Snorkeling in Punta Cana: Catamaran with Paddle Boards & Open Bar
Snorkel a tropical fish habitat, slide into crystal water, paddle board at a sandbar, and drink from a floating bar
This small-group snorkeling activity in Punta Cana takes you by catamaran to Cabeza de Toro Natural Reserve near Cabo Engaño, where you snorkel in a tropical fish habitat, use a water slide, and paddle board at a sandbar with drinks from a floating bar. The boat holds 27 guests maximum, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you choose a morning or afternoon departure. Local guides lead in English, Spanish, French or German, and the whole experience runs about three and a half hours.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- local guide in English, Spanish, French or German.
- snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards.
- use of the water slide.
- premium spirits and signature cocktails from the floating bar, plus soft drinks and bottled water.
- light snacks including nachos, tortilla chips, salsa and seasonal fruit.
- restroom on board.
Times
- Every day 09:00 14:00
Before you book
Operated by Happy Fish Catamarans Punta Cana
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The experience
What makes this snorkeling work is the size: capped at 27 guests on a catamaran built for 72, so the boat never feels packed. You start with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, then board at the pier and sail out on the Caribbean. The boat is a double-decker, so you can stay in the shaded upper deck or head down to the open water as you cruise toward Cabeza de Toro Natural Reserve near Cabo Engaño on the island's eastern side.
Once you arrive, you snap on snorkeling gear and dive into waters known for tropical fish. The operator runs a water slide called the Slide Toboggan right there in the shallow, clear water: a moment most snorkeling boats skip. After that, the catamaran moves to a sandbar in waist-deep water, where you can try a stand-up paddle board. A floating bar operates here, serving premium rum, beer, tequila, vodka, margaritas, rum punch and signature cocktails, plus soft drinks and bottled water. Light snacks (nachos, tortilla chips, salsa and seasonal fruit) come throughout. There's a restroom on board, and the whole outing wraps with hotel drop-off.
The boat carries local guides who speak English, Spanish, French or German. Children from age one are welcome (infants sit on an adult's lap), and the activity suits all fitness levels. If you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when you book so the operator can time your return.
Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the snorkeling and paddle boarding done before midday heat, or the afternoon slot if you prefer to sleep in and spend your evening back at the resort. The 27-guest cap means you're never jostling for space on the boat or at the snorkeling site, which matters when you're sharing a catamaran and a sandbar with other visitors.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What time does the snorkeling boat leave, and how long does the whole thing take?
You choose either a 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. departure. The activity runs about three and a half hours from pickup to drop-off, so you're back at your hotel by early afternoon or early evening depending on which slot you pick.
What's the snorkeling like at Cabeza de Toro Natural Reserve?
Cabeza de Toro near Cabo Engaño is a tropical fish habitat where you snorkel in shallow, clear water. The operator positions this stop away from the bigger booze-cruise boats, so the reef stays less crowded than other snorkeling spots in the area.
Is the open bar included, or do I pay extra for drinks?
Drinks are included: premium rum, beer, tequila, vodka, margaritas, rum punch, signature cocktails and soft drinks all come from the floating bar at the sandbar stop. Light snacks like nachos, tortilla chips, salsa and fresh fruit are also included.
What if I'm arriving on a cruise ship? Can I still book this?
Yes. Cruise passengers can book this snorkeling activity, but you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at checkout so the operator can time your return to the port.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with a stand-up paddle board at the sandbar stop. You just need to bring a swimsuit and towel.
Snorkeling in Punta Cana: Catamaran with Paddle Boards & Open Bar
3h 30m · EN · ES · FR · DE
from US$ 89 per person
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