About this tour
When Jake from our team booked this private catamaran, we got to design the day ourselves—pick the islands, the stops, the whole thing. You're sailing out from the Dominican Republic with up to 40 others (though it feels more intimate than that), heading to either Saona or Catalina depending on what calls to you. The crew knows these waters and the hidden spots locals prefer; they'll help you shape the itinerary if you're not sure where to start. Hotel pickup's included, and you're out on the water for anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on your appetite for exploration.
Highlights
- Design your own route with crew input—no fixed itinerary
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, no transport headaches
- Open bar (beer, rum, juices, water) keeps things flowing
- Crew gives live commentary on island history and marine life
- Snacks onboard; bring your own lunch or budget for purchases
- Shallow bays and beaches work for mixed fitness levels
- Quieter anchorages if you steer clear of peak tourist beaches
What to expect
The morning starts with hotel collection—you'll be ferried to the dock and briefed on the day ahead. Jake found the crew genuinely keen to listen to what you want; if you're keen on snorkelling, they'll anchor at clear reefs; if you want to beach-hop and swim, they'll tailor that instead. The catamaran's spacious enough that 40 people don't feel cramped, and the motion on the water is gentle most days. You'll get regular drinks service and snacks throughout, though lunch isn't provided—either pack something or budget for a beach shack meal when you stop.
The real advantage here is flexibility. Unlike the packed tour boats, you're not locked into a schedule where everyone swims at 11am sharp. The crew handles navigation while you navigate your own priorities—some groups wanted to anchor and drift; others wanted to island-hop quickly. Weather permitting, you'll likely spend time in warm, clear water where you can see the bottom.
Good to know
If your crew clicks and you've got a clear idea of what you want, this is genuinely special—you're not herded with 200 randoms. Hotel transport saves you figuring out docks. The drink setup (included rum and beer) is a nice touch for groups. Works for families if kids are okay on a boat and supervised.
Lunch is your responsibility and the cost stacks up if you're buying onboard or at island stops. National Park entry fees and those bracelet costs aren't flagged upfront. The "up to 40 people" can feel less private than you'd hope if the catamaran fills up. Sea sickness is a real risk in choppy conditions—it's a boat, not a bathtub. No shade complaints in summer heat. Photos get sold separately.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and snacks if you're picky. Advise dietary needs at booking. Children need an adult. Public buses run nearby if you want to DIY. Peak season gets busier; shoulder months feel quieter.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.