Isla Saona Day Trip

[Kaki]

I have done two trips to Saona. While I loved the first excursion and it was enough to get me to go back, a bit of research led me to an even better one!

I have pictures of both days posted at http://community.webshots.com/user/kaki333

The first trip was using a speedboat and catamaran and was run with through a tour bought at an AI. We left Bayahibe at 10:30 a.m. and returned to Bayahibe at 4:30 p.m. Those pictures are at http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/489092643CrzWYX

The second trip was bought through Seavis in Bayahibe. We left Bayahibe at 8:30 a.m. and hit all of the stops of the day before or after the major tour companies so were alone at each spot (but one). This tour was a bit custom-made for me and cost $10 more than the Saona-Catalinita tour sold from their website at http://www.seavisbayahibe.com/excurs...a_catalina.htm Pictures from that day are posted at http://travel.webshots.com/album/550135582VbyNRT

The catamaran tour which stops at the Piscina Natural and a short stop at a deep water snorkel site off the tip of Bayahibe doesn't offer all that much for snorkeling and if you went on this tour expecting a big day of snorkeling you could be sorely disappointed. A great day, but snorkeling isn't the focus.

I am looking at spending some time next spring at Villa Iguana in Bayahibe. They offer a room for all needs from a penthouse suite with private pool all the way down to a room with a only a fan. http://www.seavisbayahibe.com/Rooms_...n_Bayahibe.htm The hosts at the Villa are also very knowledgeable about local fishermen and residents and have recommended a contact to me if I wanted the use of a boat. You can e-mail them from their site and ask for that info too.

I agree with the comment about weekday vs. weekend. There are 1000 passengers a day being processed to the islands out of the Bayahibe bay. Each and every day. AIs book starting whatever day of the week their contract with the tour operator is. I have booked for travel on a Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. In 2007 I travel on Mondays and Fridays. They don't turn over a whole hotel on Saturday, though it remains the busiest day.

Kaki

[El Tigre]

Originally Posted by Kaki

I have done two trips to Saona. While I loved the first excursion and it was enough to get me to go back, a bit of research led me to an even better one!

I have pictures of both days posted at kaki333's photos and albums on webshots

The first trip was using a speedboat and catamaran and was run with through a tour bought at an AI. We left Bayahibe at 10:30 a.m. and returned to Bayahibe at 4:30 p.m. Those pictures are at Saona Island, Dominican Republic in beaches photos on webshots

The second trip was bought through Seavis in Bayahibe. We left Bayahibe at 8:30 a.m. and hit all of the stops of the day before or after the major tour companies so were alone at each spot (but one). This tour was a bit custom-made for me and cost $10 more than the Saona-Catalinita tour sold from their website at Island Excursions from Bayahibe, Dom.Rep. to Saona, Catalina and Catalinita Pictures from that day are posted at Snorkeling at Catalinita and the Piscina Natural, Dominican Republic in caribbean photos on webshots

The catamaran tour which stops at the Piscina Natural and a short stop at a deep water snorkel site off the tip of Bayahibe doesn't offer all that much for snorkeling and if you went on this tour expecting a big day of snorkeling you could be sorely disappointed. A great day, but snorkeling isn't the focus.

I am looking at spending some time next spring at Villa Iguana in Bayahibe. They offer a room for all needs from a penthouse suite with private pool all the way down to a room with a only a fan. Villa Iguana rooms accommondation and diving in Bayahibe nationalparc Dom.Rep. The hosts at the Villa are also very knowledgeable about local fishermen and residents and have recommended a contact to me if I wanted the use of a boat. You can e-mail them from their site and ask for that info too.

I agree with the comment about weekday vs. weekend. There are 1000 passengers a day being processed to the islands out of the Bayahibe bay. Each and every day. AIs book starting whatever day of the week their contract with the tour operator is. I have booked for travel on a Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. In 2007 I travel on Mondays and Fridays. They don't turn over a whole hotel on Saturday, though it remains the busiest day.

Kaki

Kaki - EXCELLENT INFORMATION AND GREAT PICTURES. Thank you so so much. I have found the information I needed as I want to make a day trip to Isla Saona and Catalina.

Would anyone know how long is the drive time from the capital to Bayahibe?

[Kaki]

I have done the trip from SDQ to Bayahibe twice. 90 minutes with no stops. Add the requisite half hour to get to/from the city or your part of the city!

Kaki

Any questions? kaki.ulan@sasktel.net

[El Tigre]

Thanks. I'll an extra 30 minutes to that for getting lost/stopping.

[vandee]

we made the trip mid week and it was a good time. food was ok but we danced and just has a lot of fun. the cat worked out because we didn't get seasick which for us was a big thing because i almost always get sick. overall, we rated it worth while.

[LatinoRican]

My thanks to all who contibuted with their ideas, advice, pictures, and suggestions. We will be taking the plunge in several weeks and expect to have a great time at Isla Saona! Thanks again!

[El Tigre]

Originally Posted by LatinoRican

My thanks to all who contibuted with their ideas, advice, pictures, and suggestions. We will be taking the plunge in several weeks and expect to have a great time at Isla Saona! Thanks again!

Please please pleassssssssseeeeeeeee don't forget to come back and give us a full detailed report of the experience.

[El Tigre]

LatinoRican,

Did you make the trip? If so how was it???

Please tell us...

[Mariposazul]

What's the Dominican (not gringo) price to Isla Saona???

[ElNegrote]

My partner and I did the daytrip from Santo Domingo to Isla Saona via Bayahibe two years ago for my 40th birthday. We purchased a package from Caribe Tours right in Santo Domingo.

I agree with the suggestion about bringing snorkeling equipment, though I'm pretty sure they provide it. (It was a little small for me.)

The trip in the catamaran from Bayahibe to Isla Saona is a lot of rum-laced fun, and you swim and eat once you reach land. But don't get too soused or you won't be able to enjoy the snorkeling.

All in all a great adventure and I'm glad we did it.