Dominican Republic | 🏛 Shore Excursions Dominican Republic · Saona Island Tours

Saona Island Small Group Tour: Local Village, Turtle Nursery & Natural Pool

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/31

Duration8h

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN · FR +1

PickupAt your hotel

Saona Island tour with local guide village visit & natural pool

You’ll travel by speedboat from La Romana port to Saona Island with a local guide, stopping first among wild mangroves before visiting Mano Juan village and its turtle nursery project. Enjoy Dominican lunch right on the sand, relax at Canto de la Playa’s quiet beach, then swim in a natural pool surrounded by starfish — all with pickup included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Meet at La Romana port taxi stand
Transfer to office in Bayahibe
Arrive at Bayahibe office, meet guide
Board speedboat for Saona Island
Explore Penon with English guide
Visit mangrove forest
Explore Mano Juan village and turtle nursery
Enjoy Dominican lunch
Relax or snorkel at Canto de la Playa beach
Visit natural pool to see starfish
Return to Bayahibe port
Transfer back to La Romana port

The Experience

I didn’t expect the water to look that clear — almost fake, like someone cranked up the color on a TV. We’d barely left Bayahibe by speedboat when our guide, José, started telling us about the Tainos who once lived here. He pointed out these twisted mangroves rising straight from the saltwater. The boat slowed and I could smell salt and something green, almost peppery. I tried to snap a photo but my phone lens fogged up — humidity here is no joke.

When we landed at Mano Juan, it felt like time had slowed down or maybe just taken a nap in the shade. Kids waved from painted porches; one woman sold little coconut candies wrapped in plastic (I bought two — they melted fast). José introduced us to a local family running the turtle nursery. They showed us trays of eggs buried in sand and explained how they protect them until hatching season. No baby turtles today, but I liked hearing how everyone pitches in. After that, we wandered past wooden houses and tiny shops where you could bargain if you wanted — I’m not great at that part.

Lunch was simple: grilled fish, rice, cold beer. Eating with my feet in the sand made it taste better somehow. Then we headed to Canto de la Playa — honestly, I thought all Caribbean beaches looked the same until this one. It’s quieter here; you hear just wind and water and maybe someone laughing way down the shore. Some people snorkeled but I just floated for a while watching clouds move over the palms.

On our way back we stopped at this shallow natural pool out in the sea. There were starfish everywhere (big ones), but José kept reminding us not to touch them — “just photos!” he said, grinning. Someone handed me rum in a plastic cup and for a minute everything felt light and slow again. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway back home.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from La Romana port, speedboat transfers with an English-speaking guide, use of snorkeling equipment if you want it, snacks and drinks like beer or rum along the way, plus a Dominican lunch served right on Saona Island before heading back in the afternoon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dominican Attitude Excursions