Punta Cana: Catamaran Snorkeling & Shark Encounter with Natural Pool

Hands reaching into shallow water, a guide steadying you as sharks glide past

You board a catamaran at Bavaro Beach and spend the day in four stops: swimming with sharks and stingrays under diver supervision, snorkeling above coral reefs, floating in a natural pool with a bar, and cruising between them all while the open bar serves unlimited drinks. Transport to and from your hotel, snorkel gear, and snacks are included. The whole day runs from morning departure to afternoon return.

Step-by-step itinerary

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

The experience

A double-deck catamaran leaves Bavaro Beach in the morning, and you're on it. The crew meets you at the beach cabin first. They walk through the day's stops, hand you a waiver, and make sure everyone's accounted for before the boat pushes off into the crystal water. Four activities happen between departure and return: sharks and stingrays in a marine park, a snorkeling site with coral and fish, a natural pool where the water sits so clear you can see the bottom, and the open bar running the whole time. The bartender pours unlimited national drinks while a DJ plays music from the upper deck. It's the kind of tour that doesn't ask you to piece together transport, timing or equipment. The catamaran handles all of it.

The shark and stingray encounter comes early. You're in water about 2 to 4 meters deep, supervised by professional divers who stay close and answer questions as the animals move around you. The sharks here are docile (the guides are clear about that), and the stingrays are used to human contact. It's not a performance. It's more like being let into their space. After that, the boat moves to a snorkeling site where you can see the coral reefs and the fish that live in them. The snorkel gear is provided, and the divers are there again if you need help or want to know what you're looking at.

The natural pool is the stop where people tend to linger. It's a shallow, protected stretch of ocean that feels separate from the open water: the kind of place where you can float without thinking about depth. There's a floating bar anchored there, so you can stay in the water with a cold drink in hand, or wade back to the boat and sit in the shade. The DJ keeps playing. By the time the catamaran turns back toward the marina, you've been on the water for most of the day. A bus waits at the beach cabin to drive you back to your hotel, or you can walk if you're staying nearby. Just tell the guide before you leave.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all snorkel equipment, entry to the shark and stingray encounter and snorkeling site, access to the natural pool, unlimited national drinks at the open bar, snacks and tropical fruits, and a DJ and crew entertainment throughout the catamaran cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 12:00

AgesAdult (11 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Tour Package Punta Cana is located between Melia and Lopesan Costa Bávaro Hotels, 23000 Punta Cana, DO Specifics: white beach cabin located to the west side of Jelly Fish Restaurant”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tour Package Punta Cana

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main water activities around Punta Cana (sharks, snorkeling, and the natural pool) without arranging separate boats, guides, or transport. The catamaran schedule and included pickup handle all three in one day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the minimum age to go on this tour?

Children as young as 2 years old can attend, but anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. There's a minimum height requirement of 2.6 feet for the stingray encounter.

Is the shark encounter safe?

The sharks in the marine park are docile, and the encounter happens under the supervision of professional divers. The water depth is 2 to 4 meters. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

Unlimited national drinks are served throughout the day. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Snorkel equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your hotel is included. If you're staying within walking distance of Bavaro Beach, you can walk back instead.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions, with prior notice.

Can pregnant travelers go on this tour?

No. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

How long does the tour last?

The tour runs for a full day, departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon.