Saona Island from Punta Cana – #1 Attraction in the Dominican Republic

The Vibe… relaxed, happy, lively, natural

The Water… clear, surreal tones of blue, warm, shallow, home to a large colony of starfish

The Beach… lounge chairs for relaxing under palm trees with magazine cover-worthy views, diamond white sand, leaning palm trees for that Instagram post, great food, and hospitable service just steps away.

The Experience…

• Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll have an enjoyable ride by catamaran or smaller motorboat.
• Most tours will make a stop at the amazing Natural Pool, often called the biggest natural pool in the world.   The water is hypnotizing with shallow water no deeper than your waistline.
• Snorkel on coral reefs with friendly colorful schools of fish.
• Walk around natural pools where hundreds of starfish have made it home. (See tips below for helping us keep the starfish healthy)
• Relax under the shade of coconut groves along the shore
• Hike trails through lush flora as you are serenaded by birds leading to more secluded beaches with leaning palm trees with water perfect inviting you to swim and snorkel.
• Feast on delicious fresh fish often served with rice cooked with coconut milk and of course a refreshing Piña Colada made with the freshest fruit and coconuts mixed with Dominican rum.
• Let your feet sink into the white sand as your hips move to the rhythms of merengue and bachata.

When you step foot on Saona Island, you may wish to take a while to simply marvel at its beauty and take hundreds of photos on this postcard-worthy piece of heaven; once you pinch yourself and realize you’re not dreaming, you can immerse yourself in the wonderful activities that Saona has to offer.

Following is a list of wonderful activities you can experience during your visit to Saona Island:

Enjoy the Beaches

The only thing you’ll be wishing for during your day trip to Saona Island is more time to enjoy its beaches.

• The Natural Pool – On our way to Saona Island, your tour will most likely make a stop at “The Natural Pool”, often called that largest natural pool in the world.  A massive sandbar creates this slice of heaven in the Caribbean Sea where you can walk on a sandy bottom with clear water perfect for families with children since the water is only a few feet deep.  Be sure to watch where you walk, hundreds of starfish indigenous to this region and the colorful Lambi Conch can be seen at the bottom, if you feel a tickle on your legs, it may be schools of friendly fish.  Children and adults alike will treasure this experience.  Various tour operators offer you drinks as you wade in the water, it is the ultimate swim-up bar in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.
• Canto de la Playa Beach – A short hike from Mano Juan will lead to this beach where you’ll find fewer crowds and more snorkeling opportunities.  The waters are amazing, just like the rest of the island, just feels more secluded.

Shop & Dine at Manu Juan

This charming fishing village may be small, but you’ll have a fun-filled and relaxing day.   Bring a little cash to support local artists by shopping.  Saona’s residents make a living through tourism and fishing, on the island, there are various casual outdoor dining places selling fresh fish (really fresh).  They’re so happy you’re there and show it with a smile, love, and care when preparing meals.

Snorkeling 

Snorkeling is the most popular activity in Saona Island.  Along the rocky coastline, you can snorkel along healthy coral reefs with abundant colorful sea life.  As you snorkel over this natural aquarium on warm Caribbean water, you’ll completely forget the winter blues and hustle of your everyday life.  You may spot manatees, sea turtles, dolphins among the abundant sea life.

Scuba Diving

Book a scuba diving tour, diving professionals will take you to the best diving sites in Saona Island for an unforgettable experience.  Popular diving sites are along the reefs in Dominicus and Viva Shallow.

Go for a Hike

If you can manage to get away from the water and the shoreline, go for a walk along the marked hiking trails.  A hike will allow you to appreciate the lush flora, fauna.  There are cave systems with great archeological importance where Taino natives took refuge, the most visited is Cave of Cotubanama, named in honor of the chief.  Along the trails, you’ll also encounter beautiful freshwater springs.

Turtle Recovery Centre

Isla Saona is a turtle nesting site, locals care about their preservation.  Visit the Turtle Recovery Centre so you can learn about their efforts, a great learning experience for the whole family.

Getting to Punta Cana to Saona Island is easy, charters by tourist agencies and the resorts offer daily trips.  You can choose from catamarans, sailing boats, speedboats, or small motorboats.  Saona Island is a popular tour for tourists in Punta Cana, we recommend you book ahead online.

Most charters include:

• Transportation to and from your hotel/resort
• Boat ride to Saona
• Lunch on the island or on the boat
• Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

We suggest you bring the following to Saona:

• Waterproof beach bag
• Sunscreen (Safe for reefs and your skin)
• Copy of your ID (leave official documents on a safe at your hotel)
• A little cash for shopping and tipping if you wish
• Waterproof case for your phone
• A small case with medically necessary medications.

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