Many people learn about Saona island during their beach vacation in La Romana or Punta Cana. After visiting Saona Island on a day trip, many visitors come back home and want to know more about this tropical paradise. That’s why we have put together a few interesting facts about Saona, the largest island of the Dominican Republic.
6 Facts you might not know:
- Location and Natural Beauty: Saona Island, also known as Isla Saona, is a tropical island located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. It is part of the Parque Nacional del Este (Eastern National Park), a protected area that encompasses diverse ecosystems such as beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical forests. Saona Island is particularly famous for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life.
- The Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer Christopher Columbus discovered the island. In 1494 Columbus named the island after a friend who later became the first governor. It is known as one of the most popular places to visit in the Caribbean.
- Movie Connection: Hollywood lovers may enjoy this interesting fact: Saona Island gained international recognition after being featured in the 1973 film “The Blue Lagoon” starring Brooke Shields. The island’s untouched beauty and remote location provided a perfect backdrop for the movie’s tropical paradise setting. Since then, Saona Island has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a serene and picturesque getaway.
- Interesting and endangered species like the rhinoceros iguana, the gentle manatee, elegant dolphins, and the fishing bat all live on or in the ocean near the island.
- Many parts of the sea around the island is only a few feet deep. Many sandbars form natural pools which are the ideal conditions for a large starfish population.
- Indigenous History: Saona Island has a rich cultural and historical background. Before the arrival of European colonizers, the island was inhabited by indigenous Taíno people. The Taíno civilization flourished in the Caribbean, and Saona Island was a significant settlement for them. Today, visitors to Saona Island can learn about the island’s indigenous heritage through archaeological sites and cultural displays, gaining insights into the Taíno people’s way of life and their connection to the land.
These facts highlight the natural beauty, cultural significance, and movie connection that make Saona Island an intriguing destination for travelers visiting the resort areas of Punta Cana or La Romana in the Dominican Republic.