If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is an essential stop. This true Caribbean Eden spans 110 km² of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and a stunning ecological reserve. Part of the Cotubanamá National Park, it’s one of the most popular excursions among travellers seeking nature, adventure and relaxation in a paradise setting.
Where is Saona Island?
Located off the coast of La Romana, Saona Island forms part of Cotubanamá National Park, formerly known as Parque Nacional del Este. Its natural beauty and biodiversity make it a protected area, ideal for those who wish to explore an unspoilt environment far from mass tourism.
How to get to Saona Island
There are two main ways to reach Saona Island: by joining an organised excursion or travelling independently.
- Organised excursion. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the port, where you’ll board a catamaran bound for the island. During the journey, you can enjoy music, drinks and activities such as snorkelling. Once on the island, you’ll have free time to explore, relax and soak up the scenery before returning to your hotel.
- Travelling independently. You can take a catamaran from several points, including Playa Bávaro, Bayahibe or Boca Chica. These vessels usually carry up to 50 passengers, and the crossing takes about an hour and a half. It’s best to travel early in the morning to make the most of your day on the island.
How to get to Saona Island from Punta Cana
To visit Saona Island from Punta Cana and experience this Caribbean paradise, there are several options:
- Catamaran: The most popular choice, ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed journey with music and drinks on board.
- Private speedboat: Perfect for travellers looking for a faster and more exclusive transfer.
- Helicopter: The most luxurious option, offering breathtaking views of the Dominican coastline.
All these options include meal service, so you can enjoy the experience without a care in the world.
From Punta Cana to Bayahibe
The Saona Island excursion from Punta Cana is one of the most sought-after—and also one of the longest. To reach the departure point in Bayahibe, you’ll cover around 73 kilometres, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes by car.
If you’re staying in Playa Bávaro, there are plenty of organised tours that include transport to Bayahibe. From there, you can choose between catamarans or speedboats to cross over to Saona Island and begin your adventure in this natural paradise.
Discover the essence of Saona Island
The moment you step ashore, you’ll feel that you’ve arrived somewhere truly special, where nature and tradition come together in perfect harmony. With a population of around 500, this idyllic island is home to two charming settlements:
- Mano Juan, a picturesque fishing village of brightly coloured wooden houses that capture the authentic Caribbean spirit. Life moves slowly here, and locals welcome visitors with the warmth for which the Dominican Republic is famous.
- Catuano, known for its naval outpost and crystal-clear waters, is the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the calm beauty of the Caribbean.
As you wander through these villages, you’ll uncover the island’s history and culture and experience a place that has preserved its authentic essence over time.
An ecological sanctuary of incomparable beauty
Saona Island is not just a paradise destination—it’s one of the Dominican Republic’s most important natural refuges. As part of the Cotubanamá National Park, it boasts extraordinary biodiversity, with over 500 endemic plant species, making it a unique ecological sanctuary.
The island’s landscape encompasses several fascinating ecosystems, each playing a key role in its preservation:
- Scrublands, which paint the scenery in contrasting colours and rich textures.
- Semi-humid forests, home to a variety of tropical flora and fauna.
- Mangroves, the guardians of the coastal ecosystem, offering a striking natural spectacle.
Saona Island also shelters a vast array of wildlife—from exotic birds and tropical fish to vibrant coral reefs that form a mesmerising underwater world. You’ll find over 112 species of birds, 40 of fish and 10 types of coral, underscoring the island’s ecological importance.
Every corner of Saona invites exploration, offering the Caribbean’s natural beauty in its purest form. Preserving this environment is essential, so it’s important to enjoy it respectfully, leaving no trace behind.
Saona Island: lagoons, beaches and marine life
Saona Island is much more than a Caribbean dream—it’s a haven of natural beauty, biodiversity and heritage that deserves to be discovered slowly.
Saona Island lagoons: nature’s mirrors
The island is home to some of the Dominican Republic’s most stunning lagoons, each with its own charm:
- Laguna Secucho, in the island’s interior, surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Laguna Canto de la Playa, in the south, known for its serenity and crystal-clear waters.
- Laguna de los Flamencos, a natural refuge where you might spot these majestic birds.
Many of these lagoons are separated from the sea by narrow strips of sand, creating perfect, calm spaces for a refreshing swim—especially for families with children. A stroll through these landscapes reveals the island’s most pristine essence.
Dreamlike beaches: white sands and turquoise waters
If there’s one thing that makes Saona unforgettable, it’s its beaches. Among the best in the Dominican Republic, their powdery white sands and swaying palm trees make you feel as though you’ve stepped into paradise.
Stretch out on a sun lounger, feel the sea breeze and enjoy a chilled coconut water served straight from the shell—an essential Caribbean experience.
Coral reefs: a mesmerising underwater world
Beneath Saona Island’s surface lies a fascinating world. Its coral reefs host over 40 species of fish and 124 species of molluscs, making it a prime destination for diving and snorkelling.
Exploring these marine ecosystems offers a glimpse into the rich underwater life of the Caribbean, where corals create a vibrant, living habitat.
Sea turtle sanctuary: protecting a fragile species
Saona Island is home to some of the Caribbean’s most iconic sea turtles, including the hawksbill, leatherback and green turtle. In Mano Juan, the Sea Turtle Sanctuary leads a conservation project that monitors nests via GPS to protect them from external threats.If you’re lucky enough to spot one, admire it from a distance and allow it to continue its journey undisturbed. Thanks to these efforts, Saona remains a safe haven for turtle breeding and conservation.
Wildlife and legends of Saona Island
Beyond its marine life, the island is rich in terrestrial and avian species. You may spot gulls, herons and green parrots, as well as unique creatures such as the rhinoceros iguana and the fishing bat.
Things to do on Saona Island: adventure, nature and beaches
Saona Island boasts 68 kilometres of white sand, turquoise waters and endless coconut groves that make it a true Caribbean dream.
If you love hiking, snorkelling or diving, the journey to Saona will captivate you with its impressive coral reefs and diverse bird and marine life—turning every moment into an encounter with nature.
Explore Saona Island: hiking for adventurers
Saona Island has 12 beaches, three lagoons and a complex of caves known as Cotubanamá. For those seeking a more active experience, there are two hiking trails that blend history, archaeology and nature.
Mano Juan to Punta Cuano Trail: history and archaeology
This is the island’s most historic and archaeological trail. Along its 113 kilometres, travellers can explore a network of caves, the most notable being Cotubanamá Cave.
This site holds traces of pre-Columbian Taíno culture. According to legend, the Taíno chief Cotubanamá took refuge in these depths to escape the Spanish coloniser Nicolás de Ovando—adding a layer of mystery to this sacred place.
Mano Juan to Punta Cruz Trail: paradise for divers and snorkellers
If diving or snorkelling is your thing, this 12-kilometre trail will be your favourite. At the Caballo Blanco Reef, divers can explore the remains of an 18th-century shipwreck, where ammunition, cannons and metal fragments still rest on the seabed.
Discover the world’s largest natural pool
Though Saona is a small fishing island, it offers a variety of excursions on catamarans and private boats that take you to its most exclusive spots.
One of the highlights is the Natural Pool, considered the largest in the world. This vast expanse of shallow, turquoise water barely reaches waist height.
Here, you can swim, relax and capture the perfect photo with the starfish that populate its waters—an unforgettable keepsake from your visit to Saona Island.
Saona Island enchants visitors with its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The catamaran journey, the swims in crystal lagoons and the charm of its fishing villages make it the perfect way to connect with the essence of the Caribbean.
To make your getaway truly unforgettable, Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino offers you 5-star accommodation where comfort, leisure, and the Caribbean setting blend perfectly. The resort features seven freshwater swimming pools, including a spectacular two-level infinity pool, ideal both for those seeking fun and for those wishing to relax and unwind under the Punta Cana sun.
The experience is completed by a first-class culinary offering, including two buffet restaurants and a carefully curated selection of à la carte restaurants specializing in Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and American cuisine.
And if you wish to broaden your experience in the area, the surroundings bring together other concepts from the group: the modern and dynamic atmosphere of Lopesan Caoba Lagoon Resort, Spa & Casino, the adults-only tranquility and sophistication of Lopesan Serenity Bay Resort, Spa & Casino, and unlimited family fun at Lopesan Splash Cove Resort, Spa & Casino.
Book now and get ready to experience the essence of the Caribbean with the Lopesan signature, in one of the most sought-after destinations in the Dominican Republic.
