Punta Cana: Small-Group Catamaran Snorkel & Floating Bar Tour

Summary

Sail shallow Punta Cana waters snorkel with fish relax at sandbar

You’ll sail Punta Cana’s turquoise shallows by catamaran with a small group, snorkel among bright fish at Cabeza De Toro, then chill with drinks at a floating bar over a sun-warmed sandbar. Expect laughter from your local crew, fresh fruit snacks, and those quiet moments when you realize how far away real life feels.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to just drift off the coast of Punta Cana with nothing but salt air and reggae in your ears? That’s how our day started—barefoot on the catamaran deck, sunscreen already half-smudged, listening to our guide Alex joke about his “captain” hat (which was really just a baseball cap). The boat wasn’t crowded—maybe a dozen or so of us—and I could actually hear the water slap against the hull. There was this mix of coconut oil and salty breeze that I still remember. We left Bávaro Beach behind so quickly it felt like we’d stepped into another world.

I didn’t expect snorkeling at Cabeza De Toro to be so… lively. The water was clear enough that you could see your own shadow on the sand below, and when I stuck my face in, schools of yellow-striped fish darted around like they owned the place. Alex handed me a mask and said something in Spanish I totally missed—I just nodded and hoped for the best. My partner tried paddle boarding for the first time (let’s say she spent more time sitting than standing), while I floated there thinking how quiet it all was under the surface. Afterward, we sailed close to shore where there weren’t any hotels—just palm trees leaning out over untouched sand. Kind of peaceful in a way that makes you want to whisper.

The boat anchored at this shallow sandbar where everyone sort of waded out waist-deep. The crew set up this floating bar—literally drinks bobbing next to us—and passed around fruit and nachos while someone played bachata from their phone. I tried Presidente beer for the first time (cold, light, perfect) and watched as two kids tried to catch tiny crabs in the shallows. If you needed shade, there were covered spots on deck, but honestly most of us just lingered in the water until our fingers got pruney. It all felt slow and easy—like nobody wanted to head back yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling in Punta Cana

• Arrive at meeting point
• Board 34-foot sailing catamaran
• Sail through shallow waters
• Snorkel at Cabeza De Toro reserve
• Sail close to untouched beaches
• Anchor at sand bar
• Enjoy drinks at floating bar
• Relax on boat shaded areas
• Return sailing to starting point

Top questions

How many people are on this Punta Cana catamaran tour?

The tour is limited to 16 guests per group for a small-group experience.

Is hotel pickup included for this snorkeling catamaran tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in air-conditioned vehicles.

Where do you snorkel during this Punta Cana boat trip?

You snorkel at Cabeza De Toro natural reserve near Cabo Engaño.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes, drinks including premium rum, beer, tequila, vodka, margaritas, rum punch, soft drinks and bottled water are served onboard and at the floating bar.

What food is included during the cruise?

You get light snacks such as nachos with salsa and seasonal fruits.

Is there shade or restroom access on the boat?

Yes, there are shaded areas as well as a restroom available onboard.

Can children join this Punta Cana snorkeling tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult's lap.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling gear is included for use during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned comfort from your accommodation in Punta Cana or nearby areas. All snorkeling equipment is provided along with stand-up paddle boards if you want to try balancing out there. Drinks flow freely—rum punch, Presidente beer, margaritas—and light snacks like nachos with salsa and fresh fruit are passed around while you relax at sea or on the sandbar. There’s always shade somewhere on board plus a bathroom if needed before heading back after your slow drift along untouched beaches.