Horseback Riding in the Dominican Jungle

DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY, IT’S A RIPOFF This is a long honest review of the Altos de Chavon and Saona Island excursion operated by Caribbean Tour Service. Don’t waste your time or money! My husband and I booked this tour during his birthday trip to DR. We thought the idea of combining 2 attractions (Altos de Chavon and Saona Island) in one day would be cost effective. We specifically booked this trip because it was advertised as “open bar, unlimited drinks”. We also requested an English speaking tour guide. We knew the trip would be a long day (11 hours) but we were excited about the activities ahead. Our pick up time was scheduled for 6:30am. We got to the lobby at 6:15 because the confirmation indicated we should be in the lobby at least 10 minutes earlier. Our driver arrived at 7am. No apologies for the delay, just checked our names and had us get on the van. The first stop was Altos de Chavon. The advertisement says “. Explore Altos de Chavon, a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village on the Chavon River, snapping photos and learning about its provenance.” When we arrived we were expecting to get a guided tour to learn more about the village from our requested English speaking guide. That was not the case. There was only our non English speaking driver who indicated that he was not the tour guide and there would be someone else to guide us. However he just showed us to 2 areas (the church where Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley and the amphitheater) to take pictures and then we were given free time to explore on our own. We left the village not knowing anymore about the village than did before we arrived. The next stop was the pier to take the catamaran to Saona Island. This is where we were bombarded with vendors trying sell us everything under sun. There was lot going on here which made things very confusing. There were several other groups there waiting to do the same excursion. We get on the catamaran and there’s great music and dancing. At this point we felt like the rest of the day would be better. The crew served unlimited water and Coke. We saw no open bar of any sort; just water and Coke. We did however see some of the guests with there own bottles of liquor that they brought with them. Had we know it was BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) then we would have picked one of the cheaper excursions that clearly advertised unlimited soda and water (no alcohol) and brought our own with us too. We weren’t even told by the crew (or tour company at the time of booking) that they couldn’t serve alcohol anymore. We just so happen to here one of the guests say that. Also while on the catamaran, the seat we chose to sit, should have been label photo shoot area because the many photographers kept conveniently moving us so they can take pictures of people in hopes they would buy their packages. We then stop at the natural pool for about 30 minutes. While it was a beautiful location, we were expecting to see fish while swimming in the waist high water in the middle of the sea. There weren’t any. Next stop was Saona Island, where we had lunch. The food was subpar at best. Typical Dominican fare buffet (spaghetti, chicken, pork, mashed potatoes, salad and fruit). There was also a pina colada stand where you could buy a virgin drink for $10 usd or add rum for $15 usd inside of a pineapple. Then there was free time to relax and swim on the island. After the Island we hopped on a speed boat for the hour long ride back to the pier. Not only was this speedboat over crowded (during COVID no less) they also did not enforce yet alone ask anyone to where a mask. The speedboat was extremely dangerous due to the reckless driving and attempts to show off by go faster and crash against the waves. At times it felt like we were going to capsize. We enjoy a good boat ride however due to this one being overcrowded, no masks requirements and excessive speed it made us very uncomfortable. All and all the natural pool and Saona Island were beautiful and the best part of the excursion. The advertisement for this combination tour was misleading and inaccurate. There was no guide, no open bar and no COVID requirements. The only time people were asked to wear a mask was when people were getting their food at the buffet. There are several other tours that do the same thing for about $40 less than this one. It’s a ripoff and just not worth the money!

My favorite part was in the natural pool. Once of the most beautiful place I ever swim. Very clear water and beautiful colors

Excellent excursion. Great, and attentive service. Saona is a beautiful Island, sitting in Dominican Republic's most southern part of the country. Normally takes approximately 40 minutes (Speed Boat) to arrive. This excursion is an all day tour, so make sure you bring yourself a book bag, with all your neccesities. Breathtaking views, and one of the most gorgeous Islands I have encountered. Personal, and special shout out to our tour guide El Indio (Yea Baby!) Excelente excursion. Excelente y atento servicio. Saona es una isla hermosa, ubicada en la parte más al sur de República Dominicana del país. Normalmente tarda unos 40 minutos (lancha rápida) en llegar. Esta excursión es un tour de todo el día, así que asegúrese de traer una mochila con todas sus necesidades. Vistas impresionantes y una de las islas más hermosas que he encontrado. Un agradecimiento personal y especial a nuestro guía turístico El Indio . Yea Baby !