Paradise Island Tour from Puerto Plata: Snorkel, Mangroves, Lunch
Turquoise water, a boat ride in a marine park and a Dominican buffet on the sand
Swim and snorkel over coral reefs full of tropical fish, then glide through the mangroves of a national park. This is a day tour to Paradise Island (Cayo Arena), a protected island on the Puerto Plata coast, with turquoise water, a calm ocean and a Dominican buffet lunch on Punta Rucia Beach.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Paradise Island and Surroundings
- Bus ride to Paradise Island
- Swim and snorkel in turquoise water
- See coral reefs and tropical fish
- Relax and take photos at calm ocean
- Boat ride through mangroves at national park
- Pass by Estero Hondo countryside village
- Lunch buffet at Punta Rucia Beach restaurant
- Spend time at Punta Rucia Beach
- Paradise Island Entry included 4h
- Santuario Mamiferos Marinos De Estero Hondo Entry included 1h
- Estero Hondo passing by
- Playa de Punta Rucia Entry included 1h 30m
What’s included
- Bottled water.
- WiFi on board.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Lunch.
- Snorkelling gear to use.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Entry to the stops.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 06:40 07:00 07:30 07:40 08:10 08:20
Information
You snorkel coral reefs on Paradise Island, glide through national park mangroves, then eat a Dominican buffet lunch on Punta Rucia Beach.
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The experience
Paradise Island is part of a national park, and fishing is not allowed there at any time, so the wildlife is very friendly with visitors. Once you are in the water, you explore the reefs, where all kinds of tropical fish swim around you. The water is turquoise, and the ocean here is the calmest in the Dominican Republic, so you can swim, snorkel or simply lie back and take photos.
Next, a boat ride takes you through the mangroves of the Estero Hondo marine sanctuary at Punta Rucia. On the way you pass through Estero Hondo, a countryside village with Dominican farms, houses built in the local style and mountains rising behind them. You only see it as you pass, so the view is the reward rather than a stop.
Lunch is a Dominican buffet at the restaurant on Punta Rucia Beach. Afterwards you have time in the turquoise water there, so the day ends with a swim on the sand.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 22 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 45 minutes before departure.
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (2 to 4 years): free.
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.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
No, snorkelling equipment is included, so you can snorkel over the reefs at Paradise Island without buying gear.
Can I swim at Punta Rucia Beach after lunch?
Yes. After the Dominican buffet at the restaurant, you spend some time in the turquoise water at Punta Rucia Beach.
Will I see animals on Paradise Island?
The island is in a national park where fishing is not allowed, so the wildlife is very friendly with visitors. Sightings cannot be promised, though.
Do you stop in Estero Hondo village?
No. Estero Hondo is seen in passing, so you see its farms, countryside houses and mountains from the vehicle.
Is the mangrove boat ride part of the trip?
Yes. It is a boat ride through the mangroves of the Estero Hondo marine sanctuary at Punta Rucia.
Operated by DR PRIME TOURS. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Paradise Island Tour: Snorkel, Mangroves, Lunch
7h–8h · EN · ES
from US$ 75 per person
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