From $1750Sosua Beach
What it is
Sosua Beach is the sheltered, golden-sand cove 25 minutes east of Puerto Plata that doubles as the area's main snorkelling spot. A reef arcs across the mouth of the bay, calming the water and drawing tropical fish into the shallows, which makes it the easiest place on the north coast to snorkel without a boat. Behind the sand, a strip of open-air restaurants, dive shops and craft vendors fills the low cliff, and the town carries an unusual history as a refuge for Jewish families who fled Europe in the late 1930s and founded the local dairy and smallgoods trade.
How to visit
Sosua is reachable by a short taxi or as a beach stop on many city and boat tours. Catamaran trips from Puerto Plata anchor over the reef here, but you can also swim out from the sand with your own mask. Rent a lounger and umbrella for a small fee, and arrive before mid-morning to claim a good spot before tour groups and cruise crowds fill the bay. Vendors can be persistent, so set a price before accepting anything, and keep valuables with you because the beach gets busy.
Hours & practical info
Public beach, open all day. Loungers, snorkel gear and water sports rented on site. Free to enter.
Insider tips
- ✓ Bring or rent a mask, the reef across the bay mouth is the easiest snorkel on the coast.
- ✓ Arrive before mid-morning to beat the tour groups and cruise crowds.
- ✓ Agree a price with vendors and loungers before you accept anything.
Tours featuring Sosua Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you snorkel at Sosua Beach without a tour?
- Yes. A reef arcs across the bay and you can swim out from the sand with your own or rented mask. Many catamaran tours also anchor over the same reef for a guided snorkel stop.
- How do you get to Sosua Beach from Puerto Plata?
- It is about 25 minutes east by taxi, or included as a beach stop on many city and boat tours. The drive follows the coast road through Cofresi and Costa Dorada.