Beach Data
Saona Island Beaches — Data Profile
Updated: 2026-06-01
Executive summary
Isla Saona sits inside Cotubanamá National Park — 110 km², no permanent infrastructure beyond the fishing village Mano Juan. Postcard beaches: Mano Juan, Palmilla (natural pool), Canto de la Playa. Access ONLY via boat from Bayahibe (catamaran or speedboat).
Key statistics
110 km²
Island area
3
Main beaches
Bayahibe
Start point
Natl Park
Protected
Saona profile
Saona is the most-visited national park in DR (~500k visitors/year). Beaches are white coral sand with palm-tree backdrop. Famous "natural pool" Palmilla is a sandbar 1.5 km offshore where the catamaran stops — chest-deep turquoise water with starfish. Day tours depart Bayahibe pier at 8:30 am.
Saona — beaches & data
| Beach | Profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mano Juan | ~600 m fishing-village beach | Lunch stop, local restaurants |
| Palmilla | Offshore sandbar / natural pool | Chest-deep, starfish |
| Canto de la Playa | ~2 km wild, no facilities | Reached on private tour |
| Boca del Soco | River-mouth side | Mangrove ecosystem |
Source: Wikipedia Saona Island, Cotubanamá National Park.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Saona?+
Are the beaches crowded?+
Sources & methodology
- Wikipedia — Saona Island (Isla Saona) — Cotubanamá National Park, 110 km²
- Travel + Leisure — Best Punta Cana Beaches
More research from the Data Center
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Punta Cana Excursions
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Saona Island Premium 4 Beaches Tour
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3 hours all-inclusive: all-you-can-drink open bar, snorkeling, dolphins and the legendary sandbar pool party.
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