Spending a week in the Dominican Republic was the time I needed away from a cold summer in Denmark. Staying at Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa meant that we were incredible close to Saona Island.
Even before I left I have heard great things about this day trip. I knew I did not want to venture a lot away from the resort as the point for this trip was to relax doing nothing but I couldn’t lose the opportunity to visit such a beautiful and unspoiled island of the Dominican Republic.
WHY VISIT SAONA ISLAND?
Located on the south east part of the Dominican Republic on a short distance from the mainland, Saona Island is a government protected nature reserve, part of the Eastern National Park.
Saona Island is the largest of the Dominican Republic’s islands and very popular along visitors. It’s what I would have dreamed of a desert island with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters with colourful fish swimming in it and lots of coconuts lying around.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The easiest way is to travel by boat as part of an organized excursion from the mainland. Catamarans and speedboats are the usual way of transportation to and from the island.
DAY TRIP TO SAONA ISLAND
I booked my trip in the resort as soon as I arrived but there are several companies with all kinds of offers.
From the beach of La Romana we took the catamaran with our guide and the rest of the group early in the morning. It was super sunny already and we went straight to the nets, feeling the breeze and the sun on the way.
All kinds of drinks and snacks were available on board and tropical juices were nice under the hot weather.
NATURAL POOL
Our first stop was ‘La Piscina Natural’, a natural pool in a sandbar that forms a pool in the middle of the ocean just of the shore.
We had the opportunity to snorkel there and see all the starfish around, so colourful and beautiful. There also lots of fish and it’s easy to get lost snorkelling after them.
SAONA ISLAND
We got to Saona Island by lunch time and went straight to the covered restaurant they had set, just as you arrive.
Lots of palm trees and white sand everywhere – couldn’t think of a better place to have a delicious lobster. A mixed buffet of pasta, rice, vegetables and fruits was served with the lobster and also beef, pork and chicken. We got to talk with other people from the group and time went quick!
After lunch was time to relax and enjoy the island. Lots of swimming, snorkeling and an hour exploring the palm trees paradise!
Later we left the island, this time on a speedboat which made the way back much shorter but we were back in time for cocktails by the pool.
I totally recommend this day trip if you’re visiting Dominican Republic, it’s a fun and relaxing day that you will cherish on your holiday memories forever.
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Have you been to Dominican Republic and visit Saona Island? How was your experience?
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This looks so incredible! Where can I sign up? The lunch and tropical juices sound delicious, the island looks like true paradise, and I absolutely love speedboats. Last time I had an opportunity to take a speedboat trip I was pregnant and they wouldn’t let me on, I don’t expect I’ll have another opportunity any time soon. Reminds me.. I must buy a lottery ticket!
Author
I wish I was getting the lottery too, believe me I would move over there!
OMG! I cannot believe how clear the water is! This must be paradise. I have to add Saona Island to my bucket list! Thank you for sharing your photos.
This is such a beautiful place, that water is so dreamy! I really wish I was on this island instead of the UK right now, it’s so cold and grey here. I’m jealous. Thanks a lot haha hope you had the best time
Wow. What a great opportunity to snorkel around with starfish. Now that’s going on my bucket list for sure! Lovely island pictures too!
Dreaming about a beach holiday after going through your post! The photographs are beautiful! Looks like you had a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never heard about this island before but it looks like an awesome place to spend quality time at. Thank you for sharing!
Btw, what camera are you using? the pics are really beautiful
Author
Hi, I’m using the Canon 100d which is perfect in size! Also use a GoPro 4 for the water photos. All edited with Lightroom, X
The ‘La Piscinas Naturals’ reminds me of Porto Moniz in Madeira, which also has natural swimming pools but these are definitely less rocky and I am sure a lot warmer! I have always found the Dominican Republic to be stunning and it is easy to see why you like it so much!
Author
Yes, they look similar! There were no rocks, the sand is really smooth, wish I was back!
This looks enchanting island, how serene and crystal clear waters they have. You got to pamper a start wish, whoa, that was big!
This is the same kind of rest I need from the cold of Chicago as well and Saona Island looks absolutely stunning!
Honestly, never heard about this island. But looks awesome in the images. The water is so clear! Do they have seven color water? I am sure you had a great time Saona is definitely going in my travel list. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Wow this looks like paradise, the clear waters are insane. I’ve never seen them this clear x
That looks like the most idyllic little place to stay, and that water is absolutely gorgeous.
The pictures are so beautiful. It looks perfect place for relax. I wish someday I can go to this place.
I cannot wait to travel there myself. Thanks for adding to my intrigue with the gorgeous pictures. i totally enjoyed reading it.
I am sold! I’ve never been there but it looks divine. We have gorgeous beaches like that here in Greece but I’d love to go snorkeling in that natural pool!
Wow! the natural pool really amaze me. The place looks like a paradise calm and clean water – pictures you posted speak so much of the place. This is really a great getaway.
I can’t think of a better way to spend a day. A little piece of heaven, if there ever was one. I can’t get over how clear and blue the water was in the natural pool. What did it feel like to touch the cute little starfish? x
Author
I tried to just keep it under water but it felt nice! They were a lot of them just there and on the beach of the island there were lots of fish too!
Loving the photographs of the place; the calm blue waters and palm trees are so eye-catching! And when you talk of a desert island off the mainland, just sounds like the perfect getaway!
It looks so amazing and magical… no wonder it’s government protected haha
I am left completely speechless after seeing the pictures So glad you enjoyed! x
Author
Thank you Vlad, I think I got to capture the beautiful places around the island!
This is beyond incredible! I cannot believe it. I have been to many wonderful places but this is wonderful. I love that starfish. If I went there on vacation, I would want to move there.
Your pictures are so dreamy especially the one with flowers in your hair that screams Aloha so bad. I need to book some holidays, preferably where there are palm trees and white sand beaches.
I heard about Dominican Republic but Saona Island is new to me. Fantastic place with natural beauty and crystal clear water. I think authorities are taking strict efforts to maintain the island in the present level. I wish to visit Saona at least once.
Author
Yes they are! They are careful in preserve it clean both on the island as on the water surrounding, really enjoyed my trip!
I saw this post as a related post on your Denmark trip. I’ve been looking for a quick trip because I SOOOOO need one. DR is close and relatively cheap for me in the US. I’m pleasantly surprised to learn about this island. It looks like a very relaxing excursion that would allow me to have something else to do without having to do much. It also looks very beautiful and the water is amazing.