Saona Island

One of the most popular excursion by tourists visiting the Dominican Republic.

"Bella Savonesa" was the first name given to Saona Island by Christopher Columbus in 1494, honoring the birthplace of Savona Michelle Cuneo, who was the first to point it out during his second voyage. 

Located south of the peninsula, separated by the Catuano channel, facing east to west. Its territory extends 22 km long and 6 km.wide, and has an area of 110 km ². Its hollow terrain is occupied by salt ponds and boggy ground.  Flamingo Lagoon stands out as one of the three marshes on this island.

Its main beaches lie between Punta Catuano found on the northwest, and Punta de Cruz in the southeast. Important coral reef formations can be found in the the island's coasts at a depth ranging from 1 to 60 meters. These coral reefs are one of the most important submerged natural formations of all the Dominican Republic.

The topography of the peninsula in general is flat, consisting of rocks of marine origin. The soil is scant, more concentrated in hollow spaces populated by organic matter.

Population
A small Naval base and park ranger hut located in Catuano are two of the few official establishments available on Saona Island. The nearest established colony is the village of Mano Juan.