If you search for the top things to do in Punta Cana, a day trip to Saona Island is bound to make the list. During my vacation in Punta Cana last year, I was determined to spend at least one day exploring beyond the resort. As a beach lover, the idea of crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand was irresistible, so booking a day trip to Saona Island felt like the ideal adventure. Keep reading to see how my adventure unfolded.
Saona Island
Saona Island or Isla Saona as locals know it is a beautiful island off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The island is part of the Cotubanamá National Park, a protected nature reserve. It is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. The cost to visit Saona Island typically starts at around $60 per person and can increase depending on the tour package and additional amenities offered. We paid $75, which included transportation to and from Saona Island, drinks and a buffet-style lunch.
Getting There
On the morning of the trip, we arose early, got ready and headed out around 6 a.m. The tour company picked us up at the hotel entrance and took us to another point where we boarded a tour bus. The bus would take us on a 11/2 hour journey to the seaside town of Bayahibe. On our way to Bayahibe, our bilingual tour guide gave us a rundown of what our day would entail as well as a brief history of Saona Island in Spanish and English. She advised us that Saona Island is only accessible by boat so from Bayahibe we would board a speed boat or catamaran to Saona Island. This would be the same getting back.
After about an hour, we stopped at a souvenir shop, where we were offered a shot of mamajuana. Mamajuana is a native drink of the Dominican Republic made by infusing special roots with honey, rum, and red wine. The shop displayed paintings, intricately carved wooden masks and figurines, and other locally made pieces. It also had handcrafted cigars and jewellery made of larimar, the national stone of the Dominican Republic.
Rain-soaked and Ready to Sail
The morning in Punta Cana started with clear skies when we arrived in Bayahibe it was slightly overcast. We got off the bus and headed toward the seaside. Several vendors laden with beach essentials were trying to make a sale or two. Some were pushing the items in our faces. In one instance someone tried to sell me a beach hat even though I was already wearing one. On the bus, our tour guide mentioned that they wanted to take photos of each family or couple on the bus as a way to keep track of everyone travelling with them.
When we arrived on the beach we quickly got our photos taken as they gave us additional instructions. We would hop on a speed boat that would take us to a catamaran further out and then make our way to Saona Island. By the time we were ready to board the speedboat the rain started, we all made a mad dash to get on the boat before we got soaked. Despite our efforts, however, we were still drenched while getting on the boat. I was praying that it didn't rain too long, as I wasn't too keen on being out at sea during a rainstorm.
We made it to the catamaran and climbed aboard with the aid of some crew members. On the catamaran, there was music and dancing. I watched begrudgingly as the crew members and guests showcased their salsa and bachata moves. The catamaran crew served Coca-Cola and Sprite with rum. By this time the rain had stopped. The sun danced among the clouds occasionally gracing us with its warmth. I was happy to see this as we made our way to Saona Island. It took us nearly two hours to reach Saona Island.
Gray Skies, Blue Waters
As we approached Saona Island, its beauty was undeniable. Clusters of swaying palm trees framed the shoreline, creating a postcard-perfect scene. There was also a clear difference in the water surrounding the island and the open sea. At Saona the water was a bright turquoise, while the open sea appeared a deeper, more intense shade of blue. The dramatic shift in colours created a breathtaking effect. It was still overcast so I could only imagine how much more vibrant and stunning the scene would have been on a brighter day. Just before arriving on the island, we switched back to a speedboat which took us ashore.
Chilling on the Island
We hopped off the boat shortly before lunchtime. There were ladies offering massages on the beach. Piña coladas, served in hollowed-out pineapples were available for purchase along with the complimentary drinks at the bar. There were beach chairs scattered everywhere so after some additional instructions from our tour guide we settled into some chairs to relax. I only put my bag down for a second when a photographer approached us. He offered to take our picture and we assumed it was just another photo for them to keep track. We got suspicious when he kept asking us to pose. That's when we realized that he was taking photos which he would likely want us to pay for later. We asked him the price and he kept evading the question so we just told him we didn't wish to take any more photos. We would have been fine paying for a few photos if he was upfront but the sketchy behaviour was an immediate turnoff.
A few minutes later lunch was ready. On the menu they had, rice, veggies, chicken, pasta and some fruits. We got our food and some drinks and headed back to our chairs. After eating we spent the rest of the time lounging around, taking photos and enjoying the crystal-clear water. Before we knew it, our tour guide was calling out for us to gather our things and get back on the boat. I was not ready to leave the beautiful Saona Island but alas, I had to.
Natural Pool
Just as we did before, the speedboat took us to another party boat which would take us back to Bayahibe. We did, however, make one stop before Bayahibe. The boat stopped in the middle of the sea and our tour guide informed us that we could get out and swim. At first, we thought this was meant for people who were great swimmers, but then we noticed that people were standing. We had arrived at the natural pool. An area of shallow water a short distance off the coast of Saona Island. We spent a few minutes floating around and attempting to swim. It was easier to do this as there weren't many waves. Later we climbed back onto the boat and made our way to Bayahibe. Once in Bayahibe, we boarded the bus which dropped us off at our respective hotels.
Wrap Up
Despite the overcast skies, our day at Saona Island was nothing short of magical. The pristine beach, gracefully dancing palm trees, and the scenic journey to the island all came together to make it an unforgettable experience. If you ever visit the Dominican Republic, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the trip to Saona Island. It’s an experience well worth the journey.
Have you ever been to Saona Island or any other tropical paradise? What was your experience like? Tell me in the comments below.
For tips on what to bring with you, feel free to check out my article Beach Trip Essentials.
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