Punta Cana: Snorkeling Cruise with Sharks, Stingrays & Natural Pool

Summary

Swim with sharks snorkel coral reefs and unwind in Bavaro’s natural pool

You’ll meet your crew at Bavaro Beach before cruising along Punta Cana’s coast for snorkeling among bright coral reefs, then get up close with gentle sharks and stingrays under expert supervision. Afterward you’ll unwind in a shallow natural pool with drinks in hand and music playing—all with round-trip hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

“You nervous?” That’s what Ana from the crew asked me as she handed over the waiver at Bavaro Beach, and honestly, I was—just a little. The sand was already warm underfoot, and there were a few other travelers laughing near the shaded cabin, trying to pronounce each other’s names (I still can’t roll my R’s right). Our guide, Julio, had this way of making everyone relax—he joked about his sunburn and then ran through the plan: snorkeling first, then the big stuff—sharks and stingrays. I signed my name with a hand that was maybe shaking more than I’d admit.

The catamaran felt bigger than it looked from shore. There was music—something upbeat but not too loud—and the salt air hit different once we left land behind. I remember watching Ana tie her hair up before she handed out snorkel gear; she said something about “the fish liking flashy colors” and winked at my neon rash guard. When we finally slid into the water for snorkeling, it was quieter than I expected. You could hear your own breath through the tube and see these flashes of yellow and blue darting between corals. Someone next to me tried to point out a pufferfish but got distracted by a school of tiny silver fish swirling around us like confetti.

I’ll be real—the shark and stingray encounter made my heart pound. Julio said they’re “gentle giants,” but seeing them glide past your legs is something else entirely. The divers were calm, explaining everything in Spanish and English (and some French for one couple), always close by if you needed a nudge or just wanted to float there holding your breath. At one point I almost reached out to touch a stingray but chickened out last second—no regrets though, just being that close was enough.

Afterward, we cruised toward this shallow patch called the natural pool—everyone talking louder now, maybe from relief or just the rum punch starting to work its magic. Standing waist-deep in clear water with a cold drink in hand while music drifted over from the boat… yeah, that sticks with me. Some folks played catch with an inflatable ball; others just floated on their backs looking up at clouds moving slow across Punta Cana’s sky. It wasn’t perfect—my goggles fogged up twice and I lost track of my towel—but somehow that made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and marine encounters tour

• Meet and greet at Bavaro Beach
• Board catamaran and meet crew
• Sharks and stingray encounter
• Snorkel at coral reefs
• Visit Bavaro Beach natural pool
• Enjoy drinks and music at pool
• Final cruise to marina
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Punta Cana snorkeling cruise?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included in the tour price.

Can children join the shark & stingray encounter?

Yes, children aged 2 and older can attend but must be accompanied by an adult until age 17.

How deep is the water during snorkeling?

The depth ranges from 2 to 4 meters at the snorkeling site near Bavaro Beach.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes, there is an open bar serving unlimited national drinks during the cruise.

What languages do guides speak?

The crew speaks Spanish and English; some also speak French depending on guests’ needs.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No full lunch is included but snacks and tropical fruits are provided during the cruise.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?

No experience is necessary; professional divers supervise all activities for safety.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transportation from Punta Cana hotels, all snorkel equipment provided by friendly staff, snacks and tropical fruit on board, unlimited national drinks from an open bar while cruising between stops, plus supervised encounters with sharks and stingrays before returning comfortably to your hotel at day’s end.