Puerto Plata: Blue Lagoon & El Dudu Day Trip with Beach Lunch

Summary

Swim, zipline and share lunch at Blue Lagoon el dudu

You’ll swim in Blue Lagoon el dudu’s cool cenote waters, zipline or jump if you’re feeling bold, meet local animals at a small zoo, and eat lunch right on Caleton Beach. With pickup from Puerto Plata hotels and a guide who knows all the best stories, you’ll end up carrying home more than just wet swimwear—maybe even a new favorite word.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before the van pulled up outside our hotel in Puerto Plata. Our guide, Carlos, waved us in with this easy smile—he kept switching between Spanish and English so everyone could follow along. The drive out to Laguna el Dudu didn’t take as long as I thought (maybe just over an hour?), but I was glued to the window anyway. Lush fields, flashes of color from roadside fruit stands, a few goats wandering where they wanted. Carlos pointed out a plantation where his uncle works—he said the smell of fresh cacao is better than any cologne. I believed him.

When we got to Blue Lagoon el dudu, it was quieter than I expected. You could hear birds echoing off the limestone walls and this soft splash every time someone braved the jump. The water looked impossibly clear—cool enough that my skin prickled when I finally slid in. Some folks lined up for the zip line (I chickened out at first but then just went for it). There’s this moment right before you let go where your stomach flips—I can still feel it if I think about it too hard. A couple of local kids cheered us on from the rocks above; one tried to teach me how to say “valiente” properly but I probably butchered it.

After drying off we stopped by a mini zoo—nothing fancy, but there was this parrot who seemed convinced my hat was edible. Lunch came next at Caleton Beach, toes in the sand and plates full of rice, grilled fish, and plantains that tasted like someone’s grandma made them. Everyone got quiet for a bit (except Carlos, who kept telling stories about growing up nearby). On the way back we visited a typical house—simple but bright—and then just drifted through the afternoon heat until we were back at our hotel. My hair still smelled faintly of saltwater later that night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Blue Dudu Lagoon and surroundings

• Travel from Puerto Plata
• Explore Blue Dudu Lagoon
• Swim in natural cenote
• Zip line into water
• Jump from high platforms
• Visit mini zoo and plantations
• Have lunch on the beach

Top questions

How far is Blue Lagoon el dudu from Puerto Plata?

It’s about an hour’s drive from Puerto Plata by van with hotel pickup included.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is served on Caleton Beach as part of the tour.

Can you zipline into Blue Lagoon el dudu?

Yes, there’s a zip line over the lagoon for those who want extra excitement.

Are hotel pickups available for Sosua or Cofresi?

Pickups are available from hotels in Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cofresi.

Is this tour suitable for people with health conditions?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What else do you see besides Blue Lagoon el dudu?

You’ll also visit plantations, a mini zoo with local animals, Caleton Beach for lunch, and stop at a typical house.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Puerto Plata (or Sosua or Cofresi), entry to Blue Lagoon el dudu with access to jumping platforms and zip line if you want them, stops at plantations and a small zoo to see local animals up close, plus lunch served right on Caleton Beach before heading back in the afternoon.