Isla Saona is a 110-square-kilometer tropical island located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a protected reserve inside the Cotubanamá National Park (formerly East National Park). It ranks as the country's top day-trip destination due to its white-sand beaches, coconut palms, and turquoise waters.
? Key Highlights and Activities
- Palmilla Natural Pool: A shallow sandbar in the open ocean with waist-deep, crystal-clear water famous for giant starfish.
- Mano Juan: The island's only inhabited fishing village, featuring colorful wooden houses and local craft markets.
- Sea Turtle Sanctuary: Located in Mano Juan, this conservation center protects endangered sea turtle nests and hatchlings.
- Canto de la Playa: The most remote and pristine beach on the island, offering excellent snorkeling among coral reefs.
- Mangroves: A protected coastal ecosystem home to diverse marine life, birds, and baby sharks.
?️ How to Get There
The island prohibits commercial hotels and overnight stays, making it accessible only via organized day tours.
- Departure point: Boats depart from the small fishing village of Bayahíbe. Standard tours booked from Punta Cana, La Romana, or Santo Domingo include bus transit to this port.
- Transportation combo: Most excursions use a split itinerary. You travel to the island on a high-speed speedboat (stopping at the natural pool) and return on a large catamaran featuring music, dancing, and an open bar.
? Visitor Tips
- Tour inclusions: Standard packages cover round-trip transit, a tour guide, a beachside buffet lunch, and domestic drinks.
- Packing list: Bring biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, a towel, water shoes, and cash for souvenirs.
- Wildlife rule: Never lift starfish out of the water. Taking them into the air suffocates and kills them in seconds.
If you are planning a trip, I can look up top-rated tour operators from your specific resort area, or find private charter options to help you skip the tourist crowds. Which area are you staying in?
Written by Booking adventures
Local explorer & expert guide in Los Haitises National Park.
