Do I need water shoes for Saona Island?
A simple question every traveler asks
Saona Island is one of the most iconic destinations in the Dominican Republic — turquoise water, white-sand beaches, palm trees bending over the sea, and that famous Caribbean calm everyone dreams of. Before heading there, many travelers preparing their excursion wonder: do I really need water shoes for Saona Island?
The short answer is yes, they can be useful — but not essential.
Most of the day is spent barefoot on the catamaran or on the beach, but a pair of water shoes or sturdy sandals can make certain parts of the day more comfortable. From the walk between the boat and the semi-private beach, to the shallow rocky areas near the docking spots, having proper footwear can prevent slipping, protect your feet, and make movement easier.
Let’s look in detail at what to expect during a typical day trip to Saona Island, when water shoes are helpful, and when simple flip-flops are perfectly enough. This guide will help you pack smart and enjoy your adventure in full comfort.
Understanding the Saona experience: barefoot paradise with a few practical details
A day trip to Saona Island usually combines navigation, beach time, swimming stops, and a long, relaxing break on the island itself. Most travelers spend their time barefoot on the catamaran, enjoying the breeze and the Caribbean sun. Once you reach the beach, the ground is mostly soft white sand — warm, comfortable, and ideal for walking naturally.
However, the logistical parts of the excursion involve short transitions: walking on docks, stepping into shallow water, or moving across areas where the seabed has small rocks, coral fragments, or shells. While these sections are not dangerous, they can feel uncomfortable for sensitive feet. Shoes are not mandatory, but they can make the experience smoother from start to finish.
Why water shoes can be useful on Saona Island
Water shoes are lightweight, easy to dry, and provide excellent grip on wet surfaces — which is why many travelers appreciate having them on Saona excursions. There are three key situations where they become genuinely helpful:
During embarkation and disembarkation:
Some tours require stepping directly into shallow water when boarding taxis or local boats. The seabed can sometimes include pebbles or uneven surfaces.
Walking to the semi-private beach area:
The path leading to your beach spot may contain small stones or shells. It’s a short walk but enough to bother people with sensitive feet.
Exploring shallow water or rocky corners:
Certain snorkeling entry points or natural pools have uneven terrain that can be slippery. Water shoes offer stability, especially if you’re carrying bags or snorkeling gear.
That said, Saona is not a rocky island — most of the ground is soft sand. Water shoes are helpful, but not at all essential, and many travelers go without them.
Are they required?
The good news is that you do not need specialized water shoes to enjoy Saona Island. Most travelers wear:
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flip-flops
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sandals
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sliders
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beach-friendly shoes
These work perfectly for 95% of the day. The only moments when you might feel discomfort are during the small transitions between boats and beach areas. If you don’t like stepping on rocks or shells, consider bringing water shoes — they’re practical but not mandatory.
Once you arrive at the main beach, shoes come off immediately. The rest of the time, you’ll be walking barefoot on soft sand, lounging under palm trees, or swimming in shallow crystal-clear water. Even the boat ride is usually done without shoes, as catamarans prefer guests to walk barefoot on deck.
In other words, the footwear you choose should match your comfort level — not a strict requirement.
What most travelers do: a practical, stress-free approach
Most visitors to Saona Island adopt a simple strategy: they wear flip-flops or sandals for walking… and then stay barefoot for the rest of the excursion.
This approach works because:
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It’s easy.
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It’s comfortable.
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It’s beach-friendly.
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It avoids carrying unnecessary gear.
If you already own water shoes and enjoy wearing them, bring them along — they can be convenient for rocky or shallow areas. But if you don’t have them, don’t feel pressured to buy any. Your usual beach footwear is more than enough.
Families with young children may find water shoes more useful, especially when kids run in and out of shallow water. Otherwise, adults rarely feel the need for specialized footwear.
Conclusion: Water shoes are helpful, but not essential
So, do you need water shoes for Saona Island?
Not really — but they can be useful.
For the short rocky paths, boat transitions, or shallow-water entries, they provide extra comfort. Yet most travelers do perfectly fine with simple sandals or flip-flops. Throughout the day, you’ll spend most of your time barefoot, swimming, walking on soft sand, or relaxing on the catamaran.
The priority is comfort, not equipment. Pack the shoes that make you feel relaxed and enjoy one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful natural treasures without stress.
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
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.