+31About Saona Island
Saona Island is a tropical island located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the La Altagracia province and lies approximately 12 miles from the mainland town of Bayahibe. The island is a notable natural landmark and a key component of the East National Park, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and significant ecological value as a protected area.
Basic information
The island is a natural formation. It is characterized by its extensive coastline featuring palm-fringed beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. The island holds the legal status of a protected area, being an integral part of the East National Park, which is managed for conservation. Its primary current purpose is ecological preservation and regulated tourism, with minimal permanent infrastructure to maintain its natural state.
Location
The nearest major city is La Romana. Access to Saona Island is exclusively by boat, with organized tours primarily departing from the coastal town of Bayahibe. The boat journey typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. Tourist infrastructure on the island is basic and consists of a few rustic restaurants, restroom facilities, and shaded areas. There are no paved roads or information centers on the island itself. Accessibility can be limited by sea conditions, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Nature
The climate is tropical, with a landscape dominated by coastal mangroves, dry subtropical forest, and vast sandbars. The island's wildlife includes various seabirds, sea turtles, and numerous species of tropical fish and starfish in the surrounding coral reefs and seagrass beds. Natural formations include limestone cliffs, coral formations, and a large natural swimming pool known as La Piscina Natural. The island exhibits a high level of preservation due to its protected status, with human influence largely limited to designated tourist areas.
Story
Saona Island was encountered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the Americas in 1494, who named it in honor of Michele da Cuneo, his friend from Savona, Italy. The island was originally inhabited by the Taíno people, and archaeological evidence of their presence remains. For centuries, it was also used as a base by pirates. Its modern history is defined by its designation as a protected area within the East National Park, established in 1975, which shifted its primary role to conservation and sustainable tourism.
- Transport
- Water transport
- Location type
- Beach
