THE TOP 10 Punta Cana Snorkeling (w/Prices) (2024)

FAQs

Which beach has the best snorkelling in Punta Cana? ›

Snorkeling in the Bay of Samaná

The best snorkeling reachable from Punta Cana in terms of a day trip is located in the bay of Samaná, which has two stunning reefs: “The Wall” and “La Farola”.

Punta Cana is home to an incredibly diverse array of colorful marine species that live underwater, which visitors can spot on snorkeling or scuba-diving tours. The zone is surrounded by sea and shallow reefs and is perfect for those who have never done snorkeling before.

The Caribbean side of Punta Cana allows visitors to enjoy snorkeling in calm, clear natural pools, shallow reefs close to the shore, and enclosed aquariums full of magic underneath. If you've never snorkeled nor a good swimmer, Punta Cana is the perfect place to start, and safe for the kids.

Going snorkelling in Punta Cana is one of the most comforting experiences for those who visit Playa Bávaro as a family. The richness of the Caribbean Sea's marine life and easy access from the beach make this activity as fascinating as it is accessible to do with the youngest members of the family.

1. Bavaro Beach, the best beach in Punta Cana. Considered one of the best beaches in the world, this is the most famous in Punta Cana. There are plenty of reasons: white like flour sand, thousands of coconut trees, and crystal clear turquoise waters that dazzle.

So, the best way to ensure a sargassum-free vacation in Punta Cana is to either stay on one of Punta Cana's seaweed-free beaches, such as Bayahibe or Macao beach or to do some research and stay in hotels that are successfully tackling this issue.

Price: We considered snorkel sets for beginners, priced at approximately $40 to $100. According to our readers, a $70 snorkel set was considered to be higher end for recreational use.

Just to compare, when buying quality snorkel gear individually you can easily spend $50-$100 on a mask, $40 is typical for a good snorkel, $75 is average for quality fins, and then a bag is $30 to $50.

Is it worth getting a snorkel? ›

A snorkel helps prevent dust, water and other microparticles from entering your engine. There are various makes and models that are suited for all occasions. Installed at roof height, the snorkel can take in cleaner and cooler air which increases fuel efficiency whilst keeping your air filters clean.

The big reason to go snorkeling at night is because you get to see many things that you can't during the day. Plus it is just exciting. Many creatures are out at night that are not during the day, like the stunningly beautiful and rare Mandarinfish we found in Indonesia, picture above.

Bávaro and Punta Cana Beach are the most popular and recognized beaches of the Dominican Republic. Classified within the most beautiful ones in the world. To live an unforgettable experience don't miss snorkeling on the longest reef in the country.

Even the time of day matters. In most locations, snorkeling in the morning is best because the waters are calmer and the winds are fairly smooth and calm. Many experts believe that the ideal snorkeling conditions exist when you have a gentle westerly wind, warm water, and a low tide.

Dominican Republic snorkeling is fantastic with some good spots to be found in Sousa off of the beaches and in Bayahibe directly off of the beaches. From Bayahibe, you can take a boat ride and see fantastic snorkeling spots in Saona Island and Catalina Island.

Bonaire's coral reef is envied as one of the healthiest in the Caribbean with tons of places to access from shore. The immense biodiversity of marine life found in the reefs of Bonaire makes it one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling.

The importance of coral reefs

And one of the most famous is the reef in Punta Cana. Reefs are home to 25% of the sea's biodiversity and are hugely important.

Is snorkeling included at Beaches Resorts? ›

Snorkeling at Beaches Resorts. For snorkeling, you have a couple options. They provide snorkeling equipment – mask, and life vest – at no charge. For snorkeling on your own, they do not provide fins.

So I started with an early morning snorkeling trip to Bathtub Beach, an utterly unique intersection of beautiful beach, nearshore reef, and the Indian River Lagoon estuary, located on the south end of Hutchinson Island. It's a snorkeling experience we enjoy as much as work, family commitments and conditions allow.

1. Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana. Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic's number one beach resort destination, with sun seekers and families coming here in droves to relax at the all-inclusive resorts that line the soft white-sand beaches.

Cayo Levantado, Samaná

This outcropping of white sand enveloped by blue sky and turquoise seas is in front of the coast of Samaná.

The best months of the year for travelling to Punta Cana are by far between December and April. During this period, the probability of rainfall is lower, and the temperatures are warm enough to enjoy a perfect holiday on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.

Do I need water shoes? You'll certainly appreciate water shoes for wet activities such as excursions to waterfalls or afternoons at your resort's water park (yes, several Punta Cana resorts, such as Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana, have their own!)

Which are the beaches in the Dominican Republic without seaweed? Beaches around Cabarete and La Romana are the best beaches without seaweed during the seaweed season in the Dominican Republic.

Famed for its wonderful white sandy beaches and twinkling turquoise waters, Punta Cana occupies the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The second-most popular tourist destination in all of Latin America, its luxurious resorts are visited by thousands of happy holidaymakers each year.

Buy or Rent – At a Glance

If you want the best chance of enjoying a snorkeling experience with comfortable gear, that's reliable, and of decent quality then buying is the better option.

In most cases, we don't recommend diving underwater for any more than 2 minutes with a full face snorkel. Even if you are an experienced snorkeler who is going out in perfect conditions, we don't recommend diving for more than 2 minutes.

What are the 2 types of snorkel? ›

Two popular styles include the dry snorkel and a semi dry snorkel. Both are fantastic for keeping water out of your mask, but they are both used quite differently. Depending on how you want to snorkel, you'll want to pick a snorkel tube suited for your preference.

Short fins are actually great for beginners: it's easier to kick, and there is less risk of damaging the surrounding environment (or people). But although it feels harder to kick with long fins, it's often more efficient. So long story short: long fins for long snorkeling sessions, short fins for short ones!

Can you breathe underwater with a snorkel? Unlike scuba diving equipment, snorkels do not allow you to breathe deep underwater. Instead, snorkelers must exchange air at the surface of the water through the breathing tube.

Con position: The need for a snorkel is low when carrying ample gas supplies or on sites where surface swimming is unlikely, where entanglement is likely (wrecks or caves), or where they offer little utility (ice or caves). The irritation of it getting in the way when hanging from the mask also makes it less desirable.

Dangers of Snorkeling

Ocean currents, as well as underwater hazards, are a source of concern in some snorkeling areas. Those who have health concerns such as heart or lung issues, seizures, or panic attacks should consult with their doctor or health professional prior to engaging in water activities.

Improves breathing and cardiovascular health

Snorkelling assists in increasing your lungs' capacity to hold oxygen, as breathing through a tube is more difficult than regular breathing – think of snorkelling as a form of breathing exercise.

Dehydration and Exhaustion

Snorkeling is a physical activity. You're going to sweat a lot that you may not realize. This means you will burn a lot of energy like a full-body workout. At the same time, you tend to forget to drink water which is very important.

Snorkeling in the Bay of Samaná

The best snorkeling reachable from Punta Cana in terms of a day trip is located in the bay of Samaná, which has two stunning reefs: “The Wall” and “La Farola”.

What is the difference between Bavaro and Punta Cana? ›

What's the difference between Punta Cana and Bavaro? Not a lot. Bavaro is a section of beach just to the north of Punta Cana.

If we're talking about Cap Cana vs Bavaro Beach, they are both absolutely gorgeous with white sand and turquoise waters, but Cap Cana beaches are more exclusive and upscale.

With snorkel masks, you can descend up to six feet underwater without issue. However, your snorkel mask may fill up with CO2 and make it difficult to breathe. As a result, you shouldn't go deeper than six feet or even stay in the water for more than 25-30 minutes.

The best time for snorkeling is during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point, and there is plenty of light for visibility. Tides are also important, as low tide typically provides more transparent water and easier access to reefs and other underwater attractions.

The actual act of snorkeling is when a person uses equipment like a snorkel tube to breathe near the surface of the water while their face is submerged wearing a glass lens mask to see underwater. You do not need oxygen tanks or any expensive equipment to enjoy snorkeling.

If you enjoy swimming in the ocean, Bavaro Beach is your best choice for a beach vacation in Punta Cana as it has calm waters and Blue Flag status.

What's the difference between Punta Cana and Bavaro? Not a lot. Bavaro is a section of beach just to the north of Punta Cana.

What is Bavaro Beach known for? Well, Bavaro Beach is known for being one of the largest Caribbean beaches. It extends uninterruptedly along 30 miles (48 kilometers). Moreover, the thing that makes it the most popular is its white sand and calm turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming.

World-famous Bávaro Beach–often lumped into the general “Punta Cana” reference–ranks among the longest, most continuous white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Extending 48 kilometers (30 miles) and surrounded with coral reefs, it's also the most developed section of this Punta Cana resort area.

Mamajuana. The well-known Mamajuana can be tried alone or in co*cktails. It is very attractive among tourists and is considered one of the main national drinks.

Where is Blue Lagoon Punta Cana? ›

Excursion to the Blue Hole in Punta Cana

This wonder of nature is located within Scape Park, in the area of Cap Cana. It is not the only attraction you can enjoy here, since the park offers many activities that you can do as a family, with friends or as a couple.