La Piscina Natural

La Piscina Natural, or Palmilla, as it’s sometimes called, is a starfish-dotted sandbar in the waters between the Parque Nacional del Este and Isla Saona coastlines. Excursion boats whisking their customers to and from Isla Saona make a stopover in this spot where, more than a kilometer off the coast, one can wade around in clear water that never gets above the waist. It is a unique experience to be able to walk in the Caribbean Sea so far from land.

La Piscina, just like Isla Saona, is no longer a quiet paradise. It is heavily trodden by tourists, but it is easy to see why it’s so popular. Under the warm water is a smooth blanket of white sand to walk upon. In some spots, you can sit with the water not even reaching your chin, and the ripples from approaching boats are the biggest waves you’ll feel.

Although this site is a rare treat of striking beauty, the large number of boats dumping their fuel into the water here is taking its toll on the natural habitat for the starfish and other sea creatures. Unfortunately, some tour leaders and visitors are not careful when disturbing the red starfish whose home they are guests in; lifting them from the water for anything longer than just a few seconds kills them. If you want photos, get an underwater camera. During high tourist season, La Piscina can sometimes resemble freeway gridlock or a bar in the middle of the sea because of the numerous rum drinks and parties.