Cayo Arena — sold everywhere as Paradise Island (Cayo Paraíso) — is a sandbar a few dozen metres across, sitting on a coral reef a short way off the fishing village of Punta Rucia in the far north-west of Puerto Plata province. There is nothing on it but a few thatched shelters. Around it the water is waist-deep, startlingly turquoise and full of fish used to visitors.
Getting there is half the day. From Puerto Plata it is a drive of around two hours west, then a fast, bumpy speedboat ride of twenty minutes or so. Tours give you an hour or so on the cay to snorkel, then return through the mangrove channels of the Estero Hondo area and stop for lunch on the beach at Punta Rucia or La Ensenada. Door to door it is seven to eleven hours.
Top things to do at Cayo Arena (Paradise Island)
Snorkel off the sand
Masks and snorkels are provided. The reef starts a few steps from the cay, and sergeant majors, parrotfish and wrasse crowd around swimmers. Do not stand on or touch the coral, and do not feed the fish, whatever others are doing.
Ride through the mangroves
The return leg winds at speed through narrow channels of red mangrove — a nursery for fish and birds and, further along the coast, a refuge for manatees. It is a highlight in its own right.
Lunch on the beach
A buffet of fish, chicken, rice and salads is normally included, served at a beach restaurant with time for a swim or a hammock afterwards.
How to get to Cayo Arena (Paradise Island)
- By tour from Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Sosúa or Cabarete: the only practical way. Hotel pickup, the drive, the boat, snorkel gear and lunch are bundled — see the options on our tours page.
- From the cruise ports: only for long port calls, and only with an operator who knows your all-aboard time and guarantees the return. Amber Cove is a little closer to Punta Rucia than Taino Bay. On a standard 7–8 hour call we would not risk it.
Insider tips
- The cay is tiny and every boat arrives mid-morning. Expect company — it is beautiful, but it is not deserted.
- The speedboat ride can be rough. If you have back problems, are pregnant or get seasick, think twice.
- There is no shade to speak of. Wear a rash vest or T-shirt in the water and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bring a dry bag, a towel and cash for drinks and tips. Leave valuables behind.
- Trips are cancelled when the sea is too rough, more often in winter. Book early in your stay so you can reschedule.
Best tours for Cayo Arena (Paradise Island)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Cayo Arena (Paradise Island):
Full-day trip from US$104 Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour
A long day west along the coast to one of the most photographed spots in the north of the country: a speck of white sand ringed by reef, where you swim and snorkel before a boat ride through the mangroves. At around eleven hours it is realistic for stay-over visitors, not for most cruise calls.
- A sandbar of white sand in the open sea
- Swim and snorkel among colourful sea life
- Boat ride through the mangroves
Day trip from US$95 Puerto Plata: Cayo Arena Tour with Snorkeling and Mangroves
A shorter version of the Cayo Arena day: the white sand island, snorkelling, a mangrove boat ride and a buffet lunch in about seven hours. Still a long outing — cruise passengers should only consider it on a long call and after confirming timings with the operator.
- Snorkel in crystal-clear water at the sand island
- Boat ride through the mangroves
- Buffet lunch included
