Snorkeling at Paradise Island with Manatee Sanctuary

Coral reef and mangrove forests in one day from Puerto Plata

A private snorkeling tour from Puerto Plata to Paradise Island includes a two-hour drive through Dominican countryside, boat access to a coral reef with snorkeling gear and guide, time on the beach with local fish bars, and a final stop at the Manatee Sanctuary mangrove forest before the return drive. Hotel pickup is included. The tour runs nine to ten hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paradise Island tour and Manatee Sanctuary

• Drive 2 hours through Dominican landscapes
• Take fast boat to Paradise Island
• Enjoy drink in natural swimming pool
• Relax on white sand beach
• Snorkel on coral reef with guide
• Traverse mangrove forest labyrinth
• Have lunch at local fish bars
• Walk or relax on beach
• Visit Manatee Sanctuary
• Return to drop off point

The experience

Paradise Island sits off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, reachable by a two-hour drive from Puerto Plata through villages, pastures and palm groves where you'll see mango, avocado and cassava crops and traditional houses. Once at the dock, a fast boat carries you across azure water to the island itself, where you can swim in a natural pool and relax on white sand before the snorkeling begins.

The coral reef is the centerpiece: you'll explore it with snorkeling equipment provided, and a guide stays with you throughout. Afterward, the beach opens up for sunbathing, swimming and photos, with time to eat at one of the local fish bars that line the sand. The guide can help you order. A typical fish or seafood dish costs around fifteen dollars. The water stays calm enough for a long swim if you want it.

On the return journey, the boat passes through a labyrinth of mangrove forests before you reach the Manatee Sanctuary, a rarely visited stretch of wild beach and mangroves where marine mammals live. It's the last stop before the two-hour drive back to your hotel. The whole day runs nine to ten hours, and since the tour is private, you control the pace at each stop.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• snorkeling equipment and guide.
• soda, bottled water and alcoholic beverages.
• boat access to Paradise Island and the Manatee Sanctuary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rothis Tours RD

Is this one for you?Since the tour includes hotel pickup and all transport, you don't need a rental car or local knowledge of the route. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, showing you the Dominican countryside before you reach the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

What's the snorkeling like at Paradise Island?

The coral reef holds colorful fish and is explored with provided snorkeling gear under guide supervision. The water is calm and clear, and the guide stays with you the entire time.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling versus traveling?

The drive to the dock takes two hours, then the boat ride is fast. You have time on the reef for snorkeling, then several hours on the beach for swimming, eating and relaxing before the mangrove stop and the two-hour return drive.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear and a sports camera if you prefer. Equipment is provided if you don't have your own.

Does the tour include meals?

Lunch is not included, but you have free time at the beach fish bars where you can order fresh fish or seafood for around fifteen dollars per dish. Soda, bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included throughout the day.