Saona Island

Visiting Saona Island was one of the highlights of my trip to the Dominican Republic! This place truly feels like a tropical paradise, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and swaying palm trees. It’s exactly what you picture when you think of the Caribbean! The boat ride to the island was an adventure in itself—starting with a speedboat ride and a stop at the famous Natural Pool, where we waded in waist-deep, warm waters surrounded by starfish. On the way back, we took a catamaran cruise, which was a relaxing and fun experience, with music, dancing, and drinks included. Once on the island, the scenery was breathtaking. The beach was pristine, the water was perfect for swimming, and there were plenty of lounge chairs to relax under the sun. The tour included a buffet lunch, which was pretty good, and drinks were available throughout the stay. The only downside was that it can get crowded, especially around lunchtime, since many tours visit at the same time. However, if you walk a bit further down the beach, you can find quieter spots to enjoy the beauty of the island. Overall, Saona Island is a must-visit if you're in Punta Cana or nearby! The stunning landscapes and relaxing atmosphere make it a perfect day trip to escape and soak in the Caribbean vibes. Highly recommended! 🌊☀️

Isla Saona: Nature’s VIP Lounge — Five Stars, Zero Complaints If you’re ever in the Dominican Republic and don’t take a trip to Isla Saona, did you really even go? Because let me tell you, this island isn’t just beautiful — it’s a living screensaver, but with actual sea breezes, giant starfish, and zero Wi-Fi (which is honestly part of the magic). Getting There: We arrived on the island like explorers of old — except with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a boat full of excited tourists and reggaeton beats. The boat ride itself was a highlight: blue skies, turquoise waters, and that feeling that you’re slowly leaving reality behind. (Pro tip: don’t sit near the speakers unless you want your ribcage massaged by bass.) Nature Up Close and Personal: Once we landed, it felt like stepping into a postcard. Nature doesn’t just “surround” you on Isla Saona — it basically hugs you. Palm trees lean casually over the beach like they own the place (and honestly, they do), while the soft white sand welcomes you like a powdered donut made of dreams. Yes, there are some seaweed patches washed ashore, but they’re not the nasty kind — they just kind of vibe there, like nature’s beach towels. Nothing smelly or gross, just authentic seaside realism. Think of it as seasoning for your Instagram photos. The Water & Underwater Wonderland: Now let’s talk water. Crystal clear, bathtub warm, and shimmering like liquid turquoise. The kind of water that makes you rethink your entire life and wonder why you don’t live on a beach full-time. Whatever you do: BRING YOUR SNORKEL AND MASK. I’m not kidding. This is not a drill. The underwater life is next-level. We saw giant seashells (the kind you could hear the ocean from... probably because it was literally still in the ocean), and massive starfish that looked like they were training for the Sea Olympics. It’s like swimming in an aquarium, but without the glass or judgmental fish. Turtle Rescue Station (aka: The Surprise Gem of the Island): In a little village on the island, we stumbled upon a sea turtle rescue center — yes, really! Not only was it fascinating, it was heartwarming to see locals working to protect these ancient, flippered creatures. We learned a lot (and possibly got a little emotional, but let’s blame the saltwater). A great stop if you want a dash of education with your sunburn. Final Verdict: Isla Saona is paradise with personality. You get untouched nature, pristine beaches, epic snorkeling, and even a feel-good turtle experience. It’s the kind of place where your soul exhales — and where your phone battery dies, but in the best possible way. Five stars. Ten if I could. Just go. And don’t forget your snorkel — or your awe.

Definitely a must visit if you go to DR! This island is so pretty! Clear water, good vibes, and relaxing views. I joined a day tour, and even though there were many tourists, you can easily walk 5-10 minutes and find almost empty spots. Love it!

We had a great experience. It can get a little crowded, but take a 5 mins walk you probably will end up surrounded by maybe 3-5 people. It has a really fine sand reminded me of Aruba 🇦🇼 and the same water color. Enjoy!!!

If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is an absolute MUST! From the moment you step off the boat and feel the soft white sand under your feet, you’ll understand why this place is often called paradise on Earth. The views are unreal — crystal-clear turquoise waters, endless palm trees, and a peaceful breeze that makes you want to stay forever. We took a catamaran tour that included a stop at the natural pool, where we swam in shallow waters and saw huge starfish. It felt like something out of a dream! The guides were fantastic — friendly, fun, and full of interesting facts about the area. Lunch was served right on the beach and included delicious Dominican-style food and drinks. Everything was relaxed and beautifully organized. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you want to take stunning photos, snorkel, dance on the boat, or just soak up the sun — this trip has it all.

Visiting Saona Island was an unforgettable experience! The island is absolutely breathtaking, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and a true paradise vibe. The boat ride there was so much fun, with great music and a lively atmosphere. We also stopped at the famous natural pool, where the water is shallow and full of starfish—such a unique experience! Once on the island, we enjoyed delicious food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to relax or explore. The scenery is straight out of a postcard. If you’re in the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is a must-visit!

Magical place. True tropical paradise. Visited in May 2025 and the amount of boats and people on the island was probably 20x more than when I visited in 2019. Shame really. But I presume it’s getting more and more popular based on 11m tourists per year visiting Dominican Republic. It’s still definitely worth doing a trip to the island. I booked a speedboat - saona - catameran trip via Trip Advisor. Cost $119 dollars for two Including coach transfers from hotel etc.

I visited Isla Saona during my vacation in the Dominican Republic and I can say that it was one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip. The beaches with fine white sand, the unreal turquoise water and the tropical vegetation create a landscape that seems to have come out of a postcard. The trip was well organized – we left with a speedboat, we made a stop at a natural pool where we saw starfish, then we arrived on the island where we had complete relaxation, music, local food and cold drinks. I really liked the atmosphere – relaxing, but at the same time lively. If you end up in the Dominican Republic, do not miss Isla Saona. It is a perfect getaway from the daily hustle and bustle. I highly recommend it! 💎