Paradise Island tour from Cabarete: Snorkel & mangroves

Beat the crowds to turquoise water and a reef full of fish

A guided tour from Cabarete to Paradise Island (Cayo Arena) starts before dawn so you arrive ahead of other boats, then moves through mangroves by speedboat and stops to watch manatees on the way back. The tour includes hotel pickup, snorkeling gear and instruction, a guided reef tour, fresh fruit and drinks on the island, beachfront lunch, and national park fees. It runs 11 hours and operates in all weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

VIP tour to Paradise Island and Mangroves

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Drive to Punta Rucia
• Take speed boat to Paradise Island
• Enjoy fresh fruits and drinks
• Guided snorkeling tour
• Boat trip through mangroves with swim stop
• Lunch by the beach
• Stop at Estero Hondo to see manatees

The experience

The pickup happens early (5:30 am from Cabarete, 6:00 am from Sosua, 6:30 am from Puerto Plata), so the speedboat reaches Paradise Island before the morning rush of other tours. You drive to Punta Rucia first, where the boat is waiting at Playa Ensenada. The crossing to Cayo Arena (the local name for Paradise Island) is short and fast.

Once there, fresh fruit and drinks are waiting. Snorkeling gear is provided, and a guide leads you through the reef to see the fish and coral. You can also stay on the white sand beach if you prefer. After Paradise Island, the speedboat takes you through the mangroves with a stop where you can jump into the water. Before heading back, the tour stops at Playa Estero Hondo so you can watch the manatees. Lunch is served at the beachfront in Punta Rucia.

The guide speaks English, Spanish, French, German and one additional language. Children from age 3 are welcome if accompanied by an adult, and the tour runs regardless of weather, so bring clothes that can get wet.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cabarete, Sosua or Puerto Plata.
• snorkeling gear and a guided reef tour.
• fresh fruit and drinks on Paradise Island.
• beachfront lunch.
• national park fees.
• an alcoholic beverage.
• and a live guide in English, Spanish, French, German or another language.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Eric Tours International

Is this one for you?Book this early departure if you want to arrive before the midday crowds. The 5:30–6:30 am pickups from your location mean fewer tourists on the island when you land.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they 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 24h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling on Paradise Island?

The reef around Cayo Arena holds colorful fish and coral in turquoise water. A guide leads the snorkeling tour, and gear is provided. You can also skip the reef and stay on the beach if you prefer.

When do we see the manatees?

The manatee stop at Playa Estero Hondo happens on the way back to Cabarete, after lunch. You stop to watch them in the water but do not enter the water at this point.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment and a guided reef tour, fresh fruit and drinks on the island, beachfront lunch, national park fees, and an alcoholic beverage are all included.

How early do I need to wake up?

Pickup is 5:30 am from Cabarete, 6:00 am from Sosua, or 6:30 am from Puerto Plata. The early start is what gets you to Paradise Island before the other tour boats arrive.