Cofresí is a curved beach bay about five kilometres west of Puerto Plata, named after the Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí, who is said — on little evidence — to have hidden treasure along this coast. Villas and resorts climb the hillside behind it, and at its western end stands Ocean World Adventure Park, one of the largest marine parks in the Caribbean, with a marina and casino attached.
Ocean World is a full-day attraction: shows, a man-made snorkelling reef, an aviary, a walk-through rainforest and a range of paid animal "encounters" and swims, above all with dolphins. It is popular with families and sold by every cruise line. It is also, like all captive-dolphin attractions, criticised by animal-welfare organisations. We describe what is there and leave the choice to you.
Top things to do at Ocean World & Cofresí
Spend the day at Ocean World
A general day pass covers the shows and exhibits, the tropical reef pool where you snorkel among fish, the bird aviary and the park’s beach and pool areas. Lunch is included with some tickets. Arrive at opening time to fit everything in.
Paid animal programmes
Dolphin encounters and swims, and similar programmes with other animals, are sold as upgrades with strict time slots. If you book one, read the age, height and health rules carefully. If you would rather not support them, the general pass can be enjoyed without.
Cofresí beach
The public beach is a pleasant, fairly quiet crescent of sand with a few local restaurants. Waves can be stronger here than at Playa Dorada; it is better for a walk and a cold drink than for long swims on rough days.
How to get to Ocean World & Cofresí
- From Taino Bay: about 10–15 minutes west by taxi.
- From Amber Cove: also about 10–15 minutes — Cofresí lies between the two ports.
- With a ticket: some tickets include hotel or port transfers and some do not; check before booking. Options are listed on our tours page.
Insider tips
- Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes; lockers are available.
- Photos taken by park staff are sold separately and are not cheap; personal cameras may be restricted during animal programmes.
- Weekends and days with several ships in port are busiest.
- If animal welfare matters to you, consider the Damajagua waterfalls or a snorkelling trip in Sosúa Bay instead.
Best tours for Ocean World & Cofresí
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ocean World & Cofresí:
Entry ticket from US$79 Puerto Plata: Ocean World Adventure Park Day Pass
A full-day ticket to the marine park at Cofresí, a short drive west of Taino Bay: shows, a tropical reef, exotic birds and a rainforest walk. It is a big, busy family attraction — read our notes on animal attractions before you decide.
- Full-day access to the shows and the tropical reef
- Feed exotic birds and walk through a rainforest
- Dolphin shows
Entry ticket from US$189 Puerto Plata: Ocean World Dolphin Swim
Ocean World’s in-water dolphin programme, held in what the park describes as the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world. We list it because many visitors ask for it; captive dolphin programmes are controversial, so read up and decide for yourself.
- In-water programme with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin
- Takes place in the park’s large man-made dolphin habitat
- Learn about the animals
