Cayo Arena tour from Puerto Plata: Snorkel Paradise Island

Snorkel a coral reef and wade through mangrove channels in a single morning on the water.

A full-day tour from Puerto Plata to Cayo Arena (Paradise Island) on the North Coast, with hotel pickup from Cabarete, Sosua or Puerto Plata. After driving through the countryside to Punta Rucia, you board a speedboat to the island, where you snorkel a tropical reef, sunbathe on white sand, and ride back through the mangroves. Lunch, fresh fruit, drinks and snorkeling gear are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Punta Rucia3h · entry included
2. Cayo Arena3h · entry included
3. Paradise Island30m · entry included

Visit Paradise Island and surroundings

• Pick up from hotels
• Drive to Punta Rucia
• Take speedboat to Paradise Island
• Enjoy fresh fruits and drinks
• Guided snorkeling tour
• Speedboat ride through mangroves
• Lunch on mainland
• Stop at local market
• Return to hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete, then a drive through Dominican countryside to Punta Rucia on the coast. A speedboat waits at Playa Ensenada to carry you out to Cayo Arena, the local name for Paradise Island. The crossing is short enough that you arrive with most of the day ahead.

On the island, a guide leads a snorkeling tour where you see tropical fish and coral in turquoise water. Between dives you can sunbathe on the white sand or wade in the shallows. Fresh fruit and drinks are served on the island. Before heading back to the mainland, the speedboat takes a second route through the mangrove channels: a different view of the coast and the wildlife that lives in the roots. Lunch is served once you return, and the tour stops at a local market on the way back to your hotel.

The full day runs about nine to ten hours from pickup to drop-off. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the drive, and snorkeling equipment is provided, so you need only bring a towel and sunscreen. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and children from age three are welcome aboard.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to Punta Rucia.
• speedboat transport to and from Cayo Arena.
• snorkeling gear and a guided snorkeling tour.
• fresh fruit and drinks on the island.
• lunch on the mainland.
• a speedboat ride through the mangrove channels.
• a stop at a local market on the return.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eric Tours International

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a full day free and want to combine snorkeling, island time and a mangrove boat ride in one outing. The nine to ten hour commitment fits a day trip from Puerto Plata but leaves little time for other activities, so plan it as your main event for the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see when I snorkel at Cayo Arena?

Cayo Arena's reef holds a variety of tropical fish and coral in shallow, clear water. The snorkeling is guided, so you stay with the group and the guide points out what lives there.

How long is the speedboat ride from Punta Rucia to the island?

The ride is short. The speedboat leaves from Playa Ensenada at Punta Rucia and reaches Cayo Arena quickly enough that you have several hours on the island itself.

Is lunch included, and what is served?

Lunch is included and served on the mainland after you return from the island. Fresh fruit and drinks are also served while you're on Cayo Arena, though drinks with the lunch are not included in the tour price.

What happens during the mangrove ride?

After snorkeling, the speedboat takes a second route through the mangrove channels on the way back to shore. It's a different perspective on the coast and a chance to see the wildlife and roots up close.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to pack or rent your own.