Saona Island Packing List – What to Bring on Your Isla Saona Tour

Heading to Saona Island soon? Our complete packing checklist will make sure you have everything you need for an incredible, comfortable, and hassle-free day at one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches. Compiled by our guides who run Saona Island tours every single day.

✅ The Essential Saona Island Packing List

👙 Clothing & Swimwear

• Swimsuit — you’ll be in and out of the water all day. Bring two if possible (one to wear, one to change into after the starfish pool)
• Light cover-up or sarong — for shade breaks and the boat ride
• Water sandals or flip flops — essential for rocky shore entry and boat deck. Closed-toe water shoes are even better
• Change of dry clothes — for the bus ride home. You’ll be wet and salty by return time
• Light rash guard or UV shirt — optional but highly recommended for fair-skinned travelers. Hours of direct Caribbean sun is intense!

🧴 Sun Protection (Very Important!)

• Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen — ⚠️ REQUIRED. Regular sunscreen is banned in the Del Este National Park (where Saona is located) as it damages coral reefs. Make sure yours says “reef-safe”. SPF 30 minimum, SPF 50+ recommended.
• Sun hat or baseball cap — shade is limited on the boat and beach
• UV sunglasses — the Caribbean sun reflects off the water intensely
• Lip balm with SPF — lips burn too!

📷 Electronics

• Waterproof camera or GoPro — the #1 item most travelers wish they’d brought. The starfish pool and underwater marine life are incredibly photogenic
• Waterproof phone case — if you want to use your phone for photos in the water. Available cheaply online or at Punta Cana stores
• Portable charger / power bank — no charging on the boat. Keep your devices topped up
• Dry bag — to protect any electronics, documents, or valuables during boat boarding and beach activities

🧴 Toiletries & Health

• After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel — for soothing sun-exposed skin on the bus ride home
• Sea sickness tablets — if you’re prone to motion sickness, take one 30 minutes before departure. The catamaran is generally stable but the speedboat return is faster and bumpier
• Personal medications — take any required medications in a waterproof bag
• Insect repellent — the mangroves near the marina can have mosquitoes in the early morning
• Reusable water bottle — we have open bar all day, but staying hydrated with water is important. Plastic single-use bottles are banned in the park

💵 Money & Documents

• Cash (small denominations USD) — for tipping your guide and crew ($5–$10 is standard and greatly appreciated), buying fresh coconuts from beach vendors ($2–$3), and souvenir shopping
• Your booking voucher or QR code — screenshot it in case of poor signal at the marina
• Your hotel key card — for getting back into your resort on return
• Don’t bring: Passport, credit cards, jewelry, or anything you’d be devastated to lose to the ocean

🏖️ Beach & Water Gear

• Beach towel — we provide basic towels on the catamaran, but bringing your own means you have one for the whole day
• Snorkeling mask — we provide snorkeling equipment, but if you have your own prescription mask or prefer your own kit, bring it
• Waterproof sandcastle toys — if you’re bringing children! The beach on Saona is perfect for kids
• Beach bag / mesh bag — for carrying wet gear on the return trip

❌ What NOT to Bring to Saona Island

• 🚫 Valuables: expensive jewelry, watches, large amounts of cash — leave them at your hotel safe
• 🚫 Non-reef-safe sunscreen: Rangers may confiscate it at the park entrance
• 🚫 Single-use plastic: Banned in the national park. Reusable bottles only
• 🚫 Heavy backpacks: You’ll be boarding and disembarking boats — travel light
• 🚫 Formal shoes or uncomfortable clothes: You’ll be in and out of the water all day

📦 The Perfect Saona Island Day Bag

Here’s the ideal compact kit for a day at Saona Island:

1. Swimsuit (wearing) + spare in bag
2. Reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen
3. Waterproof camera or phone case
4. Sunglasses + sun hat
5. $30 cash for tips, coconuts, and souvenirs
6. Beach towel
7. Small dry bag for electronics
8. Reusable water bottle
9. Change of dry clothes for the return
10. Your booking QR code screenshot

That’s it! Keep it light, keep it waterproof, and focus on enjoying one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Ready to go? Book your Saona Island tour here →