Ocean World Adventure Park

Ocean World is a marine park on the shore at Cofresí, just west of Puerto Plata, built around one of the largest man-made dolphin lagoons anywhere. A Day Pass covers the shows and exhibits (dolphins, sea lions, tropical birds, shark feeding), snorkelling in a reef aquarium, the Pirate's Pool and water slides, a beach lagoon with loungers, and lunch. It also includes return transport from Puerto Plata hotels, with a surcharge from Sosúa and Cabarete. The park is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

Animal programmes are booked on top of, or instead of, the pass. The Dolphin Swim is 20 minutes in deep water ending with a boogie-board ride pushed by a dolphin. You must swim, be six or older and at least 114 cm, and wear a life jacket. The Encounter is in shallow water for non-swimmers, and there are sea lion, nurse shark and capybara sessions too. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your slot.

The park is cashless, so bring a card. Phones and cameras stay in a locker during animal sessions (photos are sold afterwards), and drinks are extra.