Snorkeling in Puerto Plata: catamaran cruise with two reef stops

Two reef stops and a catamaran lunch, without arranging the boat

A catamaran snorkeling cruise from Puerto Plata takes you to two different reef sites off Sosua Beach, where you descend with provided snorkel gear and vest to see the underwater landscape of the Dominican coast. Hotel pickup is included from Puerto Plata, Cabarete or Sosua; the crew meets you at the beach with a 52-foot Lagoon catamaran, and the day runs about five hours from pickup to return. BBQ, drinks and a small pool on board round out the morning and afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise with snorkeling and lunch

• Pick up from Puerto Plata hotels
• Pick up from Cabarete hotels
• Pick up from Sosua hotels
• Start tour from Sosua beach
• Snorkel at first reef
• Snorkel at second reef
• Cruise along the coast
• Enjoy BBQ and drinks on board
• Disembark at Sosua beach
• Return to hotels

The Experience

You get picked up from your hotel in Puerto Plata, Cabarete or Sosua and brought to Sosua Beach, where the catamaran and crew are waiting. The boat is a 52-foot Lagoon — wide and stable, with nets strung across the bow where you can sit in the sun and wind while the boat moves between the two snorkeling stops. Snorkel gear and a vest are provided, so you arrive ready to go.

The two reef stops are where the day opens up. You drop into the water at each site and swim over the reefs to see what lives there; the crew stays on board, and you decide how long to stay down and how far to venture. Between the stops, the boat cruises along the coastline. Back on deck, a BBQ serves chicken wings, pork chops and sausages, with soda, bottled water, rum and local beer available throughout the day. There's a small pool on board if you want to rinse off or cool down without getting back in the ocean.

The whole day runs about five hours from the time you're picked up until you're back at your hotel. A guide speaks English and Spanish and is there if you have questions about what you're seeing underwater or how to use the gear. The boat has a restroom on board. Children from age three are welcome, though infants need to sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Puerto Plata, Cabarete or Sosua.
• snorkel gear and vest.
• two reef stops with time to swim and snorkel.
• BBQ lunch with chicken, pork and sausages.
• soda, bottled water, rum and local beer.
• use of the small pool on board.
• restroom access.
• English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eric Tours International

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to snorkel two reefs in one trip without renting gear or navigating logistics yourself — the catamaran handles both, leaving your afternoon free.

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Top questions

Do I need snorkeling experience to go?

No experience is required. Snorkel gear and a vest are provided, and the crew is on board to help you get comfortable with the equipment. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What's the pickup situation from my hotel?

Hotel pickup is included from Puerto Plata, Cabarete or Sosua. You'll be collected in the morning and brought to Sosua Beach, where the catamaran departs. The crew brings you back to your hotel after the snorkeling and lunch.

How long does the whole thing take?

The day runs about five hours from hotel pickup to return, including the boat ride to the reefs, two snorkeling stops, the cruise along the coast, and the BBQ lunch on board.