Catamaran Cruises with Lunch and BBQ in the Dominican Republic: Our Top 9

1.Catamaran Boat to Saona Island with Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,822 reviews · 8 hours · from $82 per person Our pick

Spend a full day reaching Saona Island by speedboat, stopping at a starfish-filled natural pool, then returning by catamaran. Guides such as Christian, Alex, and Eduardo lead the trip in several languages. Expect a Dominican buffet, drinks, music, dancing, beach time, and a long coach transfer from Punta Cana.

“Christian really made us feel welcome, he explained the history of the area and we got to learn about the religion of typical Dominicans. I would recommend this trip to those who just want to relax and enjoy the beach. there were a lot of people when we visited the beach and the swimming spot, but it was never crowded.”

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2.Catamaran Tour to Saona Island with Open Bar and Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 9 hours · from $81 per person

Sail from Bayahibe to Saona Island on a lively catamaran, stopping at a shallow natural pool before three hours on the beach. Your day includes hotel transfer when selected, a Dominican buffet with vegetarian choices, unlimited beer and soft drinks, music, and a Spanish or English-speaking guide. Alex is one guide associated with the tour.

“This is the perfect excursion if you want to feel like you're in a postcard. The boat was clean and lively, the beach was paradise, and everything ran smoothly. It’s ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends. The open bar didn’t hurt either!”

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3.Island Escape to Saona • catamaran & Beach lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 74 reviews · 570 minutes - 10 hours · from $59 per person Best value

Spend about 10 hours traveling from Punta Cana or Bayahibe to Saona Island. Swim at a starfish-filled natural pool, enjoy an open bar, eat a Dominican buffet, and return by catamaran with music. The multilingual guide Mama Diari has been especially helpful for English, Spanish, and French speakers.

“If you’re visiting Punta Cana, this trip is a must. Saona Island truly feels like paradise, and doing it by catamaran by visiting multiple beach stops makes it even more unforgettable. From start to finish, it felt like a perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and unreal scenery!”

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4.Catamaran Party Cruise with Snorkeling & BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · from $84 per person

Meet your crew in Sosua for a three-hour catamaran party with two snorkeling stops, a BBQ of chicken wings and sausages, soda, rum and other alcoholic drinks, music, a water slide, and a jump platform. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Guide Alex is known for keeping the group involved, while Tony handles the grill.

“The crew was fun! The drinks were flowing and the food was good! The boat was spacious and clean. The walk to the boat was a bit sketchy but we never felt unsafe. They offered the opportunity to snorkel and although the cruise didn’t go far we had a great time”

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5.Punta Cana Private Catamaran Cruise: Snorkeling, Beach & BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · $595 for the boat, seats 10

Charter a private catamaran for up to 10 people and cruise the Bávaro coast for three hours. You’ll snorkel over a coral reef, stop at a shallow natural pool, visit a private beach, and enjoy BBQ food, drinks, music, and an English-speaking crew. Crew members have included Omar, Coco, Luis, René, Genesis, and Maikol.

“My family and I had an awesome time on the boat. The crew was super attentive and fun. The good they grilled was yummy and transport to the boat and back to the hotel was super easy. I would book it again.”

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6.Saona Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Natural Swimming Pool

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 39 reviews · from $75 per person

Travel from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, then cruise toward Saona Island with music, dancing, drinks, and a stop at Palmilla’s natural pool. You’ll have beach time, a Dominican buffet beneath the palms, and guides such as Carlos or Tio Luis. Pickup is included, but transport can be lengthy and boat arrangements may vary.

“Saona island is incredibly beautiful! It is exactly what my mind thinks of when you say “tropical paradise”. Carlos was an amazing host and made sure that I was well taken care of since I was one of the only people on the excursion who didn’t Read more”

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7.Saône Island from Punta Cana Catamaran, Natural Pool and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 26 reviews · from $78 per person

You’ll leave Punta Cana around 7:30 am for Bayahibe, then cruise toward Saona Island with music, drinks, and a bilingual guide. The day includes a one-hour natural pool stop, three hours on Saona with a Dominican buffet, and a speedboat return. Pedro is one guide praised for making the day enjoyable.

“Great time !! I wish they serve beer , they only have rum , but the crew was fun , pick up and drop off was on time . really recommended .”

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8.Puerto Plata Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling, BBQ & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · from $99 per person

Sail Sosua Bay on a shared catamaran with a beginner-friendly snorkeling stop, crew-led music, a light BBQ lunch, and an open bar. Pickup is available from Amber Cove, Taino Bay, and nearby hotels. Allow 30 to 50 minutes each way for transport, and bring a towel, sunscreen, and patience for beach boarding by ladder.

“Amazing communication throughout the whole experience! Very professional. Very responsive and helpful with questions!”

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9.Saona Island Tour Catamaran Buffet Lunch & Full Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 20 reviews · from $75 per person

Travel from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, then by boat to Saona Island on an eight-hour group trip. You will stop at a natural pool, hear about the Taino people, enjoy a Dominican buffet, and have three to four hours on the island. Hotel transfers, boat transport, and a mobile ticket are included. A French-speaking guide may be available.

“One negative thing was the girl on the catamaran giving my daughter a hard time about something. 😕😕😕😕”

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