CAYO ARENA

Cayo Arena, from its original name Cayo Paraíso, is an essential visit of the north coast. Located at 20 min of boat of Punta Rucia, it is a small isolated sand bank in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, protected by a coral barrier. Its size varies according to the tides; it is advisable to go there at low tide, when the island is larger and the beach more beautiful. On the beach, 2 cane roofs are installed to provide some shade. The surrounding water is calm, turquoise and crystal clear, and the sea bed is spectacular. The name of Paraíso has never been so justified! With the help of a mask (usually provided with the transport), you can admire the perpetual ballet of tropical fish in an explosion of colors. The corals are not to be outdone, forming a veritable underwater forest whose diversity amazes. The corals are (for the moment) in a good state of conservation, but the increasing number of visitors does not bode well for the future. During the high season, up to 500 people crowd the island, which is barely larger than a tennis court. Our advice: sleep in Punta Rucia and negotiate to leave early in the morning, so you will have the island and its seabed all to yourself, and the sensation for a few hours of having reached paradise.

The association of fishermen Astrapuca (+1 809 931 8626) offers tours to Cayo Arena (1 000 pesos / person - minimum 3 people). The tour lasts about 2 hours and includes a tour of the mangroves and a snorkeling stop.