The paradise island in the Caribbean is found! In the touristic country, the Dominican Republic, you can find the Isla Saona, is it the dream in the Caribbean?
Where is it located?
The island is part of the Dominican Republic, it is located at the south east peak of the country. It is basically in the middle of La Romana and Punta Cana, two popular tourist destinations.
Besides the two hotels, which are really expensive, also some locals are living there, but it is just a bit more than a thousand.
During the second visit to the Americans, Columbus was visiting the island and basically gave it the name.
Why is this island so popular?
Besides the fact that there were two movies made, the pirates of the caribbean and the blue lagoon, the island is perfect for a beach day. When going inside the water, it is not getting really deep.
The water is great for snorkeling, because it is really clear, you are also able, finding some sea stars and fishes. The beachfront is full with palm trees, which are basically everywhere on the beach. When flying with the drone you can see, they are actually just on the beach.
When visiting, basically from everywhere you can make a good picture. It is actually really hard to fail to take good pictures. The island is quite big and not a big distance away from the mainland.
At this place there are a lot of parties and people are coming to enjoy that, the party, the beach, the water and just the island in general.
What does the transfer cost?
- From Punta Cana, you can find prices for $60-70
- From La Romana, it is around $80-90
In both you get picked up, drive to the harbor and take a boat over to the island. This ride will most likely happen on a catamaran, with masses of tourists. So it is not a cheap adventure, which is often when it is about a touristic island in most of the countries.
When I took the tour, I did it from La Romana. The boat tour from the harbor is around 45 minutes, during this time you are seeing many other boats and try not to get a sunburn during the ride.
The boat ride in general is actually quite nice, it is just a super touristy thing. More than 2000 people are coming there every day.
My experience
When visiting the island and the Dominican Republic on my last family trip in 2019, everyone wanted to go to this island badly. Due to the fact I was invited, I didn’t say no, which I would have, when traveling alone.
We jumped on the catamaran and drove with other German tourists to the island, where we had a few hours, until everyone went back together. The ride was to be honest quite fun, my first and so far only time on a catamaran.
When arriving at the island it looked beautiful. The water is just looking amazing, such a nice blue. It was filled with tourists from many different places and music was heard everywhere near the place we were dropped off. When thinking of a nice trip to a beach, something like this does not come to mind.
We went straight to the beach, where it was hard finding a spot for yourself, which at the end didn’t work. The water is nicely warm, like everywhere else in the Caribbean.
It is perfect, when you don’t like deep water, because you can walk a long time in water, where you are able to stand.
I took many pictures, which was easy to make good ones, because it looks amazing everywhere, just amazing, because that is just a fact. It looks everywhere, like how you would imagine the Caribbean.
It was not possible for me to relax like for example in Wadi Rum, for me there are just too many people in a small space. My family on the other hand, were liking it a lot and it was their favorite part of the trip. Everyone has a different taste.
Also I was able to fly my drone there. Due to no strong infrastructure I was able to fly a distance of over three kilometers, which is impossible in cities not possible.
Is it worth it?
When comparing the price to the experience I would not say it was 100% worth it. Of course it is beautiful and a nice place to see, but for me relaxing was not really possible. Probably I would have enjoyed it more at a remote beach somewhere, where just locals go.
For my family it was worth it a lot, they loved it. You need to basically decide that for yourself, it depends on what you like to do. When you don’t mind touristic hotspots, which are still beautiful, then go for it!
When you like it more a bit peaceful, then it might not be the best place for you. If you on the other hand are staying a night there, it should be a different story. Because the masses of tourists are there just during the day and leaving the island again.
It will be way more expensive, because the hotels cost a lot of money, but then you would be able to have the paradise island for yourself and a few other people.
I just believe that the Dominican Republic has places, which are similarly beautiful, without being completely packed with tourists.
Summary
When thinking of the Caribbean, the Isla Saona is probably what you have in mind. The Caribbean are in general beautiful, it is just that you won’t find this kind of beauty everywhere.
It is a tourist attraction and hotspot. Due to that, it is expensive to go there. Adding to it, the Dominican Republic is in general really touristic.
Without staying a night on the island, it could not be as peaceful as you wish for. You are able to take amazing pictures and create your new profile picture or something like that. No doubt about that, because many angles are possible for a great picture.
When you don’t want to search for cheaper or more local options, it is fine with spending a bit more money and with many others around you, it might be perfect for you.
I would love to hear your experiences about this place, or questions. Share it with me in the comments.
