Saona Island Tours - Isla Saona Bayahibe La Romana — Attraction in La Hispaniola

The place is beautiful. However, my experience was negatively impacted by the locals... I totally understand that locals depend on tourism to make a living, but they push constantly offering things, then saying, "Oh, tips are not mandatory, but depend on them" and then reminding you every 5 min about tipping everyone every where; they told us before boarding the speed boat that for safety, they needed a picture of every group in the boat. At the end of the day, they gave us bottles with the picture attached to a bottle full of wood to prepare mamajuana (local liquor) yourself and requested 20 usd for it. Personally, I don't like to feel coerced into buying things that I personally dislike. Additionally, the beach is not well kept. There is a lot of trash, broken pieces of plastic, polystyrene plates, and cigarette butts. The kitchen where the food for the buffet came from was beyond dirty. Then you line up to get your food served, and it feels like jail. The waiters were in a rush. They literally dumped the food, and they did not even ask what you wanted from the options. They had "fresh" fish on a tray with dead lobsters, under at least 35 degrees, no refrigeration whatsoever... a salmonella waiting to happen, anddd, yes, you guessed it, you have to pay extra for it. The boats stay close to the shore, so the water is not crystal clear due to pollution with petrol. I tried to have a peaceful moment, but constantly was interrupted by people selling stuff/services. To be honest, it was really disappointing to see how an amazing place like that island has been taken for granted by the locals and do not take care or protect their natural resources. If you are booking the excursion, DO NOT PAY more than 65 USD per person. AirTransat offers the same thing for 144 CAD plus tax. Expedia is close to 80 USD. I think if you made it to Punta Cana, this excursion is a nice day trip, but the 65 USD per person is over-priced for what they offer you, and get ready for being bombarded with offers and tip demands. Bargain with the representatives...

Wonderful Day at Natural Pools and Saona Island

Today, my family, friends, and I, along with our children, visited the natural pools and Saona Island as part of an excursion organized by the tour desk at our Bravo Palace Viva by Wyndham hotel.

Starting with the natural aspect of the experience, it was truly positive. The natural pools are stunning, and although we could only admire the giant starfish from the catamaran, I appreciated the operators’ efforts to protect the environment. Apparently, just last year, hundreds of starfish died due to careless tourism.

At Saona Island, we had the benefit of using the resort’s beach, with lunch and drinks included. While the meal was simpler with fewer options, both the meat and fish were excellent, and I appreciated the dedication of all the staff, as well as the beauty of the location.

We were also fortunate with the catamaran trip, which had far fewer people on board compared to other boats that would stay out until the evening—some of those appeared to carry up to 100 people, which, in my opinion, is far too many.

Our “combo” tour had us back by 4:30 PM, giving us plenty of time for a snack and another swim in the ocean before sunset.

If I were to do this excursion again, I would definitely choose...

The excursion was really nice. In route to the boat, we stopped at an island market where you can use the rest room and purchase, local art, silver jewelry, postcards, bathing suits, tshirts, wood art pieces, etc. The ride is about 45 minutes or so, so it breaks up the ride. We arrived at the speed boat to take us to a natural pool in the ocean. Simply beautiful. They take pictures of you to purchase later. You are also served Rum and coke/sprite. You swim for about 30 mins then reboard the speedboat to continue to Saona Island. Once you reach the island, you can get a madsage (fee), sqim, eat and drink. Bring $ to tip and waterproof bag for your belongings and phone. You stay on the Island for a few hours then board a catamaran to ride back. They also serve rum and coke. Bring lots of sunscreen.

This excursion was really worth the experience. This is the second time I have taken this. I would...