Saona Island :: Discover the magic

Points forts

Inclus

Itinéraire

1. Saona Island, known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, is a popular destination for day trips from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It's located approximately 50 minutes to an hour by boat from Punta Cana.

   2 h

2. There are two permanent settlements, the town of Mano Juan and the naval base at Catuano

   Passage devant

3. The coastline is fringed with vibrant coral reefs, expansive sandbanks, lush seagrass beds, coastal lagoons, and thriving mangrove forests. On the park’s western edge, dramatic cliffs and steep underwater slopes plunge into the deep ocean. To the south lies Las Calderas Bay, a saltwater lagoon surrounded by mangroves and teeming with birdlife, including herons, pelicans, and other coastal species. The Catuano Channel, rich with seagrass beds, separates Saona Island from the mainland, providing a vital marine habitat

   Passage devant

4. Mano Juan, the only permanent settlement on Saona Island in the Dominican Republic, has a unique and surprising history. Before becoming the peaceful fishing village it is today, Mano Juan was once used as a penal colony—a remote site where prisoners were sent, likely due to the island’s isolation and limited accessibility. Over time, however, the area transitioned away from its past, eventually being settled by fishermen and their families in the mid-20th century. Today, Mano Juan is known for its brightly painted wooden homes, warm community, and deep connection to the sea. While fishing remains a way of life, the village has also embraced eco-tourism, especially through sea turtle conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives. Despite its quiet charm, Mano Juan holds a layered history that adds depth to its cultural heritage.

   1 h

Annulation

Annulation gratuite jusqu’à 24 heures avant le début de l’expérience, avec remboursement intégral.

À savoir avant de partir

How it compares in Punta Cana

• Its from-price is 19% below the median of the 354 excursions d'une journée we list in Punta Cana.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Punta Cana

Punta Cana, à l'est de la République dominicaine : plages blanches bordées de palmiers, eaux calmes protégées par des récifs et journées tranquilles.

La région s'étire le long d'une grande courbe de littoral, de la plage de Bávaro et Cabeza de Toro à Macao et Uvero Alto, où les cocotiers se penchent sur un sable blanc et doux. Les récifs coralliens au large gardent l'eau calme et claire à de nombreux endroits, idéale pour la baignade, la plongée avec masque et les sorties en catamaran le long du rivage.

Top-ranked sights in Punta Cana: Macao Beach (Playa Macao), Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro), Coco Bongo Punta Cana.

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