Small-Group Sailing And Snorkel

Overview

Happy Fish Catamarans Punta Cana runs this small-group sailing and snorkeling trip with a cap of 16 guests, which sets it apart from the larger party boats common in the area. The whole outing lasts 3 hours 30 minutes, and several travellers who have taken it say the limited headcount made the day feel close to private. Pickup from your Punta Cana hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle is part of the package, and the boat departs from Plaza Bibijagua on Paseo del Sol.

Once aboard, the catamaran sails near the coast before anchoring at a nature reserve for snorkeling, a spot reviewers repeatedly describe as secluded and full of fish, with some reporting sightings of stingrays, barracuda and sea turtles. After the reef, the boat stops at a sandbar where the water is waist-deep and drinks are served from a floating bar. There is a stand-up paddle board on board, plus hammocks, a waterslide and a diving board according to multiple reviews, and the crew serves an open bar with rum, beer, tequila, vodka, cocktails, soft drinks and bottled water, along with snacks such as nachos, salsa, fruit and fresh guacamole.

The tour suits families and couples who want time in the water without a crowd. Reviewers travelling with children as young as six said the crew kept the kids safe and entertained, and the boat has a restroom on board. It is not wheelchair accessible, though the operator says pushchairs are fine and asks guests with specific mobility cases to get in touch. Souvenir photos and a DVD are sold separately, so bring your own camera if you want pictures of the day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupAir-conditioned transport collects you from your Punta Cana hotel. One reviewer noted the pickup time was confirmed a few days in advance.
2. Board the catamaranThe boat departs from Plaza Bibijagua on Paseo del Sol, Punta Cana. Hammocks, a restroom and the open bar are available from the start.
3. Coastal sailingThe catamaran sails close to shore so you can take in the views along the way.
4. Snorkel at the nature reserveThe crew hands out snorkeling equipment and guides you in the water at a less crowded reserve. Reviewers mention plenty of fish, coral and occasional turtles and rays.
5. Sandbar and floating barThe boat anchors at a sandbar with waist-deep water, where drinks are served from a floating bar. A stand-up paddle board is also available.
6. Return and drop-offThe catamaran heads back to Plaza Bibijagua and transport returns you to your hotel. The activity ends at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what the open bar covers to what to pack.

• Pack the basics. Bring sunscreen and towels, as one reviewer put it, and the crew handles the rest. Swimwear is needed for the snorkel stop and the sandbar.
• Small group feel. The listing caps the trip at 16 travellers, and reviewers often mention the difference this makes, with some saying it felt like a private outing. Expect a relaxed pace rather than a party-boat atmosphere.
• Food and drink. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and bottled water are included, along with light snacks such as nachos, salsa, fruit and guacamole. Several reviewers praised the fresh guacamole and the drinks flowing throughout the trip.
• Time in the water. Snorkeling gear is provided and the crew directs swimmers over the reef. Reviewers with young children said the crew kept them safe, and the sandbar is shallow enough to stand in.
• Photos cost extra. Souvenir photos and a DVD are sold separately, so bring your own camera. One reviewer said the crew happily takes pictures on your camera for you.
• Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and the listing states that a weather cancellation earns a different date or a full refund. Cruise passengers must supply ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when booking.

Common issues. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, though the operator says pushchairs are fine and asks guests with mobility concerns to get in touch so each case can be reviewed. The listing does not recommend the trip for pregnant travellers or anyone with serious heart conditions. Infants must sit on laps and children must be accompanied by an adult. Professional photography is not offered, only purchasable souvenir photos and a DVD. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Choosing Your Pickup Time