Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Cayo Paraiso (Paradise Island) during your holiday in the Dominican Republic. Enjoy a day of pure relaxation as you soak up the sun on unspoilt beaches and snorkel in crystal clear turquoise lagoons. This is one of the most idyllic spots on the North coast.
Your day begins by travelling through lush tropical countryside to the small fishing village of Punta Rusia on the north west of the island. A speedboat will be waiting here to whisk you across the sparkling Caribbean waters to Cayo Paraiso, the Dominican Republic’s only coral island. This stunning natural sandbank is encircled by a spectacular coral reef, which offers some of the best snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. Spend time relaxing on powdery white sands and swimming in cystalline turquoise waters, whilst marvelling at the beautiful scenery all around you.
As its name suggests, Cayo Paraiso really is the epitome of paradise. Discover the Caribbean’s majestic undersea beauty as you snorkel amongst vibrant corals of all sizes, shapes and colours. An abundance of exotic marine species inhabit these warm tropical waters: the beauty and diversity will take your breath away. Watch schools of brightly-coloured exotic fish dart in and out of the reefs and look out for turtles, spotted eels, starfish, stingrays and many more exciting sea creatures on this unforgettable adventure.
The next part of the tour will introduce you to the beautiful Montecristi National Park (Parque Nacional Monte Cristi), located on the north-western tip of the Dominican Republic. Extending from the borders of Haiti to Punta Rucia in the Dominican Republic, this beautiful national park comprises coastal lagoons, beaches, sub-tropical dry forest, coral reefs and dense mangrove swamps, all of which are important habitats for indigenous flora and fauna.
The Dominican Republic encourages and supports eco-tourism as part of sustainable community development and Montecristi National Park is a prime example. The park is a haven for over 160 bird species, including flamingos, herons, brown pelicans, American oystercatchers and boobies, as well as reptiles such as lizards, crocodiles and sea turtles. Get your cameras ready for some wonderful photo opportunities of both the wildlife and landscapes.
One of the highlights of Montecristi is El Morro, a 900 ft high limestone mesa that towers over a beautiful sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. Several tiny offshore islands known as Los Siete Hermanos (The Seven Brothers) can also be viewed from this point. These picturesque cays are a haven for large sea turtles which come ashore here to lay their eggs every year.
A delicious picnic lunch will be served on a secluded beach before we make our way back to Puerta Plata. This excursion is a wonderful introduction to the Dominican Republic’s breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife.
Tour includes: boat tour, breakfast, snorkeling equipment, lunch and beverages.
