Underwater view of many striped fish swimming in clear turquoise water.

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Cayo Arena

Cayo Arena is a coral sandbar located 90 km west of Puerto Plata.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

The sandbank sits 5 to 6 meters above sea level in La Isabela Bay. There is no natural vegetation on the island, and it sees 500 to 1,000 visitors daily between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Surrounding the sand is a coral reef. Water depths start shallow and reach up to 5 meters.

Wide aerial shot of a small sandy island surrounded by shallow coral reef.

Main Sandbank

1-2 hoursArrive before 10 AM

This is a tiny stretch of powdery white sand surrounded by turquoise water. A few thatched huts provide shade. Claim a spot under a hut early, as they fill quickly when tours arrive.

Small sandbar with several thatched huts and a boat in the foreground.

Shallow Snorkeling Reef

45-60 minutesDepths up to 5m

The immediate coral ring surrounds the island. It holds sergeant majors, yellowtail snappers, and octopus. Bring an underwater camera and float peacefully on the surface.

Top-down aerial view of a sand island with huts and boats anchored around.

Outer Coral Wall (Cabeza del Cayo)

1 hourDepths drop to 30m

This is a deeper dive site at the edge of the coral bank. It features gorgonian corals and potential strong currents. You need to book a scuba diving trip with a local operator.