Cayo Arena Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Cayo Arena. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Cayo Arena, Paradise Island Tour

• Full Day Tour to Paradise Island - Cayo Arena

• Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Plata With Lunch

• Puerto Plata: Island Escape: Cayo Arena & Mangrove Boat Ride

• Key Arena Snorkeling Tour, Lunch, and Mangroves

While it’s technically free to visit Cayo Arena, you’ll need to arrange your own boat to reach the sandbar. Standard day cruises departing from Puerto Plata cost from US$89, while more robust options that feature lunch and a tour of the fauna-rich mangroves cost from US$160.

Yes, Cayo Arena is worth visiting. The sandbank is smack-dab in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, so it provides easy access to coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life. The journey there is also scenic as it takes you through coastal mangroves, and speedboats make the trip fast and fun.

Per one customer who booked the Cayo Arena, Paradise Island Tour, "From start to finish, we had a great experience. The bus trip was exceptional, and the guide was as well. The 7-mile (12-kilometer) speed boat ride was impressive."

Cayo Arena is a speck of an undeveloped coral island and sandbar located within Samana Bay, off the Dominican Republic's north coast. Also known as Paradise Island, it’s a popular day trip destination. Its clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, especially for beginners.

Yes, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Cayo Arena are two of the most popular activities. The water is incredibly clear and home to some of the most abundant marine life in the Dominican Republic. Scuba diving is also a popular activity here and is well-suited to beginners.

Yes, guided tours are a popular way to visit Cayo Arena, with many tours departing from Puerto Plata. Tours typically include round-trip land transfers, transfers to Cayo Arena by speedboat or catamaran from Punta Rucia, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. Some tours include other areas highlights, such as Monte Cristi National Park.

There are no amenities on Cayo Arena. The only island structures are a few rustic thatched huts. There are no restrooms or dining options. Most people visit as part of a guided tour, which may provide lunch and beverages, as well as snorkeling equipment. Some boats may have a restroom.

Since the island has no amenities, you should bring everything you need for the day. Pack sun protection and a hat, as the shade is minimal. Also, bring water, food, and snorkeling or scuba diving equipment. Some guided tours provide food, beverages, and snorkeling equipment.

For the best conditions, visit Cayo Arena between December and February, the dry season. This also coincides with high season, so expect crowds at the island, which is a popular day trip destination. If you visit during hurricane season (August to November), be aware that rough weather may prevent access.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Cayo Arena. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in the Dominican Republic:

• Saona Island

• Bavaro Beach

• Macao Beach

• Los Tres Ojos National Park

• Amber Cove

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in the Dominican Republic.