4 Luxury Island Tours in the Dominican Republic Worth Flying For

1.Saona Island small group and relax – luxury catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 605 reviews · from $139Our pick

Cruise from Bayahibe aboard the 75-foot Quetzal catamaran with a group capped at 30. Snorkel at Catuano, relax on Saona Island, and swim at Las Palmillas among starfish. Guides such as Charlotte, Lola, and Enrique provide commentary, while lunch, snacks, drinks, and equipment are included.

“One of the best experiences I had on an excursion! The boat is clean, relaxing atmosphere. The meal they provided was excellent. The stops to the island, snorkeling were definitely worth the $$. Job well done!!”

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2.Catalina Island – Snorkeling tour on a luxury catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $129Best value

Spend about eight hours aboard the Quetzal catamaran from La Romana or Bayahibe. Snorkel at Catalina’s Wall and Aquarium, eat a buffet lunch, relax on the beach, and enjoy beer, rum, soft drinks, and commentary. The small group, often around 10 to 15 people, gives you more room than crowded boats. Pickup is available, with extra fees from Punta Cana and Uvero Alto.

“If you're going to do a catamaran trip from Bayahibe, this is the ONLY one you should consider. We passed a number of other catamarans and they we're all jammed packed with like 50-60 people jammed sholder-to-shoulder on deck without a spot of shade. By contrast, there were maybe 14-15 people, tops, on our trip on the smaller, but beautiful, Quetzal. Plenty of room in the shade both outside on the aft deck and inside the boat. And the space up on the nets over the water on the bow between the hulls was so amazing and relaxing. If I had any complaint it would be that we never actually…”

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3.Saona island – Small group tour – Luxury catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 139 reviews · 10 hours · from $169

Spend 10 hours aboard the Quetzal with guides such as Angel, Charlotte, or Bernard, sailing from Bayahibe toward Saona Island. You’ll snorkel at Catuano, relax on a quieter beach corner, eat fresh lunch on board, and swim in Las Palmillas natural pool among starfish. This is a calm alternative to speedboats and party cruises.

“Our guide was so nice, as well as the crew on board. Everything was exactly like described. I highly recommend booking the trip to Saona Island with this company. The group was small and nice, too. I loved everything about it!”

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4.Santo Domingo: Saona Island VIP Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 116 reviews · 7 - 12 hours

Travel from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo to Bayahibe, then cross by catamaran or speedboat to Saona Island. You’ll swim at a natural pool near a starfish sanctuary, enjoy a Caribbean buffet, and return with music, dancing, and an open bar. English, Italian, and Spanish service is available.

“Excelente tour a Isla Saona. La organización fue clara, el personal siempre atento y el ambiente muy agradable. Disfrutamos mucho la música, la playa y el almuerzo típico.”

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