Punta Cana: Snorkeling Cruise, Slide & Floating Bar Small Group

Summary

Caribbean snorkeling cruise with floating bar fun and paddle boards

You’ll float through turquoise waters near Punta Cana on a small group snorkeling cruise with hotel pickup included. Snorkel at Cabeza de Toro Reserve, splash down the boat’s slide, sip cocktails at a floating bar in shallow sandbar waters, and snack on fresh fruit and nachos. With local guides making it easy and plenty of space to relax or play, this is one of those days you’ll want to replay in your head later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look that clear when we left Punta Cana’s pier — almost like someone had turned up the color just for us. The boat was bigger than I thought (someone said it could fit 70 but there were maybe 20 of us), so we had space to flop down or lean over the rail without bumping elbows. Our guide, Carla, kept switching between Spanish and English with this easy rhythm — she pointed out Cabeza de Toro as we drifted past, saying something about how most tours skip this spot. I caught a whiff of sunscreen and salt in the air, which somehow made me hungrier for those nachos they promised.

The snorkeling part was…well, I’m not really a strong swimmer but they gave us all the gear and Carla checked everyone’s masks herself. The fish came in flashes — yellow stripes, silver scales darting around my legs. I tried to keep up with a little kid who dove deeper than me (no shame). There was this moment underwater where everything went quiet except for my own breathing — kind of peaceful, actually. Then back on board, someone dared me to try the slide into the sea. It looked silly from above but wow, hitting that cool water woke me right up.

We stopped at a sandbar where you could stand waist-deep and grab drinks from a floating bar (never done that before). The bartender made me a rum punch that tasted like summer holidays — sweet but not too much. Some folks tried paddle boarding; I mostly floated around and watched pelicans swoop by. There were snacks — fruit and chips with salsa — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after swimming. On the way back toward shore, people got quieter, maybe sun-tired or just letting it all sink in. I still think about how blue everything looked as we sailed home. Sometimes you don’t realize you needed a day like that until you’re already back on land.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling cruise with drinks and snacks

• Hotel pickup
• Travel to pier
• Board catamaran
• Sail on Caribbean Sea
• Snorkel at Cabeza de Toro Reserve
• Use slide to enter water
• Enjoy bathroom facilities onboard
• Visit sandbar in shallow water
• Drink at floating open bar
• Snack on nachos and fresh fruit
• Try paddle boarding
• Return to departure point
• Hotel drop-off

Top questions

How many people are on this Punta Cana snorkeling cruise?

The tour is limited to 27 guests per trip even though the boat can hold 72 people.

Is hotel pickup included for this snorkeling cruise?

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

Where does the snorkeling take place?

You’ll snorkel at Cabeza de Toro Natural Reserve near Cabo Engaño on the eastern side of Punta Cana.

What drinks are served at the floating bar?

The open bar includes premium aged rum, Presidente beer, tequila, vodka, margaritas, rum punch, soft drinks, soda pop, signature cocktails, and bottled water.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes—light snacks like nachos with salsa and seasonal fresh fruit are served onboard.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes—the catamaran has a shaded portion where you can relax out of direct sun.

Can beginners join if they haven’t snorkeled before?

Yes—snorkeling equipment is provided and guides help everyone get set up safely.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes—there is a bathroom available for guests to use during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned comfort; all snorkeling gear; use of stand-up paddle boards; access to an onboard restroom; unlimited drinks from an open bar featuring premium spirits and cocktails; light snacks like nachos with salsa plus fresh seasonal fruit; friendly local guides; time at both Cabeza de Toro Natural Reserve for snorkeling and a shallow sandbar for relaxing before returning to your starting point.