Paradise Island tour from Puerto Plata: Snorkel the reef
Turquoise water, white sand and a guided snorkel through tropical coral
A full-day tour from Puerto Plata to Paradise Island (Cayo Arena) on the North Coast, with hotel pickup, speedboat transport, guided snorkeling and a mangrove boat ride. You arrive at the island's turquoise waters and white sand, snorkel the reef with provided gear, enjoy fresh fruit and drinks on the beach, then ride through the mangroves before stopping at a local market on the return.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour
- Organize the tour
- Pick up at hotels in Cabarete
- Pick up at hotels in Sosua
- Pick up at hotel in Puerto Plata
- Drive to Punta Rucia
- Board speedboat at Playa Ensenada
- Arrive at Paradise Island
- Enjoy fresh fruits and drinks
- Guided snorkeling tour
- Speedboat ride through mangroves
- Lunch in Punta Rucia
- Stop at local market
- Return to hotel
- Punta Rucia 30m
- Paradise Island Entry included 3h
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete.
- speedboat transport to and from Paradise Island.
- snorkeling equipment and a guided snorkeling tour.
- soft drinks and fresh fruits on the island.
- a typical Dominican buffet lunch in Punta Rucia.
- a speedboat ride through the mangroves.
- and entry to Monte Cristi National Park.
Times
- Every day except Thursday and Sunday 07:00
Before you book
Operated by Eric Tours International
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete, then a drive through the Dominican countryside to Punta Rucia. At Playa Ensenada, you board a speedboat that carries you out to Cayo Arena: the local name for Paradise Island. The ride itself frames what's coming: the water shifts from pale green to turquoise as you approach the island's white sand beach.
Once ashore, the island is yours to explore. You can sunbathe and wade, or join the guided snorkeling tour with provided gear to see tropical fish and coral in the reef. Fresh fruit and cold drinks are served on the island while you're there. Before heading back, the speedboat takes you through the mangroves: a separate ride that shows you the jungle from the water. A typical Dominican buffet lunch waits in Punta Rucia, and on the return journey, the group stops at a local market before heading back to your hotel.
The tour runs 9 to 11 hours door-to-door. A live guide speaks English and Spanish throughout. Children from age 2 are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. The operator notes the day is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, and suggests bringing a towel, swimwear, sunblock and a change of dry clothes for the bus ride back.
Is this one for you?Choose the Regular option if you want the core experience (island time, snorkeling and mangroves) at the standard pace. The VIP option offers a different level of service for those seeking more comfort or attention during the day.
Compare the 4 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).
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 exactly is Paradise Island and what will I see when I snorkel there?
Paradise Island, known locally as Cayo Arena, is a small island off the North Coast with turquoise water and white sand. The guided snorkeling tour takes you to the reef, where you'll see tropical fish and coral in the shallow water around the island.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?
Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring your own. You'll use it during the guided snorkel at the island.
What happens during the mangrove part of the tour?
After your time on Paradise Island, you take a separate speedboat ride through the mangrove jungle. It's a chance to see the local landscape and wildlife from the water before heading back to Punta Rucia.
Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?
Yes, a typical Dominican buffet lunch is served in Punta Rucia before the return to your hotel. Soft drinks and fresh fruits are also provided on the island itself, though drinks with lunch are not included.
How do I get picked up, and which hotels are covered?
Hotel pickup is included from Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete. The tour organizes pickups at each location and brings you back to your hotel at the end of the day.
What should I pack or wear for this tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunblock and a change of dry clothes for the bus ride back. The tour involves water activities and a full day in the sun, so sun protection is important.
Paradise Island tour from Puerto Plata: Snorkel the reef
9h–11h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 89 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.