Lost in Paradise: How Our Saona Island Tour Experience Became a Nightmare!
Saona Island is located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and is part of the East National Park. It was discovered by explorer Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas in 1494 and named "Savona" after the Italian city of the same name.
Throughout its history, Saona Island has been used as a base for pirates and smugglers due to its remote location. It was also a popular spot for fishermen and locals who would come to the island to collect shellfish.
In the 1970s, Saona Island was discovered by tourists and has since become a popular destination for day trips and excursions. The island's pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters attract thousands of visitors each year.
Unfortunately, my experience on Saona Island was far from enjoyable. Despite the island's natural beauty, the day trip I went on was marred by constant interruptions and aggressive sales tactics. The focus on making money seemed to have overridden the island's historical significance and the experience left a sour taste in my mouth.
Rating
Saona Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Dominican Republic, and for good reason. With its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches, it’s no wonder that it has become a must-visit destination for tourists. However, there are a few things you should know before booking your excursion to this beautiful island.
The Long Day Begins
I booked my tour through Barceló Bávaro Beach at a cost of $124.00 USD per person; however, the experience did not justify the price. To begin with, the day started early, with our tour commencing at 7:35 AM and ending at 6:30 PM. For families travelling with young children or older adults, this long duration can be particularly exhausting. Therefore, it is essential to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to ensure comfort throughout the day.
A Disappointing Start
At the start of the tour, we boarded a bus that took us to a tourist gift store. Surprisingly, our tour guide informed us that this would be our only chance to use the restroom. Unfortunately, this stop felt more like a forced opportunity to make purchases. We had been promised a unique experience, including delicious coffee and a tasting of the Dominican Republic’s famous drink, Mamajuana. Instead, the coffee was disappointingly served from a shared plastic jug with no guidance or explanation. Similarly, the Mamajuana was offered in tiny, uninspiring cups, which failed to deliver the promised authenticity. To make matters worse, the restroom conditions were appalling, leaving a poor impression and setting an unpleasant tone for the rest of the day.
Saona Island Views
The journey continued with a bus ride to the Bayahibe dock, where we boarded a catamaran. The boat ride, accompanied by loud music, was uncomfortable due to the lack of adequate shade. Despite applying sunscreen multiple times, we were left sunburned. The open bar served only basic drinks like rum and sodas, falling short of expectations.
Pushy Sales Tactics
The staff on the catamaran initially seemed friendly but soon began selling bandanas designed like the Dominican Republic flag. What was first presented as a gift turned into a demand for $5.00 USD by the end of the ride. The experience soured further when staff aggressively requested money using a plastic jug, leaving us feeling uncomfortable and pressured.
Arriving at Saona Island
At every stop on the tour, the staff took advantage of the opportunity to push overpriced souvenirs and services. For example, bottles of Mamajuana, which locals later informed us were worth only $5.00 to $15.00 USD, were shockingly sold for up to $50.00 USD with the added promise of a personalized photo. Consequently, this constant upselling felt exploitative and, in turn, further detracted from the overall experience.
Limited Activities and Unbearable Conditions
The waters near the beach were polluted by the engines of hundreds of speedboats, filling the air with a strong stench of fuel. Swimming was limited to a designated area, as instructed by our guide. There was no towel service or shaded spots, leaving us exposed to the sun without any relief. The relentless heat and lack of amenities made the short two-hour stay on the island difficult to enjoy.
Overpriced Souvenirs
Every stop on the tour became an opportunity for staff to push overpriced souvenirs and services. Bottles of Mamajuana, which locals later informed us were worth only $5.00 to $15.00 USD, were sold for up to $50.00 USD with the promise of a personalized photo. This constant upselling felt exploitative and further detracted from the experience.
The Long Journey Back
After leaving the island, the discomfort continued. Additionally, the return journey offered no access to water or restrooms, and the trek back to the resort spanned 3-4 hours. Moreover, the lack of rest stops and refreshments made the already exhausting day even more tedious.
Pros
- The island itself is beautiful
- Opportunity to take stunning photos
Cons
- Long and uncomfortable bus ride
- Overpriced and misleading tour package
- Poor-quality coffee and Mamajuana samples
- Unsatisfactory washroom facilities
- Scamming tactics used by staff to sell cheap souvenirs
- Pressure to buy items and services
- Unsanitary beach with donkey feces and rocky sand
- A short time spent on the island
- Constant noise and pollution from hundreds of speedboats
- Unappetizing food and limited drink options
- No access to water or restrooms after leaving the island
- Crowded and uncomfortable tour experience
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this tour was far from the paradise we had imagined. Indeed, the long, uncomfortable day was packed with hidden costs, poor facilities, and pushy sales tactics. Although the island’s natural beauty provided some memorable photo opportunities, the overall experience fell far short of expectations. If you’re considering a trip to Saona Island, it may be wise to think twice about booking a tour and adjust your expectations accordingly.
