Tours/Dominican Republic/Saona Island, Mano Juan & Canto de la Playa Away from Crowds
Viator · group up to 30 pax

Saona Island, Mano Juan & Canto de la Playa Away from Crowds

5.0(158)Dominican Republic1 hour
VIATOR4.9(8)TRIPADVISOR5.0(150)

Description

This tour offers a more authentic way to discover Saona Island, away from crowded tourist routes. Travelers enjoy a carefully designed itinerary including Mano Juan village, Canto de la Playa, the Natural Pool, and protected natural areas rarely highlighted on standard excursions. With a maximum of 30 travelers, the atmosphere remains comfortable and relaxed while allowing access to quieter beaches and preserved natural spots.

Tour Options

Pickup in Bavaro
Pickup in Dominicus (included)
Pickup in Casa de Campo
Pickup in Boca Chica
Meeting point in Bayahibe
Pickup in La Romana
Pickup in Juan Dolio
Pickup in Uvero Alto
Pickup in Punta Cana

Itinerary

30 min

Meet at our office in the fishing village of Bayahibe, the only departure port to Saona Island. Guests staying in Bayahibe village are within walking distance. After a short welcome and briefing, board a comfortable boat and begin your Caribbean adventure directly from the coast, without long road transfers.

180 min

Discover Mano Juan, the only village on Saona Island, known for its colorful houses and peaceful local atmosphere. Travelers will explore this authentic fishermen’s village, visit the turtle nursery, enjoy lunch served on the beach, and have free time to relax and swim in the calm waters of Mano Juan. Baby turtles can sometimes be seen depending on the season.

120 min

Continue by boat to Canto de la Playa, one of the most beautiful beaches on Saona Island, far from crowded tourist areas. Here travelers enjoy free time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by untouched nature.

Admission included60 min

Navigate through Cotubanamá National Park, a protected area known for its rich marine biodiversity. The route crosses the Catuano Channel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, then continues through mangroves where red mangrove trees grow in seawater. This preserved environment often offers opportunities to spot adult sea turtles and, occasionally, rays.

60 min

Finish the excursion at the famous Natural Pool, a shallow turquoise sandbank in the Caribbean Sea where travelers can relax in waist-deep water, enjoy a drink, and admire giant starfish in a unique tropical setting. Return to the port of Bayahibe with beautiful memories.

Highlights

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (rum, beer, soft drinks, water)
Snacks during the day (pineapple, nachos, cakes)
Snorkeling equipment
Certified local guide throughout the excursion
Entrance fees to the National Park
Dominican lunch served on the island
Hotel and residence pickup in Dominicus (if required)

What's included

Included
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (rum, beer, soft drinks, water)
Snacks during the day (pineapple, nachos, cakes)
Snorkeling equipment
Certified local guide throughout the excursion
Entrance fees to the National Park
Dominican lunch served on the island
Hotel and residence pickup in Dominicus (if required)
Not included
Lobster option (available from July 1st to February 29th only): $25 USD per person
Professional photos (optional purchase)

Pickup Locations & Times

Important: Please select the correct option when booking (you will be asked to choose your option during checkout). If you require hotel pickup, please select the transport option corresponding to your area (e.g. "Tour with transport from Punta Cana"). If you prefer to make your own way to our departure point in Bayahibe, please select "Tour with meeting point at the departure point". We will contact you after your booking is confirmed to provide the exact meeting time and location.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
158 reviews
5
156
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(158)

E
EleaDW
June 16, 2026
Unforgettable day in paradise with a fantastic crew

A fantastic day from start to finish. Canto de la Playa was absolutely beautiful and we were lucky enough to have it almost to ourselves. Swimming and snorkelling there was a real highlight. We were even lucky enough to spot turtles swimming in the water later in the day, which was such a special experience. The whole day was really well organised and packed a lot in without ever feeling rushed. Christian and Gregory were brilliant hosts! They were funny, welcoming and full of energy. The whole crew made everyone feel like family from the moment we stepped on board and created such a great atmosphere with plenty of laughs, music and dancing throughout the day. A really memorable experience and one of the best days of our holiday. Highly recommend!

M
Michelle_G
June 14, 2026
Awesome and Breathtaking Experience

Rest up! Eat a light breakfast it's a bit before lunch. Bring a towel, sunglasses, watershoes. Water can be choppy so recommend dramamine if you get motion sickness easily.

P
Paradise18479917674
May 31, 2026
Eliott Family

Warm welcome from a dynamic and professional French-speaking team; top-notch excursion. Go for it! 🤩

L
Lynda A
May 18, 2026
Splendor of Saona

Top-notch French-speaking team at all levels. Small group excursion, earlier than those of other companies, visiting different sites (we arrived first at Mano Juan). An island just for us for a good while before the crowd from other boats arrived. Then a stop at another beach (where we were also alone) and at the natural pool. Warm crew that made the day even more fabulous.

A
aaK4937RN
March 31, 2026
Amazing tour to Paradise

This trip is EPIC! Beautiful beaches and sea turtles and swimming in the most beautiful water Pools i have ever seen. And i've seen a lot. Tour guide Christian is a great guy. Knows a lot, jokes a lot. Also the rest of the crew is great fun! Absolutely worth the money!

Operator response

Thanks a lot for your review. It’s awesome to know you enjoyed the beaches, the water, and the whole vibe of the day. Christian and the team will be very happy to hear this. We’d love to have you back anytime!

M
mart_nf2014
March 31, 2026
Excellent Saona Island Tour

A highly recommended excursion. The places we visited were less crowded than others and the truth was all excellent. Some geniuses Christian and Gregory, thanks for the good vibe

Operator response

Gracias por compartir su experiencia! Nos encanta saber que pudieron disfrutar de una excursión más tranquila y auténtica. Transmitiremos su mensaje a Christian y Gregory, estarán muy felices de saberlo. Esperamos tenerlos nuevamente con nosotros!

T
tiffany426
March 26, 2026
Best experience on a private excursion ever!

This review is way overdue. We did the private tour to Saona Island last April for our wedding anniversary. We have been to the DR over 20 times and could not believe we waited this long to do this tour . I wish I could remember all of our stops , but over all we had 3-4 stops, all at our own pace , and all amazing. We had the best Captain and the tour guide , Christian. Our lunch on the beach was delicious, we were able to spend time with guide and explore on our own. Breathtaking beaches , pictures don’t do it justice . We were able to play our music and spend plenty of time in the ocean and on the beach. We can’t wait to book again. Felt safe and taken care of the entire time . We have done many excursions in many countries and this sits top of our list . Worth every penny!

C
Coralie T
March 2, 2026
Absolute perfection

An amazing experience! A huge thank you to Marina and Nadine who organized our excursions, as well as to Christian Manuel Grégory and the captain! A crazy atmosphere, incredible scenery. Thank you for all these memories because without anything would have been the same! You have a lot to do with it! Regarding the buggy thanks to Assia Alias Inès reg! An amazing young woman who made our excursion amazing again! Really do not change anything!! It is thanks to you that we leave with extraordinary memories! We will call on your services when the opportunity arises to come to your beautiful country that is the Dominican Republic Thanks again 🇩🇴🤍 Coralie&Harold

Operator response

Un immense merci Coralie & Harold pour ce magnifique message qui nous touche énormément 😊 Nous sommes ravis de savoir que vos excursions avec Dominican Attitude vous ont laissé d’aussi beaux souvenirs. Toute l’équipe — Marina, Nadine, Christian, Manuel, Grégory, le capitaine ainsi qu’Assia — sera très heureuse de lire vos mots. Votre enthousiasme est la plus belle récompense pour notre travail quotidien 🌴✨ Merci pour votre confiance et pour votre belle énergie tout au long de votre séjour en Dominican Republic. Ce sera avec grand plaisir que nous vous accueillerons de nouveau lors d’un prochain voyage pour partager encore d’autres moments inoubliables 🤍

C
charlotte12345678911
February 23, 2026
A perfect day! I recommend +++

Thank you for this day with Christian the guide, at the top! Gregory and his vitamins 😉, Manuel the photographer and the captain! Great atmosphere with a great group☀️🐢😎🏝️!!

Operator response

Un grand merci pour votre retour et pour votre belle énergie 😊 Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé une excellente journée avec Dominican Attitude. Christian, Grégory, Manuel ainsi que le capitaine seront très heureux de lire votre message. Une bonne ambiance, un bel équipage et un super groupe font toujours la différence pour créer de beaux souvenirs 🌴☀️🐢 Au plaisir de vous revoir lors d’une prochaine excursion en Dominican Republic ✨

J
Jean_MarcS486
February 23, 2026
Another way to discover Saona

Everything is perfect, communication before, different excursion off the beaten track, super nice Cristian guide, atmosphere on the boat,

Operator response

Un grand merci d’avoir pris le temps de partager votre expérience suite à votre excursion Saona, Mano Juan & Canto de la Playa 🤍 Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié cette autre façon de découvrir Saona, loin des foules touristiques. C’est exactement l’expérience que nous souhaitons proposer : authentique, conviviale et hors des sentiers battus. Merci également pour vos mots concernant la communication et notre guide Cristian — nous ne manquerons pas de lui transmettre votre message, cela lui fera très plaisir 😊 Au plaisir de vous accueillir de nouveau en République Dominicaine pour une nouvelle aventure avec Dominican Attitude ! 🌴☀️ L’équipe Dominican Attitude

You might also like...