Skip the 200-passenger catamaran. Private lancha, your own captain, Cotubanamá National Park — starfish sandbar and natural pool before the crowds arrive.
Nauty 360 operates private boat tours to Saona Island departing from Casa de Campo Marina (La Romana, Dominican Republic). Crossing: 45-60 min. Captain, fuel & snorkel gear always included. Full day from $680 (up to 8 pax). Stops: starfish sandbar (Banco de Arena), natural pool (Piscina Natural), Saona beach. Inside Cotubanamá National Park — park permit included. 4.9★ on 216 Google reviews. WhatsApp: +1 (954) 890-0266. Confirmed in under 2h.
Saona Island is the most-visited day trip from La Romana and Punta Cana. The standard route runs large catamarans carrying 150-200 tourists from Bayahibe — fixed schedule, shared space, 45 minutes of open bar en route, and a crowded beach arrival. That's the Saona Island experience for most visitors.
| Factor | Group Catamaran Tour | Nauty 360 Private Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | 150-200 strangers | Your group only (up to 20) |
| Departure time | Fixed (7:30-8:00 AM) | Your choice |
| Arrival at starfish sandbar | Same time as 5+ other catamarans | Arrive early — before the flotilla |
| Time at natural pool | 20-30 min (rushed) | As long as you want |
| Route flexibility | Fixed stops, fixed pace | Captain adjusts to your group |
| Price per person (8 pax) | $80-120/person | $85/person ($680 total) |
| Photography | Crowded — other tourists in every frame | Private — clean backgrounds at starfish bank |
At 8 guests, the per-person price is nearly identical. The experience is not.
| Vessel | Capacity | Full Day (8h) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancha 29ft | Up to 8 | $680 | Couples, honeymoons, small families |
| Lancha 40ft | Up to 12 | $1,250 | Groups, birthdays, bachelorette |
| Catamaran 52ft | Up to 20 | $2,890 | Large groups, corporate, weddings |
★ All prices include captain, fuel, snorkel gear, life jackets, and Cotubanamá National Park entrance fee. 50% deposit via PayPal to confirm. Food and drinks not included — you can bring your own cooler.
A shallow sand flat 2-3 nautical miles west of Saona where dozens of large orange starfish rest in knee-deep turquoise water. Protected within Cotubanamá National Park. Your captain anchors directly on the bank. Arrive before 9 AM for uncrowded photos.
Shallow reef flat on Saona's southwest coast. Crystal-clear water, 1-2 meters deep over sand and coral. Protected from ocean swells by the outer reef — calm even on windy days. Tropical fish, reef formations, year-round visibility 15-20m.
The main beach village on Saona. White sand, coconut palms, turquoise water — looks exactly like a screensaver. Mano Juan has local restaurants serving fresh seafood and cold Presidentes. Your captain anchors and you have 2-3 hours to explore.
The east tip of Saona — longer, more remote beach with no vendors and very few tourists. Accessible by private boat only (no road). Your captain can anchor here instead of Mano Juan if you prefer solitude. Requires slightly longer crossing (15-20 min extra).
| Season | Months | Sea Conditions | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dry | Jan–Apr | Flat seas, excellent visibility | High (book 5-7 days ahead) | Snorkel, photography, honeymoons |
| Summer | May–Aug | Calm, warmer water | Moderate | Good balance of conditions and fewer crowds |
| Shoulder | Sep–Nov | Occasional chop (hurricane season) | Low | Best prices, quietest beach — captains advise on weather day-of |
| Christmas/NYE | Dec 20–Jan 5 | Good | Very high | Book 2+ weeks in advance |
You're staying in Punta Cana — Saona Island from Bayahibe (on the group catamaran) is the most direct and economical option from that side of the island. Our private charter is best for guests staying at Casa de Campo, La Romana, Altos de Chavón, or the south coast. Also: Saona Island is within a national park — you can't camp overnight, and the park closes at sunset. Helicopter landing is prohibited. If anyone in your group has strong motion sickness, the 45-60 minute open-water crossing can be rough Nov–Jan with northeast swells; ask about the natural pool half-day route instead.