CAYO ARENA
PARADISE ISLAND.
THEN RIDE HOME.
A tiny coral sandbank in the Atlantic,
off the Dominican Republic's northwest coast.
White sand.
Turquoise water.
Reef and tropical fish.
Most people visit Cayo Arena.
If you kite, you can ride home from it.
From $65 per person · by boat or as a kite downwinder — same price
IT DOESN'T LOOK REAL.
Cayo Arena is tiny — a tidal sandbank that changes with the water.
At low tide, white sand rises from the sea.
At high tide, much of it disappears.
There are no hotels, roads or buildings. Just sand, reef, ocean and sky.
The surrounding shallow reef is home to coral, sponges and tropical fish,
making snorkeling one of the main reasons to come.
ONE LITTLE sandbar.
SEVERAL WAYS TO ENJOY IT.
SNORKEL
Clear, shallow water and colorful reef life.
SWIM
Turquoise water in every direction.
WALK THE SANDBAR
A tiny piece of land surrounded by open ocean.
PHOTOGRAPH IT
White sand, reef and a 360° horizon.
KITE IT
For experienced riders, Cayo Arena becomes the beginning of the adventure.
Perfect for:
Couples
Families
Snorkelers
Photographers
Non-kiters
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Private groups
CAYO ARENA IS BETTER WHEN IT'S QUIET.
The island is small,
and midday can bring several boats at once.
An earlier departure can mean softer light,
calmer water and more space to enjoy the sandbank.
Ask us about the best timing for your day.
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CAYO ARENA AT A GLANCE
Also known as:
Cayo Paraíso / Paradise Island
Location:
Northwest Dominican Republic, between Puerto Plata and Montecristi provinces
Known for:
White sand, turquoise water, coral reef and snorkeling
Access: By boat
Marine life:
Tropical reef fish, coral and other marine life
Kite route:
Cayo Arena → Buen Hombre
Downwinder:
Approximately 14 km
Rider level: Intermediate+
Non-kiters: Welcome
WE KNOW THIS COAST.
We've been operating on the coast since 2013.
That means local knowledge of the wind, water,
routes and timing — and a team that can connect
your boat trip with the rest of your stay.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SMALL GROUPS
BOAT + KITE
NON-KITERS WELCOME
CAYO ARENA: THE PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Where is Cayo Arena?
Cayo Arena, also called Paradise Island, is a small sandbank in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of the Dominican Republic, between Punta Rucia in Puerto Plata province and Playa Buen Hombre in Monte Cristi province. It is about 14 km from Buen Hombre. There is no road, no hotel and no building on it. You get there by boat only.
How do I get to Cayo Arena from Cabarete or Puerto Plata?
Our boat trips start from Playa Buen Hombre. The drive to Buen Hombre is about 3 to 4 hours from Cabarete and a little longer from Puerto Plata. We take reservations from both and can arrange transport with our own van (up to 14 people) or jeep (up to 7 people). Transport is not included in the trip price. It depends on the number of people and is arranged when you book. Kiters at intermediate level and above can ride the 14 km downwinder back to Buen Hombre with the support boat alongside.
What is the best time to visit Cayo Arena?
For the boat trip, mornings are best, all year round. For kitesurfing, go in the afternoon, when the wind is strong and steady.
What is included, and what should I bring?
Snorkel gear is included, and the boat has shade. There are no toilets on the boat or on the sandbank, so plan a stop before you leave. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard or lycra, a hat, water, a towel and a waterproof phone case.
Can you stay overnight on Cayo Arena?
No. There are no hotels or buildings on the sandbank, only sand and reef. Stay in Buen Hombre and visit as a day trip.
Cayo Arena or Grand Grossier?
Both are sandbar day trips on this coast. Cayo Arena is the classic: coral reef, easy snorkeling and a 14 km kite downwinder home. Grand Grossier is more remote, reached by boat only, with shallow flat water for kiting.
Cayo Arena Faq
Still Have Questions?
PLANNING YOUR FIRST KITE TRIP CAN FEEL LIKE A LOT TO FIGURE OUT.
Here are the questions we hear most — and the answers that help you plan with confidence.
CAYO ARENA EN ESPAÑOL
¿Dónde está Cayo Arena?
Cayo Arena, también llamado Isla Paraíso, es un banco de arena en el Atlántico, frente a la costa noroeste de la República Dominicana, entre Punta Rucia (Puerto Plata) y Playa Buen Hombre (Monte Cristi). Está a unos 14 km de Buen Hombre. Tiene arena blanca, agua turquesa y arrecife de coral. No hay carretera, hoteles ni edificios: solo se llega en bote.
¿Cómo llegar a Cayo Arena desde Cabarete o Puerto Plata?
Nuestras excursiones salen de Playa Buen Hombre. El trayecto en carro hasta Buen Hombre dura unas 3 a 4 horas desde Cabarete y un poco más desde Puerto Plata. Recibimos reservas de ambos lugares y organizamos el transporte con nuestra van (hasta 14 personas) o nuestra jeepeta (hasta 7 personas). El transporte no está incluido en el precio de la excursión: depende del número de personas y se acuerda al reservar. Los kiters de nivel intermedio o avanzado pueden volver a Buen Hombre en una travesía de unos 14 km con el bote de apoyo al lado.
¿Cuál es la mejor hora para ir a Cayo Arena?
Para la excursión en bote, lo mejor es la mañana, durante todo el año. Para hacer kitesurf, ve por la tarde, cuando el viento es fuerte y estable.
¿Qué incluye la excursión y qué debo llevar?
El equipo de snorkel está incluido y el bote tiene sombra. No hay baños en el bote ni en el banco de arena, así que ve antes de salir. Lleva protector solar seguro para el arrecife, licra, gorra, agua, toalla y una funda impermeable para el teléfono.
¿Se puede pasar la noche en Cayo Arena?
No. No hay hoteles ni edificios en el banco de arena, solo arena y arrecife. Alójate en Buen Hombre y visita Cayo Arena en una excursión de un día.
¿Cayo Arena o Grand Grossier?
Las dos son excursiones de un día a bancos de arena de esta costa. Cayo Arena es la clásica: arrecife de coral, snorkel fácil y una travesía de 14 km en kitesurf de regreso a Buen Hombre. Grand Grossier es más remoto, solo se llega en bote y tiene agua plana y poco profunda para hacer kite.
¿Cuánto cuesta?
La excursión en bote cuesta desde $65 por persona. El transporte desde Cabarete o Puerto Plata se cotiza aparte, según el número de personas.
