Exactly 13 years ago we experienced this excursion for the first time. At that time we were freshly in love, it was our very first vacation together and we saw the world through rose-colored glasses. I had so incredibly positive memories of this excursion and had made up my mind to repeat this island expedition.
The only difference, because of the corona pandemic, we opted for the more expensive option – a private boat instead of a group excursion. You could choose in advance whether you would like to book a food and drink package. We opted for the lobster for lunch (an upgrade, instead of the chicken) and a drinks box which, according to the description, contains a selection of alcoholic drinks.
As agreed, we were picked up at the resort by private transfer and chauffeured to our boat. The boat owner welcomed us in a friendly manner and gave us some information on the way, as the captain and his helper hardly spoke English. Unfortunately, we can only speak a few words in Spanish (at some point I’ll change that 😉).
He said he’ll bring us a six-pack of beer and then we can take off. Since Sven and I are not beer drinkers at all and we had paid extra for a drink selection, we were not very happy about it and at least insisted on a bottle of wine 😑 Fortunately, the boat owner was very cooperative and organized a bottle of white wine for us in a very short time. So the day was saved 😊
our private boat for a day
The next surprise came shortly afterwards. The boat’s engine must have had a problem. The whole way to the island we always had to take a break because a high-pitched beep sounded 🙈 I felt really sorry for the captain and his helper, but communication with them only worked with hands and feet. But there are worse things, we just enjoyed the view and the sun, we had nothing else to do.
Finally arrived on Saona Island, the island I had dreamed of for 13 years, I came back to reality. Despite a tourist quota of 30% because of the corona pandemic, everything seemed very touristy to us 😑 Hardly any sand under our feet, we were already surrounded by beach vendors, who remained intrusive even after 3 nice “NO THANKS”. Last but not least, it started to rain 🙈
Finally, time for our lunch, our lobster 😋 This was served to us a bit away from the tourist crowds, but you had to get the side dishes yourself at the buffet. Due to the large rush to the buffet, we decided that side dishes would be overrated. A little later there was only some rice and salad left 🙈 At least we had our bottle of wine with us, it cheered us up 🤣
Rush to the not even opened buffet
Lobster & Wine
The rain subsided. We really wanted to use the time on the island and, above all, get away from the tourists. So we walked along the beach and discovered the real treasures of the island 😍
Back on our boat, we headed for our next destination.
Our next destination: Saona Island Natural Pool
We stood in the middle of the sea, the water waist-deep, keeping an eye out for the starfish that are so common there. We weren’t very lucky, but our captain found 3 of them and let us admire them. The private boat also had its advantage here … we stood quite apart from the groups in the water and could really enjoy nature in peace.
Luckily there were no engine problems on our way home and the captain showed one last time what the boat was capable of 😉
In our YouTube video you can let the island work its magic again and decide for yourself whether a trip to Saona Island is worthwhile. Have fun watching 😊
Our personal opinion about Saona Island:
- don’t book a group excursion, only VIP group or private boat
- very touristy
- away from the crowds you will find untouched nature
- the natural pool is worth seeing
More tips & recommendations:
We can really recommend a private boat. The costs for a couple seem very high (the two of us paid 450 USD WITHOUT transfer and Hummer upgrade). However, if you share the boat with another couple or friends, the costs are put into perspective. Our tour operator: Punta Cana Hero
However, later I found another VIP excursion to Saona Island, where the price-performance ratio is probably better. It’s a group activity, but you anchor on a more deserted stretch of beach on Saona Island. At least from the pictures it shouldn’t be that touristy here. However, we ourselves have no experience with this excursion.
Hotel recommendation:
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
