Best Shore Excursion from La Romana Cruise Port: A Half-Day Tour to Saona Island

Docking in La Romana and wondering what to do with your limited time in port? I’ve got you covered with the perfect half-day shore excursion—and it’s just 20 minutes away from the cruise terminal: Saona Island, the Dominican Republic’s most iconic island excursion.

Just off the southeastern coast, Isla Saona also known as Saona Island is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and postcard-worthy palm trees. But beyond its beauty, this island carries a deeper story—one rooted in Taino heritage, ecological significance, and centuries of quiet preservation. This half-day tour to Saona Island is the perfect way to spend your day in the La Romana cruise port.

Morning: Quick Transfer to Bayahibe

Once you disembark at La Romana Cruise Port, things are refreshingly calm. Unlike busier ports, La Romana welcomes just one cruise ship at a time, meaning no chaotic crowds or long waits.

The port itself is modern and relaxing, with souvenir shops, restaurants, and even a pool with a swim-up bar if you want to hang out before or after your excursion.

For your half-day tour, hop in a licensed taxi for the quick 20-minute ride to Bayahibe, a quaint fishing village that acts as the launch point for Saona tours. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of small-town life and the lush Dominican coastline.

Once in Bayahibe, you’ll board a speedboat or catamaran, depending on your tour style, and set off toward the island paradise.

Midday: Welcome to Saona Island

As you arrive, the views are straight out of a travel magazine. Soft white sands. Crystal-clear water. Palm trees swaying. One of the tour highlights is a stop at Catuano Beach, followed by a visit to the island’s famous Natural Pool—a waist-deep stretch of sea where you can float over starfish in stunning shallow water.

Snorkeling is usually included, giving you the chance to explore colorful coral reefs and spot tropical fish in their natural habitat.

Traditional Dominican Cuisine on the Beach

By now, you’ve worked up an appetite—and lunch is served beachside with your toes in the sand. Most tours include a buffet-style meal with Dominican favorites like grilled chicken, rice, pasta, and fresh fruit. It’s simple, flavorful, and hits the spot after a salty swim and some sun-soaking.

Afternoon: Smooth Return to Port

After lunch and some chill time under the palms, it’s time to board your boat back to Bayahibe. Good news: This half-day tour is built specifically for cruise passengers, so everything runs on a tight schedule to guarantee you return with time to spare before your ship departs.

Why Saona Matters: A Glimpse into Its Past

Before it became a top tourist destination, Saona Island was sacred to the indigenous Taino, who named it “Adamanay.” It was a land of abundance and spiritual significance, filled with mangroves, lagoons, and thriving wildlife. But that changed when Spanish colonizers arrived in 1494 during Columbus’s second voyage. The island was renamed, and like much of the Caribbean, its native population was nearly erased.

Centuries later, the Dominican government protected Saona by declaring it part of Cotubanamá National Park—named after a Taino chief who resisted colonization. This move helped safeguard the island from overdevelopment and preserved its ecosystems. Today, Saona remains uninhabited except for the small, sustainable fishing village of Mano Juan, where residents live simply and colorfully.

Looking for more beautiful islands to visit in the Dominican Republic like Saona Island, then check out Samana – The Dominican’s Best Kept Secret.