Hotel guide · RIU República
Saona Island tour from your hotel · RIU República
Full-day Saona Island excursion with hotel pickup — catamaran, speedboat, natural pool and beach lunch. Tailored for RIU República guests staying in Arena Gorda (adults-only) — pickup organised at your lobby, paid in cash or card on arrival. RIU República sits on the Arena Gorda coast — a adults-only party resort about 20 min from PUJ and 15 min from Cabeza de Toro, the marina we use for most boat departures. Adults-only RIU with three pools, an Arena Gorda beachfront and one of the most party-heavy buffets on the strip.
Plan it on WhatsAppWhat's included
Hotel pickup, transfer to Bayahibe, catamaran cruise with open bar (the catamaran is the fun part — music, dancing), speedboat back via the famous natural pool with starfish, buffet lunch on Saona beach.
Group vs private
Group tour is the lively classic. Private Saona by speedboat is the calm version — no crowds, your own schedule, ideal for couples and families with small children.
Booking from RIU República
When RIU República guests book a Saona day-trip with us, the day is built around two fixed timings: the 15-minute hop to Cabeza de Toro and the 20-minute window to PUJ. Because RIU República is a adults-only party resort, we pre-brief the guide on the lobby layout, the resort's wristband policy, and where to wait so security never asks twice. That's the difference between a smooth pickup and 20 lost minutes at the gate.
Send your dates, group size and room number on WhatsApp
Send your dates, group size and room number on WhatsApp. We confirm pickup time at the hotel lobby, the meeting guide's name, and the cash/card price — usually within minutes, 7am–11pm. Pickup is from the RIU República main lobby. We send a confirmation message with the driver's name and plate the evening before. Expect roughly 20 min between PUJ airport and the hotel. We're a Dominican team based in Bávaro. No call centre, no resort kick-back. Your concierge resells the same trips at +30–50% — we put you in touch with the small operators directly.
Our Selection
Curated excursions
Saona Island Tour
A paradise escape to pristine white beaches and natural pools.
From $85
Catamaran Cruise
Snorkel in vibrant reefs and enjoy open bar service on our luxury fleet.
From $65
Catalina Island Tour
Snorkel the famous wall reef and unwind on a postcard beach.
From $99
FAQ
Common questions
Do you pick up at RIU República?+
Yes — drivers wait at the RIU República main lobby. PUJ airport is about 20 min away, which helps us time pickups precisely.
Which marina do boats leave from for RIU República guests?+
Cabeza de Toro — about 15 min from the RIU República lobby. We always pick the marina that saves drive time over chasing a slightly cheaper boat further away.
How long is the boat ride to Saona?+
About 45 min by catamaran going, 30 min by speedboat returning via the natural pool. Total trip 9–10 h door-to-door.
Is Saona good for small children?+
Yes — shallow turquoise water and soft sand. We recommend the private speedboat option for kids under 4.
Why not just book at the hotel excursion desk?+
Resort desks resell the same trips with a 30–50% markup and usually push larger group operators. We connect you directly to the small Dominican operators we use for our own family.
Can I pay in cash on the day?+
Yes — USD or DOP, in cash, on pickup. Card and bank transfer also work. No deposit needed for most options.
What languages do guides speak?+
Group tours are bilingual EN/ES. German, French, Italian, Russian and Portuguese guides available on request for private trips.
Can it be private, just for our group?+
Yes — almost everything on this page has a private upgrade (own boat, own buggy, own driver). Ask us on WhatsApp.
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