Catamaran to Saona Island
What the sail is like
The route hugs the Cotubanama National Park coastline: palm forest to port, open Caribbean to starboard, flying fish alongside. Catamarans are wide and stable with shaded seating and open bow netting, the coveted spot for the crossing. Crews pour rum punch, run merengue lessons and point out the sights. The sail is genuinely half the product.
Prices and what they include
Big catamaran tours start at $64 including hotel pickup, the sail both ways or a speedboat return, buffet lunch on the island, open bar and the natural pool stop. Small group catamarans capped under 30 guests run $120 to $165. Private catamarans with crew start around $795 per boat and climb with size and bar quality.
Big party boats vs small group sails
The 60 to 80 passenger catamarans are floating parties: animation teams, choreography, volume. Small group departures use the same route with a fraction of the passengers, quieter decks and unhurried stops. Neither is wrong, choose by the day you want. Capacity is listed on every booking page, read it before paying.
Making the most of the day
Board early for the bow netting seats. Keep a light layer for the morning breeze December through February. Waterproof pouches protect phones at the natural pool stop. And book the earliest departure available: first boats out own the pool before the fleet converges between 11 am and 2 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the catamaran take to Saona?
About 90 minutes each way from Bayahibe, often paired with a 25 minute speedboat leg in one direction. The sail includes music, open bar and coastal views inside Cotubanama National Park.
Is the catamaran to Saona safe?
Yes. Licensed catamarans carry life jackets for all, marine radios and experienced local captains, and the port authority grounds all departures in unsafe weather. The channel crossing is sheltered and calm most mornings.
Do catamarans to Saona include food?
Full day catamaran tickets include a Dominican buffet lunch on the island plus open bar aboard: rum mixes, beer, soft drinks and water. Premium and private sails add fresh fruit platters, snacks and branded spirits.