Settle into a 75-foot luxury catamaran for a small-group voyage from Bayahibe to Saona Island. Enjoy guided snorkeling, a beachside lunch, and a stop at a quieter natural pool where starfish lie in shallow water.
Settle into a 75-foot luxury catamaran for a small-group voyage from Bayahibe to Saona Island. Enjoy guided snorkeling, a beachside lunch, and a stop at a quieter natural pool where starfish lie in shallow water.
The Quetzal slips away from Bayahibe at first light, a 75-foot catamaran that cuts through turquoise like a practiced hand. On deck, the group spreads out—chairs, shaded lounges, a bar within easy reach—while the guide points to coral heads that rise beneath the surface. The sea dares you to jump in; the boat answers with a ladder and a smiling crew.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Quetzal Catamaran Excursions - Saona & Catalina · Bayahibe, La Romana
The Quetzal slips away from Bayahibe at first light, a 75-foot catamaran that cuts through turquoise like a practiced hand. On deck, the group spreads out—chairs, shaded lounges, a bar within easy reach—while the guide points to coral heads that rise beneath the surface. The sea dares you to jump in; the boat answers with a ladder and a smiling crew.
Saona Island lies within Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, a protected sweep of mangroves, reefs and white beaches shaped by Pleistocene limestone and living coral. Spanish colonial maps record these shores as waypoints; local fishing hamlets still fish by small boats and tell stories of the island’s Taino past. The beach stop—soft sand, shallow warm water—gives way to a shallow natural pool where starfish rest and frigatebirds wheel.
Expect guided snorkeling over shallow reefs, a curated lunch of salads, grilled proteins and local fruit, and a quieter natural pool visit removed from the busiest tourist stretches. The small-group format on the Quetzal means more space aboard and a calmer pace when anchoring for swims.
Practical edge: sunscreen (reef-safe), a snorkel mask, and water shoes make transitions easier; secure cameras in waterproof cases. Hotel pickup from Bayahibe is standard and timing is advised on reconfirmation—plan for an 8-hour day including transfers. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions the night before and bring motion-sickness remedies. Respect the park: look but don’t touch marine life, and pack out plastics. This trip balances easy, social sailing with active moments in the water—ideal for travelers who want a relaxed but engaged day on one of the Dominican Republic’s most photographed islands.
The excursion departs from Bayahibe; hotel pickup is included for Bayahibe-area hotels and exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Snorkeling is guided and basic gear is provided on board, while unlimited beer, rum and soft drinks are included as stated in the tour inclusions.
Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; non-swimmers can join shallow snorkeling with flotation aids and stay near the boat or beach.
The natural pool is a shallow area where starfish may be visible; the stop is designed to be quieter and away from major tourist concentrations, so follow guides to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Quetzal Catamaran Excursions - Saona & Catalina operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The Quetzal slips away from Bayahibe at first light, a 75-foot catamaran that cuts through turquoise like a practiced hand. On deck, the group spreads out—chairs, shaded lounges, a bar within easy reach—while the guide points to coral heads that rise beneath the surface. The sea dares you to jump in; the boat answers with a ladder and a smiling crew.
The Quetzal slips away from Bayahibe at first light, a 75-foot catamaran that cuts through turquoise like a practiced hand. On deck, the group spreads out—chairs, shaded lounges, a bar within easy reach—while the guide points to coral heads that rise beneath the surface. The sea dares you to jump in; the boat answers with a ladder and a smiling crew.
Saona Island lies within Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, a protected sweep of mangroves, reefs and white beaches shaped by Pleistocene limestone and living coral. Spanish colonial maps record these shores as waypoints; local fishing hamlets still fish by small boats and tell stories of the island’s Taino past. The beach stop—soft sand, shallow warm water—gives way to a shallow natural pool where starfish rest and frigatebirds wheel.
Expect guided snorkeling over shallow reefs, a curated lunch of salads, grilled proteins and local fruit, and a quieter natural pool visit removed from the busiest tourist stretches. The small-group format on the Quetzal means more space aboard and a calmer pace when anchoring for swims.
Practical edge: sunscreen (reef-safe), a snorkel mask, and water shoes make transitions easier; secure cameras in waterproof cases. Hotel pickup from Bayahibe is standard and timing is advised on reconfirmation—plan for an 8-hour day including transfers. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions the night before and bring motion-sickness remedies. Respect the park: look but don’t touch marine life, and pack out plastics. This trip balances easy, social sailing with active moments in the water—ideal for travelers who want a relaxed but engaged day on one of the Dominican Republic’s most photographed islands.