Tourists from Russia, dreaming of seeing a real exotic earthly paradise, are increasingly paying attention to countries in the Caribbean and one of them is the Dominican Republic. Saona is an island belonging to this state. It embodied everything that a tourist can dream of: turquoise water, white sand, palm trees, the hospitable local population. But you can’t live on the island, and this also reminds of an unattainable paradise. We will tell you what is remarkable about the island of Saona (Dominican Republic). Reviews, prices and impressions about this place are of interest to all tourists, and we will talk about how to come here and what you need to see.
Geography of the Dominican Republic
This state is located in the West Indies and occupies several islands of the Greater Antilles archipelago and most of the island of Haiti. The area of the country is 48 thousand square meters. km, its land borders with the state of Haiti extend over 350 km. And on the water, the country borders on Puerto Rico. The shores of the Dominican Republic are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In terms of size, the country is second only to Cuba in the region. The relief is mountainous, the highest point is Duarte Peak (3000 m). From the northwest to the southeast, mountain ranges stretch across the entire territory of the state, which form three comfortable and fertile valleys. The most densely populated of them is Sibao; more than half of the entire population of the Dominican Republic lives in it.
The history of the Dominican Republic
The words "Haiti", "Caribbean", "Dominican Republic", "Saona" give rise to the imagination of a resident of cold Russia fantasies about an incredible land with the ever-shining sun, serenity and pleasure. However, the Dominican Republic had to see different times. These lands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Prior to this, the indigenous Indian population lived here safely. After Columbus, the Spaniards arrived in the country and occupied this territory, but soon the British and French appeared, who also claimed this paradise. For several centuries, a fierce struggle between the European colonialists took place over the islands, and these or those forces periodically won.
From the beginning of the 19th century, the liberation movement for the independence of Haiti from the invaders began. The island was divided into two states: the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. But this was not the end of the story. In 1865, the Spaniards were finally expelled from the island. The Dominican Republic was formed on the part that previously belonged to them. But from this moment begins a long series of internal upheavals and the struggle for power.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the republic became dependent on the United States due to the difficult economic situation. Almost the entire 20th century, the island was shaken by military coups, the power of dictators, the intervention of American troops. Only in 1965 the republic was able to defend its rights to independence. Elections were held, but the difficulties did not end. The country was going through times of political showdown and great economic difficulties.
By the beginning of the 20th century, a democratic regime had been established in the Dominican Republic, peaceful times had come, and business, including tourism, began to develop. Since 1945, the country has established diplomatic relations with Russia; since 2006, the flow of our tourists to the Dominican Republic has been steadily growing.
Climate of the Dominican Republic
The country is located in a zone of humid subtropical climate, in this regard, the year is divided into two seasons: dry and wet. The first lasts from October to April, at this time there is comfortable weather, almost without precipitation. In the wet period, it is often short but heavy rains, there is the possibility of storms and floods. Although there is little rainfall in July-August, the weather is rather hot. Light rains are also possible in October-November. Therefore, the high tourist season falls on the period from December to April. Although the rest of the time there are tourists who are not afraid of rains. The peculiarity of the local climate is that there is almost no temperature difference between the seasons. In August, the temperature is around + 30-33, and in winter - around + 25-27 degrees.
Features of rest in the Dominican Republic
Of course, tourists go to this country in order to lie on the beach and bask in the sun, and for this ideal conditions are created. Travelers are invited to relax on the Atlantic coast or the Caribbean. Everywhere there is excellent service, staff, and local people are very friendly, without religious fanaticism and any restrictions. The country has a high level of security and a well-developed entertainment industry. The only negative for the Russians is a 12-hour flight and a big time difference.
What to do in the Dominican Republic
The country has many opportunities for leisure activities. In addition to beaches and the usual entertainment on the beach (water rides, rental of various equipment for games), other types of outdoor activities are also offered here. No tourist can pass the Manati natural amusement park, where you can see various exotic animals and even play with dolphins. The country is famous for its sea fishing. Tourists are transported on a comfortable yacht to places where there is a lot of fish. Travelers are guaranteed not only a catch, but also a lot of vivid impressions.
For lovers of spearfishing and diving to the seabed, excursion programs are organized in the most interesting places of the underwater kingdom. The Dominican Republic is also known for its surfing, yachting, snorkeling. Also, travelers are offered a diverse cultural program, within which they can get acquainted with the unique culture, customs and cuisine of an amazing country called Dominican Republic. Saona is one of the most popular places for excursions in the republic.
sights
In addition to natural beauties, the country has many historical and cultural monuments. The ancient city of Santo Domingo was built by the first colonialists, and the atmosphere and buildings of those times were almost completely preserved here. Also of interest is the fortress of Osama, the palaces of Columbus and Casa del Duarte, an unusual city of artists Altos de Chavon. Also in the region you can see the villages of the local population, participate in various festivals and holidays. Museums are also available for tourists. Including an unusual museum of amber, the house-museum of Ponce de Leon. A separate page in the organization of leisure tourists is a tour of the Saona in the Dominican Republic, which allows you to combine several types of recreation.
Saona Island
Dominican Republic, Saona - this is the embodiment of the best ideas about beach holidays. The largest island except Haiti in the country is Saona. It is part of the national reserve, and only local residents have the right to live here, and even then in a small amount. The island is famous for its pristine and extremely beautiful nature. It was not in vain that many commercials with white beaches were filmed here. The beach of the island is famous all over the world. Here you can see more than 500 species of exotic plants and rare animals: iguanas, manatees, observe dolphins, and in season whales.
Price issue
The country offers a lot of interesting things, but Saona (Dominican Republic) gives tourists special pleasure. Prices for excursions can vary, although in any case it will be expensive entertainment, like all holidays in the republic. The cost depends on the filling of the tour package. The most inexpensive one costs about $ 70, an excursion with meals and a stop in the ancient city on the coast of Haiti will cost ude $ 150.
Excursions to Saona
But the question of how much the excursion to Saona in the Dominican Republic costs is decided on the spot when the program is determined. It may include delivery on a yacht or a catamaran, lunch with drinks, a photo shoot, a visit to the aboriginal village, a visit to the city of artists. But it is more profitable to take only delivery with a minimum of services. Since on site various meals are offered, including the freshest seafood. The island is not very large, so you can walk on it yourself. And the richer the package of excursions, the less time will be for enjoying the beauties.
Practical information
Vacationers in warm places like to explore natural attractions, which are absolute exotic for Russians, and this place, of course, is Saona (Dominican Republic). Hotels on the island are prohibited, so you can come here only for a while. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand that there will be not enough time for sunbathing and relaxation. Tourists often travel to the island repeatedly to immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere of this place.
Tourists reviews
Many tourists who come to the Dominican Republic seek to see the different islands of the country, and Saona (excursion) is perfect for this purpose. Dominican Republic, the price of tickets for which is an important source of income, had to open access to holidaymakers in the national reserve. Travelers say that the island is a true embodiment of our ideas about paradise. It is very clean and quiet, and the landscapes seem to have been specially created for the enjoyment of the eyes: blue sky, turquoise water, white sand and green palm trees ask for a photograph. Tourists write in their reviews that here you can eat delicious local dishes, see how the indigenous people live.