Saona Island: Small Group Day Trip with Mano Juan & Snorkeling

Summary

Saona’s quiet side—turtles, beaches, and slow island rhythms

You’ll meet locals in Mano Juan village and learn about turtle conservation firsthand before breakfast on the sand. Swim at Abanico Beach with open bar privileges, savor a Dominican buffet lunch, then snorkel among starfish at Palmilla Beach and explore Bayahibe Reef—all with a small group pace that lets you actually feel Saona Island.

What’s the experience like?

“Negro says turtles remember the beach where they were born,” our guide announced as we stepped off the speedboat into Mano Juan. I could smell salt and something faintly sweet—maybe bread from a house nearby. The village felt sleepy in that way only Caribbean towns do, with painted wood houses and kids waving at us from doorways. Negro himself was waiting by the turtle sanctuary, grinning wide under his cap. He talked about hatchlings and plastic and how everyone here helps keep the eggs safe. I tried to ask him something in Spanish; he answered patiently, even though I probably mangled half my words.

Breakfast was simple—sandwiches with cheese, tomato, turkey ham—and eaten right there on the sand while chickens strutted past. Afterward we wandered through Mano Juan for a bit; I noticed laundry flapping above a blue fence and someone selling coconuts from a cart. Then it was back onto the boat, wind stinging my face as we skimmed over turquoise water toward Abanico Beach. The sand really is that pale—almost white—and when I finally waded in, it felt like silk underfoot. There was an open bar (I stuck to cold beer), and our guide kept making sure everyone had what they needed without hovering too much.

Lunch came out buffet-style: rice, beans, grilled chicken, some kind of spicy salad—I took seconds of that salad without even knowing what it was called. We had time to just sit or float or nap in the shade before heading to Palmilla Beach for snorkeling. The water at Palmilla is so clear you can spot starfish without even dipping your head under (but you should anyway). Someone in our group got excited about a huge orange one; Li laughed when I tried to say its name in Spanish—probably butchered it again.

On the way back we stopped by mangroves—the guide explained how their roots hold everything together during storms. It made me think about how fragile this place is but also stubbornly alive. Last stop: Bayahibe Reef for more snorkeling. I still remember the flicker of fish scales in the late sun and how quiet it suddenly felt after all that laughter earlier. There’s something about Saona Island that lingers longer than you expect—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saona Island tour with snorkeling and lunch

• Breakfast at Mano Juan town
• Meet local turtle conservation leader
• Walk in Mano Juan town
• Visit Abanico Beach, relax and swim
• Enjoy buffet lunch and open bar
• Observe mangroves and learn importance
• Snorkel at Palmilla Beach, see starfish
• Snorkel at Bayahibe Reef, see fish

Top questions

How many people are on this Saona Island day trip?

This small group tour is limited to 14 people per group, with only two groups allowed per day.

Is breakfast included on the Saona Island tour?

Yes, breakfast is served in Mano Juan village after arrival on Saona Island.

What beaches do we visit during this day trip?

You’ll visit Abanico Beach for swimming and lunch, Palmilla Beach for snorkeling with starfish, plus Bayahibe Reef for more snorkeling.

Can I see turtles on this tour?

You visit the turtle conservation area in Mano Juan and talk with its founder; depending on season you may see turtles or hatchlings.

Is hotel pickup included for this Saona Island tour?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or meeting point.

Are drinks included during the trip?

Soda, bottled water, alcoholic beverages (open bar), and lunch are included throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, children under 6 years old are not allowed on this trip due to safety reasons.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No need—snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour inclusions.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or meeting point, breakfast sandwiches served fresh in Mano Juan village after meeting local conservationists, all drinks including open bar access at Abanico Beach, a private buffet lunch of Dominican food right by the sea, use of snorkeling equipment at both Palmilla Beach and Bayahibe Reef—and plenty of time to swim or just watch island life drift by before heading home.