Saona Island is an island off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, part of Cotubanamá National Park (formerly the Eastern National Park). You get there by boat, most often from the port of Bayahibe, on a day trip that combines beaches, a natural pool and a boat ride. This page explains what the park protects, how a typical day trip works, what to check before booking, and what the UK government says about safety.
For the rest of your stay, see our guide to traveling in the Dominican Republic, our Punta Cana guide and our page on the best time to visit the Dominican Republic. Entry requirements depend on your nationality: see entry requirements for the Dominican Republic.
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Saona Island: key facts
- Location: off the province of La Altagracia, but attached to the province of La Romana; about 110 km² (42 sq mi) (Wikipedia)
- Status: part of Cotubanamá National Park, formerly the Eastern National Park
- Departure: Bayahibe, the « main departure point » for Saona according to the Ministry of Tourism; catamaran trips also from La Romana
- Ticket: no public online ticket office; trips are sold by private operators, who may or may not include the park fees
- Safety: the UK FCDO says providers of boat tours and water sports may not meet UK safety standards, and that the sea can be dangerous, especially in hurricane season (June to November) — checked on 11 November 2026 on GOV.UK
A protected island
According to Wikipedia, Saona is one of the largest islands in the country. It has two permanent villages, Mano Juan, a fishing village of wooden houses, and Catuano, with a navy post. Its population is estimated at about 500. It has coral reefs, coastal lagoons, mangroves, semi-humid forests, caves used by the Taínos, and protected species: sea turtles (loggerhead, hawksbill, green, leatherback), rhinoceros iguana, manatee and dolphin. Christopher Columbus landed there on September 14, 1494, on his second voyage, and named it « Bella Savonesa ».
A little history
The Taínos called the island Adamanay, Wikipedia notes. It has the Cotubanamá cave, named after a Taíno chief who, fleeing the massacres ordered by Governor Nicolás de Ovando in the early 16th century, sought refuge on the island before being captured and executed. In the 20th century, under the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, the island was assigned to his family, who ran coconut plantations. Today, the fishermen of Mano Juan and Catuano live mainly from fishing, and excursion tourism has taken an important place.
The park protects these environments: behave as you would in any protected natural area. Do not pick up shells or starfish, do not feed the animals, do not trample coral, and take your waste with you.
How a day trip works
The Dominican Ministry of Tourism describes Bayahibe as the main departure point for Saona Island, Catalina Island and Cotubanamá National Park: daily excursions leave from its dock for Saona, Catalina and the Palmilla natural pool, a stretch of shallow water in the open sea. At La Romana, the same ministry mentions catamaran excursions to Saona and Catalina.
A typical day combines a speedboat or catamaran ride, a stop at the natural pool, free time on a beach on the island and a meal. Packages vary a lot by operator: busy or quieter beach, return by catamaran or speedboat, a visit to Mano Juan. Read the exact program, because two excursions sold under the same name can be very different.
From Punta Cana or Bayahibe?
From Punta Cana hotels, the excursion generally includes a coach transfer to the departure port. The Ministry of Tourism places Bayahibe about an hour from Punta Cana and 20 minutes from La Romana: staying in Bayahibe therefore reduces road time. Our Punta Cana guide helps you choose between the two bases.
Booking a Saona Island excursion
There is no official online ticket for the island: you go through an operator. Before paying, check:
- whether national park entry fees are included or payable on site;
- the real departure point (Bayahibe, La Romana) and the transfer time from your hotel;
- the type of boat on the way out and back, and whether life jackets are provided;
- what is included: meals, drinks, the stop at the natural pool, a visit to Mano Juan;
- the terms in case of rough seas or a hurricane alert (refund, postponement);
- that the operator is authorized to work in the park;
- that you are insured for boat tours and water sports, as the FCDO advises.
Bayahibe and Cotubanamá National Park
The Ministry of Tourism presents Bayahibe as the main departure point for the southeastern islands. It mentions several sites to combine with Saona: Catalina Island, suited to snorkeling and diving; the Palmilla natural pool; Dominicus beach, awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of its water; the Cueva Padre Nuestro, a freshwater cenote inside the national park; and the trails, caves and cenotes of Cotubanamá park. Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style village, is near La Romana.
For length of stay, the ministry suggests 2 to 4 days in Bayahibe and 3 to 4 days in La Romana. Staying on site avoids the morning road transfer from Punta Cana.
Choosing your type of excursion
| Package | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran and speedboat (different outbound and return) | Groups, families | Real time on the island, stop-off beach, meal included |
| Fast speedboat round trip | Travelers in a hurry | Crossing comfort, seasickness |
| Private boat | Couples, small groups | Operator’s authorization, accessible beaches |
| Excursion with Catalina or Palmilla | Snorkeling fans | Equipment provided, sea conditions |
Safety and weather
The UK FCDO’s Dominican Republic advice (GOV.UK, updated 7 August 2026) says that providers of recreational and adventure tourism may not meet UK safety standards, and advises checking safety standards with tour operators and being insured for activities such as water sports and boat tours. It also says lifeguards may not be present on beaches, that safety and rescue equipment may not be available, and that the sea can be dangerous, especially during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November: follow instructions about sea conditions and warning systems. It advises avoiding walking alone at night. Read the full page on GOV.UK and check your own government’s advice before you go.
The Ministry of Tourism indicates a drier climate from December to April for Bayahibe. For official normals and the hurricane season, see our page on the best time to visit the Dominican Republic.
With children or reduced mobility
Boarding is often from the beach or a jetty, sometimes in knee-deep water, and the natural pool requires you to get off the boat at sea. If you are traveling with young children, an older person or someone with reduced mobility, ask the operator how boarding and disembarking work, whether it provides child life jackets and whether there is shade on board. A catamaran is generally steadier than a fast speedboat.
What to bring for the day
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses: there is little shade on the boats.
- Swimsuit, towel, water shoes for the natural pool.
- Waterproof bag for your phone and papers.
- Seasickness medication if you are susceptible: the speedboat crossing can be rough.
- A little cash for purchases in Mano Juan.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest excursion without reading the program: time on the island, meals and park fees vary.
- Forgetting that leaving from Punta Cana adds a long road transfer.
- Collecting shells or starfish: the island is in a national park.
- Booking a sea trip during a hurricane alert.
What to see nearby
Farther north, the Samaná peninsula is known for its humpback whales in winter; our guide to traveling in the Dominican Republic also covers Santo Domingo and its colonial zone. See our map of the Dominican Republic to place the sites.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Saona Island?
By boat, mainly from Bayahibe, the main departure point according to the Ministry of Tourism, or by catamaran from La Romana. From Punta Cana, a road transfer is added.
Is Saona Island part of a national park?
Yes, of Cotubanamá National Park, formerly the Eastern National Park.
Can you visit Saona Island without an excursion?
Access is by boat from the coast; in practice, most visitors go through an authorized operator.
Are park fees included in the excursion?
It depends on the operator: check before paying, as no official price is published online.
What is the best time to go?
The Ministry of Tourism indicates a drier climate from December to April at Bayahibe; avoid sea trips during a hurricane alert.
Our sources
- Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com): « Bayahibe » and « La Romana » pages, consulted on 24 October 2026
- UK FCDO (GOV.UK): Foreign travel advice, Dominican Republic, « Safety and security » (updated 7 August 2026), text downloaded on 26 October 2026 and page checked on 11 November 2026
- Wikipedia (Spanish) article « Isla Saona », consulted on 24 October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026. Prices, hours and access rules may change: check the official website before you go.
