The Gri-Gri lagoon is located near Rio San Juan, on the magnificent Costa Verde, which links the province of Puerto Plata to the Samana peninsula. Take a boat from the small makeshift port and sail for 1 km through the mangroves, past the magnificent mangrove trees that grow in the water and far above the water level, and then along the coast to some of the region's most picturesque beaches, such as Playa Caleton.
Golf, Atlantic beaches, mangroves and lagoons at Rio San Juan
Halfway between the Amber Coast (Cofresi, Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete) and the Samana peninsula, the Rio San Juan region is off-centre and difficult to access, between the Puerto Plata and Samana airports. It is therefore unspoilt, and there are few hotels. We are on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, 80 km east of Puerto Plata airport and 130 km west of Samana airport. Here, it's not the Caribbean Sea, but the Atlantic Ocean, with its waves ideal for surfers and kite surfers. The two nearby centres of interest are the superb Playa Grande beach and the Gri-Gri lagoon.
The superb wild coastline of Rio San Juan
- © Tamara Diaz Art / Shutterstock
Punta Cana
✈️ Fly to Punta Cana!
Fly to Punta Cana to enjoy its dream beaches and unique atmosphere.
From
£550
/ AR
Our favourite hotel in Rio San Juan
Punta Cana
Las Puertas del Paraíso - Punta Cana
Las Puertas del Paraíso is just a 7-minute drive from Playa Río San Juan beach. The bungalows are decorated in a way that combines the rustic feel of thatched roofs with modern furnishings.
From
£88
Gri-Gri Lagoon
Discover the mangrove swamps in the heart of the Gri-Gri lagoon by boat
- © Tpena / ShutterstockThe lagoon is also a paradise for ornithologists and birdwatchers. Along the way, you'll see an abandoned fishing boat, white statues of Taino Indians, a natural swimming pool and a swallow cave. Another sight not to be missed is a rock in the shape of a face.
Colourful boats in the Gri-Gri lagoon
- © Sandra Foyt / ShutterstockPractical information
📍 Location: it's HERE on Google Maps
👛 Price: around $70 depending on the time and activities of the chosen excursion.
⏰ Times and duration of visit: the excursion lasts approximately one hour.
🚌 Getting there: Río San Juan can be reached by bus from Santo Domingo. It is also possible to get there by car, particularly by taking Route 5 west from Puerto Plata. It's a 2-hour drive.
👉 Don't forget! Take a mask and snorkel to swim in the heavenly waters of the natural pool! In the mangrove, take your binoculars to observe the many birds hiding in the trees.
Editor's tip
Avoid Saturdays and Sundays - they're too crowded!
Playa Grande
On the Costa Verde, near Rio San Juan, one of the country's most beautiful beaches and the longest on the north coast lives up to its name. Fringed by coconut palms, it offers a wide stretch of golden sand stretching for several kilometres, where you can get away from it all. A favourite weekend destination for Dominicans, it remains accessible to visitors who come from far and wide to enjoy its translucent waters. Restaurants, bars and musicians liven up the central area.
Not too many tourists here, just locals enjoying a good local beer. "Beware of falling coconuts, drink at your own risk" says the sign above the bar...
🍴 Tiburón Drinks
Tiburón Drinks is a very pleasant beach bar with a perfect location at the end of Playa Grande. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the views of the beach. Wait until the sun goes down to take in the sights.
📍 Location: 5 Aut, 33000, Dominican Republic
⏰ Opening times: open 24 hours a day
Practical information
When should you visit Rio San Juan and Playa Grande?
To get the most out of the destination, it's best to visit Rio San Juan between May and September. Temperatures vary greatly in this area. The average is around 26°C throughout the year. However, from June to September, there is relatively little rain and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming and enjoying the seaside. The sea regularly reaches 25°C.
Documents and visa
To enjoy a nature break in Rio San Juan, Punta Cana, you will need a valid passport, as for the rest of the Dominican Republic.
Health
No vaccinations are required, but a D-T-Polio update is recommended, as is anti-malarial treatment. Always drink bottled water and avoid raw vegetables and milk. Beware of heat shock between the over 30°C outside and the 15°C air-conditioned rooms, bars and restaurants.
Language
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, but as Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination, you'll have no trouble finding English- and French-speaking interlocutors.
Currency
The currency is the Dominican peso (RDS). There are cash dispensers in the reception areas of major hotels. Most of the time, you can pay in US dollars, and sometimes in euros in European hotel chains. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted. Lastly, prices do not include VAT. In this case, you must add 16% tax, to which it is a good idea to add a 5-10% tip.
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