Ocean World

Playa Cofresí [1] is home to the large and very commercial Ocean World (Playa Cofresí, tel. 809/291-1000, www.oceanworldmarina.com [2], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, ages 13 and up US$55, ages 4–12 US$40, under 4 free). You can snorkel in a tank with tropical fish and a faux (although done quite well) coral reef, visit two aviaries with native and nonnative species of tropical birds, swim in the same pool as a tiger shark (with a glass wall partition), and view stingray and shark feedings.

For additional cost, you can take a step closer to interact with some of the animals. Swim with the dolphins (US$185 per person), have a dolphin “encounter” that involves getting “kisses” and “dancing” with our frisky friends (US$98 per person), or enjoy a sea lion encounter (US$80).

Also on-site are lockers for your personal belongings, a restaurant, and a big Ocean World souvenir shop, of course. You can arrange for pickup and drop-off from your hotel; don’t forget your sunscreen. Reservations (3–6 months in advance) are necessary for the special programs, especially the dolphin swim. Kids who love animals have a lot of fun at Ocean World.

The Ocean World Casino (www.oceanworldcasino.com [3]) has a full range of table games like blackjack, craps, American roulette, and Caribbean poker and a slew of slot machines, as well as a sports bar. If you’re in the area at night and have a sudden desire for a Vegas-like show, catch the Bravissimo (tel. 809/291-2000) show for a tropical dance show with unique and fabulous costumes that you would expect from a Vegas show but won’t get in your all-inclusive nighttime entertainment.