Punta Cana: Parasailing & Snorkeling Cruise with Open Bar

Summary

Parasail high above bavaro beach then snorkel reefs and float with a cold drink in hand

You’ll soar high above Bavaro Beach on a parasailing flight, then snorkel among bright coral reefs with expert guides before relaxing in Punta Cana’s natural pool with unlimited drinks and snacks. Expect laughter, music, and those little moments you’ll remember long after your feet touch dry land again.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you’re not scared of heights?" José grinned at me as he clipped the harness. I laughed, but honestly, my stomach was doing somersaults. Bavaro Beach looked so bright it almost hurt my eyes, all that white sand and turquoise water. When the boat picked up speed and my feet left the deck, I felt this weird mix of terror and total freedom — salt air in my nose, wind tugging at my hair, everything below shrinking into toy-sized palm trees and umbrellas. I tried to wave at the crew but mostly just clung to the straps. That view though… I still think about how small everything looked from up there.

Back on the catamaran (legs a bit wobbly), music was already thumping — some merengue track I didn’t know but everyone seemed to. The crew handed out fruity drinks before we even finished drying off. Our guide, Lianna, tossed us masks and fins for snorkeling near this patch of coral she called “the aquarium.” She wasn’t kidding; schools of yellow fish darted around us like confetti. At one point a kid next to me squealed through his snorkel because a parrotfish came so close he could’ve touched it. The water was warm enough that I never wanted to get out.

We drifted over to this shallow natural pool where everyone just kind of floated around holding plastic cups, laughing at nothing in particular. A guy named Miguel kept refilling drinks from a floating bar — I tried some local rum punch that tasted like vacation in a glass (maybe too much). There were little snacks too, tropical fruit cut up by one of the crew who somehow managed not to drop anything into the sea. Sun kept coming and going behind clouds, but nobody seemed to care about the weather by then.

It’s funny — I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that adrenaline earlier. Something about being surrounded by strangers who suddenly felt like friends? Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip in Punta Cana that mixes parasailing with snorkeling and just plain floating around with good people… this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Parasailing and snorkeling cruise

• Travel from Punta Cana hotel
• Receive parasailing safety overview
• Parasail above Bavaro Beach
• Board double-decker catamaran
• Snorkel coral reefs with divers
• Swim in natural pool
• Enjoy floating bar and entertainment
• Return safely to shore
• Travel back to hotel

Top questions

How high do you go during parasailing in Punta Cana?

You’ll fly up to 500 feet above Bavaro Beach during the parasailing part of the tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this cruise experience?

Yes, roundtrip transportation from your Punta Cana hotel is included.

Are drinks included on the catamaran cruise?

Yes, there’s an open bar with unlimited national drinks throughout the cruise.

What age can kids join this Punta Cana snorkeling tour?

The minimum age to attend is 2 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult until 17.

Is lunch provided on this excursion?

No full lunch is provided but you’ll get snacks and tropical fruits onboard.

How deep is the water for snorkeling?

The snorkeling area has depths between 2 to 4 meters (about 6–13 feet).

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is snorkel equipment provided or do I need my own?

All necessary snorkel equipment is provided by the crew during your cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Punta Cana, all snorkel gear for exploring coral reefs, snacks and fresh tropical fruits served onboard, unlimited national drinks from an open bar (even at a floating bar in the natural pool), plus music and entertainment led by a lively local crew before heading back comfortably at the end.