The Saona Island is one of the eight dream islands of the Caribbean, located within the Eastern National Park of the Dominican Republic.

It´s one of the biggest islands in the country, 110 Km² of white thin sand beaches, with large palms tree and turquoise waters.

The Saona Island history

 The first record of the Saona Island comes from the hand of Christopher Colombus, in September 14 of 1494 on his second trip. The name given by the explorer was Bella Satonesa, wich was very difficult for the locals to pronounce, so it ended up being called Saona Island.

What to do in the Saona Island? These are our proposals

Enjoy the gastronomy

 You will find the best restaurant on the beach, with a local gastronomy based on chicken, fish, rice and potatoes. You can also find fresh roasted lobster.

Diving

The water temperature and the attractive seabed, make the Caribbean sea one of the area with most variety of color fish of the world, especially under de waters of the Saona Island. You just need the snorkels to enjoy the transparent waters.

 A walk through Mano Juan

Mano Juan is the main fishing village of the Saona Island. Two streets with wooden architecture and some restaurant is what this charming village has.

Turtle recovery center of the Saona Island

A center dedicated to protect the turtle, protecting their eggs during the days before setting them free.

Turtle recovery center of the Saona Island

A center dedicated to protect the turtle, protecting their eggs during the days before setting them free.

 Taking a bath in Canto de la playa

At the southeast of the island you would find a large beach of white and thin sand called Canto de la playa. You can access by foot from Mano Juan doing an hour tour.

How to get to Saona Island?

There are boats taking off frequently to Saona Island from Bayahibe. The trip last 25 minutes and we recommend to bring the minimum luggage.