Quetzal Catamaran Cruise Prestige to Saona Island
5

Quetzal Catamaran Cruise Prestige to Saona Island

By Quetzal Cata Excursion
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-99, max of 30 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French, Spanish
More


  • Avocadoes, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, salad, pasta with pesto, chicken breast with ginger, beef, fruits and rosé wine
  • Snacks
  • Unlimited beer, rum and soft drinks
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (just included for Bayahibe area hotels)
  • Entry/Admission - Saona Island
What's not included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Transfers from PUNTA CANA, La Romana or Sto Domingo are NOT included.
  • Lobster


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • We offer FREE pick up ONLY from the Hotels located in the Bayahibe and Dominicus. From La Romana, Punta Cana and Sto domingo depends on the exact place - please contact us for more details Pick up start from: Punta Cana around 7am Bayahibe around 8 am Tours starts around 8.30am/8.45am
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      Additional pickup options
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
      • Bayahíbe, Dominican Republic
      • 23000 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
      • La Romana, Dominican Republic
      • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
      • 21000 Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
      • Boca Chica, Dominican Republic
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Wheelchair accessible
        • Pushchair accessible
        • Infants must sit on laps
        • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 42056P1

        • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
        • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
        • Children must be accompanied by an adult
        • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
        • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, don't forget your sunglasses, towels and sun lotion
        • Most travellers can participate
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 42056P1

        From
        £128.35
        per adult
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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Quetzal Cata Excursion
          1,026
          Caribbean
          Joined in January 2016
        • Y4741HSlaurat
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Unbelievable experience!!!!
          We booked a boat excursion with Quetzal for my bachelorette, and it was truly unbelievable! From start to finish, Joy and the crew went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. They were incredibly attentive, friendly, and fun, making the entire experience feel effortless and luxurious. The boat itself was beautiful, and every detail, from the service to the atmosphere, was perfect. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day on the water, this is the company to book with. Highly recommend! Also, Saona Island is a MUST!!!
          Written 17 February 2025
        • D213FEsuzannes
          0 contributions
          3.0 of 5 bubbles
          Modest meh
          It was an average snorkeling tour with average food. Nothing stands out except a few of the staff(not all) and the captain who seemed to care if you enjoyed your experience. The boat was clean and well cared for. Transportation from punta Cana was not included and cost 40$ US more each . The river tour was the best part in my opinion. The weather wasn’t great which I’m sure affects your experience.
          Written 4 February 2025
        • demetriost617
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Unforgettable Experience Snorkeling and Relaxing
          Our excursion was booked using the excursion table and Club Med resort for a Thursday, all-day excursion on January 9th 2025. The day started with a bus ride from Club Med resort to Bayahibe and we were accompanied by a "tour guide" who provided some entertainment and support (but was really not necessary). Our family included six adults and there were a total of twelve in our group. I would recommend any excursion be limited to twenty as more than that will create a crowded and slow experience. The bus ride was about 40 minutes and we arrived at Bayahibe around 0830, having departed Club Med a bit after 0730. We were shuttled to the catamaran by a small launch because the catamaran was anchored in the harbor. There is a single pier in the harbor and it appears reserved for use by large groups. We saw a different group with over fifty people boarding from the pier. Our group was small enough that we did not use the pier. Our first stop was the "Aquarium" after an hour of cruising. During this time we were introduced to the crew and offered coffee and refreshments. Throughout the entire trip we felt that all our needs were provided for and we only had to ask for anything. The Quetzal is absolutely gorgeous and she is clearly well maintained and very comfortable. We were fortunate in that conditions for our excursion were close to perfect: calm seas, sun and clear water. Arriving at the "Aquarium" we were given a short briefing on the equipment and entered the warm waters which were teaming with fish. The depth felt about 15 feet so we were not able to get up close to the coral but we enjoyed the view and our guide (not the same person from the bus but a crew member) sprinkled food into the water to attract fish. We stayed in this area for about an hour and raised anchor around 1200 and started for Catalina Island. Catalina Island is a nature preserve and our guide had earlier distributed wrist bands which appeared to be day passes for the preserve. On the way to Catalina we were served an excellent lunch which included salad, grilled meat and vegetables, and fresh fruit. Drinks were always available. The "Wall" at Catalina Island gave a much better snorkeling experience where the coral is closer to the surface and it is possible to hover above and study many different species of fish. After giving us a guided tour of the area, our snorkeling guide, gave us the option of returning to the "Wall" for more snorkeling or riding their inflatable skiff to the beach on the island for exploration. We all opted for more snorkeling as the conditions were so good. We were rewarded with a sighting of a sea turtle and additional marine animals. Only downside to all the snorkeling was a little too much sun on the lower back: bring high SPF sunscreen and apply as directed or wear a water shirt. Having stayed at the island for almost two hours we raised anchor and headed towards the Chavon river. This took about thirty minutes of cruising and we spent the next hour or so going up the river, admiring the natural beauty. Our bus host attempted to keep us entertained with stories about wealthy people occupying the residencies near the mouth of the river. I personally would have preferred some peaceful quiet time. After the Chavon we returned to Bayahibe and took a launch back to the beach, boarded our bus and returned to the resort. Everyone agreed that this was a remarkable and unforgettable excursion. The crew and captain of the Quetzel were wonderful and the catamaran is beautiful. I would change nothing from that experience. I would recommend saving some money and booking the excursion yourself, directly from the Quetzel and arranging transportation to and from the port. You may even want to spend some time in Bayahibe which had a lot of activity (do your own research on that as I cannot vouch for safety - sort of a Tatooine Mos Esley feel to it ). That and bring extra sunscreen or swim shirts.
          Written 18 January 2025
        • 883marcusf
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Perfect family trip to Saona Island
          We had the pleasure of booking a tour to Saona Island on Quetzal. There were 9 of us in total two of which were young kids (7&10) and every person absolutely lovely the trip and said it will be a memory which stays with them for years and year. We travelled from Punta Cana area, early in the morning a private transfer was waiting for us at the hotel, took as straight to their offices in Bayahibe. From there everything was taken care of, well organised and just perfect. The boat is lovely, we were with one other family of 4 so it wasn't busy at all, we received a personal service the entire time. Some relaxed in the shade at the back at the seats/table others were at the front on the netting enjoying the waves. The journey is slower to Saona island but this is exactly how we wanted it. The moment we stepped on to the boat it felt like our trip started. I can imagine using another tour and the speedboat option, it doesn't feel relaxing and the start of the trip but more still the travelling to get to your excursion. Our first stop was for snorkelling, equipment provided including life vests for those who wanted them. It was so well organised, as a parent I could relax and enjoy the sea seeing all sorts of fish and rays with my children safe and well looked after in the water as well. Many had never snorkelled before and loved this part of the tour. Next stop was Saono Island, speed boat to get to land and then a small walk to an area on the far side for the tour. It didn't seem overly busy, could easily take a photo with no one else in shot. The sea was a bit rough but we were pre warned. The amazing colour and warm temperatures made it perfect for a dip. Time for a cocktail in a coconut and lots of photos. Our guides helped with everything, even providing their own rum so keep the cost down of the coconut drinks from local sellers. When we returned to the boat the seats and table had been setup for the two families as lunch was prepared. Salad, fruit, veg setup as a buffet and then on the back of the boat bbq/stove cooking the most amazing beef and chicken. I wasn't sure what sort of food you could cook on a boat but I was stunned by the quality. The beef smelt and tasted like perfection. 3rd and final stop was to try and spot starfish. Had to swim out a little as the boat cannot get too close but after 90 seconds you could stand and look for the sea life. Managed to spot a few thanks to the crew who swam too and found them for us. It was then back on the boat and we peacefully said back to Bayahibe, again some people sitting in the shade, others getting the last bit of sun. Back on land we were all taken back to the offices and Joy had arranged for a friend to pop over with some Larimar jewellery, this was because at Saonoa Island she suggested the prices were high and quality low. It was certainly the case, the jewellery they purchased was much better quality and well worth it. Back to our hotel again via the private transfer, again waiting for us at the offices and our trip had concluded. There is nothing I can suggest to improve the trip and there isn't a single person I would discourage from going on this tour. We had young kids and older people in our group including someone who is very scared of water however the crew were exceptional helping everyone when we had to transfer to boats to get to the island and off the boat. Joy and Jasmine looked after us throughout the day and Bernard the captain was so welcoming. If we ever return to Dominican Republic we will be speaking to Quetzal and going on another of their trips.
          Written 14 November 2024
        • Curious10963855269
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          The crew was simply the best! Outstanding customer service!
          I had the pleasure to deal with Quetzal assisting me to coordinate a day trip to Saona Island for a group of clients of my company. My clients were very pleased with the crew and the customer service they received during the excursion. They were attentive to all our requests including the baby car seat for a toddler, going above and beyond to exceed my client's expectation. I can't thank you enough to taking care of my passengers and I hope to work with you again.
          Written 1 August 2024
        • Culture62001522945
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing Experience - Saona Island trip
          A perfect day. The 9 of us had such a good time, sun bathing on the way to Saona island, playing in the crystal clear water and relaxing on the white sandy beach, we had lunch waiting for us when we returned to the catamaran. A short sail to go snorkeling and starfish spotting then a relaxing sail back to Bayahibe. Lola and the other crew were brilliant and helpful and I can't praise them highly enough. Between the food, drinks, cake and rum there's nothing else we could have wanted. We didn't do the snorkeling earlier in the day as there had been some storms so the sea was a little rough and the currents were strong. It was reassuring to know that the crew know the area so well, wanted us to have the best trip and were always thinking about our saftey. Everything before the trip was great too, from me making the enquiry to the communication on the days before was helpful and informative. We had a fantastic time in the DR but this trip made the whole holiday. If you're thinking of booking a trip with them, just do it, you won't regret it. If we go back we will be booking with them again.
          Written 31 July 2024
        • ryanv2021
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Truly a day in paradise!!
          Excellent day! Great boat! Great staff! Great food! They really took are of us and we had a fantastic day! Highly recommended.
          Written 26 June 2024
        • T7652CRaria
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Lovely day at sea!
          I always try to book a catamaran when I travel with the family. This tour company was excellent as they were very communicative and a delight on board. The ship had a good surround music system which was important and the facilities were clean. We did Soana Isalnd which was very beautiful, I would skip palmillas next time. I think the waters are no longer very clear due to over tourism and the sand is a little mildewy. Our tour guide Joy is truly a Joy and an excellent photographer! Thank you Joy and thank you to your kind team!
          Written 18 June 2024
        • 421annys
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wonderful experience!
          An amazing experience! Top notch. Great service, staff and food. We enjoyed so much and took tons of photos. We did the buggies and catamaran trip.
          Written 13 June 2024
        • Wanderer258980
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          BEST PRIVATE TOUR IN THE DR!!
          Best day of our entire trip to the Dominician! Scheduling, transportation, staff, crew, guide, boat, destinations, food, drinks, ALL OF IT WAS beyond exceptional and WORLD CLASS! Def plan on returning to the DR just to spend more time on this Vessel. We did fully Private with 8 guest and words can't begin to describe how beautiful and amazing our day was! Thanks again!
          Written 12 June 2024
        • NicolettaSnaiderbaur
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent Tour! Go for it!
          Wonderful day visiting Saona Island on this beautiful catamaran: staff very friendly and professional, plenty of food and drinks, space to relax and enjoy the beautiful view! It's a bit more expensive compared to other tours but we were looking for something to relax in a small group and this was the best choice. We were planning to go on another excursion to Catalina 2 days later but the weather wasn't great, in any case I would definetely reccomend them!
          Written 22 April 2024
        • sfluder
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Best Excursion Ever
          Fantastic trip from start to finish. Transportation arrangements were easy and right on time. We took a small boat from the Bayahibe marina out to the Quetzal which was one of the nicest in the area. We sailed to Catalina Island and went snorkeling near "The Wall" which was fantastic, definitely the best snorkeling we've done in the DR over several visits. Our guide, Lola, took us around the area and pointed out several great species including chimney coral, a white urchin, and others. The crew followed the snorkelers in a small motorboat which was great. One of my kids was new to snorkeling and the water was pretty choppy so he wanted to wrap up before the group - he hopped in the motorboat and they took him right back to the catamaran. This was a great addition to the snorkeling experience, they kept up with stragglers, helped a girl who dropped a flipper, and were generally available to help, great for comfort and safety. We got back on the boat and had lunch which the crew grilled on the boat. They made chicken, steaks, pasta, salad, and fresh fruit - all locally sourced (except for the pasta) with several drink options - sodas/beer/rum cocktails/water/etc.. Lunch was outstanding, steaks were actually medium rare and everything was plentiful. We did another short snorkeling trip on the other side of the island - there was less to see there but still some great fish, particularly the jewel damselfish. We then spent about an hour on the beach, nothing special there although they made some great pina coladas in pineapples which the kids loved. The beach was very hot but there was shade available - and we found a lot of sea glass walking the beach. Back on the boat we sailed around the island and up the Chavon River. The river was beautiful, lined with high-end villas and exotic foliage. The boat was comfortable with plenty of shade in the rear, multiple bathrooms, and dual trampolines on the front. The kids loved the front of the boat which was steady even as the sea got choppy in the afternoon - no seasickness at all, very smooth ride. We really enjoyed the time spent with Lola and Enrique - both were a wealth of knowledge, warm and considerate. Our family learned a lot about diving/sea life and Dominican geography and terrain. We had high expectations for this trip based on other reviews we read, - this tour exceeded all of them and I can't think of a single negative thing to say. If you're looking for a cheap booze cruise/party boat this isn't the tour for you. If you're looking for a spectacular day on, and in, the Caribbean sea on a beautiful boat with a great crew, great food, and fantastic snorkeling, this is it.
          Written 13 April 2024
        • lutzefamily
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Relaxing, Enjoyable Day!!!
          Amazing day! We loved the food and meeting people from all over the world. The food was delicious! Thank you for a fun and relaxing day!
          Written 21 March 2024
        • Resort00311229859
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Catalina Island snorkeling on the Quetzal
          Fantastic day on the Quetzal to Catalina Island with snorkeling 🤿 great crew and gorgeous place! Will book with them again!
          Written 19 February 2024
        • brL3976NX
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Fabuloso
          The trip to Catalina was amazing and the snorkelling was awesome! I saw so many fish and sponges and coral I had never seen before on any other trip. The food was so delicious! I am partial to steak and it was cooked to perfection and my husband shared some of the chicken with me which made me sorry I was already so full! There was fresh fruit and drinks a plenty! The drinks were made with premium liquor too! The staff were so friendly it was an awesome trip and would highly recommend it to anyone that is in the Dominican Republic!
          Written 18 February 2024
        See all 1,026 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles446 reviews
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        Karl D
        13 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We booked this trip and was greeted with an email and instructed to use what's app for communication. Joy was our liaison, and she was very informative and provided info on all questions we asked. We took a private car from Punta Cana, which was $100 usd to and from the marina kalife whatapp# +1 (829) 791-2816. Only safe driver we found in punta cana. We took 10 trips with him, and he was always punctual. Once we arrived at the marina, we were greeted by Lola from the Quetzal yatch at the Betty blue restaurant. We arrived early, so we waited for another people show up at 830a. We then loaded a small power boat to go to the anchored yatch. Both boats were equipped with sufficient life vests. Crew escorted us onto the vessel, and we were greeted by the owner captain. The boat captain was a very friendly Frenchman and had the boat custom built in the DR in 2013. We were able to enjoy the boat and the trip because they limit the number of passengers to ensure not overcrowding, verses sweating on each other. WINNING!!We enjoyed vegetarian and non vegetarian sandwich options and mixed drinks while we were underway to our first snorkeling stop to see fish, crabs, & sting rays for 30 min. Very wonderful experience to see sting rays in their natural habitat. Then we left and anchored at Saona Island and ferried by a 26' power boat to the beach. The water was absolutely amazingly turquoise blue, and we were able to buy fresh fruit drinks, massages, or souvenirs. After our ridiculously amazing hour and a half on the island, we went to our next snorkeling destination next to an uninhabited beach. On the way, the yatch crew served us a buffet of steak, chicken, fresh fruit, pasta, and salad with drinks. All were fantastic and fresh. At the snorkeling area, we looked for sea turtles, star fish, and small fish. After 30 min, we powered back to the DR and arrived by 430. Wonderful time! If you made it to this part of my review, then you know not to waste your time looking at other trips to Saona Island.
        Written 18 December 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you Karl for your very detailed review about your Saona excursion, we are happy to see that you had a great day with us!! Don't hesitate to come back and see us soon! Quetzal team
        Written 5 January 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Jack
        Bath, UK10 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We really loved our trip with the Quetzal team! The catamaran was really spacious and modern, and there was only 10 of us so it felt really special and premium - especially when compared to the smaller, fuller boats of 30+ people that we saw. The catamaran was very well looked after and it was nice to meet the friendly captain and sailors. The boat even had two clean toilets which made it much easier to relax and have some drinks.

        We started with the hour sail to the island, which was a lovely time to relax in the sun. We then did a bit of snorkelling, followed by a relaxing beach break. We then had a lovely buffet lunch with great steak, chicken, pasta and salad back onboard the catamaran. The food was really great quality, probably some of the best we’ve had on this holiday! We finished with some more snorkelling in the “natural pool” to see some starfish.

        All of the tour was led by our guide Lola who was really helpful, friendly and chatty providing us with everything we needed along the way.

        We would say that the snorkelling as part of this excursion was our favourite/easiest snorkelling excursion we have ever done, as with only 10 people there was not a massive rush or queue to get your gear and get into the water. There was also little floats to use to make it much easier to concentrate on watching the fish if you are not a strong swimmer or just prefer to relax.

        We loved every minute of it, and would 100% recommend - especially when seeing how busy and chaotic the other excursions looked from the other companies.

        From Punta Cana the transfer was $35 per person. The way back was very smooth, but on the way there we had a bit of confusion due to traffic and lateness. Regardless we would still highly recommend the excursion!
        Written 16 November 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Jack We are happy to read that you enjoyed the tranquility on board the boat and the reduced number of passengers! We look forward to seeing you on board Quetzal team
        Written 16 November 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Chris B
        7 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2023 • Family
        Me my partner and our 4 kids did this trip our kids are 2,4,8 and 9 and we all absolutely loved this trip all the staff were really nice and very professional it is such an amazing catamaran it looks brand new and spotlessly clean. We did a catamaran last year with another company and it was fine but the Quetzal is definitely on the premium level when seeing the catamaran on the harbour it looks like the best boat there. The visit to Saona island was really good we entered on one side of the island and had a quick trek through the jungle to the amazing Saona beach where we bathed and we were on the quieter side so it was not so busy and absolute paradise. The drinks and food on the boat were of really high standard. The kids really loved snorkelling and seeing the starfish we are coming back to the Dominican in Christmas 2023 and we will definitely be booking this again 😀
        Written 9 May 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Lana J
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Sept 2023 • Couples
        Everything from start to finish was amazing on this trip. Joy and all the rest of the team were so friendly, they catered to all of our needs throughout.
        The stops during the day were amazing, you feel like you’re on your own private part of Saona island and everything is so well planned. The food on the boat itself was 10/10!! Everything was so fresh, clean, varied and well put together. The snacks kept flowing throughout and so did the beverages. We have such a lovely time on board and it is really worth every single penny we paid, would highly highly recommend.
        Written 13 October 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Lana and thanks for your review on tripadvisor, that helps travelers! Happy to see that you enjoyed your day to Saona island with us!! Hope to see you soon on board Quetzal team
        Written 23 October 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Doug M
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2022
        I rarely take the time to write reviews but when I do, the experience and service has to be exceptional. The Quetzal Catamaran Cruise to Saona Island was the highlight of our 5 night stay in Punta Cana. I booked this directly through Quetzal and they were prompt with their reply’s to all my questions and the booking process was simple. The tour may be a bit more than the average but this is a clear example of you get what you pay for. The company is not located in Bavaro where we were staying but they arranged for a shuttle to pick up and drop us off at our hotel. The shuttle was shared by a few other couples but it was not one of these large tour buses and we didn’t have to spend hours dropping people off at all the different hotels. The moment we stepped off the shuttle there was Lola who greeted us and guided us onto our memorable day. From this point on we experienced one of the most well organized excursions I can remember with a 5 star staff who you can tell took pride in providing their guests with an amazing day. On our way back to port we passed many other tours with dated run down boats packed wall to wall with people, loud music and folks who you can tell had to much to drink. As we passed each boat, every guest on the Quetzal made a comment at how happy they were that they took this excursion and were not on those other boats and I cant help to think that most of the people on the other boats looked at us in awe wishing they were on our boat.

        Highlights:
        1. Staff
        2. Boat was immaculate
        3. Food at lunch was fresh and delicious
        4. Less people on board which makes it more intimate
        5. They have a private location on the island away from the chaos but in the middle of the most beautiful beach/water I’ve ever seen.
        6. Well organized
        Written 19 July 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Chantale M
        Montreal, Canada14 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        What a joy to sail with the Quetzal crew during our two outings to Saona with Manon and Catalina with Lola. We have been long-time customers with Quetzal and the experience is always exceptional every time. Experienced and professional crew, diving accompanied by the guide, excellent meal on the catamaran and always in small groups. Already looking forward to next year.
        Raymond and Chantale.
        Google
        Written 22 April 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Mordy S
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2023
        The entire excursion and experience were fantastic! The pictures of Bernard’s boat just don’t do justice. Joy was a pleasure to work with and talk to. The food and drinks were great (and they didn’t run out of alcohol 🙂).
        I can’t say enough to describe how happy I was when we arrived aboard that we spent the extra money to have a smaller group and nicer boat. I would go again and again in a heartbeat!
        While we had to pay $35/person for the transportation, it was well worth getting to have the experience. I would recommend that you look into the distance, and amount of time/money you will be spending to get to your touring destinations. Had we realized this earlier we definitely would have stayed elsewhere…
        Written 26 July 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for your very detailed comment that will, without a doubt, help future travelers! Thank you again for your trust and hope to see you again soon! Quetzal team
        Written 27 July 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Rachellen
        12 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2022 • Couples
        After a problem with our hotel security not allowing us to walk to the security gate of the hotel (where our meeting point was for the transfer pick up), Joy was great and very responsive to my message to the contact number provided and we managed to arrange the taxi transfer to pick us up with no concerns and was very smooth. Transfers to and from were very good and one of the Quetzal team gave us some of the island’s history and culture during the taxi journey which was interesting.

        The actual experience was brilliant, we shared the catamaran with a total of 18 guests and they were all enjoying their time as a relaxing experience. The catamaran was clean, and the Quetzal team were all very attentive and professional. The journey to just off Saona Island was about 1 hour, we stopped to snorkel for half an hour which was lovely, we managed to see sting rays, puffer fish as well as lots of tropic fish too. We then travelled to a mini beach where we got off and walked through the coconut jungle and had a private area on Saona Island beach which made us so relieved we chose this experience over others we were looking in to (as others were very large groups and queuing for the bbq). The Quetzal team got us piña coladas in pineapples (€10) and coconuts (€5) etc from the bar if we wished (to save us queuing) and we also had our own supply of drinks in our private area. We relaxed here for 1.5 hours which could have been longer but for people who don’t enjoy sand, it was long enough. We then walked back through the coconut jungle again and got back on the catamaran. We had lunch on the catamaran which was lovely, and we had some (not loud or crazy party) music on board whilst we ate. We then snorkelled again in the conservation star fish natural pools which was great (saw about ten star fish) but if you didn’t wish to snorkel you could relax on the catamaran instead. We then headed back to the start of our experience (about 1.5 hours) where our taxis were waiting for us to take us back. The whole experience on the catamaran or beach/snorkelling was around 0900-1630 give/take wind speed for the boat.

        The whole team were professional, personal and friendly. We thank you for such a memorable experience!
        Written 17 November 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Rachel, Thank you very much for this very detailed comment that will surely help many travelers! we are very happy to see that the experience with Quetzal was a success and we hope to see you again soon on board!! Quetzal team
        Written 18 November 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Alain M
        Saint-Antoine-du-Rocher, France6 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        What about this captain and his crew? Bernard is a real sailor with a heart of gold who runs his magnificent catamaran with Michel, the 2 Dominican sailors always smiling and Charlotte our delicious guide. We spent this 23rd November a wonderful day for my brother's birthday. I recommend this tour agency very strongly, eyes closed. We come every year to Bayahibe since 2011 and have often done Saona but this time there is no photo it was the most beautiful outing with fish ever seen so close, thank you Charlotte, a delicious meal with fresh rosé, the other agencies do not offer it and such a family atmosphere that we had a little tear getting off the boat. I'm not forgetting Joy at the agency who welcomed us deliciously and made us a small inventory of what we can do next time because there will be a next time.
        So do as we dear guests who read my comments, do not hesitate, go with them. My name is Alain and they will be able to give you my contact details to confirm my remarks and I am at your disposal for any information. Thank you Charlotte, Thank you Joy, Thank you Bernard, Thank you Michel, Thank you to Joy's dad, Christian I believe, and Thank you to the 2 Dominicans. Signed Alain, Dominique, Philippe and Catherine.
        Automatically translated
        Written 14 December 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Merci infiniment Alain, Dominique, Philippe, et Catherine pour ce magnifique témoignage qui nous touche profondément ! Votre satisfaction est notre plus belle récompense, et savoir que votre sortie a été la plus belle de toutes celles à Saona nous remplit de joie. Bernard, Michel, Charlotte, Joy, et toute l'équipe se souviendront avec bonheur de votre journée spéciale et de l'anniversaire de votre frère. Nous sommes ravis d’avoir pu contribuer à créer des souvenirs inoubliables et espérons vous revoir pour de nouvelles aventures. Merci pour votre confiance et votre enthousiasme, cela compte tellement pour nous. À très bientôt à bord du Quetzal !
        Written 15 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Lisa D
        19 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Wonderful trip! We went to Catalina Island, not Saona. They do both. Owner/Captain was friendly and had excellent seamanship. When we arrived at the “Wall” he decided the water was too choppy for a nice experience so we went around to the other side of the island to snorkel. The boat was meticulously clean and beautiful with two bathrooms onboard. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. The snorkeling guide, Lola, was excellent. She grew up in the DR and has been diving for years. She actually knew where certain fish lived and would dive down and get them to “come out” so we could see them. Many things would have been overlooked if not for her continuously pointing them out to the group. We were on the boat all day!! Eight and a half hours. We were all well-fed and made new friends as they only allow up to 25 on the boat at any given time. We had maybe 20 people. They give you sandwiches as a snack before snorkeling. They provide all of the equipment but you are free to bring your own gear. After the snorkeling the crewmen were grilling onboard nd provided us with a Most delicious meal of chicken and steak and pasta and salads. YUM! And after snorkeling you were given beer, wine and the captain’s specialty rum cocktail!! As much as you’d like! There was a dinghy that the crew used to transport people over to the beach on the island. We chose to stay shipside as the boat was beautiful!! You are free to snorkel off the side of the boat while moored waiting on the people to return from the beach. Then we took a narrated trip down the Chevon River, past Casa de Campo. Several movies have been filmed down this river. It was stunning scenery. When we departed I told the crew I wanted to return the next day…..it’s THAT awesome!!! If you ever get the opportunity to sail on the Quetzal DO IT!!
        Written 9 July 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for your detailed comment on Tripadvisor, we are happy that you enjoyed this excursion on Catalina Island...and hope to see you again very soon Quetzal team
        Written 15 July 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        2025 Quetzal Catamaran Cruise Prestige to Saona Island provided by Quetzal Cata Excursion

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