What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana, catamaran and speedboat transport, access to the natural pool and Abanico Beach, a buffet lunch on the island, and a guided experience led by a local expert.

How long does the excursion take?

The full experience is 10 hours and 30 minutes, including hotel transfers. You'll depart between 7:00–8:00 AM and return around 4:45 PM.

Will I see starfish at the natural pool?

Yes. The natural pool, one of the world's largest, is home to giant starfish and is located within Cotubanama National Park. It's a designated snorkelling and swimming area.

Is swimming experience required?

Basic swimming ability is recommended, as you'll be swimming in the natural pool and at Abanico Beach. Life jackets are provided during boat transfers, and the natural pool is shallow and calm.

Swimwear, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), sunglasses, a light cover-up or rash guard, a towel, and an underwater camera if you want to photograph starfish. The boats have limited shade, so bring extra protection.

Is lunch included, and are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served on the island. Inform the operator of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking to ensure accommodation.

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Excursión de un día a la Isla Saona desde Punta Cana con almuerzo

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Boat ToursShore ExcursionsLuxuryNature ToursDay Trips & Excursions

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About this activity

Spend a full day exploring Isla Saona, one of the Caribbean's most pristine islands, by catamaran and speedboat from Punta Cana. Visit the famous natural pool teeming with starfish, relax on Abanico Beach's powdery white sand, and enjoy a beachside buffet lunch while learning about the island from a local guide.

Discover a dynamic way of getting to know Isla Saona on an excursion sailing the sea by catamaran and speedboat while enjoying the sun and the sea breeze.
Also enjoy relaxing at the beach and discover the Saona Natural Pool, located in the nature reserve of the Cotubanama National Park.
And all this while you learn curiosities of the island thanks to our local guide.‍
Abanico Beach. One of the best-known beaches on Isla Saona is where you can enjoy miles of white sand, warm, crystal-clear waters, palm trees and relax.
The natural pool of Isla Saona, one of the largest in the world, is surrounded by tropical nature and where giant starfish live.

7:00 to 8:00 Pick up from hotels
09:15 Arrival in Bayahibe, from where we will sail to Isla Saona
10:30 Arrival at the natural pool where the starfish are found
11:15 Approx. Arrival at the beach in Isla Saona
12:00 Buffet lunch
14:30 Approx. Return by boat to the port
4:45 p.m. approx. Return by bus to the hotel

Highlights

✓Natural pool with giant starfish in Cotubanama National Park
✓Miles of white sand at Abanico Beach with crystal-clear waters
✓Catamaran and speedboat journey across turquoise seas
✓Included buffet lunch on the island
✓Small-group experience with local expert guide
✓Hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana area

Insider tips

★Arrive early at your hotel for pickup (7:00–8:00 AM) to secure a prime spot on the boat and best beach location
★The natural pool is shallow and calm—ideal for swimming and close encounters with starfish; bring an underwater camera
★Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard to protect marine ecosystems and your skin during extended sun exposure

Good to know

•Total duration is 10.5 hours including hotel transfers; plan for an early morning and late afternoon return
•Lunch is a buffet served on the island; vegetarian and dietary requirements should be confirmed at booking
•Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light cover-up; the boats have limited shade
•Life jackets are provided; basic fitness is recommended as boat transfers involve climbing in and out of vessels

Who it's for

Beach lovers seeking pristine Caribbean scenery and relaxationNature enthusiasts interested in marine ecosystems and starfish encountersFamilies with children who can swim and enjoy water activitiesCruise passengers or Punta Cana resort guests maximising limited time

Best time to visit

Visit during dry season (November to April) for calm seas and clear skies. Arrive early in the excursion itinerary (around 10:30 AM at the natural pool) to avoid crowds and enjoy the best water visibility and marine life visibility.