"Better" is a relative and personal term. I took one trip to Saona that included a deep water snorkel stop just off the coast of Bayahibe. Some may want that and some may not.
I'm surprised that you didn't see the starfish since there are quite an abundance of them in that "natural pool" area, but the area is quite large too so it's possible that you stopped in the one spot that didn't have any. To your tour guide's credit, I am glad that they didn't go off in search of one that they brought back to you and allowed you to wear on your head or something equally as preposterous. I see too many pictures of that.
I also did a tour with a smaller company which offered a stop at the private part of the island and had us stop at the natural pool
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...64234328kDRsqq and the mangrove forest
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...64234328qcaLEJ timed to be before the other tours stopped there. For all of my pictures, we are the only boat and group (9 people) in the pics.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...64234328tKLdnK
There are many options, but I think if you can be impressed by an exciting and relaxing set of boat rides and a day on a tropical deserted island paradise, then you'll like Saona. There are a few who feel that in the end the beach is the same as they had in Punta Cana. That would be one honkin' great beach!
Kaki