Saona Island :: Discover the magic

Hoogtepunten

Inbegrepen

Route

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 u

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

   Komt langs

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

   Komt langs

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 u

Annuleren

Gratis annuleren tot 24 uur voor aanvang, met volledige terugbetaling.

Goed om te weten

How it compares in Punta Cana

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

About Punta Cana

Punta Cana, aan de oostpunt van de Dominicaanse Republiek, is een kust met palmen, witte stranden, rustig water achter het rif en ontspannen eilanddagen.

Het gebied strekt zich uit langs een lange kustlijn, van Bávaro Beach en Cabeza de Toro tot Macao en Uvero Alto, waar kokospalmen over zacht wit zand hangen. Koraalriffen voor de kust houden het water op veel plekken kalm en helder, ideaal om te zwemmen, te snorkelen en met een catamaran langs de kust te varen.

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

See all 2953 experiences in Punta Cana