The picturesque island of Saona was discovered in September 1494 by Christopher Columbus. Despite some carelessness, the inhabitants of the Dominican Republic love their own nature and cherish it, therefore the island was declared a National Park, and it is strictly forbidden to open hotels here. At the same time, tourists come here every day in an organized manner by the sea to appreciate all the charm and beauty of wildlife in natural conditions.
Saona Island is the largest of all the Dominican. It is located in the southeastern part of the country. Its lagoons of bright turquoise color extend for eight kilometers. The contrast of white sand and these waters creates a truly unrealistic picture. Looking through the camera’s lens, you will feel that you’re looking at an image that has been transferred to the finest silk, and with a slight blow of the wind it may disappear. At the same time, it continues to delight and excite that there is still a paradise island “Bounty”. This can be confirmed by 400 thousand tourists stepping annually on its white sands.
You can get to the island of Saona by catamaran, boat or boat, sailing from the town of Bayahibe. A walk on the sea can be carried out individually or as an excursion.
A cruise or an organized excursion to the island of Saona includes a reef holiday, as well as in the popular Starfish lagoon, in which starfish are found in shallow water in bright snow-white sand . Every tourist just needs to take amazing pictures of these amazing creations.
After a boat trip you will be taken ashore. Here you can relax on the beaches, surrounded by stunning lush vegetation. It should be noted that certain plant species are considered endemic.
In this place you can see an incredible variety of shapes and shades of wild orchids. Various herbs and unforgettable smells of flowers, a blend of green banana leaves with a sweet aroma of warm cedar bark, a light smell of mangroves and fresh shades of orange notes are combined with the unforgettable sounds of sugarcane, rustling in the wind. Huge bright fruits of mangoes along with multi-colored beads of coffee tree beans constantly attract the eye so that this variety of shades and aromas do not mix into the overall bright picture, like that of local artists. They decided to represent the island of Saona in a colorful mosaic of various details, avoiding the presence of white spots on the canvas.
The fauna also has a wide range. These are iguanas and turtles, dolphins and graceful manatees, as well as many different birds.
After such an abundance of impressions, a wild appetite suddenly awakens, which can satisfy a Creole or Dominican dinner. You can declare with full responsibility that in this place delicious seafood. Crabs, huge shrimps, squids, lobsters will pleasantly surprise you. Paella, freshly squeezed juices from various local fruits, all kinds of exotic cocktails! Arriving on the island of Saona, be sure to try the local “Cuba Libre” (a popular cocktail with rum) to the unforgettable merengue rhythms, and also do not forget about the “Coco Loco” and “Pina Colada”, which you will receive in a coconut or pineapple, respectively.
Then tourists are entertained by competitions and games on the beach. Do not forget to bring your own protective creams from the rays of the sun and a towel, because outdoor activities under the sun can ruin the next day.
The day ends, and the island of Saona, tours to which are so popular with tourists, do not want to leave! Looking at the distant beauty, each of the vacationers promises himself to come here again.