What is Saona Island?
Saona Island sits inside Cotubanama National Park, off the south east coast of the Dominican Republic. It is the largest island in the country and a protected nature reserve, which means no hotels and no overnight stays. You can only visit on a day trip from Bayahibe, the small fishing village that is the gateway port for every Saona excursion.
The island is famous for two highlights: the white sand beaches lined with coconut palms, and the offshore natural pool where waist deep clear water shelters dozens of starfish. Most day trips include both, plus a snorkel stop on the way and a Caribbean buffet lunch on the beach.
Tour types and prices
| Tour Type | Price (adult) | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Catamaran Day Trip | From $80 | Catamaran sail, open bar, buffet lunch, natural pool | First time visitors and couples |
| Catamaran + Speedboat Combo | From $150 | Catamaran out, snorkel stop, speedboat return | Travelers short on time |
| Private Charter | From $400 per boat | Private catamaran or speedboat, custom stops | Families and small groups |
What to bring
- Swimwear and a beach towel, you will swim at the natural pool and on the beach
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, the Caribbean sun is intense on the open deck
- Water shoes, the dock at Bayahibe and parts of Saona beach can be rocky
- Cash in pesos for tipping the crew and buying drinks at the natural pool stop
- Waterproof phone case, the natural pool is wet and you will want photos
Best time to visit Saona
December through April is the dry season with sunny days, calm seas and very little rain. May, June and November are also great with fewer crowds. Avoid August through October if you can since this is peak Atlantic hurricane season and tours may be cancelled at short notice.
Ready to visit Saona Island?
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Preguntas frecuentes
Saona Island is a tropical island inside Cotubanama National Park, off the south east coast of the Dominican Republic. It is reached only by boat from Bayahibe, about one hour west of Punta Cana. Famous for white sand beaches, palm groves and the offshore natural pool where starfish live in shallow water.
A standard Saona day trip lasts about ten hours door to door including hotel pickup. Roughly four hours of beach and natural pool time, two hours of sailing one way and one hour back via speedboat, plus lunch on the beach and round trip transfers.
All Saona Island tours depart from Bayahibe, a small fishing village inside Cotubanama National Park. Free hotel pickup is included from most resorts in Punta Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto and La Romana. The drive from Punta Cana takes about one hour and Bayahibe pickup is at 7 to 8 am.
