Saona Island in the Dominican Republic: A Natural Caribbean Paradise
Experience the epitome of Caribbean beauty on Saona Island in the Dominican Republic. Nestled 1.5 miles off the shore of the Cotubanamá National Park, this pristine haven is a top tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the globe. Explore the unspoiled environment, immerse yourself in the island’s natural wonders, and discover the enchanting atmosphere that makes Saona a must-visit destination.
Saona Island: Nature’s Oasis Formerly known as Adamanay to the local Tainos, Saona Island holds a rich history dating back to Christopher Columbus’s second journey in 1494. Alongside Catalina Island and Catalinita, it stands as a testament to the untouched beauty of the Caribbean. This natural oasis boasts coral formations in its crystal-clear waters and proudly claims the title of the nation’s most significant turtle nesting spot.
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:
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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:
