Quetzal Excursions · Bayahibe
Quetzal Excursions takes a small group from Bayahibe on a sailing catamaran for the whole day: a snorkel at the old Catuano pier, a reserved beach corner, lunch on board and a long swim at the natural pool. Choose it to avoid the party-boat crowd and the coach, if you are staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus.
The Quetzal is a sailing catamaran, and this trip stays on it. You board in Bayahibe around 9 a.m. by water taxi and sail about 75 minutes to Catuano, at the west end of Saona, for 45 minutes of snorkelling around the broken pier. A short sail later you land on a secluded stretch of beach, a 5-minute walk from the boat, with loungers under the palms for about an hour and a half.
Lunch is served on board as you sail on to the natural pool at Palmilla, where the listing gives 45 to 60 minutes, a long stop by Saona standards. Then it is roughly 75 minutes back to Bayahibe, arriving around 5 p.m., with no loud music. National park fees, snorkel gear, snacks and drinks are included.
The catch is geography. Pickup is included from Bayahibe and Dominicus hotels only. From Punta Cana, Santo Domingo or La Romana the operator arranges a transfer at extra cost, which pushes the price well past any other group tour. The listing calls it a small group without a number; reviewers mention about 23 or 24 guests. Your time on dry land is shorter than on the classic tours, so pick it for the sea, not the sand.
Pickup from Bayahibe and Dominicus hotels, then a water taxi out to the Quetzal.
A calm sail along the coast of the national park to the west end of Saona.
Masks and snorkels on board. A guest saw a stingray here.
A short sail, a 5-minute walk and sun loungers under the palms, away from the main tour beach.
Lunch is served on the way to the Palmilla sandbar, then a long swim.
Back to Bayahibe around 5 p.m., without loud music.
★★★★★A all round amazing trip and definitely worth the money if you want to avoid the crowds and have good service.
★★★★★The snorkeling was fantastic, with beautiful fish and we even saw a stingray!
★★★★★The staff were absolutely amazing, they went above and beyond and really brought the vibes.
★★★★★5 well-deserved stars. A superb excursion aboard a beautiful catamaran, with exclusive things to do in a small group.
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No. The listing says there is no loud music on board, and the group is small. Reviewers describe a relaxed day with good service rather than a dance floor.
Pickup is included from Bayahibe and Dominicus only. The operator can arrange a transfer from Punta Cana, Santo Domingo or La Romana at extra cost. Our Punta Cana to Saona guide explains the road time.
Yes, for about 45 minutes at the broken pier of Catuano, with masks and snorkels provided. See our snorkelling guide for what to expect underwater.
About 1.5 hours on a reserved beach corner with loungers, plus 45 to 60 minutes at the natural pool. Lunch is eaten on the boat.
Ready to book
A smaller sailing catamaran from Bayahibe with a snorkel stop, a quieter beach corner, lunch on board and no loud music.
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