We happened across this tour to Isla Saona because the travel agency is right next door to “The German Restaurant” where we were having dinner. Our full-day tour to Isla Saona was $70US each. The tour was supposed to last from 7:30-6:30, include alcohol, transportation to the island and our hotel, and lunch on the island.

We woke up early for our trip to the island and met the tour at the big hotel next to our hostel.  Then they shuttled us to the side of the highway where the bus was waiting for us! haha.

My friend Syeeda took this pic of Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higuey from our tour bus

The tour continued to the small town of Higuey where they wanted us to shop in a souvenir shop for 20 minutes. Nobody seemed impressed.

Quick snapshot I took of the beach at Bayahibe

From Higuey we went to Bayahibe where we only had time to catch the catamaran out to the island.  On the catamaran we were offered rum and cokes and were asked to dance by the staff. I never say no to a good dance partner! I danced to some Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music, but we also did a very memorable group dance to a couple of songs.  The trip must have been a couple of hours but it went by super fast!

Isla Saona before all of the other tourists got off of the catamaran

On the island there was a buffet (lobster not included we were sad to find out). We were again offered rum and cokes but I just had water because I heard we were taking a speedboat back. After eating lunch we were set loose to find a seat wherever we wished.

Pic I took of Isla Saona from my beach chair

Saona is gorgeous!! The beaches were clean. The sand was white and powdery.  The water was the beautiful clear turquoise that I love.  I wish we could have spent more than the three hours we had there.

We then caught a speedboat back to the mainland (after sitting for a few minutes because the boat ran out of fuel 100 meters from shore).

We arrived back at our hostel at about 5:30.

While I normally shy away from taking tours because they are generally not very budget friendly, I consider this tour to be worth the cost! Pristine beach, fun party boat, decent meal on the beach, and round trip transportation for $70 USD. Not bad at all!