Cruise from Punta Cana to Isla Saona for a day of turquoise lagoons, a shallow natural pool full of starfish, and a beachside Dominican lunch. This accessible catamaran and speedboat trip blends scenic sailing with easy snorkeling and local culture.
Cruise from Punta Cana to Isla Saona for a day of turquoise lagoons, a shallow natural pool full of starfish, and a beachside Dominican lunch. This accessible catamaran and speedboat trip blends scenic sailing with easy snorkeling and local culture.
A catamaran slices turquoise water as the Punta Cana shoreline shrinks behind you, music pulsing and sea spray daring you to forget the calendar. Within an hour the engine hushes and the horizon lays out a ribbon of white sand — Isla Saona — where palms lean toward the water like hands seeking shade.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Richi Excursiones · Bayahibe, La Altagracia
A catamaran slices turquoise water as the Punta Cana shoreline shrinks behind you, music pulsing and sea spray daring you to forget the calendar. Within an hour the engine hushes and the horizon lays out a ribbon of white sand — Isla Saona — where palms lean toward the water like hands seeking shade.
The island sits at the southern edge of Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, a protected stretch of reef and mangrove that preserves both Caribbean coral and the low limestone geology of Hispaniola. Taino settlements once used these bays; later, Spanish colonists and small fishing communities shaped the local culture. Today, Bayahibe’s fishermen and vendors supply the island with fresh seafood and woven goods, and the tiny natural pool at Las Palmillas is a living postcard of shallow, crystal water where starfish often rest.
On a typical day trip visitors combine a lively catamaran or speedboat ride, a stop at the natural pool for wading and photos, and a beachfront buffet with rum-based drinks served under palms. Expect soft sand, shallow turquoise lagoons, and sun that intensifies quickly.
Practical notes: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for electronics and motion-sickness medicine if you’re prone to sea swing. Respect the marine life — no removing starfish or walking on coral. Tours usually include pickup from Punta Cana, lunch and an open bar; plan for an eight-hour outing with moderate time on your feet and long stretches of sun exposure.
This trip is an accessible, high-reward day on the water for travelers who want clear water, easy snorkeling, and a lively Caribbean beach scene.
Most tours run about eight hours door-to-door, including bus transfer to Bayahibe, boat travel, island time, and return.
You can wade near starfish in the shallow natural pool, but do not remove or handle them — observe and photograph instead.
Yes — the natural pool is shallow and calm, but children should be supervised; life jackets are typically available on boats.
Most operators include a beachfront buffet lunch and open bar; confirm specifics when booking for dietary needs.
Richi Excursiones operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A catamaran slices turquoise water as the Punta Cana shoreline shrinks behind you, music pulsing and sea spray daring you to forget the calendar. Within an hour the engine hushes and the horizon lays out a ribbon of white sand — Isla Saona — where palms lean toward the water like hands seeking shade.
A catamaran slices turquoise water as the Punta Cana shoreline shrinks behind you, music pulsing and sea spray daring you to forget the calendar. Within an hour the engine hushes and the horizon lays out a ribbon of white sand — Isla Saona — where palms lean toward the water like hands seeking shade.
The island sits at the southern edge of Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, a protected stretch of reef and mangrove that preserves both Caribbean coral and the low limestone geology of Hispaniola. Taino settlements once used these bays; later, Spanish colonists and small fishing communities shaped the local culture. Today, Bayahibe’s fishermen and vendors supply the island with fresh seafood and woven goods, and the tiny natural pool at Las Palmillas is a living postcard of shallow, crystal water where starfish often rest.
On a typical day trip visitors combine a lively catamaran or speedboat ride, a stop at the natural pool for wading and photos, and a beachfront buffet with rum-based drinks served under palms. Expect soft sand, shallow turquoise lagoons, and sun that intensifies quickly.
Practical notes: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for electronics and motion-sickness medicine if you’re prone to sea swing. Respect the marine life — no removing starfish or walking on coral. Tours usually include pickup from Punta Cana, lunch and an open bar; plan for an eight-hour outing with moderate time on your feet and long stretches of sun exposure.
This trip is an accessible, high-reward day on the water for travelers who want clear water, easy snorkeling, and a lively Caribbean beach scene.