Saona Special

[Albums in the Attic]

Has anyone had problems with Seavis's time table for their Saona excursion? We are now booked on the Breeze. We dock from 9-4. Seavis's time table is from 9-3:30. They state they adjust their time to fit the cruise schedule. We often do excursions outside of the cruise line. But this is an hour boat ride away without alot of cushion. Am I just being paranoid? The reviews on CC for Seavis are reassuring.

[blue_water]

No worries, Carnival changes their port time occasionally for La Romana and Seavis adjusts with that. You're a 20 min taxi from Bayahibe where you board the boat and the taxis coordinate with Seavis. So a very easy self-excursion and you will have a wonderful day! Worry about other details of your cruise if you need to but this is an easy one.

Edited July 13, 2015 by blue_water

[jb456]

Seavis is one of the top outfits don't worry they will get you back to the ship on time :) We have done Saona 10+ times when staying at AI's in DR you will have a great time that is for sure!

 

Personally I prefer the other trips to Saona that cater to the large groups in a more lively atmosphere with the catamaran ride back in the afternoon thats always fun to drink and dance. Seavis stays away from the large groups and only use a boat. However I am not aware if the standard large group trips that are one way speed boat one way catamaran cater to cruise ships like Seavis does.

 

You will have a fantastic day with Seavis ;)

[blue_water]

Yes there are many different options between Seavis and Pro E for those staying in the DR, one is the cat one way and powerboat the other. There are also the larger cats you mentioned that are more a party boat and attract many who just want to drink very cheap! Great for young adults wanting that xperience.

The Seavis Saona Special is tailored to the Carnival timeline and really is a great day with a nice mix of activities, and the rum there is great too! A nice touch is the taxi ride is coordinated by Seavis and a great price so no worries there.

Edited July 14, 2015 by blue_water

[nybumpkin]

We just returned from our Carnival Breeze cruise and did the Seavis special tour. It worked out just fine, even though one of the outboard motors on our boat seemed to be creating "issues." The taxis were waiting for us when we returned to Bayahibe. We were back at the port by about 2:45.

[Familycruisers20]

We just returned from our Carnival Breeze cruise and did the Seavis special tour. It worked out just fine, even though one of the outboard motors on our boat seemed to be creating "issues." The taxis were waiting for us when we returned to Bayahibe. We were back at the port by about 2:45.

 

Do you feel this tour is appropriate for all ages? We have a group of 27 with ages ranging from 5 to 75. It looks to be nonstrenuous.

[blue_water]

Do you feel this tour is appropriate for all ages? We have a group of 27 with ages ranging from 5 to 75. It looks to be nonstrenuous.

 

You enter and exit the boat from the rear or aft, and stepping in and out is not a problem. The crew will steady you too. The actual ride is fast in open water and although not generally rough it is a little bumpy. But you are sitting low to the water, and unless someone has a back problem everyone should be fine.

The only question would be at the Natural Pool where you can get out and wade in waist-deep water. You get back in by either hopping over the side or using a short ladder. You can also stay in the boat of course.

So it is not a strenuous excursion, and as long as there are no major mobility issues everyone should be fine. Kids will not have a problem.

[blue_water]

You have a HUGE group so contact Seavis to see what they can do. You would probably be on your own if they don't already have bookings for that date.

[nybumpkin]

You enter and exit the boat from the rear or aft, and stepping in and out is not a problem. The crew will steady you too. The actual ride is fast in open water and although not generally rough it is a little bumpy. But you are sitting low to the water, and unless someone has a back problem everyone should be fine.

The only question would be at the Natural Pool where you can get out and wade in waist-deep water. You get back in by either hopping over the side or using a short ladder. You can also stay in the boat of course.

So it is not a strenuous excursion, and as long as there are no major mobility issues everyone should be fine. Kids will not have a problem.

Our guide did mention that people with back problems might be more comfortable sitting in the rear of the boat. We ended up there and had a good ride; sons (19 and 15) were farther up front and had fun with the ride. For a group of your size, though, I would contact Seavis to ask about the booking, if for no other reason than to ensure you can be together on the boats.

[Familycruisers20]

You have a HUGE group so contact Seavis to see what they can do. You would probably be on your own if they don't already have bookings for that date.

 

Thanks! I already have, and so far 10 have joined in. I am waiting on the others to decide if they are coming or not. One was concerned about her 5 yr old twins (I am sure they will be fine), and the 70 and 71 yr old were hesitant. My own inlaws, 76 and 72 joined up right away though!

[blue_water]

Ok. They can certainly accommodate that number in 2 boats and add more boats for others but they like to limit the size of the group so it's not too busy. We had 2 boats which was fine. I can't remember how many were in each boat but probably over 20. There are pictures and videos on their site.

 

One of our friends had recently had shoulder surgery and we had her sit in the rear and she was fine. She also was able to get in the boat at the pool.

 

Great day, many others either stayed on or by the ship or went to Dreams, what a shame when there is so much beauty to experience!

Enjoy!

Edited July 20, 2015 by blue_water

[cah14522]

Ok. They can certainly accommodate that number in 2 boats and add more boats for others but they like to limit the size of the group so it's not too busy. We had 2 boats which was fine. I can't remember how many were in each boat but probably over 20. There are pictures and videos on their site.

 

One of our friends had recently had shoulder surgery and we had her sit in the rear and she was fine. She also was able to get in the boat at the pool.

 

Great day, many others either stayed on or by the ship or went to Dreams, what a shame when there is so much beauty to experience!

Enjoy!

 

What exactly does this tour involve? Is it just a taxi ride to their location, and then a speed boat out to a private island? What is there to do out on this island? Thanks in advance!

[blue_water]

What exactly does this tour involve? Is it just a taxi ride to their location, and then a speed boat out to a private island? What is there to do out on this island? Thanks in advance!

 

Take a look at their site here -

http://www.seavisbayahibe.com/shoreexcursion_e.htm

 

The taxi is coordinated by Seavis to make it easier for you, you pay the taxi. 20 min taxi to Bayahibe, a small fishing village where you board the boats and tour the mangrove and rocks, then head to Saona Island for snorkeling or enjoying the beach and a great lunch, then to the natural pool and back.