Discover the Dominican Republic's two most extraordinary island excursions — expertly guided, all-inclusive, and unforgettable.
Both islands are extraordinary — each offering a completely different Caribbean experience. Below is everything you need to choose the right one, or better yet, book both.
The iconic Dominican Republic day trip. Board a speedboat from Bayahibe, stop at the legendary Natural Pool (Blue Lagoon) to wade waist-deep in open Caribbean water surrounded by wild starfish, then spend hours on Saona Island's impossibly beautiful white-sand beach. Return on a party catamaran with bachata, merengue, and unlimited rum cocktails.
The Dominican Republic's premier snorkeling destination — an uninhabited, protected marine reserve where the Caribbean reveals its most breathtaking underwater secrets. Two legendary snorkel sites, a 17th-century pirate shipwreck visible at just 9 feet, and pristine private beach with PADI-certified guides in the water with you every step of the way.
Both are paradise. Here's how to choose the right one for your vacation style, group, and interests.
| Feature | 🌊 Saona Island | 🤿 Catalina Island |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price / adult | $75 USD | $105 USD |
| Children's price | $37.50 (under 12) | $50 (ages 3–11) |
| Duration | 8–10 hours | 9–10 hours |
| Natural Pool (Blue Lagoon) | ✓ Iconic experience | — |
| Wild starfish encounter | ✓ | — |
| World-class snorkeling | — Limited reef | ✓ The Wall & Aquarium |
| Sea turtles possible | — | ✓ Regularly sighted |
| 17th-century shipwreck | — | ✓ At just 9ft depth |
| Catamaran party return | ✓ High energy | ✓ Relaxed cruise |
| Dominican BBQ lunch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open bar all day | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free hotel pickup | ✓ | ✓ |
| PADI-certified guides | — | ✓ |
| Best for | Beach lovers, couples, party vibe | Snorkelers, nature lovers, families |
| Scuba diving upgrade | — | ✓ Available |
| Free cancellation | ✓ 24h prior | ✓ 24h prior |
Can't decide? Our team is available 24/7 on WhatsApp to help you choose the right tour for your group.
Both tours begin and end at your hotel. Here's exactly what each day looks like.
AC bus from your hotel lobby in Punta Cana or Bávaro. Bilingual guide on board. Comfortable 75-min drive to Bayahibe.
Board your high-speed speedboat. 45-minute thrilling ride across the open Caribbean Sea toward the island.
Stand waist-deep in the open Caribbean. Wild starfish at your feet. Rum cocktail in hand. Nothing between you and the horizon.
Step onto the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and endless white sand await.
Grilled chicken, fresh fish, rice & beans, tropical fruit. Open bar all afternoon — rum, beer, soda, water.
Swim, sunbathe, walk the shore, play in the waves. The afternoon is yours in paradise.
Board the catamaran. Live bachata & merengue. Open bar continues. Two hours of Caribbean sailing and dancing.
Return to your hotel, sun-kissed and full of memories. Free door-to-door drop-off included.
AC bus from your hotel in Punta Cana or Bávaro. Bilingual guide aboard. Scenic 75-min drive to La Romana marina.
PADI guides brief you on equipment. Fresh tropical drinks served. Sail past the celebrity Casa de Campo coastline.
45-min guided snorkel along the legendary vertical coral wall. Visibility to 65ft. Moray eels, eagle rays, barracuda.
Step onto 2km of pristine private beach. Sunbeds open. Beach bar serving from arrival. Snorkel the Captain Kidd shipwreck at 9ft.
Grilled fish, chicken, rice & beans under the palm trees. Open bar throughout the afternoon.
6–15ft shallow reef directly off the beach. Sea turtles, seahorses, lionfish. Perfect for all levels including beginners.
Kayak, paddleboard, swim, or lounge with the open bar. The afternoon light on Catalina is extraordinary.
Open bar on the catamaran return. Scenic coastal cruise. Back at your hotel by approximately 6 PM.
No hidden fees. No resort markup. When we say all-inclusive, we mean everything.
"Standing in the middle of the Caribbean with a rum cocktail and wild starfish at my feet — that Natural Pool moment was the most magical thing I have ever experienced on a vacation. Saona Island Tours made everything seamless."
"The Wall snorkeling was absolutely breathtaking — I have dived across the Caribbean and this is genuinely world-class. Two full snorkel sessions, PADI guides with us the entire time, and a Dominican BBQ on a perfect beach. Worth every dollar."
"Brought the whole family — kids aged 7 and 10. They are still talking about the starfish. The catamaran party on the way back with bachata music and everyone dancing was unforgettable. This was the highlight of our entire Dominican Republic trip."
"My 8-year-old saw her first sea turtle at The Aquarium. She started crying happy tears. The guide held her hand in the water the entire time. I cannot say enough good things about the team. This is exactly what family travel should feel like."
"Incroyable! La piscine naturelle est quelque chose que vous ne pouvez pas imaginer avant de la voir. Debout au milieu de la mer des Caraïbes avec des étoiles de mer — une expérience unique dans une vie. Merci à toute l'équipe de Saona Island Tours!"
"The shipwreck snorkel was surreal — floating above Captain Kidd's actual vessel at 9 feet of depth, in water so clear it looked like glass. Then The Aquarium with the lionfish and stingrays. This is genuinely one of the best days of my life."
Our team responds within minutes on WhatsApp. Available 7 days a week, 7 AM – 8 PM Dominican Republic time.
Two legendary islands. One trusted team. All-inclusive, all-personal, all-unforgettable. Book direct with Saona Island Tours and save.
Or call us directly: +1 829 731 2207