Marine Sanctuary Day, Lunch

Santo: Dany Island Marine Sanctuary Day Tour with Lunch. Rated 4.6 across 11 reviews. Runs 5 hours. From $131.47.

Overview

Dany Island is a private island off Santo and the only government-certified Marine Sanctuary in the area. Pickup is from your accommodation or cruise ship in Santo, then the trip runs by vehicle and boat out to the island. Once there, the day splits into three parts: snorkelling over the reef with gear provided, a BBQ buffet lunch, and a guided walk around the island covering its ecosystem and history. The whole thing runs about five hours, with an English-speaking team throughout.

The reef is the draw. The listing puts the coral area at over one million square meters, with tropical fish throughout and sea turtles regularly seen feeding among them. Turtles also lay eggs on the island, so sightings are a real possibility rather than a marketing line, though several reviewers reported not seeing any and still rating the day highly. Beyond snorkelling, kayaks, surfboards and showers with toilets are all part of the entry.

Cruise passengers are well served here. The listing states the schedule is built around your ship's timing so you are back on board on time, and reviewers confirm smooth pickup and drop off. Strong swimming helps for the snorkelling itself, as currents and waves at the shoreline were flagged by one reviewer.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in SantoThe tour collects you from your accommodation or cruise ship in Santo, as arranged at booking.
2. Drive to the boatYou travel by vehicle from Santo to the boat departure point. One reviewer described the transfer as basic, with some passengers riding in the back of an open ute, so it is not a luxury leg.
3. Boat crossing to Dany IslandA short motor boat run takes you across to the island itself.
4. Snorkelling the sanctuarySnorkelling gear, surfboards and kayaks are handed out on arrival, and you are free to explore the reef, fish and, if lucky, turtles.
5. BBQ buffet lunchA BBQ buffet lunch is served on the island. Alcoholic drinks are not included and, per one reviewer, are available to buy at a bar.
6. Guided island walkA guide takes you around the island, talking through its ecosystem and history. Toilet and shower facilities are available to freshen up.
7. Return to SantoThe boat and vehicle bring you back to your accommodation or cruise ship. For cruise passengers, the schedule is planned around the ship's departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this day.

• Swimming ability. One reviewer noted a current and waves at the shoreline and advised being a strong swimmer for the snorkelling. The good snorkelling area is limited to one section off the island. Confident swimmers will get the most from the reef.
• What to bring. Reef shoes were specifically recommended by a reviewer for the beach. Snorkelling equipment, kayaks and surfboards are all provided on the island, so there is no need to bring your own gear. Toilet and shower facilities are there if you want to rinse off after the reef.
• Group feel. One reviewer counted around fifty people on the island during their visit, so this is not a secluded escape. Several reviewers nonetheless praised the staff as friendly and attentive, with nothing too much trouble. One travelling party of fourteen, with ages ranging from six to 87, described a day that suited the whole group.
• Food and drink. The BBQ buffet lunch is included and reviewers called it delicious, with one group describing the food as beautiful. Guitar and singing were part of the day for one group. Only alcoholic beverages are excluded.
• Turtle sightings. Turtles are often seen feeding among the fish and lay eggs on the island, according to the listing. That said, multiple reviewers did not see any on their visit. Treat turtles as a possible bonus rather than a guarantee.
• Cruise timing. The tour is planned around your cruise ship's schedule so you are back on board on time. Hotel guests are picked up as detailed at booking.

Common issues. The transfer to the boat is basic: one reviewer said part of their group sat in the back of an open ute, which involves climbing in and would not suit anyone with limited mobility. The same reviewer found the return logistics a little disorganised, with unclear boat and vehicle assignments for the ride home. One reviewer said the snorkelling suits strong swimmers, noting a current and waves at the shoreline, and that only one area off the island works well for snorkelling. One reviewer recommended reef shoes for the beach. Alcoholic drinks are not included and must be bought separately, and turtle sightings are not guaranteed despite being common.

What To Decide Before Booking