Category:

Adventure

Ecotourism

Beaches

Location:

Saona Island is located in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, belongs to the province of La Romana and is part of Parque Nacional del Este ( Eastern National Park).

About Saona island:

The Tainos originally named Saona island as Adamanay, which is an aboriginal name. Christopher Columbus set foot on the soil of the island for the first time on September 14, 1494 during his second voyage, and presumably named "Savona" in honor of Miguel da Cuneo (born in Savona, Italy), who said there was an independent island of Hispaniola. For the people of the Island the name was difficult to pronounce, so they changed the name to Saona Island.

The Cotubanama Cave is located in this island which was named in memory of a Taino chief in the early ХVI, who fled the killing of Nicolas de Ovando and decided to seek refuge on the island where he was captured and executed.

The surface of Saona island is 110 square kilometers. It extends for 12 kilometers long and approximately 5 kilometers wide with a population of more than 500 people. Saona Island has beautiful coral reefs, coastal lagoons, and wide diversity of bird and reptile species, archaeological sites and caves that were used by the Tainos. It also has a high percentage of endemic species and abundance of flowers. Of the 539 species reported in the Parque Nacional del Este, most of them are on this island.

The species that have been identified in the Saona Island include green turtle, hawksbill sea turtle and leatherback turtle. Among the birds can be seen the white-crowned pigeon and the green parrot, which is in danger of extinction. Other fascinating animals like the rhino Iguana, manatee, and dolphins are also part of the inhabitants of the island.

Saona Island is a paradise of secluded beaches of fine white sand, crystal clear water and surrounded by coconut palms. Saona Island is an ideal place for diving due to the presence of coral reefs and fish hatcheries and also a place to enjoy the famous natural pool, which is an area of clear water that deep you can see countless marine species.

How to get there?

To get to the island, take a boat or catamaran on the beach of Bayahibe in La Romana, which can be booked through your travel agent or Excursion and tours company, or hiring a local while in the beach in Bayahibe.

Tips:

 Wear cool clothing, swimsuit, hat, insect repellent and sunscreen.

If you are traveling by yourself and not on a tour to the island, make sure to take beverages, food and snacks.

Don’t forget your camera!