Saona Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Saona Island
Saona Island
Saona Island

Witness raw coastal beauty, swim at untouched beaches and snorkel around starfish-speckled reefs at this Dominican island reserve.

Take a daytrip to one of Dominican Republic’s most beloved island jewels, Isla Saona. Known for its wild beauty and unspoiled white beaches, this island has been used as a backdrop worldwide by filmmakers and companies advertising the ideal Caribbean escape. Rent a boat or join a catamaran tour to enjoy some of the snorkeling, exploring and sightseeing opportunities offered around its shores. 

Isla Saona’s name was coined by Christopher Columbus when he spotted its pretty landscape on his second journey to the Americas. The island is part of the Parque Nacional del Este (East National Park), a protected reserve that includes a large area of forest on the Dominican mainland. 

As you approach the island, admire its green vistas and white-sanded coasts. Boat tours may stop at a number of snorkeling spots along the way, which is a great opportunity to see native stingrays and manatees. 

Spend the day hopping from one pristine beach to another. Being a protected reserve, there are no buildings on the island except for a tiny settlement of locals, called Mano Juan. Beaches on the north side offer incredible views of the mainland. The southern shorelines are usually less crowded. Enjoy a quiet slice of Caribbean paradise while you lie on the sand, work on your tan or read a book. 

Take a walking tour of the tiny village of Mano Juan to see the island lifestyle of its inhabitants. Around the coastline, the Canto de la Playa beach is a popular place to walk around mangrove landscapes. Explore rock pools along the coast to collect shiny pebbles and spot placid starfish clinging to the pool walls.

Isla Saona is a 1-hour trip south by boat from the fishing village of Bayahibe. Tours take a full day and charge a small fee. Be sure to bring towels, extra water and sunscreen. 

Saona Lodge

Saona Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Unnamed Road, Mano Juan, La Altagracia
Stay at this hotel in Mano Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Catuano Channel and La Palmilla Beach are located ...
"Super loved it!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Saona Lodge
Casa Rosada Beach Front

Casa Rosada Beach Front

3 out of 5
Isla Saona, Mano Juan, La Altagracia
The price is ₹6,962 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹6,962
₹8,215 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Mano Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a private beach and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Catuano Channel and La Palmilla ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"Great place!! Surreal!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Casa Rosada Beach Front
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas

Casa de Campo Resort and Villas

5 out of 5
Carretera La Romana-Higuey, La Romana, La Romana
The price is ₹17,154 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹17,154
₹21,958 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in La Romana. Enjoy 8 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"Casa de Campo is in my heart"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club

Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club

2 out of 5
Av. La Laguna, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this condo in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Dominicus Beach and Bayahibe Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"We been there for 14 days,excellent experience. A lot of pools ,clean area ,parking lots . Thank you."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club
Los Flamencos Aparthotel

Los Flamencos Aparthotel

3.5 out of 5
Avenida Fuller, Dominicus Americanus Bay, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (137 reviews)
"Very clean. The AC needed maintenance. They charge for electricity at check out additional to the night fee"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Los Flamencos Aparthotel
Dimary Apartment

Dimary Apartment

3.5 out of 5
Av. La Laguna, Dominicus, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Dominicus Beach and Bayahibe ...
Dimary Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near Saona Island