If you’ve never snorkeled before, don’t worry, Puerto Plata is home to some beautiful coral reefs. Sosua Bay is a popular snorkeling spot that offers warm, Caribbean water, tropical colors, and lots of tropical wildlife. To get started, find out which reefs are closest to the city. Here are some other great snorkeling destinations in Puerto Plata:
Paradise Island
For snorkelers, a trip to the Caribbean isn’t complete without exploring the coral reefs off of Paradise Island, a spit of land off the coast of Puerto Plata. This uninhabited island offers some of the best snorkeling in the country. Just a short distance away from Puerto Plata, you can visit the nearby Monte Cristi National Park. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil place to enjoy lunch or a relaxing atmosphere, Paradise Island has it all.
You can choose from numerous tour operators to get to this idyllic island. If you’re traveling from another city, consider using a tour operator. Tour operators can arrange transportation, accommodations, food, drinks, snorkel gear, tour guides, and access to boats. The drive from Puerto Plata to La Ensenada is about 2.5 hours. From there, the trip to the coral island takes around 40 minutes.
Sosua Beach
If you’re interested in snorkeling in the Caribbean, there are a few places you can visit in Puerto Plata. In Sosua, for example, you can take a trip to the stunning coral reefs. This area offers pristine waters and amazing surface conditions. Sosua is also known for its excellent diving sites and numerous dive centers. You can also spend a day relaxing at the beach and enjoying the sun.
Another popular activity in Puerto Plata is hiking. The Dominican Republic has a vast network of parks and lush nature. There are a number of hiking trails to explore, including the Jamao River, which winds its way through a beautiful forest. You can also go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, depending on your preference. Once you’ve enjoyed the water, be sure to spend some time at one of the many other water sports in Puerto Plata.
Catalina Island
For a day trip from the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic capital, consider visiting Catalina Island. The island is just a few miles off the coast of La Romana. It is also close to Saona Island, a popular snorkeling and diving destination. The island is also home to several dive centers. Whether you want to explore the underwater world of the ocean or take a relaxing boat ride, you’ll find all the amenities you need right here.
If you enjoy diving, don’t miss the chance to explore the world beneath the surface of Catalina Island. You’ll find an incredible diversity of coral species and vibrant reefs on this island, including unique species like yellow trumpet fish. You can even spot some tropical fish and sting rays on the sandy bottom of the island. The dive sites are accessible even for beginners, with safe stops along the way.
Penon Reef
If you’re a fan of diving, the reefs of Puerto Plata are worth a visit. These sites vary in depth from 12m to 40ft, making them perfect for all levels of certification. Dive here to see the differences in marine life between the surface and deeper areas of the Caribbean Sea. The reefs are home to thriving coral gardens and sting rays. You can even see a spotted moray eel or glow-in-the-dark squid.
If you’re new to diving, you may be interested in learning more about the underwater world of Puerto Plata. There are several excellent dive sites in the area, including the popular Penon Reef. Dive sites at Penon include Dos Cocos, La Tortuga, and Aquarium Profundo. Located in a protected area, Penon Reef is a popular site among locals. The reef’s health is renowned, and the dive sites are teeming with colorful fish.
