Saona Island: a true Caribbean paradise
There are many compelling reasons to visit the Caribbean, and its beaches are undoubtedly one of them. We can all recall the iconic scene where the white sand is illuminated by the setting sun, palm trees sway gently in the breeze, and waves break rhythmically on the coast. That location, a true Caribbean paradise, is Saona Island in the Dominican Republic.
Saona Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic despite being situated 1.5 miles off the shore of the peninsula that makes up the Cotubanamá National Park, formerly known as the Parque Nacional del Este. One of the most well-liked destinations with visitors on vacation in this region of the Caribbean Sea is the island due to its incredible unspoiled environment and the fantastic atmosphere that guests experience on the excursions that arrive here daily.
Saona Island: purely natural
Saona Island, also known as Adamanay by the local Tainos, was one of three islands discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second journey in late 1494; the other two islands are Catalina Island and Catalinita. It is also a true treasure trove of the natural world. Two instances of Saona’s natural wealth are the coral formations found in its waters and the fact that the island is the most significant turtle nesting spot in the nation.
Islan Saona is a popular destination in the Dominican Republic that offers visitors a wide range of activities and amenities to enjoy. Here are some of the things that are typically included in a tour or visit to Saona Island:
Beaches: Saona Island is known for its pristine white sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, relax on the beach chairs, or take a stroll along the shore.
Snorkeling: Saona Island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs. Many tours offer snorkeling equipment and a guide to explore the underwater world.
Lunch: Most tours to Saona Island include a traditional Dominican lunch served on the beach. The lunch usually consists of grilled fish or chicken, rice, beans, salad, and fresh fruit.
Natural pool: A stop at the natural pool, a shallow sandbar in the middle of the ocean, is often included in tours to Saona Island. Visitors can swim with starfish and take photos in the beautiful setting.
Drinks: Many tours offer drinks such as beer, water, soda, and rum punch throughout the day.
Entertainment: Some tours provide entertainment such as music, dancing, and games to keep visitors entertained.
Transportation: Tours usually include round-trip transportation from hotels or pick-up locations to the boat or catamaran that takes visitors to Saona Island.
Overall, a visit to Saona Island includes a variety of activities and amenities that cater to different interests and preferences. It’s a beautiful and relaxing destination that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and culture of the Dominican Republic.
Other Activities to Do
The island, which is around 42 square miles in size and is a part of a National Park, is completely protected. A wide variety of plant species, including dense mangrove and vast palm forests, can thrive safely on Saona Island. Numerous bird and reptile species can be found in the lowland forests and coastal lagoons of this region. Of course, there is an abundance of marine life in the waters around the island, including dolphins, manatees, and many fish and shellfish in addition to the various turtle species that nest on its beaches. It is immediately clear that Saona Island has immeasurable ecological importance.
What can you do on Saona Island?
Most visitors explore Saona by means of one-day excursions. The boats carrying tourists arrive in the morning so that visitors can enjoy the beaches and various activities available, both on land and in the waters surrounding the island. In the evening, everyone embarks on the return journey to their respective departure points. A day on Saona Island is an experience that combines the island’s natural beauty and the invariably pleasant atmosphere (with music, dancing and laughter) to be found all over the Dominican Republic—and there’s almost always an open bar.
Beaches, more beaches, and even more beaches
To visit this gem of the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean is to really enjoy the beach—even before you get there! This is due to the fact that many of the excursions headed for Saona make a preliminary stop at the Palmilla sandbanks, thin strips of sand with very shallow regions that hardly rise above the level of the water. The water will only be up to your waist when you stop in the middle of the sea, but it will be teeming with marine life. Just before entering the little Catuano strait, which divides Saona, the smaller island, from Hispaniola, the larger island, you may find these lovely natural pools.
On Saona Island itself, the northern coast is more rugged, so excursions dock at various points along the island’s western and southern coasts where, naturally, the finest beaches are to be found. Catuano, Playa Bonita, Saona Beach, Playa del Gato, Playa Flamenco and Playa Canto de la Playa are just a few of the island’s prettiest and most popular beaches. The organized tours normally visit more than one of these beaches, so that people have a chance to swim, sunbathe on the sands, take photos or simply relax in the shade of a palm tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
To give visitors ample time on the beach, and a chance to explore the natural wonders of the island, excursions to Saona are normally full-day.
Check options of All Inclusive Hotels in Punta Cana, Bayahibe, Cap Cana:
https://www.godominicantravel.com/top-10-best-all-inclusive-resorts-in-the-dominican-republic/https://www.godominicantravel.com/top-10-best-all-inclusive-resorts-in-the-dominican-republic/
The island’s surface area is approximately 42 square miles; it is almost 16 miles in length (from east to west), and over 3 miles wide (from north to south).
The island’s permanent population numbers 500 people at most (the majority of them working in either fishing or tourism), and virtually the whole population lives in Mano Juan. For the greatest part, the island is virgin rainforest.
With smaller groups and visits to Mano Juan and Canto de la Playa, rates range from $50 to $130 per person.
According to travelers, these are the best ways to experience Saona Island:
