Saona Island Adventure, both ecotourism activity and history learning with a community social engagement. 

Saona Island is located only 1.5 miles (2.4 km) off the southeastern coast of La Altagracia province. Actually, the Island is a part of Cotubanamá National Ecological Reserve. Totally, the island covers 110 square kilometers (42 square miles) and is surrounded and washed by the Caribbean Sea. Totally, there are two settlements on the island. Such as, Mano Juan – the only inhabited village, and Catuano – a naval outpost. The island is entirely powered by renewable energy, that is totally produced by a solar plant. As a result, it supplies electricity to  almost 600 residents.

The first inhabitants, known as, the Taíno indigenous people, called the island Adamanay – Island of Refuge. Later, in 1494, during the second voyage to the Americas, Christopher Columbus discovered the island being accompanied by his friend Michele da Cuneo. Columbus offered him to govern the island, well, and Miguel named it Bella Savonna (after his lovely hometown). After that, over the time, the name was slightly reduced, and today the island is finally known as Saona.

Obviously, Saona Island is home to diverse ecosystems and endemic plants life. Such as, wild shrublands, mangroves, and a variety of bird species such as seagulls, pelicans, brown boobies, flamingos, and parrots. Additionally, the island is also an important nesting site for sea hawksbill turtles.

For many reasons, Saona Island is well known among tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. actually, the full-day beach excursion to Saona Island is one of the most popular. Its paradise-like white sand beaches, countless palm trees. A traditional local cuisine beach buffet lunch, as well, attracts many visitors of our country.

Presently, the classic excursion from Punta Cana or other destinations of the country typically includes transportation to the port of Bayahibe by bus. After that, sailing to the island aboard a catamaran, basically, including a stop at a natural pool (sandbar) for swimming. Next, a three hour-stay at the beach on Saona Island followed by a traditional lunch. And, finally, a return trip on speedboats to the port of Bayahibe.

Comparatively, on our special and customized Adamanay Caribbean Adventures private group tour, we specifically offer a slightly different, more extensive and interesting program. For instance, in the first part of the day, we basically visit several beaches of the island. Such as Catuano Beach, Canto de la Playa Lagoon with snorkeling. As well as, Mano Juan village community walking cultural tour and, surely, a visit of newly born sea hawksbill turtles refuge. Afterwards, we enjoy a buffet lunch on the main beach of the Island. And, after that, we relax in the waves of the sea. As a result, a visit to, so called, natural pool or in other words, a sandbar is also included into our itinerary.

We always wish you the most emotional and memorable journey