Saona Island

Travel 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 WiFi, a beach locale, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Catuano Channel and La Palmilla Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Super loved it!"

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Saona Lodge
Casa Rosada Beach Front

Casa Rosada Beach Front

3 out of 5
Isla Saona, Mano Juan, La Altagracia
The price is P5,130 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P5,130
P6,053 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Mano Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Catuano Channel and La Palmilla ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"Very nice place and brilliant idea to have accommodations on Saona Island. Highly recommend. Not the Taj Mahal or a 5 star but what is? Clean and comfortable and the AC (mini split) works like a champ as does the ceiling fan and all electrical outlets. And the toilet works. Nice bed and bedding and ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 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 P14,250 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P14,250
P18,240 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,006 reviews)
"You get a private golf car to get around property since is very big, not a walkable place. Staff attention is amazing, you have endless restaurants options. Definitely a place to come back several times."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (140 reviews)
"Very safe & friendly environment"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Los Flamencos Aparthotel
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 WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Dominicus Beach and Bayahibe Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"The property is beautiful and very well maintained very quite and peaceful no issues with other guest"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Estrella Dominicus by Advantage Club
Blue beach Eco-hotel by Sanfabini

Blue beach Eco-hotel by Sanfabini

3 out of 5
Calle 4 Botijuela - Bayahibe, San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3-star cottage in San Rafael del Yuma. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, a beach shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bayahibe ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"I love this place, but I feel a bit weird writing a review, because after our vacation, I feel like our family has become friends with the host family... This place wonderful -- but maybe not for everyone! This place is still evolving. When we went there, it had only been in business for about six ..."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Blue beach Eco-hotel by Sanfabini
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.