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Natural pool · Isla Saona (Mano Juan), La Altagracia
Piscina Natural de Isla Saona
A sandbank out at sea between Bayahibe and Isla Saona, where the shallow, clear water reaches waist depth and starfish rest on the bottom.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Piscina Natural de Isla Saona
The Natural Pool is a sandbank in the middle of the sea, near Isla Saona’s western tip, where the depth drops to less than one meter hundreds of meters from any beach. The water is warm, a very light blue, and the white sandy bottom makes everything visible.
It’s a mandatory stop on Saona tours: boats anchor and visitors go into the water to walk, swim and see the red starfish that live on the bottom. On some boats drinks are served while people stand in the water with music, and on busy days several vessels sit side by side.
The sandbank is part of Parque Nacional Cotubanamá and lies close to mangroves and the island’s shore, in a reef-protected marine area.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour, as part of the boat tour.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer boats. Low-wind days make the water more transparent.
How to get there
Only by boat. It’s about 40 minutes from Bayahibe by speedboat, on the way to Isla Saona; almost all tours stop there.
Tip
Do not take the starfish out of the water: it is prohibited and they die outside it. Wear water shoes if you have sensitive skin and use biodegradable sunscreen.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piscina Natural de Isla Saona
Do you need to know how to swim to go to the natural pool?
No: the water is shallow, at waist height. Those who can’t swim stay close to the boat.
Can you touch the starfish?
No. It is prohibited, and they die outside the water.
Is the natural pool part of the Isla Saona tour?
In the vast majority of tours, yes. Confirm before you buy.