All You Need To Know About the Saona Natural Pool 

 Piscina Natural Saona, also known as “La Piscina Natural” or the “Natural Pool,” is a stunning sandbar off the coast of Saona Island in the Dominican Republic. This breathtaking site is famous for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and the mesmerizing starfish that call it home. We visited this amazing place, and here is all you need to do before you pack your bags and put on your swimsuit.

How did this natural pool come to be?

Geologically, Piscina Natural was formed by shifting sandbanks and coral reefs over thousands of years. This shallow, serene lagoon sits about half a mile from the shores of Saona Island, offering an almost unreal experience of walking in the middle of the sea while being only waist-deep in water.

How to Get to Piscina Natural Saona

Visiting the natural pool is an adventure in itself! Since it is located offshore, the only way to reach it is by boat. Here’s how you can get there:

• • • Boat Tours from Bayahibe – Most depart from Bayahibe, where you can find organized catamaran and speedboat tours.
    • Excursions from Punta Cana – Many tour companies in Punta Cana offer full-day trips including a stop at Piscina Natural before heading to Saona Island.
    • Private Charters – For a more exclusive experience, you can hire a private boat tour to explore the area at your own pace.

We also took one of the organized tours organized by the resort we stayed in. It was fun and comfortable, and I got ready to be splashed by water – a lot of it. Especially when sitting in the front.

The Local Legend of Piscina Natural

 Of course, we also found a local legend from the fishermen and islanders. They shared with us a legend about the creation of Piscina Natural. It is said that the sea gods blessed this spot as a resting place for weary sailors, ensuring that its waters would always be calm, shallow, and crystal clear. Many believe that the starfish residing in the pool are celestial guardians watching over the waters.

What to expect when visiting the natural pool

First of all, the way there on a boat is already an adventure of its own. And as you know, I always wanted to be a pirate, so this was a ride full of joy for me – living my Caribbean pirate dream.
From Bayahibe, the boat ride takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour. Depends on where you start. The boat goes all around Saona, and you can enjoy the beautiful view.

Arriving at the natural pool, you will see plenty of boats here, but thankfully, the area is vast, and there is plenty of space. Many boat tours stop at the pool for about 30-45 minutes, which allows you enough time to swim and enjoy the scenery.

As you step into the shallow, crystal-clear waters, you’ll feel like you’re walking on an endless ocean floor. The water is warm and calm.

The Starfish Sanctuary

Expect to see vibrant marine life, especially the famous red cushion sea stars (Oreaster reticulatus), which add color to the turquoise waters. They are known for their striking reddish-orange hue and can often be seen resting on the sandy bottom of the shallow waters. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on algae and small organic particles, helping to maintain the water’s clarity and balance.

Please do not take them out of the water as they cannot breathe air. By practicing responsible tourism, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty of these incredible sea creatures.

Some tours even provide drinks and snacks on board, creating a luxurious and refreshing stop before heading to Saona Island.

Since the pool is a natural formation, there are no facilities, so it’s best to come prepared with essentials like sunscreen, water, and a waterproof camera to capture the experience.

Piscina Natural Saona is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Dominican Republic. Whether you’re floating in its pristine waters, admiring the stunning starfish, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Caribbean, this magical sandbar is an unforgettable experience.

Pack your bag and waddle on!

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