a coach bus or of the money you would be spending just to get people to leave you alone.
The speedboats ride to the swimming hole was fun and really enjoyable. The swimming itself was fun and the sights were stunning, but where it all fell apart was the moment we hit Soana Island.
The moment you step off the bus, you will be greeted with people wanting to sell you things, or grab a photo with an iguana, monkey, etc of course all for money. Wait, it doesn’t stop there! After you make your walk through the jungle to the beach, you will be instantly met with people wanting to sell you everything from jewelry to massages to oils to massages. Did I mention massages? These ladies will offer to massage for 1 minute free but do not take no for an answer. This is how they treated us. We repeatedly had to tell them no the entire time we were there. The only peace we actually got was to go in the ocean and be away from them. At about 10 mins to the end of our time on the beach we were approached once again as they started rubbing our necks. We very firmly but nicely declined but they kept going while trying to drop their price for the massage. I told them we had to leave and we didn’t want the massage. We began to see our tour guide gather up our group and leave. When we grabbed our bags to go these women began demanding money. I explained that we had said no several times and that I we didn’t have the cash on hand. I took out my cash to prove to them that we didn’t have it and one of them grabbed my money from me and started counting it. We were $5 short. She appeared like she was going to just take it all and call it even. I started to get angry and demand she give our money back since it’s all we have left for the rest of our trip. By this time our group was long gone. I went into instant panic mode because they had our money and it felt like they weren’t going to let us go. Finally, after making a scene she gave our money back but flagged down another worker to take a credit card payment. Again we felt like we were being held hostage until we paid. We made the payment just to get the heck out of there and power walked to find our group.
When we got the beach where the boats were waiting for us, we couldn’t find our group. I had a full on panic attack. It turns out, they had come from a different direction and hadn’t gotten there yet but still all of this caused by people who can’t take no for an answer. The whole situation left a very unsettling feeling for this excursion. I would NEVER go back there. The beautiful beaches and water are not worth all the extra hassle.
The speedboats ride to the swimming hole was fun and really enjoyable. The swimming itself was fun and the sights were stunning, but where it all fell apart was the moment we hit Soana Island.
The moment you step off the bus, you will be greeted with people wanting to sell you things, or grab a photo with an iguana, monkey, etc of course all for money. Wait, it doesn’t stop there! After you make your walk through the jungle to the beach, you will be instantly met with people wanting to sell you everything from jewelry to massages to oils to massages. Did I mention massages? These ladies will offer to massage for 1 minute free but do not take no for an answer. This is how they treated us. We repeatedly had to tell them no the entire time we were there. The only peace we actually got was to go in the ocean and be away from them. At about 10 mins to the end of our time on the beach we were approached once again as they started rubbing our necks. We very firmly but nicely declined but they kept going while trying to drop their price for the massage. I told them we had to leave and we didn’t want the massage. We began to see our tour guide gather up our group and leave. When we grabbed our bags to go these women began demanding money. I explained that we had said no several times and that I we didn’t have the cash on hand. I took out my cash to prove to them that we didn’t have it and one of them grabbed my money from me and started counting it. We were $5 short. She appeared like she was going to just take it all and call it even. I started to get angry and demand she give our money back since it’s all we have left for the rest of our trip. By this time our group was long gone. I went into instant panic mode because they had our money and it felt like they weren’t going to let us go. Finally, after making a scene she gave our money back but flagged down another worker to take a credit card payment. Again we felt like we were being held hostage until we paid. We made the payment just to get the heck out of there and power walked to find our group.
When we got the beach where the boats were waiting for us, we couldn’t find our group. I had a full on panic attack. It turns out, they had come from a different direction and hadn’t gotten there yet but still all of this caused by people who can’t take no for an answer. The whole situation left a very unsettling feeling for this excursion. I would NEVER go back there. The beautiful beaches and water are not worth all the extra hassle.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sheila C
Greater London, UK4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
This was an amazing day the whole trip was organised to perfection swimming with the star fish speedboat to the island and catamaran boat back to the main land the island was beyond words of natural beauty, clear sparkling water warm and beautiful to swim in our Tour guide Eduardo (Amstar) was Fantastic and the us driver Jason very nice 😊 would highly recommend to do the tour.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Smith D
Ohio5 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
It is a paradise, crystal water and sand, definitely the best experience. The natural pool, the pool party and the piña colada. I could stay there for the rest of my life.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
janchna
Shanghai, China2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Beautiful beaches but that’s really all. I didn’t find Punta Cana a very developed place. Food was average. Things are more expensive than they should be for being so underdeveloped. I didn’t find the people to be very welcoming. If I had a chance to change my trip I would choose to stay at a resort. I stayed at an Airbnb, which was very nice, but having to deal with everything that comes with that, I did not enjoy my stay. I would not go back. There are so many other Caribbean places to go that provide a better stay.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mariola A
Niagara Falls,16 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
The beach is beautiful, lot of space for walking or chilling. Should be installed at least a few more washrooms.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elizabeth K
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Friends
Most beautiful beach I have been to! Really enjoyed the tour! They provided unlimited alcohol and lunch. The lunch was filling. They offered rice, pasta, chicken, and vegetables. I felt it was well worth the cost for the tour!
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff D
Alpine, WY119 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
The music is played to lot on the boat the speakers were blown and the sound was terrible but they kept dancing around like people are enjoying it several people asking to turn the music down and they wouldn’t
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cristina A
49 contributions
Vamos a Bayahibe en Semana Santa, Newblue esncon quien hemos cogido vuelo,más hotel, justo estaba valorando preguntarles a ellos promesa excursión, y leo,,tu opinión.
Te agradecería me contaras más..
Tuye
Miami, FL7 contributions
Hola buen día y disculpa la demora, solo te puedo decir que no dejes de ir a la excursión y de disfrutar de un país tan bello y con una naturaleza tan envidiable como es República Dominicana, tiene unas playas maravillosas y un clima espectacular,además los lugareños son personas muy amables y muy educadas, que hasta la hora de venderte sus souvenires son encantadores y respetuosos.
Que tengas buen viaje y espero que como mi esposo y yo te quedes con deseos de volver .
Sherri P
Duluth, MN48 contributions
May I ask what helicopter tour you took and the price? We are going to Punta Cana in less than 2 weeks and looking for this to do.
Jonathan F
1 contribution
If you plan on flying in a helicopter I would recommend contacting the vendor and not the middleman Viator. Just avoid the boats at all cost. If you like being on the road and sea all day than the boat is your best option.
Roger S
Arequipa, Peru3 contributions
Buenos días. Podría usted compartir la empresa que le brindó el servicio privado?. Muchas gracias de antemano
Tuye
Miami, FL7 contributions
Hola buenas noches y disculpa la demora, el tour lo saque directamente en el Hotel, y ellos fueron quienes nos prepararon todo,pues no se si trabajan por separados o es una sola compañia, lo que si te puedo asegurar que la pasaran fenomenal, espero que tengais la misma experiencia que nosotros
Mark W
Burnley, UK1 contribution
Does anyone know what the rum is called that they use on the trips, I'd imagine that it's just a cheap dominican rum but it was lovely and I can't find it anywhere!
Andres C
Newington, CT367 contributions
I can say without a doubt that it’s Brugal. That is the local rum here. It’s comes in light and dark and in varying “ages”.
They use Brugal to make mamajuana which is essentially a mixing process of wine, rum, and a mix of stuff in the bottle. You can actually buy the empty bottle and mix it yourself with your choice of stuff.
You can get the mixing process online. It’s not hard, but it takes time as things need to ferment.
PackerFan1023
Wisconsin Dells, WI16 contributions
How fast are the speed boats? My 10 year old doesn't like fast rides so im concerned she would be scared if it's too fast.
Stephenie H
Indianapolis, IN10 contributions
They call it a speed boat, but its not too fast. I think she would be fine. Its pretty smooth too!
Barbara P
Chatham-Kent, Canada48 contributions
Hi, I'm wondering if it is less expensive to book the excursion to Saona Island from Dreams Palm Beach in advance (before we go to the Dominican) or is it a better price if booking through the resort? I've been quoted $97 USD per person for the day trip.
Thanks for your help!
fisco
Surrey, UK97 contributions
That's certainly a lot less than we paid! just check it includes transfers to la Romana. Enjoy!
SAONA ISLAND (La Altagracia Province) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Saona Island
- We recommend booking Saona Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 82 Saona Island tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Saona Island:
- Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar Included (From S$95.26)
- Saona Island Paradise From Punta Cana (From S$89.97)
- Saona Island Excursion by Catamaran and Speedboat (From S$125.69)
- From Punta Cana: Saona Island & Altos de Chavon Day Trip with Lunch and Open Bar (From S$117.75)
- Full-Day Excursion in Saona Island (From S$76.74)