Snorkeling Experiences in Punta Cana

Surrounded by paradisiacal beaches everywhere, it is hard to decide on the best diving and snorkeling excursions. In Punta Cana you will find numerous options that combine several activities.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

11 min read

Snorkeling Experiences in Punta Cana

Snorkeling in Punta Cana | ©Benjamin L. Jones

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 a range of beaches with pristine water, fish and corals. That's why among the unmissable activities to do in Punta Cana, snorkeling experiences stand out.

In this post you will find parties for adults and children with snorkeling, experiences combined with scuba diving, underwater motorcycles and cruises of all styles so you can get to know the main options and plan your trip to Punta Cana Are you with me?

1. Boat cruise with snorkeling, parasailing and swimming with sharks

Snorkeling in Punta Cana| ©Jonathan Heisler
Snorkeling in Punta Cana| ©Jonathan Heisler

Book this 4 in 1 adventure, the most complete snorkeling tour in Punta Cana. A bus will take you to the catamaran that will take you to Bavaro 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.

Four activities in the same day

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

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

Finally, you are taken to one of the island's natural pools where you can sip a cocktail at a floating bar, swim to the rhythm of a local DJ or just relax on the white sands of Bavaro. 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: Snorkeling equipment. Light snacks and fresh fruits. Non-alcoholic and unlimited alcoholic beverages. Boat ride. Transfers to and from your hotel.
  • What you need to know: this is a tour for large groups. 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.

Book your snorkeling, parasailing and swimming with sharks experience in Punta Cana

2. Catamaran cruise with snorkeling and paragliding

Snorkel day| ©Angel Beil
Snorkel day| ©Angel Beil

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

The tour starts with the pick up at your hotel. This type of tour covers the entire hotel zone of Punta Cana, and if you are staying with Airbnb, you can verify which is the closest point with your operator to enjoy the service.

The bus takes you to the Fishing Lodge Cap Cana Luxury port where you will go paragliding around Bávaro. If the views from the air do not leave you perplexed, wait until you go snorkeling in the Dominican Caribbean and discover the coral reefs along with schools of tropical fish.

The experience does not leave you indifferent, in addition to a variety of games and drinks at a floating bar, while a local DJ spreads the cheerful Caribbean spirit. At the end you are taken back to your point of origin after an entertaining afternoon.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 111 €.
  • Duration: 5 hours.
  • What the experience may include: Snorkeling equipment. Snacks and fresh fruits. Boat ride. Transfers to and from your hotel. Unlimited non-alcoholic and domestic alcoholic beverages.
  • 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.

Book your boat excursion in Punta Cana

3. Buggy ride with snorkeling and cenote visit

Buggy from Punta Cana| ©johncooper911
Buggy from Punta Cana| ©johncooper911

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

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

The scenery is picturesque, coffee plantations, banana and tobacco plantations as well as the inescapable springs and cenotes that make up the Ecological Park and Nature Reserve 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 see the coconut trees of Playa Macao, the only "beach with waves" of this tour. If you want to see it more calmly, you can hire a day trip to Macao Beach from Punta Cana.

Then you arrive at Playa Bávaro where a double catamaran awaits you to continue the adventure in a natural pool. After a stop for lunch, you will have the opportunity to snorkel at 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: A complete snorkeling 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 to spend a different day with more than just sun and sand in Punta Cana. A tip, bring a second change of clothes, the buggy ride is super fun but the route covers your clothes with your footprints, you will get muddy!

Book an excursion to Macao beach in Punta Cana

4. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Catalina Island from Punta Cana

Catalina Island| ©Agirard
Catalina Island| ©Agirard

Dominican Republic is a land of dance and flavor, a visit to this island could not fail to be 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 excursion, 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. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery, the open bar with alcoholic beverages and snacks. Around 13:00 you will be served lunch.

Whether you decide to splash 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 with friends, the experience at Catalina Island is a blast.

Details of interest

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

Book your excursion to Santa Catalina with snorkeling from Punta Cana

5. Boat party for adults in Punta Cana with snorkeling

Party on a boat| ©talksrealfast
Party on a boat| ©talksrealfast

Bring the comfort of the pool bar to the beach with this experience, an adults-only party where food and cocktails are unlimited and 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 multicolored fish.
  • Piscina Natural the meeting place for speedboats and catamarans with adults to celebrate the Dominican rumba.

The atmosphere is cheerful from the first minute aboard the boat. 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: A complete snorkeling 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 beverages at their "coyote bar" (floating bar). Boat ride. Transfers to and from your hotel.
  • What you should know: this is an adults-only excursion and the food and drinks flow non-stop. I recommend that you eat just a snack at the first few stops for light snorkeling.

6. Small group cruise with snorkeling and paddle boarding

Cruise in Punta Cana| ©claude m banica
Cruise in Punta Cana| ©claude m banica

Traveling 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 Natural Reserve where you can admire the marine treasures with some of the snorkeling equipment available on the catamaran, take a board and paddle, sunbathe in the hammocks or dive into the sea and enjoy it at your leisure.

The experience starts with the pick up at the hotel to take you to port where you set sail to the east side of the island, just a few meters 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 vessel is anchored, jump into the water with your snorkel. The experience is fun, a favorite for the kids, the space is safe and makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy. You can add this tour to the 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: Snorkeling equipment. Complete paddle equipment. Light snacks and fresh fruits. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (juices, beers, tequila, vodka, rum, cocktails). Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel.
  • What you should know: this excursion can accommodate up to 16 people and children from 2 years old are welcome.

Book your snorkeling experience in Punta Cana

7. Punta Cana snorkeling cruise for adults and children

Snorkel with Kids| ©Julie Spotts
Snorkel with Kids| ©Julie Spotts

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 at the beach, this excursion should be on the list of things to see and do in Punta Cana.

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

Masks and snorkels for adults and children are available on the boat, 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: snorkeling equipment for adults and children. Lunch Sea and land. Light snacks and fresh fruit. Non-alcoholic and unlimited alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, beer, juices and rum). Boat trip. Transfers to and from your hotel.
  • What you should know: this excursion can accommodate up to 15 people, you can bring strollers and children and babies are welcome.

8. Snorkel and Underwater Scooter in Punta Cana

Underwater Scooter in Punta Cana| ©Vinicius Tonidonadel
Underwater Scooter in Punta Cana| ©Vinicius Tonidonadel

For snorkelers who want to add the experience of a motorized underwater scooter or those who do not know how to swim and want to dive, this tour is perfect for them.

This type of excursion starts at the port of Cap Cana, from there you will travel in a small group of up to 15 people to 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 its transparent glass bottom, splash around in the water or take the adventure of swimming among fish and coral with your snorkel.

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 the included drinks.

Details of interest

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

9. Introduction to scuba diving with pool training and snorkeling

Snorkeling| ©cn4117
Snorkeling| ©cn4117

Have you 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 will 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 Bavaro. Dive at a Bavaro beach. Snorkeling equipment rental. Full snorkeling 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.

10. Speedboat ride and snorkeling in Punta Cana

Speed boat| ©Miguel Pelzer
Speed boat| ©Miguel Pelzer

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

Head to the Bavaro Reef and take a dip in the water with your mask and snorkel to appreciate the schools of fish, small turtles and other multicolored marine species.

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. Snorkeling equipment. Speed boat ride. Transportation to and from your hotel.
  • What you need to know: 2 stops are included: Bavaro Reef and Natural Pool, but this second place 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.

Book an excursion to Sanoa Island from Punta Cana