Eco-tourism Destination / Day-Trip Excursion / Beach & Marine Sanctuary2026. 05. 13.• 10 min
ISLA SAONA
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?