Cayo Arena (Paradise Island)
Cayo Arena
A small white sandbar in the sea surrounded by clear shallow water and coral reefs. It is the most classic snorkeling day trip on the north coast.
Cayo Arena, also known as Paradise Island, is a white sandbar only a few dozen meters long, located off the coast of Puerto Plata near Playa Dorada. The shallow water around it is crystal clear, and the coral reefs are full of fish, making it excellent for snorkeling. Day trips usually leave from Puerto Plata, with a drive of about 1.5 to 2 hours to Playa Dorada, followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride. The return trip often goes through mangrove waterways, with lunch on a beach. The sandbar has no shade, so bring plenty of sunscreen. Boat trips depend heavily on the weather.
Opening hours
Via day-tour groups
Nearby sights
- La Isabela Archaeological Park
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
- Ocean World Adventure Park
- Teleférico Puerto Plata (Pico Isabel de Torres)
- Fortaleza San Felipe
- Victorian Downtown & Parque Independencia
- Amber Museum
- Malecón de Puerto Plata