Laguna Gri Gri
Manglares, Cuevas Marinas y
Tours en Barco 2026

Laguna Gri Gri is a mangrove lagoon in the village of Rio San Juan, on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Local boats follow freshwater channels lined with mangroves, stop at the Cueva de las Golondrinas sea cave and end at Playa Caleton beach for swimming. A relaxed and scenic boat tour.

Laguna Gri Gri is in the town of Rio San Juan on the North Coast. From Puerto Plata it is about 1.5 hours east by car. From Cabarete about one hour east. Most visitors book a day trip with transport included or arrive by car at the lagoon dock in town.

The lagoon boat tour at the Rio San Juan dock costs about $10 to $25 per person. Day trips from Puerto Plata that include round-trip transport, the lagoon ride and a beach stop cost about $70 to $120 per person.

Yes. Boats are licensed by the local cooperative, life jackets are provided and the lagoon is calm freshwater. The Atlantic-side stop at Playa Caleton can have light surf, so swim with care if you are not strong in waves. Children of all ages are welcome.

Bring cash (Dominican pesos and small bills) for the dock fee, drinks at the floating bars and tips. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, towel, and a waterproof phone case for the cave stop. Water shoes help on rocky beach edges.

Nearby attractions include Playa Caleton (5 min by boat), Playa Grande (15 min east), Playa Preciosa (5 min), Cabarete Beach (1 hour west), Sosua Bay (1.5 hours west) and Mount Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata. The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are about 2 hours west.

Boats run every day, roughly 8 AM to 4 PM, weather permitting. The best time to visit is on weekday mornings for the calmest water and fewest visitors. Weekends can be busy with Dominican families on day trips.

The dry season (December to April) offers the best weather. The lagoon is open year-round. Arrive early in the morning for the calmest water and fewest visitors. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.