Snorkeling in Puerto Plata: Private Catamaran with BBQ

Two reef stops and a full spread on the water

A private catamaran snorkeling trip in Puerto Plata carries your group to two reef sites with snorkeling equipment and a guide, then returns along the coast for an onboard BBQ, rum, beer and music. The 38-foot boat departs from Sosua beach; hotel pickup is included. Morning (9am–1pm), afternoon (1pm–5pm) or sunset (5pm–9pm) departures run daily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private catamaran tour and snorkeling

• Meet crew at Sosua beach
• Board 38 feet catamaran
• Snorkel at first reef
• Snorkel at second reef
• Cruise along coastline
• Enjoy BBQ, drinks, and music

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Sosua beach with your group and a crew ready to move. Two stops at different reefs give you time to snorkel or swim; a guide is there if you want to explore the underwater world of the Dominican Republic, and the equipment comes with the boat. Between the water and the return to shore, the crew sets up a BBQ on board, with rum, beer and music running the whole way back along the coast.

You pick the timing that fits your day: morning gets you back by early afternoon, the afternoon slot runs into early evening, and the sunset cruise stretches into the night. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport to Sosua. The boat is private to your group—friends and family only—which means the pace and the stops are yours to set.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• onboard BBQ.
• rum and beer.
• music and dancing on the return cruise.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eric Tours International

Is this one for you?The four-hour window on the water leaves your morning or afternoon open for other plans—book the time slot that fits what else you want to do in Puerto Plata that day.

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Top questions

How long is the snorkeling in Puerto Plata catamaran trip?

The catamaran runs for four hours on the water, with two separate reef stops for snorkeling or swimming. Total time from pickup to drop-off is around five hours.

What's included in the catamaran snorkeling experience?

Snorkeling equipment, a snorkel guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, an onboard BBQ, rum, beer and music are all included in the price.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No prior experience is required. A snorkel guide is on board, and you can choose to swim instead of snorkel at either reef stop if you prefer.

Can I bring children on the catamaran?

Yes. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and small children can ride on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels.

Which departure time works best for a half-day in Puerto Plata?

The morning departure (9am–1pm) leaves the rest of your day free. The afternoon slot (1pm–5pm) works if you have the morning elsewhere, and the sunset cruise (5pm–9pm) is best if you want the evening on the water.