Saona Island packing list
What to bring to Saona Island
Pack light: it's a day trip on a boat. Below is the exact list we send guests after they book — eight items that matter, three to leave at the hotel, and the things resort gift shops overcharge for at the dock.
Reserve your spot — we'll send the full kit listThe 8-item Saona packing list
1. Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50 (regular brands are banned at the natural pools — guides check). 2. Swimsuit under your clothes — you change on the boat. 3. Quick-dry towel (the boat provides one but it's small). 4. Sunglasses + hat. 5. Dry bag for phone, keys, wallet — you wade from the boat to each stop. 6. Waterproof phone pouch for the Palmilla Natural Pool (shoulder-deep wading). 7. USD cash in small bills for souvenirs at Mano Juan craft stalls — the park entry fee and all food/drinks are already included in your USD 120 fare, no cash needed at the marina. 8. Photo ID — required to board.
Leave at the hotel
Big beach bag (you'll lose it), bluetooth speaker (boats have their own and play their own music), heavy shoes (flip-flops only, you walk on sand).
Buy at the dock, not at your resort
Resort gift shops sell snorkel masks at USD 30–40. The Bayahibe dock has them for USD 8–12. Same for waterproof phone pouches (USD 5 vs USD 20).
Hotel pickup
Door-to-door pickup from any Punta Cana resort
Complimentary air-conditioned shuttle to Cabeza de Toro Marina. Pickup times depend on your resort zone — use the table below as a planning guide.
- Cap Cana / Punta Espada20–30 min
- Punta Cana Village / Westin15–20 min
- Cabeza de Toro5–10 min
- Bávaro / El Cortecito10–15 min
- Arena Gorda / Macao15–25 min
- Uvero Alto30–40 min
- Miches60–75 min
| Resort zone | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Cap Cana / Punta Espada | 20–30 min |
| Punta Cana Village / Westin | 15–20 min |
| Cabeza de Toro | 5–10 min |
| Bávaro / El Cortecito | 10–15 min |
| Arena Gorda / Macao | 15–25 min |
| Uvero Alto | 30–40 min |
| Miches | 60–75 min |
We confirm your exact lobby pickup time the night before by WhatsApp.
Our Selection
Curated excursions
Saona Island Premium 4 Beaches Tour
Premium speedboat tour to 4 of Saona's most beautiful beaches — all inclusive.
4.9· 512 travelers
$120 / person
Book on WhatsApp✓ Reserve now, pay on tour day
Catalina Island Tour
Snorkel the famous wall reef and unwind on a white-sand beach — All Inclusive with open bar & Dominican buffet.
4.8· 247 travelers
$99 / person
Book on WhatsApp✓ Reserve now, pay on tour day
Party Boat Punta Cana
3 hours all-inclusive: all-you-can-drink open bar, snorkeling, dolphins and the legendary sandbar pool party.
4.9· 298 travelers
$75 / person
Book on WhatsApp✓ Reserve now, pay on tour day
Buggy Adventure
Ride through tropical trails and local villages in high-performance buggies.
4.8· 214 travelers
$75 / buggy
Book on WhatsApp✓ Reserve now, pay on tour day
Private Yachts
Half-day, full-day or sunset charters with captain and crew.
From $1,200 per charter
Inquire on WhatsApp✓ Reserve now, pay on tour day
Horseback Beach Riding
Trot along untouched Caribbean shoreline at golden hour.
4.7· 82 travelers
$65 / person
Book on WhatsApp✓ Reserve now, pay on tour day
Quick comparison
| Tour | From (USD) | Duration | Rating | Check availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saona Island Premium 4 Beaches Tour | $120 | 8 hours | ★ 4.9 (1284) | Check availability | View → |
| Catalina Island Tour | $99 | 8 hours | ★ 4.9 (612) | Check availability | View → |
| Party Boat Punta Cana | $75 | 3 hours | ★ 4.9 (1632) | Check availability | View → |
| Buggy Adventure | $75 | 4 hours | ★ 4.8 (942) | Check availability | View → |
FAQ
Common questions
Is sunscreen really banned?+
Non-reef-safe sunscreen is banned in the protected natural-pools zone — guides check. Bring reef-safe (zinc or titanium-based) or buy at the dock.
Do I need cash?+
Small bills for souvenirs at Mano Juan craft stalls and tips (USD 5–10 per guest is generous). The park entry fee, all food, and all drinks (local rum, beer, water, soft drinks) are already included in your USD 120 fare — no cash needed at the marina or for lunch.
Can I bring my drone?+
Not at the natural pools (national park rules). On the beach at Mano Juan it's tolerated; ask the captain first.
Snorkel mask: bring or rent?+
Bring your own if you have one. Rentals at the dock are USD 5; quality is fine but high-traffic.
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WhatsApp · +18493775889