Quetzal Catamaran Excursions · Bayahibe
Quetzal sails a 75-foot catamaran from Bayahibe with 30 guests at most, stopping to snorkel the Catuano reef, for beach time on Saona and at the Las Palmillas starfish pool, with lunch served on board. Pick it if you want space on deck and a calm day rather than a race between beaches.
Quetzal sails from Bayahibe on a fully equipped 75-foot (23-metre) catamaran, capped at 30 guests. Guests mention room to move, a well-kept boat with a bathroom, and fewer people on board than on the boats they passed. One reviewer put the crossing to Saona at about 90 minutes under sail, relaxed rather than fast.
The itinerary has three stops. First a guided snorkel on the reef at Catuano. Then about 1.5 hours on a Saona beach. Last, the Las Palmillas natural pool, where the starfish are. Lunch is served on the boat: the listing names avocado, tomatoes, salad, pasta with pesto, chicken breast with ginger, beef, fruit and rosé wine, with unlimited beer, rum and soft drinks.
The catch is geography. Pickup is free only from hotels in Bayahibe and Dominicus. From Punta Cana, La Romana or Santo Domingo you pay extra for the transfer; the operator says Punta Cana pickups start around 7 AM. If you are staying in Punta Cana and want everything included, the small-group speedboat day is simpler.
Free pickup from Bayahibe and Dominicus hotels. Punta Cana pickups (extra cost) start around 7 AM.
Board the catamaran and cruise along the park coast with commentary from the guide.
A guided snorkel on the reef at Catuano. Gear and instruction are included.
Swim or lie on the beach with a drink. Lunch is served back on board.
The shallow natural pool with starfish, then the sail back and drop-off at your hotel.
★★★★★A small group of around 30 (adults and children) took to the sea on a relaxed journey to Saona that took around 90 minutes. It was peaceful and there was plenty of room to sit and enjoy the views. [...] Upon our return to the boat, we had a delicious lunch followed by snorkelling in a natural pool where we saw lots of huge star fish and even a turtle!
★★★★★We had the best time visiting gorgeous Saona Island and Las Palmillas natural swimming pool with starfish!! The color of the water in these locations was pure heaven. Lunch was wonderful!! [...] There was plenty of room for everyone (a nice bathroom too).
★★★★★Best crew ever! Fun and relaxing. Book this if you want to avoid a party boat. We had a wonderful time at the beach.
★★★★★We loved being able to sail and enjoy the catamaran on the way there and back. We had the opportunity to jump off the boat into crystal clear blue water, spend approx 1.5 hours on the island, and then snorkel to see starfish.
Read next:
From Bayahibe. Pickup is free from hotels in the Bayahibe and Dominicus area, and the boat sails around 8:30 to 8:45 AM. Transfers from Punta Cana, La Romana or Santo Domingo cost extra.
Thirty at most, on a 75-foot (23-metre) boat, according to the listing. Guests describe plenty of room on deck.
The itinerary lists about 1.5 hours on the beach, plus 30 minutes snorkelling at Catuano and about an hour at the Las Palmillas pool. Lunch is on the boat.
Yes: children 3 to 10 pay a lower price, infants up to 2 ride on a parent's lap, and guests describe a relaxed sail with a bathroom on board. See our Saona with kids guide.
Ready to book
A sailing catamaran with a guided snorkel, Saona beach time and lunch on board.
Small-Group Saona Island Full Day TourFourteen guests on a speedboat: the Mano Juan turtle project, a beach lunch and the Palmilla starfish, ahead of the crowds.★ 4.9 · 9 hours · from $165
Saona Speedboat Tour with LunchUp to 30 guests from Bayahibe: Catuano, two Saona beaches, the natural pool, lunch, drinks and the park fee included.★ 4.9 · 8 hours · from $100
Private Saona Island Boat TourYour group only on a private boat from Bayahibe: Catuano, Mano Juan and the beaches at your pace, lunch and drinks included.★ 5.0 · 6 to 8 hours · from $415