Saona Crusoe VIP from La Romana — Remote Saona Island Beaches, Natural Pool & Turtle Project
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; involves short walks, standing on boats and light snorkeling.
Overview
Skip the catamaran crush and spend a day exploring Saona Island’s quieter bays, a natural swimming pool full of starfish, and a small village sea-turtle project. This VIP cruise from La Romana times its pickup to cruise ships and blends snorkeling, culture and a traditional Dominican BBQ.
Saona Crusoe VIP from La Romana — Remote Saona Island Beaches, Natural Pool & Turtle Project
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You step off the air-conditioned minivan into a small concrete lot and the island begins to call: gulls cut the bright horizon, a long wooden jetty points toward a band of white sand, and the sea—every shade between turquoise and cobalt—seems to pull your attention away from the engine noise of the mainland.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The park restricts certain chemicals—choose a biodegradable sunscreen to protect reefs and comply with local rules.
Use the transfer code
If arriving by cruise, remember the Taxi Casa de Campo transfer code (BAYAHIBE ISSAMAR) and arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure.
Protect against seasickness
Take motion-sickness medication an hour before departure if you’re prone to nausea; open-air seating is available but conditions change with the wind.
Respect wildlife at the Piscina Natural
Do not remove starfish or touch nesting areas; observe turtles and hatchlings only at a distance to avoid disrupting behavior.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Caribbean starfish (visible at the Piscina Natural)
- Sea turtles (occasionally seen around Mano Juan and reef edges)
History
El Peñón and surrounding rocks were once Taino sites; local guides often share oral histories linking the island to indigenous and colonial eras.
Conservation
Saona is part of Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, and several areas (including mangrove channels) are closed to boat traffic to protect nurseries and reef health; visitors are asked to use reef-safe products and follow guide instructions.
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Adventure Hotspots in La Romana
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local coral reef ecosystems under strong Caribbean sun.
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps phone, documents and extra clothing dry during boat transfers and beach time.
Personal snorkel mask
Provided gear is available, but a well-fitting personal mask improves comfort and visibility in shallow reefs.
Water shoes or reef shoes
Useful for walking shallow reefs, the mangrove edges and sandy beaches with occasional shell fragments.