Short on time in La Romana? Saona Island is only 20 minutes away for the perfect half-day escape.

Docking in La Romana and wondering what to do with your limited time in port? I’ve got you covered with the perfect half-day shore excursion—and it’s just 20 minutes away from the cruise terminal: Saona Island, the Dominican Republic’s most iconic island excursion.

Saona Island: 8 hours of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and unforgettable island vibes.

Just off the southeastern coast, Isla Saona also known as Saona Island is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and postcard-worthy palm trees. But beyond its beauty, this island carries a deeper story—one rooted in Taino heritage, ecological significance, and centuries of quiet preservation. This half-day tour to Saona Island is the perfect way to spend your day in the La Romana cruise port.

8 Hours Left

A day sailing away to paradise.

Morning: Quick Transfer to Bayahibe

Once you disembark at La Romana Cruise Port, things are refreshingly calm. Unlike busier ports, La Romana welcomes just one cruise ship at a time, meaning no chaotic crowds or long waits. The port itself is modern and relaxing, with souvenir shops, restaurants, and even a pool with a swim-up bar if you want to hang out before or after your excursion.

For your half-day tour, hop in a licensed taxi for the quick 20-minute ride to Bayahibe, a quaint fishing village that acts as the launch point for Saona tours. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of small-town life and the lush Dominican coastline. Once in Bayahibe, you’ll board a speedboat or catamaran, depending on your tour style, and set off toward the island paradise.

Midday: Welcome to Saona Island

As your boat cruises toward Saona, you’ll feel the excitement build as the island comes into view: soft white sands, clear blue waters, and swaying palm trees. The views are straight out of a travel magazine.

One of the first stops is Catuano Beach, followed by a visit to the famous Natural Pool, where you can stand in waist-deep water and spot starfish swimming below you. You’ll also have the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, exploring colorful coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish.

The Story of Saona Island

Tourists who visit Saona Island in the Dominican Republic come to know Saona Island for its party boat tours and stunning beaches but what many tourists don’t know is that this island holds deep, sacred history with strong ties to the Taino people – one that’s rarely told on these tours. Long before Saona Island became one of the country’s most popular tourist spots, it was a thriving settlement for the Taino people.

They called the island “Ah-dah-mah-NAY.” It was home to thriving communities who farmed, fished, and created intricate pottery. To them, nature was sacred, and Saona Island was no exception—it was a land blessed by the gods, filled with lush mangroves, freshwater lagoons, and rich in marine life. But with Spanish colonization in the late 1400s, their way of life was nearly erased.

For centuries after colonization, Saona Island remained largely untouched—inhabited only by small fishing communities. However, in 1975, the Dominican government recognized Saona Island’s ecological and historical significance and designated it as part of Cotu-bana-ma Koh-too-bah-nah-MAH National Park.
Under this protection, all construction and large-scale development on the island were restricted. Fishing regulations were put in place to prevent overfishing, and conservation efforts helped safeguard the coral reefs, sea turtle populations, and various bird species that call the island home.

Later, Saona Island’s stunning landscapes and untouched beauty soon caught the attention of travelers seeking an unspoiled paradise. As tourism in the Dominican Republic exploded in the late 20th century, Saona Island became a top excursion for visitors staying in Punta Cana, Bayahibe, and La Romana. Today, Isla Saona is one of the most visited destinations in the Dominican Republic, attracting over 1 million tourists per year.

Visitors arrive daily on catamarans and speedboats, eager to experience paradise. Local tour operators play a vital role in offering eco-friendly excursions that allow visitors to experience the island without harming its delicate environment. Despite the influx of tourists, the island remains uninhabited except for a small community in Mano Juan, a quiet fishing village where residents live in colorful wooden houses and practice sustainable living.

Beachside Lunch with a View

By now, you’ve worked up an appetite—and lunch is served beachside with your toes in the sand. Most tours include a buffet-style meal with Dominican favorites like grilled chicken, rice, pasta, and fresh fruit. It’s simple, flavorful, and hits the spot after a salty swim and some sun-soaking.

What To Bring

To make the most of your half-day on Saona Island, pack light but smart — here are the essentials you won’t want to forget:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Cash
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Camera

Afternoon: Smooth return to port

After lunch and some chill time under the palms, it’s time to board your boat back to Bayahibe. Good news: This half-day tour is built specifically for cruise passengers, so everything runs on a tight schedule to guarantee you return with time to spare before your ship departs.