The Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Plata promises an unforgettable day of luxury and natural beauty. Travelers will indulge in a delectable buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and the thrill of snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs. But the true highlights of this excursion lie beyond the catamaran’s deck, where mangrove forests and a floating bar await to captivate the senses. With crystal-clear waters surrounding the experience, this adventure offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Lunch Experiences In Puerto Plata.

About Your Stay

  • A full-day catamaran cruise from Puerto Plata to the stunning Cayo Arena, featuring snorkeling at a vibrant coral reef and a floating bar experience.
  • Includes a delectable buffet lunch with fresh seafood options, unlimited drinks like Champagne, rum, and beer, and round-trip transportation.
  • Opportunity to explore the intricate mangrove forests, home to diverse native wildlife, with expert guides highlighting the unique ecosystem.
  • Suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for individuals with back problems or pregnant women due to the long bus rides.
  • Overall positive customer ratings, with some mixed feedback on drink quality but praise for the scenic views, food, and attentive staff.

Catamaran Cruise Overview

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Catamaran Cruise Overview

The Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise offers a full-day excursion from Puerto Plata to the picturesque Cayo Arena. Aboard a luxurious catamaran, guests will explore mangrove forests and spot native wildlife.

The highlight of the cruise is a stop at a shallow sandbar, where travelers can indulge in a floating bar and sip Champagne. The experience also includes snorkeling at a vibrant coral reef, guided by an experienced professional.

With a delectable buffet lunch featuring lobster (or seafood paella during certain months), unlimited drinks, and roundtrip transportation, this cruise promises an unforgettable day of adventure and relaxation in the Dominican Republic.

Excursion Inclusions

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Excursion Inclusions

On the Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise, travelers enjoy a wealth of inclusions to enhance their experience.

The excursion features a delectable buffet lunch complete with fresh seafood, such as lobster or seafood paella, depending on seasonal availability. Theres some good a glass of Champagne and unlimited drinks, including rum, beer, and soda, throughout the day.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing participants to explore the vibrant coral reef. The round-trip shared transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are also included, along with gratuities, ensuring a seamless and carefree adventure.

Hotel Pickup and Timing

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Hotel Pickup and Timing

Pickup arrangements from hotels across Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosúa, and Playa Dorada ensure convenient access to the Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise. Guests can be collected from their accommodations, and meeting points may be arranged for condominium residents. The excursion departs promptly at 7:00 am, allowing ample time to reach the departure point and begin the full-day adventure.

Pickup Location Departure Time
Puerto Plata 7:00 am
Cabarete 7:15 am
Sosúa 7:30 am
Playa Dorada 7:45 am
Condo Meeting 8:00 am

Suitability and Restrictions

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Suitability and Restrictions

Travelers with certain medical conditions or needs may find the Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise unsuitable. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those requiring wheelchair accessibility.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The minimum drinking age for the unlimited open bar is 18 years.

The cruise has a maximum group size of 99 travelers. While the experience offers beautiful scenery, delicious food, and attentive staff, it’s crucial for guests to consider these restrictions before booking to ensure the tour aligns with their abilities and preferences.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

The Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise has received an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. Travelers have provided positive feedback on the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and attentive staff. While some noted the long bus ride, they deemed the experience worth it. The reviews had mixed opinions on the drink quality, but the unlimited availability was praised. Unfortunately, one cancellation due to safety concerns was reported.

Ratings Positive Negative Mixed
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Mangrove Exploration

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Mangrove Exploration

One of the highlights of the Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise is the opportunity to explore the mangrove forests.

Guests will venture into the intricate web of twisted roots and lush foliage, home to a diverse array of native wildlife.

Skilled guides will point out the unique adaptations of mangrove trees, which thrive in the brackish waters.

Travelers can spot colorful birds, reptiles, and crustaceans inhabiting this fragile ecosystem.

The serene and tranquil environment offers a chance to disconnect from the outside world and take in the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.

This mangrove exploration is a truly captivating and educational experience for all who participate.

Floating Bar and Champagne

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Floating Bar and Champagne

At the heart of the Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise, guests can indulge in a floating bar experience complete with chilled Champagne.

As the catamaran reaches a shallow sandbar, the crew sets up a floating bar, offering an array of beverages, including the signature Champagne.

Guests can sip on their drinks while wading in the calm, turquoise waters, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the sandbar and the nearby mangrove forests.

This unique and memorable experience allows travelers to truly enjoy the serene island atmosphere, creating lasting memories of their time in the Dominican Republic.

Snorkeling at Coral Reef

Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise From Puerto Plata With Lunch - Snorkeling at Coral Reef

After indulging in the floating bar and Champagne experience, guests can now venture into the vibrant underwater world surrounding Cayo Arena. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable snorkel instructor, they’ll explore a stunning coral reef teeming with diverse marine life.

What to See Description
Colorful Coral Vibrant hues of red, yellow, and blue coral formations
Tropical Fish Schools of parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish
Sea Turtles Graceful sea turtles gliding through the clear waters
Stingrays Spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays on the seafloor
Shipwrecks Remnants of historic shipwrecks for an added underwater adventure

This immersive snorkeling excursion promises an unforgettable encounter with the natural wonders of Cayo Arena’s marine ecosystem.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

The cruise does not allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks. All-inclusive packages with buffet lunches, Champagne, and an open bar are provided as part of the excursion. Outside items are generally not permitted on board.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The cruise does not have a minimum number of participants required. The maximum group size is 99 travelers, allowing for a flexible and enjoyable experience regardless of the number of people in the group.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Menu?

Yes, travellers can request vegetarian or special dietary menus. The tour operator accommodates various dietary requirements when notified in advance, ensuring all guests have an enjoyable and inclusive experience.

Is There Storage Space Available for Personal Belongings?

Yes, there’s ample storage space available for personal belongings on the cruise. Passengers can safely store their items in designated areas of the catamaran during the excursion.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Island After the Cruise?

Travelers can’t extend their stay on the island after the cruise. The excursion is a full-day round-trip experience from Puerto Plata, and there’s no option to stay behind on Cayo Arena once the catamaran departs.

Booking Your Stay

The Cayo Arena Catamaran Cruise offers an unforgettable day of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. Indulge in a delectable buffet, unlimited drinks, and the thrill of snorkeling vibrant coral reefs. Explore enchanting mangrove forests, unwind at a floating bar, and bask in the crystal-clear waters of the Dominican Republic. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, making it an excursion not to be missed.