Day Trip to Saona Island as a Family

Visiting Saona Island is one of the best experiences that the whole family can share during their holidays in Punta Cana. The island is a nature reserve that is part of the East National Park. A haven of peace and pristine beaches with crystal clear waters that will impress the entire family.

It is often visited on a day trip, leaving from and returning to Punta Cana. These are some of the recommendations that you should take into account when visiting Saona Island from the coast of Punta Cana, as well as the activities you can do there as a family.

Visiting Saona Island is one of the best experiences that the whole family can share during their holidays in Punta Cana. The island is a nature reserve that is part of the East National Park. A haven of peace and pristine beaches with crystal clear waters that will impress the entire family.

It is often visited on a day trip, leaving from and returning to Punta Cana. These are some of the recommendations that you should take into account for your trip to Saona Island with children from the coast of Punta Cana, as well as the activities you can do there as a family.

VISIT SAONA ISLAND FROM PUNTA CANA

This island is located approximately 80 kilometres from Punta Cana, at the southeast tip of the Dominican Republic, meaning there are several tours to Saona Island from Punta Cana. It is very easy to access from your accommodation in Playa Bávaro – Punta Cana, where you can book tours to go on a catamaran, enjoying a fun trip for children on your way there (see here: others attractions to visit in Punta Cana with children) and with beautiful views of both coasts.

What’s more, during the journey you can make a stop at the Palmilla natural pool, go for a swim, look for starfish and cool off with a refreshing cocktail

What to see on Saona Island

Visiting the Saona reserve with children is an adventure in itself. Saona Island is internationally renowned for its mangroves, coral reefs and golden beaches that surround the island. It is perhaps one of the most heavenly places in the Dominican Republic.

It has an area of 110 km² of a natural reserve that is part of the East National Park, now called Cotubanamá. As a protected space, its kilometres of beaches are the perfect place for a peaceful getaway as a family.

VISIT THE SAONA ISLAND TURTLE SANCTUARY

Exploring the Saona Island Sea Turtle Sanctuary will be an experience that your little ones will never ever forget. This place is located in Mano Juan, where you can learn all about the Sea Turtle Conservation project. Your kids will learn all about what is being done to protect the laying of their eggs and their subsequent monitoring. You’ll find that Mano Juan is a cute fishing village very close to the Flamingo Lagoon.

Three species of sea turtles make their nests here: the Hawksbill, Leatherback and Green sea turtles. Some of their offspring have reached the coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras, according to the Dominican government.

TRY THE DELICIOUS SEAFOOD OR TYPICAL DISHES FROM PUNTA CANA

Part of this island’s success is its natural environment, which is perfect for parents who want to relax as well as the littlest ones in the family, who can enjoy nature in its purest state. But, without a doubt, enjoying a good meal is one of the “tastiest” reasons to go on a trip to Saona Island.

Thus, enjoying great seafood or any of the typical dishes from Punta Cana is part of the experience on Saona Island. Its coasts invite you to relax, to enjoy refreshing cocktails on the beach and to try some of the traditional grilled local fish for lunch.

VISIT THE CAVE OF COTUBANAMÁ

On the west side of the island, near Catuano, is the cave of Cotubanamá. To get here, you must walk inland along a trail. The signs are clear from Catuano. Inside, you can find different samples of pre-Columbian rock art.

When you’re in Punta Cana, don’t forget to book a day trip to Saona Island so you can explore this very special piece of the Dominican Republic that will leave you with an incredible memory of your family holiday.