Saona Island: Unforgettable VIP Caribbean Paradise Escape

This was an all around breathtaking day. We fell in love with the island and had the best guides to show us all that the Isla Saona and Mano Juan had to offer. We saw starfish and snorkelled with tons of fish in the reef. The landscapes were picture perfect and we got plenty of time to really enjoy the island.

This excursion was by far the best we have done in the 3 years we have came to Punta Cana. From boat ride to swim on off Saona Island to seeing baby turtles at the sanctuary and then a nice hot buffet lunch. Then back on the boat to see sea turtles by the mangroves and then snorkeling to see starfish. Then snorkeling over reefs while seeing all kinds of fish. What else could you ask for.

This is an early start but well worth it to beat the crowds to Saona Island. It also gives you time to visit the conservation project with Negro Tortuga. Melvin and his team were great hosts and looked after us really well. The food was good too and we really enjoyed the trip. Highly recommended.

This was an excellent trip from start to finish. Melvin was an excellent guide and his team were all helpful and good fun. Our tour had 24 people in it in two separate speed boats. On the bus journey to the boat Melvin gave us a quick history lesson about Haiti and Dominican Republic which was fascinating. Our first stop was the turtle sanctuary and it was wonderful to see the work that is being done there and getting to see baby turtles was a highlight. As we were picked up so early, 06:25 from our hotel, we got to Abanico beach before the other tours so we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. The beach and crystal clear waters are stunning. This is where we had lunch and as a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised by the food. Drinks are free flowing during the trip and I certainly enjoyed a rum or two. We left the beach just as the hordes arrived which was perfect timing. On the way back we went to the mangroves where we saw turtles and then Palmilla beach where we saw lots of starfish. Our last stop was snorkelling where we saw so many different fish as well as seeing flying fish while on the speedboat. The whole trip from start to finish was so well done and at the end Melvin shared all the photos that he had taken during the day. I highly recommend this trip. 10/10

Wow this was an awesome time! This experience was much better than the others offered to Saona. This was a small group, we had 10 total, awesome history lesson on the way. We got to Saona early and enjoyed the quiet beach for an hour before the party folks arrived. The lunch was amazing! Then guided snorkeling by Melvin. Would recommend!

The tour was amazing! Melvin is a great guide, he provides us with history of Dominican Republic and explains the importance of a sustainable tourism, caring about the communit, animals and all environment. He and his crew are super careful with us and the food we ate at Saona was delicious. It is more than worth it, it is super interesting besides fun!

Going to keep it short and sweet. If you want the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and an awesome guide/host I genuinely cannot imagine a better experience than being with Melvin. On top of the trip itself being extremely fun, Melvin is incredibly informative, funny, charismatic, and accommodating. BOOK THIS TRIP!

First and foremost, let me say this was the most AMAZING excursion by far!! You will be picked up at your determined location, and others will be picked up along the way. You drive for about 15 minutes to a convenience store where Melvin will join you. Melvin is very friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining as a guide. During the drive to the port, his 8 minute history lesson on the discovery of the land, the native people, and how it became what we know it as today - the Dominican Republic; is captivating (although he speaks rather quickly so some of the relaying is difficult to understand, we had the English tour). The speedboat ride was as smooth as can be expected for travelling on an open sea. If you have any sort of back issues this is NOT a recommended excursion. Getting on and off the boat is in the shore of the water, wear water shoes or sandals. Life jackets are provided and mandatory while on the boat. Now the Saona Island itself is majestic! The pictures DO NOT capture the true essence of the turquoise blue waters or the crystal clear water in the nature pool while with the starfish. First you stop at Mano Juan where you will have a light breakfast prior to walking a short distance to the turtle rehabilitation hut. Here you will learn about the efforts of one man, Negro, to ensure the safety of the turtle population remains abundant; you will learn how turtles are a vital part of the ecosystem and what we can do to ensure they survive for years to come. You may get the opportunity to see a newly hatched turtle if he has any, but it is not guaranteed. From there a short boat ride up the coast to the beach where you will spend time in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, have drinks and bask in the sun for roughly 1.5 - 2 hours. A Dominican lunch is provided (absolutely amazing food!) prior to leaving to the natural pool with the starfish. These are waters are crystal clear and about shoulder deep (based on a 5'7" person) and snorkel gear is available to see the starfish and other fish in their natural habitat. You will also get to hold a starfish while Melvin takes pictures for you that he sends to each person/group at the end of the day at NO COST! 15 - 20 minutes spent here, then back into the boat and see the mangroves and Melvin will give a lesson on the importance of these mangroves and if you're lucky like we were, you will see a turtle swimming about and popping up to say hi! You remain in the boat for this portion. Final stop is the reef. 25' deep but crystal clear so you can see the bottom. You can get off the boat to swim with the tropical fish with the snorkel gear, Melvin and his team will throw pieces of bread into the water to attract the fish which all can see even from the boat. Here, Melvin also joined the swimmers and escorted them around the reef for about 10 minutes before returning to the boat. Upon the end, you return to the port and get onto the bus that you rode to the port in and will be dropped off at your starting location. Melvin and his team are amazing. Orlando the captain of our boat went above and beyond, as my sister lost her sunglasses during the swim at the reef. Orlando spent the time looking for them and he dove down and retrieved them for her even after she said it was ok since it was her fault she lost them. Top notch captain!! This trip may sound costly but believe me... IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!! As a small group (14 people per boat, 2 boats) it was a lot more comfortable, personable, and enjoyable. Using the speed boats we were able to spend more time in the water at Saona Island and the two stops on the way back than you could with a catamaran. The catamaran cannot come to shore, so you will need to be brought in and back out by boat which will take away time spent enjoying the beach. I 100% recommend this excursion and likely will do it again on our next trip to DR in 2027, just to experience it again!!

Pick up at our lodging was on time, Melvin educated us about the area during the drive with a wealth of knowledge. Our boat held a group of 13 plus the guide, captain & mate and we traveled with a 2nd boat that held a group of 10. The entire tour was top notch, great guides, delicious food, relaxing and informative. Since our tour was early in the morning, we arrived before any other tour groups and left before it got crowded, the timing of the stops was excellent. I'd definitely do this tour again.

Great experience! We did the tour with Melvin in a group of 12. On the way to the first stop Melvin explained the history of the island and it put everything in perspective. In ManoJuano we saw the the turle conservatory and the efforts to protect the island. The tour started early so we were the first to get to saona beach (later many many boats drops loads of people). We did snorkeling to see Starfish (there's plenty!). In the end Melvin shared all the pictures he took on the trip. I was having problems with my airdrop and he went above and beyond to try several times to do it. Thank you!!