Overview

?️ Embark on an exclusive VIP day trip to Saona Island, specially curated for cruise guests departing from La Romana. This is an intimate small-group experience run by SeavisTours, combining nature, culture, and relaxation — all away from the usual crowds.

Highlights

• Visit the charming fishing village of Mano Juan and a sea turtle conservation project.

• Swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Canto de la Playa.

• Relax in a hammock while enjoying a buffet-style Dominican BBQ lunch on Catuano Beach.

• Explore a mangrove ecosystem, and learn about its ecological importance while spotting sea turtles.

• Discover the Natural Pool (Piscina Natural) — a shallow sandbank surrounded by warm water, home to large cushion starfish.

Full Description

Get ready for an unforgettable 9-hour escape to Saona Island. After pickup from your cruise port, you’ll travel to Bayahibe and depart by speedboat, skirting the coastline of the Eastern National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through historically significant areas once inhabited by the Taíno people.

Your first stop is Mano Juan, a very small, tranquil fishing village of about 300 people, where you’ll learn about the local way of life and visit the sea turtle conservation project.

Then, you head to Canto de la Playa, one of Saona’s most remote corners, to swim, snorkel, or simply chill in untouched nature.

Lunch follows on Catuano Beach, featuring a traditional Dominican BBQ (pork chops, fried chicken, rice, salad, fruit, etc.). After eating, you can lounge in hammocks or take a dip.

The trip continues with a scenic journey by the mangrove area. While you can’t drive inside (it’s a protected zone), you’ll pause nearby to learn about mangroves and try to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. GetYourGuide

Finally, you’ll arrive at the Natural Pool, a shallow sandbank in the middle of the sea, perfect for snorkeling among starfish or relaxing with a drink in waist-deep warm water.

Afterwards, the journey returns to the meeting point, and you’re transported back to the cruise area.

---

What’s Included

• Lunch (BBQ pork chops, fried chicken, rice, pasta, potatoes, salad, fruit)

• Snacks

• Drinks during lunch (water, juice, Coca Cola, Sprite, rum, beer)

• All entrance fees

• Mask and snorkel for snorkeling

• Speedboat ride

• Professional live guide (English & German)

• Round-trip transportation from / to La Romana cruise port

• Photo service (available)

• Souvenirs

• Beach towels

• Snorkeling fins

---

What to Bring

• Hat

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Beachwear / swimwear

• Insect repellent

Not allowed: Pets, large luggage, strollers, electric wheelchairs.

---

Meeting Point

Your coordinator will meet you at the taxi rank “Taxi Casa de Campo” in La Romana.

---

Price

From US$ 139 per person (price may vary).

---

Why Travelers Love It

• Almost exclusive experience for cruise guests — small groups make it feel more VIP and personal.

• Natural beauty: remote beaches, mangroves, and the natural pool offer a serene escape.

• Cultural insight: Visiting Mano Juan gives a window into authentic Dominican island life.

• Wildlife: The turtle conservation project and snorkeling around starfish are big highlights.

• Great food & drinks: Traditional Dominican BBQ + plenty of beverages, including rum and beer, make for a festive lunch.

• Well-organized logistics: Transportation to/from cruise port, professional guide, and included gear make the day effortless.

• Highly rated: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28 reviews.