Sand & Shells on Saona Island: Can You Collect Them?
Saona... the most breathtaking spots in the Dominican Republic
Saona Island is one of the most breathtaking spots in the Dominican Republic — powder-white sand, crystal-clear water, and swaying palm trees. It’s paradise, pure and simple.
But amid all that beauty, travelers often wonder:
“Can I collect some sand or shells as a souvenir?”
The answer is no, it’s not allowed. And there’s a good reason: Saona Island is part of Cotubanamá National Park (formerly known as the National Park of the East), a protected natural reserve. Taking sand, shells, or coral fragments may seem harmless, but it actually harms the island’s fragile ecosystem.
In this article, we will explain why this rule exists, what it protects, and how you can take home meaningful souvenirs while helping preserve the natural paradise of Saona Island.
Saona Island: A Protected Natural Treasure
Located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is part of the Cotubanamá National Park, a vast protected area that covers more than 400 square kilometers of land and sea.
It’s home to an incredible diversity of life:
Coral reefs teeming with tropical fish,
Mangroves that nurture young marine species,
Palm forests and coastal plants,
And hundreds of birds, turtles, and marine creatures.
This pristine beauty is what makes Saona so famous — and it’s also why it needs protection.
Every year, thousands of visitors come on day trips from Bayahibe, Dominicus, or Punta Cana, often with small-group eco-friendly tours like Quetzal Excursions.
But paradise can only stay paradise if we protect it.
That’s why Saona’s beaches are under strict environmental regulations — removing sand, shells, coral, or rocks is prohibited.
These elements might look like simple souvenirs, but each one plays a vital role in keeping Saona’s natural balance intact.
Why It’s Illegal to Take Sand or Shells
It might seem harmless to take a handful of sand or a few shells from the beach. But when thousands of visitors do the same every week, the impact adds up quickly.
Here’s why it’s prohibited:
Coastal erosion: Sand isn’t infinite. Removing even small amounts can accelerate beach erosion over time.
Disturbing marine life: Many species — such as hermit crabs and tiny fish — use empty shells for shelter or reproduction.
Coral damage: Some tourists unknowingly pick up pieces of coral, forgetting that these fragments are part of the island’s reef system and protect the shoreline.
The Dominican Environmental Law No. 64-00 strictly forbids removing any natural resource from national parks.
This rule exists to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable tourism — something Quetzal Excursions fully supports.
So, before you scoop up a shell as a keepsake, remember: the best souvenir from Saona is the memory of being there — not what you take from it.
How a “Small” Action Can Harm a Big Ecosystem
Every grain of sand and every shell has a purpose.
On Saona Island, nature works in perfect balance — the land, the ocean, and the species are all interconnected.
Shells shelter small creatures and help recycle organic material.
Sand — made naturally from broken coral and shells — protects beaches from erosion.
Coral fragments act as natural barriers against waves and storms.
When we remove these elements, we’re slowly dismantling a system that took centuries to build. What seems like a tiny souvenir can have a lasting environmental cost.
Some local guides have witnessed it firsthand — tourists collecting shells in one season, then watching parts of that same beach disappear months later due to erosion.
What You Can Bring Home Instead
Don’t worry — you can still take home amazing memories and keepsakes from your day on Saona Island, without harming the environment.
Eco-friendly souvenirs you can buy instead:
Local crafts and jewelry made from larimar (the Dominican blue stone), coconut shells, or natural seeds.
Dominican products like rum, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, or handmade soaps.
Artisanal souvenirs from Bayahibe or Dominicus — colorful paintings, magnets, or handwoven decorations.
Your own photos and videos, capturing the island’s beauty forever.
By choosing handmade local goods, you’re supporting Dominican artisans and families, while promoting responsible tourism.
Many artisans even use recycled materials or shells collected long ago — transformed into jewelry or art pieces that carry the island’s spirit without damaging it.
So if you want to take a piece of Saona home, do it the right way: buy local, buy sustainable, and let nature stay where it belongs.
Conclusion
So, can you collect sand or shells on Saona Island?
No — and that’s actually a good thing.
It’s thanks to these conservation rules that Saona remains so pure, vibrant, and full of life.
Every shell left on the beach and every grain of sand left untouched keeps this paradise intact.
The real treasures of Saona are not the ones you take home, but the ones you carry in your heart — the turquoise sea, the local smiles, the taste of Dominican rum, and the memory of a perfect day in nature.
Who are we?
Based in Bayahibe, Quetzal Excursions is a local agency specialized in small-group sea trips to Saona, Catalina, and the most beautiful hidden gems of the Dominican Republic. We focus on comfort, safety, and authenticity, aboard high-end boats with a professional crew.
📱 CONTACT US ON WHATSAPP : +1 (809) 979-7359
Our Regular Excursions
Saona by Catamaran – All Comfort
Whale watching and Redonda Montain excursion
Our Excursion to Catalina Island
Snorkeling Tour to Catalina
Our Private Excursions
Private rental of the Quetzal catamaran
📌 Need help planning your excursion?
Contact Quetzal Excursions to plan your activities from your place of stay, with included transport, small group, professional guide, and high-end services.