Punta Cana: Private Snorkel Cruise & Virgin Beach with Drinks

Summary

Snorkeling Punta Cana’s coast, cocktails on a quiet beach, laughter with locals

You’ll start at Bavaro Beach with your local guide before cruising Punta Cana’s coast for snorkeling at Cabeza de Toro and relaxing at a secluded virgin beach. Sip tropical drinks straight from coconuts, snack on fresh fruit, and laugh along with your crew as you dance back toward shore—open bar included. Perfect if you want something real with friends or family.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the weird contrast—one minute we were dodging sunburned crowds at Bavaro Beach, then suddenly our guide Luis was waving us over with this big grin. He led us past the noise to this shaded little cabin that smelled faintly of sunscreen and coconut oil. I was half-distracted by the music from a nearby food cart (bachata, I think?) while we signed some quick forms. Luis cracked a joke about my Spanish (“muy bien… casi”), which made everyone relax right away.

Once we got onto the catamaran for our private snorkel cruise, things felt different. The sea looked almost fake—so blue it hurt your eyes. The crew handed out gear (mine still had a bit of salt on it from the last group, but honestly I didn’t care), and we headed out toward Cabeza de Toro Beach. Snorkeling there was wild—schools of tiny yellow fish flashing past my mask, coral shifting in the current. My cousin tried to talk underwater and just ended up laughing bubbles. The guides kept an eye on us without hovering, which I appreciated.

After that we drifted to this so-called “virgen beach”—Punta de los Nidos—where everything slowed down. White sand squeaked underfoot; someone handed me a coconut with rum (I think they called it coco loco). Some local kids waved from further down the shore. We took messy group photos that’ll probably never make it to Instagram but felt right in the moment. There was fruit—mangoes sticky on my fingers—and I might’ve eaten too many plantain chips. On the way back, Luis turned up the music and suddenly half our group was dancing badly (myself included). The open bar definitely helped.

I didn’t expect to feel so loose by the end of it all—salt in my hair, skin warm from sun and laughter. Even now when I catch that faint smell of coconut somewhere random back home, it takes me right back to that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Punta Cana private snorkel cruise

• Meet and greet at Bavaro Beach
• Board catamaran and meet crew
• Snorkel at Cabeza de Toro Beach
• Visit private virgin beach
• Enjoy cocktails and photos
• Final cruise with music and dancing
• Return to beach cabin and depart

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Punta Cana private snorkel cruise?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included in your booking.

Do I need snorkeling experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; guides supervise everyone during snorkeling.

What’s served at the open bar?

The open bar offers unlimited national drinks and tropical cocktails.

Can small children join this cruise?

Yes, children as young as 2 can attend if accompanied by an adult.

Is lunch provided during the cruise?

No full lunch is served but there are snacks and fresh tropical fruits onboard.

How many people fit on the catamaran?

The main catamaran holds up to 60 people; other boats available for larger groups.

Are there special options for celebrations?

Cake and decorations can be arranged if you’re celebrating an occasion—just request ahead.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling stop is at Cabeza de Toro Beach along Punta Cana’s coast.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transfers from Punta Cana hotels or meeting at Bavaro Beach, all sanitized snorkel equipment (flippers if you ask), unlimited national drinks from an open bar onboard plus tropical cocktails at the natural pool stop, plenty of snacks and fresh fruit throughout the cruise, friendly local guides and crew ensuring safety and fun all day—and if you’re celebrating something special just let them know for cake or decorations too before heading back in comfort after your tour.