Aerial shot of a small sandy island with huts and many tourists enjoying.

Explore

Monte Cristi National Park & Estero Hondo

Most Cayo Arena boat tours include a detour through Monte Cristi National Park. The protected area features 81 square kilometers of mangrove wetlands and marine habitats.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Tour operators use speedboats to navigate the waterways surrounding Punta Rucia. The route wraps through subtropical mangrove forests before heading back to the mainland.

These stops add about 45 to 60 minutes to your boat transit. Keep your electronics in a waterproof dry bag to protect them from the ocean spray.

Aerial view of Cayo Arena with straw huts, boats, and people swimming

Mangrove Channels

30-45 minutesSpeedboat access

Speedboats navigate through a protected labyrinth of subtropical mangrove forests. Look up into the trees to spot nesting herons and frigatebirds.

Top-down aerial view of a small sandy island with huts and a boat

Natural Pool (Piscinas Naturales)

20 minutesWaist-deep water

Many captains stop at this shallow lagoon on the return trip. The water here is waist-deep and perfectly clear. Passengers can stand in the middle of the sea to take photos.

Aerial view of a small sandbar with boats and clear blue water

Estero Hondo Marine Mammal Sanctuary

Rare manatee sightings

This protected area is a known habitat for West Indian manatees. Sightings are rare due to the noise of the boat engines. Watch the calm lagoon waters closely just in case one surfaces to breathe.