Things to do in
Monte Cristi National Park

Monte Cristi National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Puerto Plata, Sosua, or Cabarete, and then make your way by bus to the brilliant white sands of Punta Rucia, 67 kilometers east of Montechristi. Get amazing views of the countryside before you board a speedboat to cross to Cayo Arena.  Be welcomed by the turquoise waters and white sands of the paradise island. Go ashore to sink your toes in the sand and top up your tan. Marvel at the colorful marine life and coral gardens on an optional guided snorkeling tour, and enjoy a selection of fresh fruits and drinks.  Navigate the thick mangrove forest of Monte Cristi National Park by speedboat, and look for the abundant wildlife in the lagoons and channels. Get a feel for island life at a local market before taking the speedboat back to the mainland.

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour

Get amazing views of the countryside before you board a speedboat to cross to Cayo Arena. Be welcomed by the turquoise waters and white sands of the paradise island. Go ashore to sink your toes in the sand and top up your tan. Marvel at the colorful marine life and coral gardens on an optional guided snorkeling tour, and enjoy a selection of fresh fruits and drinks. Navigate the thick mangrove forest of Monte Cristi National Park by speedboat, and look for the abundant wildlife in the lagoons and channels. Get a feel for island life at a local market before taking the speedboat back to the mainland.

Puerto Plata: Day Trip to Cayo Arena Island by Speedboat

Puerto Plata: Day Trip to Cayo Arena Island by Speedboat

MYou will get on a speedboat that will take you to Isla Bonita-Cayo Arena, a journey full of adrenaline, sun, wind and adventure. On the island relax sunbathing in its crystal clear waters or snorkeling in its coral reefs with brightly colored tropical fish. On the way back we will visit the Monte Cristi National Park with its lush green mangroves, an abundance of wildlife and birds, you will learn about the wonders of nature. Once the journey is finished, we will enjoy a delicious typical lunch in Estero Hondo. Where you will have time to shop and bring souvenirs from the Dominican Republic. Itinerary: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

From Puerto Plata: Cayo Arena Private Catamaran Trip & Lunch

From Puerto Plata: Cayo Arena Private Catamaran Trip & Lunch

Discover Cayo Arena, a paradise of coral reefs and tropical fish. Sail on the Ocean King catamaran on this private trip, spending time at Cayo Arena and Monte Cristi National Park. Indulge in a shrimp skewers lunch at Playa Punta Rucia and visit a cigar factory to learn the tricks of the trade. Get picked up from your accommodations and enjoy a scenic road trip through the picturesque countryside to Castillo de la Isabela. When you arrive, climb onboard the Ocean King catamaran, decked out with a solarium and water slide. Tour along the coast of Playa La Ensenada in your catamaran, enjoying Caribbean music and indulging in a few light refreshments. Drop anchor at Cayo Arena and spend around two hours swimming and snorkeling amongst the corals and tropical fish. Set sail to Monte Cristi National Park, feeling the wind in your hair. Look out for wildlife in the lush mangroves of the national park before stopping at Playa Punta Rucia. Land on the beach and savor the taste of freshly cooked shrimp skewers with a Caribbean lunch. Return to your hotel and visit an artisanal cigar factory, observing the process of cigar production and having the chance to buy some souvenirs.

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island & Magroves Tour Private

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island & Magroves Tour Private

Get amazing views of the countryside before you board a speedboat to cross to Cayo Arena. Be welcomed by the turquoise waters and white sands of the paradise island. Go ashore to sink your toes in the sand and top up your tan. Marvel at the colorful marine life and coral gardens on an optional guided snorkeling tour, and enjoy a selection of fresh fruits and drinks. Navigate the thick mangrove forest of Monte Cristi National Park by speedboat, and look for the abundant wildlife in the lagoons and channels. Get a feel for island life at a local market before taking the speedboat back to the mainland.

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island Tour Sosua o Cabarete

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island Tour Sosua o Cabarete

Get amazing views of the countryside before you board a speedboat to cross to Cayo Arena. Be welcomed by the turquoise waters and white sands of the paradise island. Go ashore to sink your toes in the sand and top up your tan. Marvel at the colorful marine life and coral gardens on an optional guided snorkeling tour, and enjoy a selection of fresh fruits and drinks. Navigate the thick mangrove forest of Monte Cristi National Park by speedboat, and look for the abundant wildlife in the lagoons and channels. Get a feel for island life at a local market before taking the speedboat back to the mainland.

Paradise Island Private Tour +Snorkeling +Manatee Sanctuary

Paradise Island Private Tour +Snorkeling +Manatee Sanctuary

The car transfer to Paradise Island takes about 2h from Puerto Plata or 3h from Cabarete. On the way you can admire the beautiful rural landscapes and every day life of the villagers. Once in Punta Rucia you'll take a open speedboat to Paradise Island. After about 10 min of ride you'll stop at the "natural swimming pool" which is a shallow with azur water. You can swim and have some cuba libre served in the ocean, while enjoying the views. Another 10 min of ride and you'll arrive to Paradise Island - a patch of white sand in the middle of the ocean. It's time for coral reef snorkel with your guide. You'll see lots of fish and different corals - it's the best snorkling area in the whole country. Once you'll be back on the island you'll have time for relax, more cuba libre, sunbathing, playing in the ocean and taking amazing pictures. When heading back to the harbor, you'll explore the extense mangrove forest - Monte Cristi National Park. The speedboat will penetrate the labirynth of roots growing directly in the ocean. After a cruise you'll taste some oysters harvested in the morning in this very mangrove forest. Local beach near Punta Rucia is famous among the locals for its fresh fish and seafood. You can have a meal there for about 15$ per person. Langusta is usually about twice as expensive. To complete your tour, discover the Manatee Sanctuary hidden in a bay among the mangrove forests. Even if you don't get to see these skittish marine mammals, the place is full of charm and worth a visit. We're sure you're be happy and satisfied when getting back to your hotel, about 6pm.

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves private Tour

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves private Tour

Choose which of our boats transports you to the fantastic island of White Sands, Turquoise Waters and a fresh breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. Amazing coral reefs and a great variety of colorful fish that you can enjoy with our "Snorkeling". You will also visit the fantastic mangroves in the Montecristi National Park and learn about the wonders of nature. This tour's early start time means you'll have the reef to yourselves before hordes of tourists arrive at Paradise Island. Snorkel among coral gardens filled with tropical fish, or choose to relax on the beach instead. You'll also explore the mangrove forests at Monte Cristi National Park. On the way back, take a peek at the local manatee hangout. Save hours researching the highlights of Paradise Island and enjoy this comprehensive day tour instead. After a convenient pickup, go on a speedboat ride to Paradise Island (also known as Cayo Arena) and see its pristine white sandy beaches and great snorkeling spots. The trip also includes a speedboat ride around the mangrove jungle and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Save time and see the beauty of Paradise Island in a day Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and on a speedboat Curb hunger pangs with a delicious lunch Visit scenic nature spots such as Monte Cristi National Park

Top Attractions in Monte Cristi Province

Experiences in Monte Cristi National Park

Tours in Dominican Republic

Things to do in Dominican Republic

Other Sightseeing Options in Monte Cristi National Park

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What people are saying about Monte Cristi National Park

Overall rating

4.2
(49 reviews)

The Cayo Arena and mangrove tour is an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty with exceptional service. The journey across the open ocean to reach Cayo Arena is nothing short of magical, with stunning views that set the stage for what's to come. Once you arrive, you're greeted by pristine turquoise waters and soft, golden sand—truly a little piece of heaven. The breathtaking scenery will make you fall in love instantly. The tour continues with a visit to the Monte Cristi Mangroves, a must-see for anyone interested in the region's natural wonders. The national park offers a glimpse into the area's rich biodiversity, with lush mangroves and calm waterways. The staff on the tour were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. To top it all off, the lunch provided was superb, perfectly complementing the day's adventures. Highly recommended!

It was absolutely beautiful!!! And an amazing snorkeling experience! The guide was absolutely amazing as well. Me and my partner only speak English and he made sure he explained everything in English as well as Spanish and what not. He went to people that looked lost and made sure they were comforted! I would bring tips because they absolutely deserve it!!

This tour was great. They picked me up at my hotel lobby which was very convenient! The two hours of snorkel time was amazing. We did stop a a cigar factory which wasn't mentioned in the original itinerary. The bus needed to be a bit bigger. I felt like I was sitting on my neighbor. The driver and guide were both great.

Antonio did an awesome job at keeping us entertained with all kinds of knowledge about the Dominican Republic. Paradise Island itself was a beautiful little Island and we saw so many fishes while snorkeling. Food was also awesome, overall a wonderful experience.

Absolutely loved this! So worth the money! We will likely do this again when we come back!!