Discovering Paradise
Playa Cofresi
Calm bay, fishing-village charm, and Ocean World next door
💧Good Water🌊Calm Current🏖️Golden Sand✨Family-Friendly
Quick Facts
🏝️
Sand Color
Dark gray
💧
Water Color
Deep blue
🌡️
Water Temp
26°C / 79°F
🌊
Current
Calm
⏰
Best Time
All day — calm conditions throughout
📅
Best Months
December - April
💰
Entry Fee
Free
📏
Beach Length
600m
🛟
Lifeguards
No
🚶
Access
Easy
🅿️
Parking
Free parking along the road and near Ocean World
🌴
Shade
Moderate — palm trees and some umbrella rentals
🏘️
Nearest Town
Cofresí
✈️
Nearest Airport
POP - Gregorio Luperón International
⚠️ Warnings:Dark volcanic sand gets very hotWaves can be roughNear Ocean World marine park
🐠 Marine Life:Tropical fishDolphins (at nearby Ocean World)
Playa Cofresi is a pleasant beach west of Puerto Plata, best known as the home of Ocean World Adventure Park. The beach features golden sand, moderate waves, and a mix of resort and local character. The Lifestyle resorts and several smaller hotels line the beachfront.
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
| Month | Temp | Waves | Crowds | Sargassum | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent | ||
| FebNOW | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent | ||
| Mar | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| Apr | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| May | 28° | 0.3-0.5m | Good | ||
| Jun | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Jul | 29° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Aug | 29° | 0.5-1m | Fair | ||
| Sep | 29° | 0.5-1m | Fair | ||
| Oct | 28° | 0.3-0.5m | Good | ||
| Nov | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| Dec | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent |
Water temperature in °C
Moderate north coast waves. The water is warm with a sandy bottom. Swimming is generally safe in the main beach area. Some rocky patches at the edges. Water shoes helpful. No formal lifeguards on the public sections.
About 10 minutes west of Puerto Plata city, 20 minutes from the airport. Taxis from Puerto Plata cost RD$500-800. Guaguas heading west from Puerto Plata pass through the area (RD$50-75).
- Cash: For local restaurants and vendors
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes: For rocky patches
- Kids: If visiting Ocean World Adventure Park
December to April for best weather. Combine a beach day with a visit to Ocean World Adventure Park (admission USD $50-90 depending on package).
- Ocean World offers dolphin encounters, shark feeding, and a tropical bird aviary
- The local restaurants west of the resorts serve Dominican food at authentic prices
- Cofresi is quieter and more local than Playa Dorada if you want a less resort-heavy experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do near Playa Cofresí?
Playa Cofresí is located next to Ocean World Adventure Park, which features dolphin encounters, shark interactions, a tropical bird show, and a casino. The beach itself is a pleasant family-friendly stretch of sand. The nearby Lifestyle resort complex also offers day passes with pool and beach access. Puerto Plata's attractions are just 10 minutes away.
Is Playa Cofresí good for families?
Yes, Playa Cofresí is a solid family beach with moderate wave conditions and a sandy bottom. The proximity to Ocean World makes it easy to combine a beach day with the adventure park. Several all-inclusive resorts in the area cater to families. The beach is not as large as Playa Dorada but tends to be less crowded.
How do I get to Playa Cofresí?
Playa Cofresí is located about 5 km west of Puerto Plata center, roughly a 10-minute drive. The beach is well-signposted from the main coastal road. Public transportation via guaguas or motoconchos from Puerto Plata is cheap and frequent. If coming from the Gregorio Luperón Airport, the beach is about 20 minutes east.
Nearby Beaches
More beaches to explore near Playa Cofresi
Plan Your Beach Day
Get directions, check conditions, and explore more beaches in the area.
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