Snorkeling in Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic is known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, succulent food (yes, and mamajuana too). Its privileged location in the heart of the Caribbean Sea unfolds an array of beaches with pristine water, fish and coral. That's why, among the unmissable activities to do in Punta Cana, snorkelling experiences stand out.

In this post you will find parties for adults and children with snorkelling, experiences combined with scuba diving, underwater scooters and cruises of all styles so that you can get to know the main options and plan your trip to Punta Cana.

Book this 4 in 1 adventure, the most complete snorkelling trip in Punta Cana. A bus will take you to the catamaran that will take you around Bávaro Beach. Before boarding the boat, you will have a panoramic view of the beach from above.

Later on, you will experience a close encounter with sharks and rays and end up in a natural pool celebrating with the Caribbean in the background and a floating bar in front of you.

Four activities in the same day

The experience is fascinating, appreciating Punta Cana from the air and then diving into this Caribbean paradise seduces millions of travellers annually. Take a look at this video to get an idea, but I'm telling you, it's almost irresistible to visit.

Once you get off the glider, the turquoise sea invites you to splash around in its waters and admire some coral reefs and tropical fish. Then, increase the size of those fishes to swim in a marine park among sharks and rays.

Finally, you're taken to one of the island's natural pools where you can sip a cocktail at a floating bar, swim to the beat of a local DJ or just relax on the white sands of Bávaro. This is definitely one of the best day trips in Punta Cana.

Details of interest

• Price: From 136 €.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• What the experience may include: Snorkelling equipment. Light snacks and fresh fruit. Unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel.
• What you need to know: this is a large group tour. Up to 60 people are allowed on the boat. On the other hand, the maximum weight allowed for paragliding is 227 kg and finally, minors must be accompanied by an adult to join this activity.

Are you looking for activity combos with snorkelling in Punta Cana? This type of midday excursion is perfect for travellers who want to enjoy Bavaro Beach from the air and the sea.

The tour starts with pick up from your hotel. This type of tour covers the entire hotel zone of Punta Cana, and if you're staying with Airbnb, you can check with your operator for the closest point to enjoy the service.

The bus takes you to the Fishing Lodge Cap Cana Luxury port where you'll go paragliding over Bávaro. If the views from the air don't leave you breathless, wait until you go snorkelling through the Dominican Caribbean and discover the coral reefs alongside schools of tropical fish.

The experience doesn't leave you indifferent, plus there's a variety of games and drinks at a floating bar, while a local DJ brings you into the lively Caribbean spirit. At the end you are taken back to your point of origin after an entertaining evening.

Details of interest

• Price: From 111 €.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• What the experience may include: Snorkelling equipment. Snacks and fresh fruit. Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel. Unlimited non-alcoholic and domestic alcoholic drinks.
• What you need to know: this is a boat trip for large groups where the minimum age to attend is 2 years old. The maximum weight for the paragliding activity is 204 kg.

If you want a full day tour package that combines a buggy adventure through the Dominican rainforest with boat rides, snorkelling, a tour of local farms and lots of fun in Punta Cana, this tour might just be music to your ears.

After picking you up from your hotel you are taken to your operator's racing shop to pick up your off-road vehicle and drive through the tropical gardens of the Dominican countryside. In the middle of the drive you make your first stop at an organic farm to taste the Dominican flavours of cocoa.

The scenery is picturesque, coffee plantations, banana and tobacco plantations as well as the inescapable springs and cenotes that make up the Parque Ecológico y Reserva Natural Ojos Indígenas. The surroundings are fascinating. And in the midst of such beauty you can take a dip surrounded by tilapia and other freshwater fish.

Macao beach and Cabeza de Toro beach

The next stop takes you to the coconut groves of Playa Macao, the only "beach with waves" on this tour. If you want to see it at a more leisurely pace, you can book a day trip to Macao Beach from Punta Cana.

Then you arrive at Playa Bávaro where a double catamaran awaits you to continue your adventure in a natural pool. After a stop for lunch, you will have the opportunity to snorkel along Playa Cabeza de Toro accompanied by professional divers. The party continues on the catamaran where you can enjoy snacks and cocktails while dancing to the rhythm of a local DJ until the end of the day, when you are taken back to your hotel.

Details of interest

• Price: From 108 €.
• Duration: 8 hours.
• What the experience may include: Full snorkelling equipment. Snacks, lunch and fresh fruits. Entrance to Los Hoyos del Salado cenote. Catamaran ride. Transfers to and from your hotel. Unlimited non-alcoholic and domestic alcoholic beverages.
• What you need to know: This is a perfect option for a different kind of day out with more than just sun and sand in Punta Cana. A word of advice, bring a second change of clothes, the buggy ride is super fun but the route covers your clothes with footprints and you'll get muddy!

The Dominican Republic is a land of dance and flavour, a visit to this island is a must on one of the best catamaran excursions in Punta Cana.

In this type of experience, the crew interacts with the participants at all times and, during the trip, you can snorkel in Catalina Island and dive to discover the Muro.

At the end of these activities the group is taken to a private beach by speedboat. On the way you can enjoy the scenery, the open bar with alcoholic drinks and snacks. Around 13:00 you will be served lunch.

Whether you decide to splash around in the shallow waters of this beach, watch a reef with your mask and snorkel, enjoy your drinks in the sea, dance, sing or talk to friends, the Catalina Island experience is a blast.

Details of interest

• Price: From 84 €.
• Duration: 8-9 hours, depending on the operator.
• What the experience may include: Unlimited drinks. Snorkelling equipment. Beach lounger. Catamaran ride. Transport to and from your hotel and entrance to 3 beaches. BBQ lunch.
• What you need to know: 3 stops are included: Bavaro Beach, Catalina Island and a private beach. The shuttle service goes through the main hotels in Punta Cana and Bavaro so it may take some time.

Bring the comfort of the pool bar to the beach with this experience, an adults-only party where unlimited food and cocktails are prepared right in front of your eyes.

This type of excursion takes a group of up to 25 adults on a tour of 3 Punta Cana beaches with VIP attention. Most operators opt to stop at:

• Cabo Engaño where you can snorkel and swim through the coral garden reef.
• Playa Cabeza De Toro another enchanting spot known for its schools of multicoloured fish.
• Piscina Natural the meeting place for speedboats and catamarans with adults to celebrate the Dominican rumba.

The atmosphere is lively from the first minute on board. A local DJ entertains the tour while you snorkel, try snacks or drinks and have a good time.

Details of interest

• Price: From 110 €.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• What the experience may include: Full snorkelling equipment. Lunch (the sensation is their seafood platter but they also have more options and cook in front of your eyes in their floating kitchen). Various snacks. Unlimited non-alcoholic and domestic alcoholic drinks at their "coyote bar" (floating bar). Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel.
• What you need to know: this is an adults-only excursion and the food and drinks are non-stop. I recommend that you eat just a snack at the first few stops for light snorkelling.

Travelling with family or friends and looking for a semi-private boat ride? This is the experience that has your name on it.

With this type of tour you will visit the Cabeza de Toro Nature Reserve where you can admire the marine treasures with some of the snorkelling equipment available on the catamaran, grab a board and paddle, sunbathe in the hammocks or dive into the sea and enjoy it at your leisure.

The experience starts with a pick up from your hotel and transfer to the harbour where you set sail to the east side of the island, just a few metres from Cabo Engaño.

Playa Cabeza de Toro, your destination, is an idyllic little piece of the Caribbean Sea where coconut palms, white sand, coral reefs and turquoise waters serve as a natural refuge.

Once the boat is anchored, jump in the water with your snorkel. The experience is fun, a favourite with the kids, the space is safe and makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy. You can add this to your list of things to do in Punta Cana with kids.

Details of interest

• Price: From 89 €.
• Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• What the experience may include: Snorkelling equipment. Complete paddling equipment. Light snacks and fresh fruit. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (juices, beers, tequila, vodka, rum, cocktails). Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel.
• What you should know: this tour can accommodate up to 16 people and children from 2 years old are welcome.

For families with teenagers and young children looking for a more private excursion, where the atmosphere is entertaining and adults and children have everything they need for a fun afternoon on the beach, this excursion should be on the list of things to see and do in Punta Cana.

Climb aboard a catamaran with a limited capacity of 15 passengers, this guarantees personalised and friendly attention for parents and their children. The vessel's destination is the Cabeza de Toro Reef, a beach with turquoise waters, colourful corals and abundant tropical fauna.

There are masks and snorkels for adults and children on board, so families can snorkel in shallow waters. Unlimited domestic drinks are available, and for lunch, choose from seafood, meat, chicken or vegetables.

Details of interest

• Price: From 111 €.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• What the experience may include: Snorkelling equipment for adults and children. Sea and land lunch. Light snacks and fresh fruit. Non-alcoholic and unlimited alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, beer, juices and rum). Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel.
• What you need to know: this tour can accommodate up to 15 people, you can bring prams and children and babies are welcome.

For snorkelers who want to add the experience of a motorised underwater scooter or those who can't swim and want to dive, this tour is perfect for them.

This type of excursion starts at the port of Cap Cana, from where you will travel in a small group of up to 15 people along a beach in Bavaro to dive into the depths of the Caribbean Sea.

Admire the marine flora and fauna from the boat or catamaran through the transparent glass bottom, splash around in the water or go for a snorkelling adventure among the fish and coral.

When it's your turn, you can make use of the underwater scooter. Don't despair, the atmosphere is relaxed, the waters are warm and calm and you can stay hydrated with drinks included.

Details of interest

• Price: From 75 €.
• Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• What the experience may include: Snorkelling equipment for adults. Soft drinks and water. Use of the motorised underwater scooter. Boat trip with Panoramic one.
• What you need to know: You must transfer to the port of Cap Cana on your own or request the shuttle service for an additional supplement. Underwater scooter use time varies between 10 and 15 minutes per person.

Ever wondered what it's like to dive in the Caribbean Sea? You are not alone. Many people share the same curiosity and with this experience you can do it accompanied by a PADI certified diver in Punta Cana.

In a matter of a few hours you will learn the basics of scuba diving while experiencing your first open water dive.

You'll also have time to snorkel and swim among fish, reefs and sea turtles. These are two different perspectives of diving in one fun excursion.

Details of interest

• Price: From 175 €.
• Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• What the experience may include: Pool training lesson with professional diver. Transfer by speedboat to a beach in Bávaro. Dive at a beach in Bavaro. Snorkelling equipment rental. Full snorkelling equipment. Round trip transfer to and from the main hotels in Punta Cana.
• What you need to know: The experience is done in groups with a maximum of 12 participants and, you must be over 12 years old to participate.

Enjoy a private boat ride and snorkel at two beaches in Punta Cana, all at your own pace. An ideal trip for couples.

Head to the Bávaro Reef and take a dip in the water with your mask and snorkel to see schools of fish, small turtles and other colourful marine life.

When you decide to change beaches, the speedboat driver will take you to Piscina Natural, where the atmosphere is festive all year round.

Details of interest

• Price: From 66 €.
• Duration: 1 or 2 hours, depending on the operator.
• What the experience may include: Water and soft drinks. Snorkelling equipment. Speedboat ride. Transport to and from your hotel.
• What you need to know: 2 stops are included: Bavaro Reef and Natural Pool, but this second location is as beautiful as it is crowded. In case of a romantic getaway, stay longer at the first stop, the driver changes beaches only when you request it.