Sharks And Stingrays Swim

Overview

This half-day trip from Marinarium Parks puts you on a floating island inside a 40,000 square meter marine park, where sharks and stingrays swim below you and a dozen activities fill about three hours on the water. The core draw is the snorkeling: you can drift over the reef with a guide, watch the sharks from above, and get a close encounter with the stingrays. Beyond that, the island works like an all-inclusive playground. Kayaks, paddle boards and power snorkel units are all part of the package, and floating hammocks and mats are there for anyone who prefers to lie in the shallows and sunbathe.

The pace is largely self-directed once you arrive. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as free time with plenty of options, plus a short massage session built in, with Tibetan head, neck and shoulder therapy, MaderoTherapy, and hand or foot reflexology on offer. A health bar serves fruit juice, smoothies, sandwiches and vegetables with dips, and there is a glass of mamajuana before you leave.

The tour runs three and a half hours door to door, with pickup from Bávaro, Punta Cana and Uvero Alto in an air-conditioned vehicle. It is not available for children under 13, and electric wheelchairs and crutches are not allowed on the excursion.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupChoose from three pickup areas: Bávaro, Punta Cana or Uvero Alto. Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle.
2. Transfer by coachThe drive to the departure point takes about 1 hour.
3. Arrival and briefingA 30-minute stop covers the safety briefing, welcome refreshments, a photo stop and some free time before boarding.
4. Marine park activitiesThree hours on and around the floating island. Snorkel the reef, view sharks and marine life, kayak, paddleboard, swim, take a boat cruise, and join the guided tour and stingray encounter.
5. Return transferDrop-off at the same three areas: Punta Cana, Uvero Alto or Bávaro.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the day, from what to pack to how the photo system works.

• What to bring. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat and biodegradable sunscreen. You will be in and out of the water for around three hours, so arrive already changed if you can.
• Pace and fitness. Once you reach the island, the time is yours to structure. Reviewers describe picking freely between snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and sunbathing, so you can be as active or as lazy as you like.
• Food and drink. The health bar is included, and reviewers mention fresh fruit, sandwiches, soft drinks and snacks. A glass of mamajuana is served before departure.
• Photos. Photos and videos are not included in the price and must be purchased separately. One reviewer reported not being allowed to take their own photos of the stingray moment and buying the operator's images afterward, so budget for that if you want the shot. Another wished there were more underwater photos taken.
• Massage time. The massage element is real but short. One reviewer counted 15 minutes per person, with options including Tibetan head, neck and shoulder therapy, MaderoTherapy and hand or foot reflexology.
• Timing. The excursion runs either from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM or from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Transport can run slightly ahead of schedule, and one reviewer arrived early and waited, so be ready before your stated pickup time.

Common issues. Transport waits can happen: one reviewer waited over half an hour for a late group. Photos and videos are not included and must be purchased separately, and souvenirs and gratuities are also at your own expense. Guests staying in Bayahibe pay a transport supplement of 10 USD per person, and those in La Romana pay 15 USD per person. The tour is restricted to ages 13 and up, and electric wheelchairs and crutches are not permitted.

Choosing Your Pickup Time