I was invited to visit SAONA ISLAND in Dominican Republic by Vacaciones Barcelo, but all opinions are my own.
SAONA ISLAND is so stunning, you’ll think you’re dreaming!
On our third day in the Dominican Republic, we booked an all day tour with Vacaciones Barcelo to visit SAONA ISLAND! Working with them has been an amazing experience. They arranged our visit to Scape park the day before as well – you can read about it here!
Saona Island is located about 12 miles from the south eastern coast of Dominican Republic! Ranking one among the top 5 destinations in Dominican Republic, this Caribbean island is straight out of a postcard with its incredible white sand beaches, turquoise waters and rows of palm trees.
WORLD’s LARGEST NATURAL SWIMMING POOL
The day starts of with a pickup from the hotel at around 9am, a 1 hour bus ride to Bayahibe, and a super fun 40 mins Speed Boat ride to the middle of the ocean, where the waters are so stunningly shallow, its called the “world’s largest natural swimming pool”! Our speed boat stopped right in the middle, we jumped off our boat and were in waist deep waters, with endless blues around us!
In Dominican Republic HAPPY HOUR style, the Boat had music playing, Rum & Coke being served out while we just relaxed with a drink in hand, basking in what seemed like the most unbelievable ocean experience we’ve ever had!
I learnt to float like a pro haha! Being the non swimmer I am, this was a pleasantly fun surprise 🙂
SAONA ISLAND
After an hour in the “swimming pool”, we speed-boated our way out to Saona Island! From the time we got off the boat, I was blown away! Firstly, Vacaciones Barcelo had reserved a broad space for us so we had shacks and lunch reserved for us. Now let me get into the unbelievable views and the pristine waters of the Island!
The Palm Trees here are so unique – especially the one right in the middle. It can get a little crowded toward the afternoons, so be sure to find your self moments with a little waiting around. These trees make for the best photo op!!
The whole place is lined with adorable shacks and multi colored little huts! It felt like another world really!
After a scumptious lunch and multiple Coconuts later, the Brat and I just hang out lazing around in the cool shade.
We even got a massage from a local ! This was a fun experience, although I wasn’t sure I really wanted one haha I was already so relaxed, I didn’t need to be more relaxed! I fell asleep for a bit 😀
Just an FYI, this is a Protected Park! That means, you respect the island’s natural resources. Please DO NOT TOUCH the starfish – like seriously! I’ve seen a TON of bloggers with pictures holding up starfish, and that’s quite pathetic and also a violation!
After a fabulous day spent on the island, just basking in the sands and sun, we made our way back by a Catamaran! The whole day was such a reset for the likes of us – we spend our entire day in an office, on phone calls and conference rooms. Just being in the ocean for 4-5 hours was Just what the Doctor ordered!
