When you are traveling to the Caribbean, you also want to enjoy a catamaran cruise over the Caribbean Sea. Exactly this is what this article explaining the best Punta Cana catamaran tours is about. However, not all the boat excursions are the same, as some tours are focusing more on snorkeling, some are heading off with very small groups and others are perfect for those looking for the typical booze cruises and Punta Cana party boats. Whatever tour suits you best, you will find it here – just make sure to pick the right one as explained in this comprehensive guide about the best catamaran tours in Punta Cana.
Are you looking for further activities and excursions? Check out the most amazing things to do in Punta Cana.
Are you interested in further Punta Cana tours? If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 35+ activities for your vacation.
Completely UPDATED: September 2023
Overview about the best Punta Cana catamaran tours
If you are in a hurry and don’t want to read all the details, check out the following table to find the best catamaran tours, booze cruises and party boats in Punta Cana. It is worth noting that there are big differences when it comes to the group size and the focus of the tour (cruising, snorkeling, party) – check out the information further below in the article for more information.
| Party Boat + Booze Cruise | Catamaran Tour incl. snorkeling | Private Catamaran Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character of this Punta Cana catamaran tour | The name says it all: party and booze are the focal points on this excursion (incl. short snorkeling and the natural swimming pool) | A catamaran trip in Punta Cana with less people and more time for snorkeling, but still incl. a decent party and the natural swimming pool | A catamaran excursion in Punta Cana exclusive for you inkl. open bar, snorkeling and party at the natural swimming pool |
| Type of boat | catamaran | catamaran | catamaran |
| Price per person | 55-70 USD* | 90-120 USD* | 450-800 USD per group* |
| Duration | half-day (3-4 hours) | half-day (3-4 hours) | half-day (3-4 hours) |
| Group size | large (approx. 40-80) | small (usually 10-25) | private |
| Drinks included | yes | yes | yes |
| Meals included | no | no (some tours yes) | no (some tours yes) |
| Transfers from hotel included | yes | yes | yes |
 | | | |
| All details in this table are for informational purposes only and can change without further notice. Please check the description of the tour offer for binding information. Punta Cana Travel Blog can’t be held responsible for any errors or changes. | |||
If you’re just looking for a Punta Cana boat tour (with a catamaran or a party boat) as cheap as possible, have a look here*. You can get it under 60 USD, with occasional promotions even for around 50 USD. Currently, at the time of writing (September 2023), this offer here* even includes the whole party boat and snorkeling experience for 45 USD.
Booze cruises and Punta Cana party boats
Let’s start with the type of boat tour in Punta Cana which is geared more towards those of you who’d like to party, dance and drink throughout the day: the booze cruises and party boats in Punta Cana.
You can find our experiences with the booze cruises below, but let’s start with some of the best party boats in Punta Cana.
The best party boats and booze cruises in Punta Cana
Most of the Punta Cana booze cruises are pretty similar – you can find the detailed itinerary with our experiences below. What separates the amazing tours from the okay or not-so-good party boat excursions are usually the staff, the logistics and the entertainment. Here is a selection of the best party boats and booze cruises in Punta Cana.
Best-rated Punta Cana party boat tour
Verified reviews (not those random ones on some platforms) are a great way to see if a tour is worth the money. For this best-rated party boat excursion in Punta Cana this is the truth as more than 90% of the guests are rating this tour as excellent. With a 4.79 rating this is indeed the best party boat in Punta Cana. Check below for the things to expect when booking this booze cruise.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Snorkeling included: yes
Services included: transfers, snacks, drinks, entertainment team
Price: check current rates and promotions here*
Rating: 4.79/5.00 (as of September 2023)
Most popular booze cruise in Punta Cana
There is another booze cruise in Punta Cana which is extremely popular – the one from SeaPro Divers. This tour company is one of the most established ones in Punta Cana and stands for safety, perfect organization and trustfulness. They exactly know what they have been doing for many years which is one reason why their party boat is so successful.
Duration: approx. 3-4 hours
Snorkeling included: yes
Services included: transfers, snacks, drinks, entertainment team
Price: check current rates and promotions here*
Rating: 4.72/5.00 (as of September 2023)
The famous Punta Cana pirate ship
Ok, if the two Punta Cana party boat tours are not enough for you, there is a very special boat tour in Punta Cana you shouldn’t miss: the Punta Cana pirate ship. It is a huge pirate ship, exactly like the one you know from famous pirate movies. It is cruising along the coast of Bavaro and focuses on a unique entertainment show, obviously with a pirate theme. All of the staff members have pirate costumes as well so be prepared for an amazing show in a spectacular Caribbean setting.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Snorkeling included: yes
Services included: drinks, entertainment team
Price: check current rates and promotions here*
Rating: 4.45/5.00 (as of September 2023)
How is a typical Punta Cana party boat tour – our review and experiences
Party boats and booze cruises are what most people are looking for when booking catamaran tours in Punta Cana. Sun, music and a lot of fun are what is promised – and you will get exactly this.
The itinerary of most Punta Cana party boats is very similar.
After a pick-up from your all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, you’ll get shuttled to the area where the catamaran is leaving. This can be either Cortecito, Corales or Bibijagua, all located in the center of Bavaro Beach. Here you might have to wait a few (Dominican) minutes, depending on if other groups or transfers are going to join. Some tour operators (see it linked in the table above in the Punta Cana “party boat + booze cruise” section) have a particularly nice waiting area as you can see in the photo.
Once you board your Punta Cana catamaran, the cruise is going to start. You head towards the ocean, can enjoy the Caribbean breeze and see the impressive coastline of Punta Cana with all its all-inclusive resorts, endless beaches and coconut palm trees.
Your first stop is a small reef not too far away from your starting point – less than a mile, so you still can see the coastline. Here you get your snorkeling equipment, head into the water and can see some colorful fish. Depending on the time of the day, the boat trips attract the fish by feeding them bread. The last time fishes were there without additional feeding, which I preferred much more than attracting them with man-made food.
As explained in my article about snorkeling in Punta Cana, don’t expect too much when it comes to this part of the Punta Cana booze cruise. While it is great for first-timers, you won’t be too impressed if you have already snorkeled in famous destinations around the world such as Belize, the Maldives, the southern Caribbean or the Red Sea. If your main objective is snorkeling, better choose one of the small group catamaran tours presented below which are heading to another, better reef in Punta Cana.
However, snorkeling is also not why you are going on a booze cruise in Punta Cana, the party boat is what draws the attention. And this is right going to start after snorkeling when the alcohol starts flowing from the open bar (for security reasons, alcohol is not allowed before the snorkeling part). The cruise continues, music will make everyone moving and dancing and a few snacks are going to be prepared.
Your next destination is the natural swimming pool, an area located between Bavaro Beach and Cabeza de Toro. It is a shallow area in the ocean, where you can stand in the water waist-deep and have fun enjoying your drinks and listening to music. Basically, all Punta Cana booze cruises are using this area to make a stop to party, so it can get busy (and loud) here. Even it is not the most authentic way to enjoy nature and the ocean, it is pretty cool to stand in the water, listening to party music, using slides to get into the water and getting served drinks from the open bar on some cool floating devices. There are worse places to enjoy your vacation in the Dominican Republic. 🙂
The stop at the natural swimming pool usually takes around an hour. On the way back, the crew of most party boats in Punta Cana is engaging all guests into some more fun and party through interactive games or dancing contests. Be prepared to have a blast and don’t head onto one of those booze cruises when expecting a family catamaran or a relaxed Punta Cana boat tour. Having fun, getting entertained and enjoying these kinds of excursions is all that counts on this type of catamaran tours in Punta Cana.
If you are looking for these kinds of Punta Cana boat excursions, check out the following offers:
Depending on your booking, there are morning and afternoon tours available. The whole duration of the trip including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel is usually around 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on the length of the transfer. The actual time on the party boat is usually around 2.5 to 3 hours. Group size can be anything from 30 to 80 people, depending on the capacity of the catamaran. Usually, the party boats in Punta Cana get pretty packed with people as this brings a better party vibe – and more money for the charter company.
Get on a catamaran in Punta Cana – all the things you need to know
If you’re more into the more relaxed boat excursions in Punta Cana and if snorkeling is important for you, a catamaran is the better choice for you. While they also play music, focus on having fun on (and in) the water and serve alcohol, they go to a better and more abundant snorkeling reef and have usually smaller groups to ensure a more personalized service, especially the better-rated catamaran tours in Punta Cana.
The best tours and excursions with catamarans in Punta Cana
If you are looking for the best tours and excursions with a catamaran in Punta Cana, it is a similar process as for the party boats. The well-rated catamarans have better services, a more personalized service, smaller groups, better drinks and a general better overall experience, especially as those tours focus on the client and not necessarily on the money.
The good news here is that there are 3 catamaran tours which have been belonging to the best excursions in Punta Cana for many years. Year after year they are receiving top reviews with ratings close to perfection and indeed – these Punta Cana catamarans are the best you can find when looking for a fun-filled yet relaxed half-day tour from your resort in Punta Cana.
Small Group Snorkeling & Cruising Catamaran
The Small Group Snorkeling & Cruising Catamaran is one of the peoples’ favorite tours in Punta Cana. There is a maximum of 16 guests which guarantees customized service. The catamaran boat is huge and is equipped with hammocks over the water and a SUP. Drinks are included and are also served in the water (except for snorkeling), same as snacks and fruits.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Snorkeling included: yes
Services included: transfers, snacks, drinks, entertainment team
Price: check current rates and promotions here*
Rating: 4.91/5.00 (as of September 2023)
You can also book this specific tour as a private catamaran tour here*.
Adults Only Snorkeling with Seafood Lunch
This Punta Cana catamaran tour is different and is absolutely worth your time and money. Even though this excursion is only running on a smaller motor-catamaran instead of the big and spacious sailing catamarans, it comes with some other unique perks: after snorkeling, they go to a small pristine beach, where you get served coconuts. Plus, a full and freshly prepared seafood lunch is included in this catamaran tour, which is prepared in their special floating kitchen. They also have a floating bar to serve you drinks in the water. And, last but not least, this is an adults-only tour in a small group, hence personalized service and good drinks are guaranteed. Oh, and in case I forgot, snorkeling at the restored reef is top-notch, much better than the snorkeling spot where all the Punta Cana party boats are going.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Snorkeling included: yes
Services included: transfers, lunch, drinks, beach visit, entertainment team
Price: check current rates and promotions here*
Rating: 4.90/5.00 (as of September 2023)
You can also book this specific tour as a private catamaran here*.
Family-Friendly Snorkeling with Seafood Lunch
This is the family counterpart to the top-rated adults-only snorkeling boat trip in Punta Cana: a family-friendly snorkeling excursion on a catamaran with engines. It offers the same features, services and amenities as the adults-only tour described above. You just don’t go to the pristine beach but instead, the kids can enjoy a slide on the boat – the funniest way to get into the water. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Punta Cana.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Snorkeling included: yes
Services included: transfers, lunch, drinks, entertainment team
Price: check current rates and promotions here*
Rating: 4.90/5.00 (as of September 2023)
You can also book this specific tour as a private catamaran here*.
How is a typical Punta Cana party boat tour – our review and experiences
You might have gotten it already from the explanations and information above – the tours and excursions by catamaran in Punta Cana are pretty relaxed and easy-going.
You’re getting picked up at your resort in Punta Cana or your Airbnb in the area and getting transferred to either Cabeza de Toro or Bibijagua Beach, where most of the catamaran tours are starting.
The first part of the trip is some easy cruising over the ocean, where you can admire the coastline of the Dominican Republic. Your first stop will be the snorkeling spot, which is the much better reef at Cabeza de Toro compared to snorkeling where Punta Canas’ booze cruises are going (Bavaro Reef).
After snorkeling, you are usually getting served the first drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) before heading to the natural swimming pool or a pristine beach section. Enjoy the water, music, entertainment, drinks served in the water and some snacks before heading back to your point of origin (or before having lunch if you book the Punta Cana boat trip with seafood lunch).
Most of the tours take around 4 hours, hence it is a half-day excursion in Punta Cana and perfect if you don’t want to be away from your resort for the entire day, like it is the case for example when you head out for a boat trip to Saona Island.
If you are looking for something more relaxed and not exclusively focused on the party, it is highly recommendable to pay a little bit more for a Punta Cana catamaran which goes with smaller groups. Even they have a similar itinerary, they pay more attention to nature and the service, which allows for a more private experience. Therefore, check out the recommendations we have outlined above for the best catamaran tours in Punta Cana.
And still, even with a catamaran boat heading off with smaller groups, you don’t miss out on the party, it is just less crowded. For example, the Punta Cana catamaran tour you can book here* heads off with a maximum of 16 people, but still plays perfect music to enjoy, dance and feel the Caribbean vibe while at the same time keeping the drinks flowing to get you animated. In the end, with this Punta Cana boat excursion, you will visit the natural pool as well, just with fewer people on your boat.
The best private catamarans in Punta Cana
Of course, most of the Punta Cana boat tours mentioned above are also available as private catamaran in Punta Cana. By booking your private boat rental for your Punta Cana excursion, you can enjoy many advantages:
- You’ll have much smaller groups – just the people from your traveling party.
- Even the number of possible stops are limited, you can adjust the itinerary according to your wishes – at least you can say how long you want to stay at each stop.
- You don’t have any strangers on the boat in Punta Cana and can create the vibe you want.
- The staff is just there for you, creating an exclusive experience. You get their full attention and they will try to cater to any preference you might have.
- Drinks and snacks on the private catamaran will be exclusively for your group.
- In case of any problem, you can always seek immediate help from the staff or the tour operator of your private catamaran tour in Punta Cana.
- Pricing is very competitive. If you are traveling with a large family or a group of friends, the prices of a private catamaran can be cheaper than if booked individually. For example, if you are traveling in a group of 10 to 15, you can get a private catamaran in Punta Cana for as low as 50 USD per person – for a fully exclusive experience. In the widget below you are seeing some of the best private catamaran tours.
Considering you are paying the same price (50-80 USD per person) as for the big shared booze cruises, a private party boat in Punta Cana is a perfect option for families and smaller groups.
And even if you are a bigger group with 20 up to 80 people, a private catamaran tour in Punta Cana is the perfect experience as you can get the party going exclusively among your group. The itinerary with snorkeling and a natural swimming pool is similar to the description above in the booze cruise and party boat section.
There are plenty of options when you’re looking for a private catamaran in Punta Cana. To make the choice easier for you, we have selected a few remarkable tours in case you’re looking for a private boat rental in Punta Cana. All of them follow the itineraries outlined above, but usually it is possible to adjust them slightly according to the needs and preferences of your group.
| Private Catamaran Rental | Passengers / Group Size | Duration | Rating (October 2023) | Services Included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Private Catamaran in Punta Cana* | up to 15 guests | 3 hours | 4.97/5.00 | Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Snorkeling Equipment, Music, Entertainment Team |  |
| Private Catamaran Snorkeling Adventure* | up to 10 guests | 3 hours | 4.83/5.00 | Unlimited Drinks, Professional Guide, Professional Photographer, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Snorkeling Equipment, Bottled water, Music, Entertainment Team | |
| Best Rated Private Catamaran in Punta Cana* | up to 14 guests | 4 hours | 4.97/5.00 | Private Transportation, Alcoholic Beverages, Snacks, Snorkeling Equipment, Stand Up Paddle Board, Slide, Music, Entertainment Team | |
| Punta Cana Private Boat with BBQ* | up to 35 guests | 4 hours | 5.00/5.00 | Transfer, Open Bar, BBQ Lunch, Snorkeling Equipment, Music, Entertainment Team | |
| Punta Cana Catamaran for up to 35 guests | up to 35 guests | 3 hours | 5.00/5.00 | Transfer, Open Bar, Snacks, Snorkeling Equipment, Music, Entertainment Team | |
| Huge catamaran in Punta Cana | Up to 65 guests | 3 hours | 5.00/5.00 | Private transportation, Alcoholic Beverages, Brunch, Soda/Pop, Snorkeling, Music, Entertainment staff | |
| All details in this table are for informational purposes only and can change without further notice. Please check the description of the tour offer for binding information. Punta Cana Travel Blog can’t be held responsible for any errors or changes. | |||||
The best sunset cruises in Punta Cana
People often ask us about sunset cruises in Punta Cana as an alternative to the typical catamaran tours during the day. Unfortunately, except if you book one of the private charters showed in the section above and ask explicitly if you can stay on the boat until 7 pm (sunset in Punta Cana usually is between 6.30 pm and 7.15 pm), there are no sunset cruises in Punta Cana. Most boats have to be back onshore at the latest at 6 pm, which is why a sunset cruise in Punta Cana is hard to realize. Furthermore, the colors of the ocean and the entire coastline are not as impressive after 5 pm which is why it is better to go during the day for the most beautiful photos.
However, interestingly enough, some tour operators are pretending that their regular party boats are sunset cruises. I also see some of the Punta Cana catamaran tours writing “Enjoy watching the sunset on this fun-filled Punta Cana party boat” (or something similar) and on the same page, you see that they start their tours at 10 am and 2 pm, which means they finish by 1 pm respectively 5 pm – far away from the sunset hours.
Another point why Punta Cana sunset cruises are difficult is because the sun sets in the west, but Punta Cana is located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. So even you can see the sunset changing the sky into a riot of colors, you will never see this spectacular Caribbean postcard scene where the sun is plummeting as a red fireball into the sea. If this is what you want to see, better go to nearby Bayahibe.
Therefore, instead of a sunset cruise in Punta Cana, it is easier to enjoy the last daylight hour by having a drink at the beach in your Punta Cana resort.
Alternative options for Punta Cana Catamaran Tours
If those excursions with the different options of Punta Cana catamarans are not what you are looking for, there are still other options for spending some unforgettable time on the water: Isla Saona and Isla Catalina.
Both islands are located on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, approx. one hour away from Punta Cana. Especially when you are looking for catamaran tours in Punta Cana with incredible crazy landscapes and sceneries, Saona and Catalina are the perfect destinations for you.
Compared to the booze cruises and party boats in Punta Cana described above, which are all half-day excursions, Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are full-day tours. As long as you can spare the time, those tours are the perfect option to get a glimpse into the beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Isla Saona is the most popular excursion in Punta Cana and leads you straight to paradise. The island is so gorgeous that it is hard to believe. Even there are a lot of tourists heading there, you definitely will find your perfect stretch of beach as there are plenty. The tours are usually done one way with a catamaran and one way with a speed boat, offering a perfect mix and a good alternative to the catamaran tours in Punta Cana. Furthermore, you stop at the natural swimming pool (which, to be honest, is much nicer than the one in Punta Cana) and get lunch during your Isla Saona excursion.
There are many different tours to Saona Island, starting from as low as 60 USD incl. transfers from Punta Cana, but you can also book premium tours with personalized service* or posh catamarans. To get to know more about the details and all the different options, it is best to read the article about the best Isla Saona excursions from Punta Cana.
On the other side, there is Isla Catalina. When it comes to natural beauty Isla Catalina scores at least 9 out of 10 points (and Isla Saona 11 out of 10 😉 ), considering you are visiting a wonderful island located in the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, Catalina Island is the best Punta Cana catamaran alternative when it comes to snorkeling, as all Isla Catalina excursions include a stop at a reef which is better than the Punta Cana snorkeling.
Same as for Isla Saona, Isla Catalina tours are starting around an hour away from Punta Cana and take the whole day, but transfers from Punta Cana are included for most excursions. To find the best deal, check out this comprehensive post about the best Isla Catalina excursions.
What is your favorite way of exploring Punta Cana by catamaran? Do you already have some experience with Punta Cana boat tours? Or do you have any questions regarding the booze cruises and party boats in Punta Cana? Let me know in the comments, I am happy to respond!
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CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
ALSO WORTH READING:
The 12 best all-inclusive family resorts in Punta Cana 2024 (hand-picked and recommended)
The 8+ best affordable all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana 2024 (hand-picked and recommended)
Riu Palace Macao – a comprehensive review of this adults-only all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana
Salto El Limón waterfall from Punta Cana and for Samaná travelers – insider tips, excursions, hiking trails, etc.
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I am really impressed with such post & this is going to be more informative for all. Well, I also searching for good place to visit we all should have some information about the new places as like recently I have been to Higuey which was so amazing place to see. Really, I just loved that area and I must suggest for all.
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Hi Andreas,
great that you enjoyed your tour to Higuey, sounds great!
Chris