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Beach · Isla Saona (Mano Juan), La Altagracia
Playa de Mano Juan
The beach of Isla Saona’s fishing village: white sand, coconut palms leaning over the sea and small colorful wooden houses, in one of the calmest stretches of the island.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa de Mano Juan
Mano Juan is the only real settlement on Isla Saona, with a few hundred residents who live from fishing and tourism. The small wooden houses painted in bright colors sit a few meters from the beach, a long strip of fine white sand with coconut palms leaning over the turquoise water.
The village runs a sea turtle protection center, where eggs collected from the island’s beaches are kept safe until the hatchlings emerge and are then released into the sea. A small church, the school and some fish restaurants complete the place.
Catamaran tours usually stop at other beaches on the island, closer to Bayahibe. Those who arrive at Mano Juan by speedboat or on smaller tours find a less crowded beach and the day-to-day life of a village with no cars and no hurry.
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 two hours to a full day.
Best time
At midday, after the crossing, or late afternoon for those who sleep on the island, when the tour boats have already left.
How to get there
Only by boat, departing from Bayahibe pier. The speedboat takes about an hour to Mano Juan; ask the tour whether it stops in the village.
Tip
Bring cash: there is no ATM on the island and few places accept cards. Respect the fenced areas of turtle nests on the sand.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa de Mano Juan
Is Mano Juan the village of Isla Saona?
Yes, it is the island’s main settlement, with colorful houses, a church and fish restaurants.
Do all tours stop at Mano Juan?
No. Many catamarans stop at other beaches; confirm the itinerary before you buy.
What is Mano Juan’s turtle center?
A project that protects sea turtle eggs collected from the island’s beaches until the hatchlings are born.