Encompassing approximately 400 square kilometers in the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic and including Isla Saona, this dry, flat terrain is home to a variety of plant life, many of which are endemic to the country, along with over 100 species of birds.

There are several caves in the park which contain pre-Columbian pictographs and petrographs but three that are worth a visit if you have the time and energy for the hike it will take to get to them. They are Penon Gordo, Cueva del Puente, and Cueva Jose Maria, and are good for exploring to view Taino pictographs and the stalagmites and stalactites. A good flashlight and boots are definitely needed for those adventuring to these areas.

Worth a mention though not yet open to the public is the recently discovered remains of a Taino settlement referred to as La Aleta. Located far into the park and only accessible by helicopter, a team of archaeologists from the United States believe this was the site of the reported 1503 massacre of approximately 7000 Tainos by the Spaniards.

Isla Saona is popular for its powdery white-sand beaches and crystal turquoise waters. There are only a few inhabitants (around 300) which reside in two small fishing villages, and further settlement on the island is prohibited. The island is approximately 100 square kilometers and you will find a large species of birdlife there and in the surrounding mangrove swamps and lagoons, many of which are endemic to the island.

To visit Isla Saona or Saona Island why not book our Pure Caribbean-Saona Island Excursion