Palmilla Natural Pool
A vast, shallow turquoise natural pool with crystal-clear waters, famous for its starfish and stunning Caribbean beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Palmilla Natural Pool
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, shallow turquoise natural pool with crystal-clear waters, famous for its starfish and stunning Caribbean beauty.
"Amazing place with crystal clear waters, absolute must if you are visiting!"
🚫 Don't Touch Starfish
Admire starfish in their natural habitat. Removing them can cause harm.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Caribbean sun is strong! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Natural Pool
Palmilla, Saona Island
Vast, shallow turquoise waters perfect for wading and photos. A true Caribbean paradise.
Starfish Encounters
Palmilla Natural Pool
Spot these gentle creatures in their natural, waist-deep habitat. Remember to observe, not disturb.
Crystal-Clear Waters
Palmilla
Experience unparalleled clarity and vibrant blue hues, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Palmilla
Respecting the Starfish
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Don't Touch Starfish
Admire starfish in their natural habitat. Removing them can cause harm.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Caribbean sun is strong! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The shallow waters and vibrant colors make for stunning photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Many tours include water and soft drinks, but it's good to have extra.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Don't Touch Starfish
Admire starfish in their natural habitat. Removing them can cause harm.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Caribbean sun is strong! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The shallow waters and vibrant colors make for stunning photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Many tours include water and soft drinks, but it's good to have extra.
🛥️ Consider a VIP Tour
For a more exclusive experience with fewer people, opt for VIP tours. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Palmilla Natural Pool, describing it as an 'amazing place' with 'crystal clear waters' and a 'peaceful' atmosphere. The shallow, warm sea is perfect for wading and photo opportunities, though some note that tours can be crowded. The chance to see starfish is a highlight, with a strong emphasis on respecting these creatures.
"Our second stop on the excursion was the Natural Pool at Palmilla on Saona Island. After enjoying a couple of shots of rum, we arrived at this beautiful location. The water was waist-deep and warm, and we spotted a few starfish here—make sure not to remove them from the water! We took some epic photos in this amazing place; it truly is a gem."
SIRLUNA (David)
"Amazing place with crystal clear waters
Absolute must if you are visiting."
Josh Beaumont
"Extremely beautiful and very peaceful. I highly recommend!"
Suenicqua Maynard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palmilla Natural Pool is typically accessed as a stop on excursions to Saona Island. Most tours depart from Punta Cana or La Romana. You'll usually travel by catamaran or speedboat.
The journey to Saona Island, including stops like Palmilla, can take around 1.5 to 2 hours by boat from Punta Cana. +1
Direct transport to Palmilla itself is uncommon. It's almost always part of a larger Saona Island tour package.
While possible, it's a longer journey. Most visitors to Palmilla are staying in Punta Cana or La Romana for easier access.
Tours often use catamarans for a more relaxed journey or speedboats for a quicker ride. Some luxury options offer yachts. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't buy separate tickets for Palmilla. It's included as part of a Saona Island excursion package. +1
Prices vary, but expect to pay between $60-$100 USD for a standard tour, with VIP or private options costing more. +1
Most tours include boat transport, lunch on Saona Island, and park entrance fees. Some offer open bars.
Yes, there are standard tours, VIP tours with smaller groups, and private yacht charters for a more exclusive experience.
While possible, booking in advance, especially for VIP or private tours, is recommended to secure your spot.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
The water is incredibly shallow, typically waist-deep, crystal-clear, and warm, making it perfect for wading and relaxing.
Absolutely! The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, wading, and enjoying the serene environment.
You can wade in the shallow waters, take photos, spot starfish (without touching!), and simply relax in paradise.
It can get crowded, especially when multiple tours arrive simultaneously. Visiting on weekdays or opting for VIP tours can help. +1
Swimwear is essential! Lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunglasses are also highly recommended for sun protection.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area is photogenic! Focus on the shallow turquoise water, the white sand, and the starfish (from a distance).
Yes, the natural beauty and clear water make it easy to capture stunning shots. Consider a waterproof phone case.
Some private tours and yacht charters may allow for more extended photo sessions. Check with your tour operator.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photography experience.
Generally, no, but always be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many tours include lunch and drinks, making it a convenient outing. Opting for a VIP tour can be beneficial for families, as smaller groups often mean a more relaxed pace and less chaos. Ensure your chosen tour allows for ample time to enjoy the unique environment without feeling rushed.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+2Imagine enjoying the sunset hues reflecting on the calm water, or simply relaxing hand-in-hand in this idyllic setting. The 'natural pool' aspect makes it unique and less intimidating than open-sea swimming, perfect for a leisurely romantic dip.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1To get the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and crowds are thinner. A wide-angle lens can help capture the expansive feel of the natural pool. While tempting, remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors when composing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Palmilla Experience
Many visitors highlight the presence of starfish in the waist-deep waters. While a magical sight, it's crucial to remember that these are wild animals. Do not remove them from the water for photos, as this can cause them significant harm and disrupt their ecosystem. Observing them gently in their natural habitat is the responsible and ethical way to enjoy this aspect of Palmilla.
The experience at Palmilla is often enhanced by the type of tour you choose. Standard tours can be lively but may involve larger groups. For a more intimate and peaceful visit, consider VIP tours or private yacht charters. These options often provide more time at Palmilla, access to less crowded areas, and a more personalized experience.
+1Choosing Your Saona Island Excursion
VIP tours offer a more exclusive experience with smaller group sizes, often on more comfortable vessels, and sometimes include premium food and drinks. These tours aim to provide a more relaxed and personalized journey, allowing for more time at key spots like Palmilla.
For the ultimate indulgence, private yacht charters are available. These offer complete flexibility in itinerary, allowing you to spend as much time as you wish at Palmilla and other locations, with dedicated crew and personalized service. This is the most expensive option but provides unparalleled luxury and privacy.
+2
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