A Day in Paradise: My Trip to Saona Island

If you are looking for a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, look no further than Saona Island.

This 110 square kilometer island is located off the south-east coast of the Dominican Republic and is part of the Cotubanamá National Park.

It is home to two charming villages, Mano Juan and Catuano, and boasts stunning beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife.

I had the opportunity to visit this amazing place on a day trip from Punta Cana and I want to share with you my experience and tips.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Saona Island is by booking a tour from Punta Cana or other nearby resorts. There are many options available, depending on your budget and preferences.

Some tours include transportation by catamaran or speedboat, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and entertainment. Others offer more exclusive or private services, such as helicopter rides, luxury yachts, or personalized itineraries.

I chose a tour that included a private boat ride to the island, a stop at the Blue Lagoon, a buffet lunch at a beach club, and a speedboat ride back to the mainland. The tour cost me $130 per person and lasted about 5 hours. It was well worth it!

What to see and do

The highlight of the trip was definitely the Blue Lagoon, a shallow sandbar where you can see hundreds of starfish in the clear water.

It was like being in a dream!

We spent about an hour there, taking pictures, swimming, and admiring the beauty of nature. The starfish are protected by law, so you are not allowed to touch them or take them out of the water.

Please respect this rule and enjoy them from a distance.

The next stop was Saona Island itself, where we docked at a beach club with lounge chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, showers, and a bar. The beach was gorgeous, with white sand and turquoise water. I relaxed on a hammock, sipped on a piña colada, and listened to the waves. The lunch was served buffet-style and included grilled chicken, fish, rice, beans, salad, fruit, and dessert. It was delicious and filling.

After lunch, I had some free time to explore the island. I walked along the beach and visited the nearby village of Mano Juan, where I saw some colorful wooden houses and friendly locals. I also saw some wildlife, such as pelicans, crabs, iguanas, and sea turtles. The island has 539 registered species of endemic flora and a diversity of ecosystems, such as mangroves, salted forests, and wild bushes.

The last part of the trip was a speedboat ride back to the mainland.

It was fast and fun! We zoomed past the coast and saw some impressive views of the landscape.

We also stopped at another sandbar for a quick swim before returning to our hotel.

Tips and recommendations

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, swimsuit, camera, and cash for tips and souvenirs.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get wet.

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

• Respect the environment and do not litter or disturb the wildlife.

Have fun and enjoy the island!

Saona Island was one of the best experiences I had in the Dominican Republic. It was a day full of adventure, relaxation, and beauty.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature and wants to see a different side of the country. It is truly a paradise on earth!

xoxo, Angela & Lali, from Chasefortravel