This tour was a breath of fresh air! It wasn't your typical cookie-cutter tourist experience; it was an authentic and immersive journey into the heart of the region. Our guide was a local expert who shared his personal stories and insights, giving us a unique …
From La Romana: Saona Island for Aida Cruises Passengers

Short Description
Join this 8-hour shore excursion from La Romana to Saona Island for AIDA cruise passengers. Explore mangroves, visit Mano Juan village and a turtle nursery, snorkel at Canto de la Playa, relax on white-sand beaches, enjoy a Dominican lunch, and swim with starfish in a natural pool — all included!
Description
Overview
? Join a full-day shore excursion from La Romana port tailored for AIDA cruise passengers. You’ll travel by motorized boat to the stunning Saona Island, explore mangroves, relax on pristine Caribbean beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch with drinks. The tour also includes a visit to a turtle nursery and a natural starfish pool.
Highlights
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Discover the history and culture of Penón with insights into the Taíno people.
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Navigate through lush mangroves with thriving palétuvier trees.
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Visit Mano Juan, a colorful fishing village, and walk through its local life.
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Stop at a turtle nursery run by locals (note: sightings depend on the season).
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Enjoy a typical Dominican lunch on a white-sand beach. GetYourGuide
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Relax or snorkel at Canto de la Playa, a “virgin” beach with turquoise waters.
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Visit a natural pool in shallow waters, home to large starfish (don’t touch them).
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Onboard entertainment, with soft drinks, rum, snacks, and more.
Full Description
A driver meets you at the taxi stand near the cruise terminal in La Romana, then transfers you to the Bayahibe office where the boat departs. From there, you’ll head out on a motorized boat through scenic mangroves. Your guide will share stories about the Penón cliffs and Taíno culture as you pass by.
Once on Saona Island, you’ll arrive in the fishing village of Mano Juan, where you can walk around local houses and visit a turtle nursery run by the community. After that, enjoy a delicious Dominican-style lunch on a white-sand beach — lobster is available seasonally for an extra fee.
Later, you’ll head to Canto de la Playa for relaxing or snorkeling in calm, clear waters. The tour concludes at a natural shallow-water pool where you can swim, enjoy refreshing drinks, and admire starfish (but please do not touch them). After a memorable day, you return to Bayahibe and then transfer back to La Romana port.
What’s Included
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Motorized boat ride
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On-board toilet
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Shaded area on the boat
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Multilingual live guide (English, French, Spanish)
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Snorkeling equipment
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Lunch (Dominican cuisine)
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Drinks: alcoholic and soft
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Snacks
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On-board entertainment
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Beach towel
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Photography service on the tour
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Cruise ship port pick-up and drop-off payable in cash at their office (around USD 15 or €14)
What to Bring
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Sunglasses
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Hat
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Towel
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Sunscreen
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Swimwear / beachwear
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Light, weather-appropriate clothing
Why Travelers Love It
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The guide is highly praised: friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging.
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Great value for money—includes food, drinks, snorkeling, and transport.
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The boat vibe is lively, with music, refreshments, and a relaxed Caribbean party atmosphere.
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Beautiful, uncrowded spots: small village, quiet beaches, natural pools with starfish.
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Conservation-focused stops, like the turtle nursery, add a meaningful and educational touch.
Important Information / Know Before You Go
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Tour is subject to sea and weather conditions.
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Do not touch the starfish in the natural pool (protected).
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Pick-up and drop-off on the cruise ship side requires cash payment at their office. Whale Punta Cana
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Depending on season, you may or may not see baby turtles in the nursery
Important Note
After completing your reservation, our team will contact you one day before your tour to confirm your exact hotel / Airbnb pickup time or meeting point.
If you selected a meeting point during your booking, please note that your reservation is fully confirmed — simply arrive at the chosen location at the scheduled time.
Please ensure the WhatsApp number, phone number, or email you entered during booking is correct so we can reach you smoothly.
For any changes to your reservation, weather questions, or special requests, feel free to contact us:
- 📞 Barbara (WhatsApp): +1 829-318-9463
- 📞 Dary (WhatsApp): +1 829-754-6322
- 📧 Email: reservabatour@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you! 🌴✨
Choose what to book
Reviews
A wonderful day out, and the tour guide was friendly. You won't find anything else as good at the price. Would highly recommend this.
The staff made this an experience to remember, what a wonderful tour! We booked it very last minute but the tour staff were very accommodating.
If you have never been to the region before, this tour is a must! We definitely recommend and were so happy!
Incredible tour! The guide was so passionate and knowledgeable about the area. I learned so much.
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