Why visit Laguna Gri Gri
Laguna Gri Gri is a small mangrove lagoon in the village of Rio San Juan, on the Maria Trinidad Sanchez coast. The boat tour follows freshwater channels lined with mangroves out toward the cliffs, stops at the Cueva de las Golondrinas sea cave, and ends at Playa Caleton beach. It is much quieter than Laguna Dudu or the bigger Cabarete attractions, and remains one of the most peaceful Caribbean lagoon experiences in the country.
Tour options at a glance
| Option | Price | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagoon boat only (at the dock) | $10 to $25 | 1 to 1.5 hours | Independent travelers, drivers |
| Day trip from Puerto Plata | $70 to $120 | 7 to 9 hours | First-time visitors, no rental |
| Combined Gri Gri plus Playa Grande | $85 to $120 | 8 hours | Beach lovers |
| Private boat charter | $120 to $250 | 2 to 4 hours | Families, photographers |
What is included
- Round-trip transport from your Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete hotel
- Boat ride through the mangrove channels with a local captain
- Stop at Cueva de las Golondrinas to hear the swallow colony
- Swim and beach time at Playa Caleton
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Rio San Juan on most full-day options
- Bilingual guide and life jackets
What to bring
- Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Cash for the lagoon entry, drinks at the bar boats and tips
- A waterproof phone case for the cave stop
- Water shoes for the rocky beach edge if you have them
How to book
Most quality day trips from Puerto Plata are sold through Viator with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Browse Gri Gri lagoon options with verified reviews and live availability.
Book a Gri Gri Lagoon tour
Day trips include round-trip transport, the lagoon boat ride and a beach stop. Free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Day trips from Puerto Plata that include Gri Gri Lagoon cost about $70 to $120 USD per person. The lagoon boat itself runs about $10 to $25 per person if you arrive at the Rio San Juan dock independently. Day trips usually include round-trip transport, the lagoon boat ride, a guide, and a beach stop, often at Playa Caleton.
The lagoon boat ride lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and visits the mangrove canals, the Cueva de las Golondrinas sea cave, and usually drops at Playa Caleton beach for swimming before returning to the Rio San Juan dock. A full day trip from Puerto Plata including transport runs 7 to 9 hours total.
You see the mangrove channels of the lagoon, mangrove birds and herons, the Cueva de las Golondrinas limestone cave with its swallow colony, and Playa Caleton, a sheltered beach reachable only by boat or a short walking trail. The full route follows freshwater channels out toward the Atlantic coast.
