Saona Island (Isla Saona)

Set sail across the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat or catamaran trip to Saona Island to spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at the Saona beaches and coral reef lagoons. Full-day Saona Island tours run from Punta Cana, La Romana, Bayahibe Beach, and Santo Domingo, and often include visits to mainland sights such as Altos de Chavon. Alternatively, book a tour on a private helicopter to enjoy spectacular views along the island's southern coast.

• Be sure to take everything you need for your day excursion as there are no shops on the island. Sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a sunhat are essentials.

• Bring cash if you want to purchase food or drinks from open bars and kiosks on the beach—most do not accept cards.

• There is no Wi-Fi on the island.

• Many passenger ferries and private speed boats to Saona Island are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with the operator in advance.

Saona Island is located at the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, and is only reachable by boat. The closest mainland town is Bayahibe. From there, Saona Island is 40 minutes away by speedboat, or two hours away on a leisurely catamaran cruise.

The most popular time to visit Saona Island is during the dry summer months from December through February, and resorts can fill up quickly during this time. Thanks to the mild Caribbean climate, it's possible to visit year-round, but while off-season visitors can benefit from reduced prices, boat tours can be canceled due to rough weather during hurricane season from August through November.

After visiting the village of Mano Juan, exploring Cotubanamá Cave, and strolling the pristine Canto de la Playa beach, take a dip at a natural pool filled with giant starfish or swim and snorkel at Palmilla Beach. The island has plenty of offshore wonders too—look out for bottlenose dolphins, turtles, manatees, and whales as you cruise around the coast.

Yes, there are people who live on Isla Saona in the area of Mano Juan. The small community of people in Mano Juan includes around 400 people total. The fishing village features little hut homes and no regular electricity provided from the Dominican Republic—only limited electricity provided by a few solar panels.

If you’re vacationing in the Punta Cana area, you can drive from Punta Cana to Isla Saona in about 1.5 hours. You do not need Saona Island tickets to access the area, so you can visit at any time. If you don’t have a car at your disposal, the best way to get there is to book a Saona Island excursion that takes you there—either by car or by boat.

If you’re exploring any beach of the Dominican Republic, and Saona Island is no exception, you’ll want to dress comfortably. You can wear your bathing suit under comfy clothes with flip-flops or sandals. You might also want to bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself from sun exposure.