Setting Sail to Saona Island

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as I found myself at the Bayahibe beach area, ready to embark on a day-long adventure to Saona Island. The anticipation was palpable, not just from me, but from the small group of fellow travelers gathered around. We were all eager to experience the unspoiled beauty of this Caribbean gem. As a former professional surfer, I’ve spent countless hours in the ocean, but there’s always something magical about setting sail to a new destination.

Our journey began with a short ride from the hotel to the beach, where we were greeted by our group leader. He handed out wristbands and tied a piece of red yarn around our wrists, a simple yet effective way to keep track of us amidst the bustling crowd. The language barrier was a minor hiccup, as Spanish was the primary language spoken, but the excitement of the day ahead overshadowed any confusion.

The Journey and the Party

We boarded a smaller boat that took us out to the catamaran, and as soon as we set off, the party atmosphere kicked in. Music filled the air, and rum & cokes were passed around as we danced our way across the azure waters. It was a Dominican Republic national holiday, and the locals were out in full force, adding to the vibrant energy of the day.

Our first stop was a natural swimming pool, a waist-deep sandbar where we could swim and soak in the sun. The water was crystal clear, and the setting was straight out of a postcard. After a refreshing dip, we continued our journey to Saona Island, arriving just in time for lunch.

Paradise Found

Stepping onto Saona Island was like stepping into a dream. The beach was a stunning stretch of white sand, lined with swaying palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters. Our group leader organized chairs for us, and we settled in for a delicious Dominican lunch. The spread included pasta salad, cole slaw, fresh fruit, chicken, pork chops, rice & beans, and a vegetarian pasta stew. With a cold drink in hand, I couldn’t have asked for a better setting.

The afternoon was spent swimming, sunning, and simply enjoying the beauty of the island. As the day drew to a close, we boarded a speedboat for the ride back to Bayahibe. The return journey was just as exhilarating, with the wind in our hair and the spray of the sea on our faces.

Back at the resort, I reflected on the day’s adventure. The Saona Island excursion was a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, a true Caribbean paradise. For anyone looking to experience the best of island life, this is a must-do. Saona Island Adventure