VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves worth booking?
VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves is a 11-hour experience in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, from $159 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (11)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $159 per person
The VIP tour to Paradise Island starts early in the morning because we like to get to the island before all the other tourists arrives. It is an amazing feeling to be alone on the island. This tour is a great way to spen
What you get
About this experience
The VIP tour to Paradise Island starts early in the morning because we like to get to the island before all the other tourists arrives. It is an amazing feeling to be alone on the island. This tour is a great way to spend with your family and friends. The pick up time is at 5:30 am from Cabarete, 6:00 am from Sosua and at 6:30 am from Puerto Plata. First we drive to Punta Rucia and from there with a speed boat to " Cayo Arena " ( the local name of Paradise Island ), where turquoise water and white sand will welcome you. On the Paradise Island you will get fresh fruits and drinks. Discover the bright colorful reef with all kinds of fishes on our snorkeling tour, or just enjoy the sun and the beach at this beautiful place. Before lunch we visit the national park of Monte Cristi with its mangroves. On the way back we will make a stop at Playa Estero Hondo to have look at the Manatees ( sea cows ).
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- National Park fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Driver/guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Beverages
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Puerto Plata Province
You will get picked up from your hotel in Cabarete, Sosua or Puerto Plata. The tour starts early in the morning so we arrive to Paradise Island before all the other regular tour boats arrives. We drive to Punta Rucia.
120 minutes here
Playa Ensenada
At Playa Ensenada the speed boat is waiting to take you to Paradise Isalnd.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Paradise Island & The Mangroves (Cayo Arena)
Cayo Arena is the local name of Paradise Island. Here you will get fresh fruits and drinks. Snorkeling gear is provided and a guided snorkeling tour. After the visit on Paradise Island you go through the mangroves with the speed boat. We make a stop so that you can jump in the water.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Playa Ensenada
Lunch will be served by the beach front.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Puerto Plata Province
On the way back we make a stop at Estero Hondo to have a look at the manatees
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eric Tours International
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best snorkeling
From start to finish this tour is outstanding! The island is tiny but the snorkeling is outstanding, best I’ve had. There are hundreds of species to see. The water is cristal clear and the temp is perfect. The bus ride is a bit long but I enjoyed seeing DR country side.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Glad to hear that you enjoyed VIP tour to Paradise Island & the Mangroves
via Tripadvisor
Expandable
The trip was a bit long, the food wasn't good, the bus broke down on the way back and the snorkeling equipment needed replacing. When this was mentioned, the staff on site were annoyed. The island itself is very small, but really beautiful to look at. Drinks weren't provided on the trip until shortly before the end. The trip through the mangroves was also quite nice.
Response from the operator: Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. Nur zur Erinnerung: Sie sind auf eine Gruppentour nach Paradise Island umgestiegen, die sich ein wenig von der VIP-Tour unterscheidet. Die Insel ist eine Sandbank und die Größe der Insel ändert sich aufgrund von Wellen und Strömungen.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Lovely experience
To get to punta rucia was like 1-1:30 hr ride then we got into speed boat 25min ride to paradise island (Cayo de arena) were we had some drinks snacks and we’re able to do some snorkeling and that on the way back we pass by the mangroves. Staff was great and snacks were good!
Response from the operator: Thanks for your feedback! It is very appreciated.
via Viator
A good time was had by all
First you need to realize that it is about a 2 1/2-hour bus ride from Puerto Plata to the boat and an all-day trip. Leave your shoes behind and board and you get free drinks and snacks on a short ride over beautiful water to a sand bar where you can snorkel over reefs and see fish. The day we went the weather turned cloudy and the wind picked up and rained a little. Was pretty good, but I saw more fish at Turks and Caicos. Then more drinks and time on the beach before the trip back. Stopped for more drinks in the water at a shallow sand bar, which could have been better, because it was pretty windy by then and started to rain. Then cruise the mangroves looking for manatees (we didn't see any), before having lunch with lobster back at the Paradise. Then bus ride home. Definitely recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your feedback!
via Tripadvisor
Paradise was a paradise
We booked this tour through our resort, Cofresi Palm. This excursion DID NOT disappoint in ANYWAY! The bus ride to the excursion was a little over an hour, but was very scenic. The staff on this excursion were all AMAZING, Jose, the on board photographer took amazing pictures. You pay for them up front, then he sends you a link to download them later. VERY RELIABLE and TRUSTWORTHY!! Jason was our.. or should I say MY bartender!! LOL.. He was on the ball and quick to refill your drink and get you another one. He swam us around Paradise island, which is a natural reef. He had food in a bottle and was feeding the fish as we snorkelled along. I could NOT count the amount of fish. At one point he swam down a good 20 feet, and slowly came back up to the surface feeding the fish along the way.. IT WAS SPECTACULAR!! I highly recommend this. Once back on the mainland we were treated to an AMAZING lunch buffet. I am NOT a huge fan of lobster, never have been. The lobster they served at the buffet was mouth watering and this comes from a guy who isn't crazy about lobster!! jussaying. thank you for an amazing day and thank you to my new friend Jason for taking care of us... MUCHAS GRACIAS AMIGO!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your feedback!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puerto Plata.
How much does VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves cost?
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Prices start at $159 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puerto Plata usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puerto Plata is not rushed.
Is VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Puerto Plata, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puerto Plata can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puerto Plata and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does VIP tour to Paradise Island & The Mangroves start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puerto Plata within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Puerto Plata?
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On Outty we rank every Puerto Plata experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Monkeyland and Zipline Adventure from Puerto Plata, Monkeyland Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata Highlights City Tours from amber cove and Taino bay. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Plata?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Puerto Plata?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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