More about: The 5 Best Boat Trips in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a paradise destination thanks to its landscapes and beaches, as well as the many excursions that can be made using the city as a base. From taking a trip to Santo Domingo to choosing one of the snorkelling experiences, or even going on a boat trip, an activity that is among the best things to do in Punta Cana.
Due to its location on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is situated opposite the Caribbean Sea and the nearby islands, making a boat trip an ideal excursion to visit the best beaches in the area.
1. Day trip to Saona Island by catamaran from Punta Cana
This is one of the most popular excursions, as Saona is the most famous of the islands near the coast of Punta Cana.
This tour includes a catamaran ride with a fun trip to the island, passing by other nearby sites. Afterwards, you will spend about three hours in Saona, a paradise of white sands, palm trees and crystal-clear waters in the heart of the Caribbean Sea.
These excursions usually also include hotel pick-up, lunch with a typical Dominican menu and an open bar with alcoholic drinks. Some options also offer lobster as a menu choice, one of the most delicious local dishes.
On the excursions to Saona from Punta Cana, you can also enjoy different activities, such as snorkelling, beach sports like football or volleyball, or simply exploring the site at your own pace and relaxing.
The return trip also includes a fun catamaran ride past Cayo Ratón, Catalinita Island and Yuma Bay.
Details of interest
- Price of the excursion... Starting at £75, including round-trip catamaran transfers with the ride included and hotel pick-up. It also includes a Dominican lunch menu and an open bar with alcoholic beverages.
- Duration of the excursion... Approximately eight hours.
- Advantages of this excursion... It is a good value for money alternative to discover the most emblematic of the islands near Punta Cana.
2. Catamaran tour to Los Haitises with a stop at Redonda Mountain
Los Haitises is one of the most beautiful national parks in the Caribbean and is notable for a series of rocky mountains that rise out of the water and can be seen from the catamaran on the tour of Samaná Bay.
On these excursions, you can explore this protected natural area and its rocky mogotes dotted with pelicans.
Los Haitises is also notable for its caves with pictographs and petroglyphs left by the indigenous Taíno people and for the warm waters of the Jivales River, where you can swim and take a dip.
These excursions usually include hotel pick-up and a typical Dominican lunch before continuing with a buggy tour to the top of Montaña Redonda.
Montaña Redonda offers an idyllic landscape as it is nestled between two lagoons, Limón and Redonda. The return to Punta Cana is usually scheduled after a tour of approximately nine hours.
Details of interest
- Price of the excursion... Starting at £129, including round-trip catamaran transfers with the tour included and hotel pick-up. It also includes a Dominican lunch and the tour of Montaña Redonda.
- Duration of the excursion... Approximately nine hours.
- Advantages of this excursion... This is an excellent alternative for exploring Samaná Bay, an iconic site in the Dominican Republic but little visited by tourists, on a relaxing catamaran ride.
3. Day trip to Cayo Levantado and El Limón waterfall with catamaran ride from Punta Cana
This is one of the most complete excursions in Punta Cana. You will enjoy waterfalls, a safari trail, natural springs and a catamaran ride that will show you that the Dominican Republic is full of activities
The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel and a bus trip to the community of Samaná, where a safari will allow you to discover the history of the indigenous people and also El Limón waterfall.
At El Limón waterfall, characterised by its location in the middle of a tropical forest and surrounded by clear springs, you can choose between a walk along the nature trails or a horseback ride.
Back in Samaná, you will board a catamaran to sail from Bahía Clara to Bacardi Island to discover Cayo Encantado and take a tour of the coast of Cayo La Farola.
On board the catamaran, you can opt for a typical Dominican lunch and you will have the constant assistance of an expert local guide who will tell you all about the tour and the secrets of the places you are visiting.
In short, this is one of the best excursions from Punta Cana, especially for those who enjoy the sea and outdoor activities.
Details of interest
- Price of the excursion... Around £135 including return bus transfers, catamaran trip and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration of the excursion... Approximately ten to twelve hours.
- Advantages of this excursion... This is a very comprehensive excursion to explore Bacardi Island and Cayo Levantado and enjoy a catamaran ride with lunch included.
4. Express catamaran tour with snorkelling experience in the Caribbean Sea
On this express tour, you will travel along the coast of Punta Cana to discover a different side of the city and venture into the Caribbean Sea for a snorkelling experience. This is the ideal tour if you are planning a short stay in the city or if you want to visit other places on the same day, such as Monkeyland or Macao Beach.
These excursions will allow you to discover Punta Cana from the waters of the Caribbean Sea on a relaxing boat trip with the assistance of an expert local guide who will show you the best places to snorkel, including the coral reefs surrounding the Dominican coast.
These excursions usually also include hotel pick-up, an open bar with alcoholic drinks and cocktails, and snorkelling equipment. In any case, if you're looking for a quick trip along the Dominican coast, you can opt for an experience like this one, which allows you to enjoy a boat trip on an excursion that doesn't take up the whole day.
Details of interest
- Price of the excursion... Starting at £59 with hotel pick-up, catamaran ride and snorkelling experience.
- Duration of the excursion... Approximately three hours.
- Advantages of this excursion... This is the ideal option if you are looking for a boat trip and want to save time.
5. Half-day catamaran trip on the Caribbean Sea with Taiguey Emotion Show on board
If you enjoy boat trips and music, this tour is ideal for you, as you will be able to enjoy a comfortable boat trip along the Dominican coast and a typical Caribbean show: the Taiguey Emotion Show, which refers to the first inhabitants of the Dominican Republic.
The catamaran tour usually includes a stop at Playa Blanca, one of the best-known beaches on the crystal-clear coast of Punta Cana. From there, you can enjoy the coral reefs and even go snorkelling.
Once back on the boat, there is a typical Taino Indian show, which includes a combination of musical rhythms such as salsa, merengue, bachata, dembow and mambo.
These excursions usually include hotel pick-up and snorkelling equipment, as well as the services of an expert local guide. However, this experience does not usually include lunch or an open bar.
As the tour lasts approximately three hours, you will be able to enjoy a boat trip with music on board and then have time for other activities, such as visiting Santo Domingo or taking a trip to Monkeyland from Punta Cana.
Details of interest
- Price of the excursion... Around £55 including hotel pick-up, catamaran ride and the Taiguey Emotion Show.
- Duration of the excursion... Approximately three hours.
- Advantages of this excursion... This is the ideal option if you are interested in exploring the Caribbean Sea by boat and enjoying a traditional show.
- Disadvantages of this excursion... It includes many activities, all of which are interesting, so you may find the tour a bit rushed, especially the short stop at Playa Blanca.
How long does a cruise or boat trip in Punta Cana last?
The duration of the excursion will depend on the activities chosen. The longest excursions last between ten and twelve hours but include a tour of Samaná Bay, Round Mountain and Cayo Levantado. The duration includes round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up in Punta Cana.
Express excursions last approximately three hours and are ideal if you are planning a short stay in Punta Cana or have other activities planned for the same day. On these tours, you can enjoy a boat ride and views of the city from the Caribbean.
What will I see on a cruise or boat trip in Punta Cana?
On these excursions, you can enjoy a comfortable boat trip along the Caribbean Sea that bathes the coast of Punta Cana and also discover some of the tourist attractions near the city along the way.
Below are the places that are usually visited on these excursions:
- Saona Island: This is the most characteristic of the islands surrounding Punta Cana and stands out for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. It also has coral reefs, forms part of the East National Park and is home to the Flamingo Lagoon.
- Los Haitises: This is a national park notable for its rock formations rising out of the water, which can be seen from Samaná Bay. It offers horse riding, hiking and off-road vehicle trails.
- Montaña Redonda: Located in Los Haitises National Park, it offers a panoramic view and an idyllic landscape as it is nestled between two lagoons, Limón and La Redonda.
- Cayo Levantado: This is a picturesque islet in Samaná Bay, located on Bacardi Island, with white beaches and views of the Caribbean Sea.
- El Limón Waterfall: Located inside Los Haitises National Park, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the Dominican Republic and has the most visited natural pool in the country.
Tips for a cruise or boat trip in Punta Cana
Knowing the best time to visit Punta Cana is important to get the most out of your trip.
Between December and April is high season in Punta Cana, so if you plan to travel during this time, I recommend booking excursions in advance to avoid delays and price increases due to last-minute bookings.
Bear in mind that there are more tourists at this time of year, so if you are looking for quiet places with few visitors, you should stay away from the main tourist areas.
When booking your preferred excursion, also take into account the duration of the tour, as some can last ten or twelve hours, which will not leave you much time for other excursions on the same day.
This is important to consider if you are planning a short stay in the city or if you are travelling to Punta Cana with children, as in these cases a shorter excursion may be better.
How much does a boat trip in Punta Cana cost?
It depends on the excursion you choose, but the cheapest are the express excursions, which consist of a boat trip of approximately three hours around the Caribbean near the coast of Punta Cana.
Some of these tours also include snorkelling, a tour of the coral reefs or shows on board the boat. Express excursions can be booked from £55.
Longer excursions , lasting ten or twelve hours, or those that include activities such as visits to Montaña Redonda or Cayo Levantado, can cost €149, but bear in mind that they include admission to attractions, adventure sports such as zip-lining, transfers and usually hotel pick-up and meals.
The best tour in terms of value for money is the catamaran to Saona Island, as it not only allows you to discover one of the most iconic sites in the Punta Cana area, but also enjoy a boat trip through the Caribbean with free time on Saona.
Why is it advisable to take a cruise or boat trip in Punta Cana?
The Caribbean Sea is one of the clearest and warmest in the world, and taking a boat trip on its waters can be one of the most enriching experiences.
In addition, along the coast of Punta Cana, you can visit coral reefs, snorkelling spots, paradise islands such as Saona, and cays with idyllic landscapes such as Levantado. There are also many activities related to boat trips.
Seeing the city from the water is a very interesting experience, as is the chance to relax in the calm waters of the Caribbean. Whether you choose an express tour or a full-day excursion with other activities, a boat trip in Punta Cana could be one of the best things you do during your visit to the Dominican Republic.