In the progressively warming summer of 2024, August was notably hot, eventually making way for September with its array of meteorological phenomena – cyclones, tropical waves, and troughs that brought a transient cooling effect. Consequently, the days appear ripe for leisure escapades to La Saona, the finest island in the Dominican Republic, boasting some of the most serene beaches.
This island, untamed and brimming with myriad tales, is reminiscent of a secluded Galapagos residing in the Caribbean heartland. It invites exploration and offers unspoiled beaches teeming with an abundance of adventures, including some truly captivating Dominican Republic excursions.
Though the evolutionary stages differ significantly, this unspoiled retreat, our New Zealand, revered as the Adamanay by the native population, and the Beautiful Savonesa by the Spanish invaders, redolently reflects the abundant Dominican landscape in its relatively unblemished condition. This exclusive abode rests within the protective embrace of the Cotubanamá National Park, intended for tourism.
Richest among the islands adjacent to Hispaniola, its expanse of 110 km2 harbors a leading ecological reserve in the Dominican Republic. A sanctum for bird species on the move, 112 bird species have claimed their niches here, with 8 indigenous to the island and 11 from the Caribbean zone.
Embarking on an excursion to La Saona exposes onlookers to awe-inspiring coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Its coastal lagoons and decks of sands bear witness to 40 types of fish, 10 coral species, and 124 types of mollusks. A visit to Saona Island grants an intimate interaction with nature.
The ancient sites concealed within its varied caves carry forth the story of the pre-Columbian era honoring the cultural practices of the Taino population.
An imperative sight is the Cotubanamá cave after the chieftain of the Higüey cacique, Taino. After being subjugated by the Spanish, he sought refuge in this grotto where he was eventually seized and executed in Santo Domingo. This led to the cruel fate of slavery for his followers, a typical punitive measure enforced by the colonizers.
La Saona has more tales to share. On its pristine beaches with their transparent waters, various species of turtles like loggerhead, green, leatherback, and hawksbill hatch their eggs, making it an idyllic haven for travelers wishing to experience nature more closely.
Delving into Saona Island’s history
The Taino Indians originally referred to this place as Adamanay. Christopher Columbus set his foot on this island for the first time on September 14, 1494, during his second expedition, and named it Bella Savonesa to honor Miguel da Cuneo (Miguel da Cunio), a Savonian who identified it as an individual islet separate from Hispaniola.
The Trujillo dictatorship between 1930 and 1961 caused enormous exploitation of the island’s lush coconut palms and timber woods by the dictator and his family.
On September 16, 1975, the Eastern National Park, presently known as the Cotubanamá National Park, was founded by the State.
The island functioned as a hunting reserve, a vast livestock breeding ground, and a place of banishment for the dictator’s political adversaries.
An ideal destination for exploring
Even though La Saona has been affected by the settlement attempts at Mano Juan, a small fishing village, its untouched forests and stunning beaches, known for their crystal-clear waters and white sands protected by the Este National Park, or the Cotubanamá National Park, continue to draw in Dominicans and tourists alike.
The trip to Saona is one of the paramount picks for visitors residing in La Romana, Punta Cana, Bávaro, and other accommodation options in the country’s east. Typically, most of them start from Bayahíbe.
Catamarans and high-speed boats sail along a part of the Catuano channel, which separates the island from the mainland. A few expeditions even extend up to Mano Juan, the sole human colony, which is a picturesque fishing village marked by vibrantly painted wooden houses.
Other tours visit Catuano Beach, an alluring spot on the island guarded by the Dominican Navy. However, this in no way disrupts the serenity of the place.
La Saona draws nearly three thousand tourists daily who mostly hail from hotels established in Bávaro, Punta Cana, La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo. A few might even be from hotels located in Samaná.
An obligatory stop at Bayahibe
A trip to Saona ought to incorporate a stroll through Bayahibe’s heart, interacting with its denizens, marveling at its quintessential homes, craft studios, and natural springs that nourish freshwater springs right in the central park.
An additional inclusion could be a trip to the “Padre Nuestro” ecological path towards the ancient sites, and if underwater exploration suits your taste, there’s the Captain Kid marine museum nearby with remains of the “Cara Merchant” and “Saint George” ships. Catalina Island, is another intriguing location in the Romana-Bayahibe tourist corridor located east of the Dominican Republic.