Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine APRIL 2019 | Page 276

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve a pristine subtropical forest Isla Saona Saona island is located off the coast of the small fishing village of Bayahibe and is part of the protected Parque Nacional del Este. This island is popular with tourists, attracting divers, anglers and sun worshippers. The park is a turtle nesting site and is also home to birds and a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors are welcome to enjoy but are reminded not to destroy the natural resources found here. Fed by an underground river, the “eyes” are fresh water lagoons dotted throughout this 45 acre park, a lush tropical forest, which is home to over 100 species of birds, 27 of which are indigenous only to the Dominican Republic. Attractions in the park include a petting zoo, iguana farm, fruit gardens and a botanical garden. Swimming is allowed in three of the “eyes”. Punta Cana Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism