Saona Island
Swaying palms, natural pools, and untouched Caribbean beaches — how to experience the Dominican Republic's crown jewel without the crowds.
Saona Island is the single most popular day excursion in the Dominican Republic, and for good reason. Part of the protected Cotubanamá National Park (formerly Parque Nacional del Este), this 110-square-kilometer tropical sanctuary is a pristine postcard of fine white sand, towering coconut palms, and shallow turquoise waters that feel more like a swimming pool than the open sea.
However, the standard group catamaran tour can feel crowded and rushed. For The Travel Club members, we recommend doing Saona Island differently. By booking a private speedboat or a curated VIP catamaran excursion, you can arrive at the untouched beaches of Canto de la Playa and the natural sandbar pools before the tourist boats arrive, experiencing the island in its true, serene state.
This guide walks you through the best beaches on the island, the best way to get there, what to pack, and how to avoid the mass-tourism traps.
Saona Island hotels are Up to 18% on excursions cheaper for members.
No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
Where to Stay
Best Neighborhoods in Saona Island
Canto de la Playa
Untouched, wild, pristine paradise
The furthest and most beautiful beach on Saona. No beach bars, no music — just crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and wild coconut palms. A private charter is the only way to spend serious time here.
Mano Juan
Charming fishing village
The only inhabited settlement on the island, home to about 300 locals living in bright, colorful wooden houses. It features a turtle sanctuary (Proyecto de Conservación de Tortugas Marinas) where you can learn about hawksbill nests.
Piscina Natural (The Natural Pool)
Crystal shallow waters
A massive offshore sandbar where the water is waist-deep, crystal clear, and completely calm. Famous for the giant red cushion sea stars resting on the white sand. A key stop for every boat before hitting the main island.
Member Hotels
Hotels in Saona Island
Sign in to see member pricing — up to 40% below public rates.
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Saona Island
24–28°C · Sunny & Dry
The high season. Absolute perfect weather, calmest seas for catamaran sailing. Book private charters 1 month in advance.
28–32°C · Warm & Humid
Summer months are hotter with occasional short rain showers. Fewer tourists, making the island much quieter and highly enjoyable.
27–31°C · Peak Hurricane Risk
Lowest rates on flights and nearby hotels, but carries the highest rain and storm risk. Seas can be rougher — choose speedboats on clear days.
Curated Experiences
Things to Do in Saona Island
Skip-the-line tickets, private guided tours, food tastings, day trips — curated experiences bookable in minutes, with free cancellation on most options.
Browse Saona Island ExperiencesFrom Our Concierge
Insider Tips for Saona Island
Book a private speedboat charter or small-group VIP tour. The large commercial catamarans (50+ people) travel slowly and arrive during peak hours.
Do not lift the giant sea stars out of the water. Even a few seconds of exposure can suffocate them. Take photos with them while they remain submerged.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent (for Mano Juan), and waterproof bags for your electronics during the boat ride.
Bring cash (USD or DOP). The local artisans in Mano Juan do not accept credit cards for souvenirs or fresh coconuts.
Combine Saona with a stay in Bayahibe or La Romana to reduce boat travel time — it is only a 30-minute ride compared to 2 hours from Punta Cana.
FAQ
Questions About Saona Island
How long is the trip to Saona Island?
From Bayahibe, a speedboat takes 35-45 minutes to reach the island, while a sailing catamaran takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you are staying in Punta Cana, you must add a 1-hour land transfer each way to get to the Bayahibe port.
Can you stay overnight on Saona Island?
Generally no. There are no large hotels or resorts on the island as it is a protected national park. However, there are a few very basic guesthouses in the village of Mano Juan for eco-travelers, though 99% of visitors do it as a day trip.
Is food and drink included on Saona Island trips?
Yes, almost all excursions include a buffet lunch (typically grilled fish, chicken, rice, and tropical fruits) and an open bar with local rum, beer, and soft drinks. VIP tours upgrade this to lobster lunches and premium spirits.
Ready to Book?