Dominican Republic · SCUBA DIVING IN PUNTA CANA
The good scuba diving in Punta Cana fill up in high season and the great ones go first. Here are 9 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Ride a helmeted underwater scooter 3 to 5 meters below the sea at Cabeza de Toro, then snorkel near El Niño reef and cruise on the Panoramic One glass-bottom boat. An instructor stays nearby, and equipment, hotel transfers, soft drinks, and snacks are included.
“I had a great time. I was mad my phone wasn’t cooperating. But this was my first time snorkeling and scuba diving. It was Amazing”
Ride an easy-to-use Scuba Doo scooter beneath Punta Cana’s warm coastal water, with a guide nearby, a glass-bottom boat trip, and snorkeling included. No scuba certification or swimming skill is required, but strong waves, long transfers, shared pickup, and extra photo charges are worth planning for.
“The experience was absolutely amazing and truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Everything was well organized, and I had such a wonderful time 💃. I even got to feed the fish underwater—although one gave me a tiny bite 😂. One thing to be aware of: I wasn’t picked up directly from my hotel and had to walk through a busy street to reach the pickup point. They explained it was due to traffic in my hotel area, but I do think customer safety should be more of a priority. Also, in my opinion the snorkeling is better suited for confident or experienced swimmers because the waves were quite strong. And…”
Spend about four hours off Punta Cana with Power Adventures Punta Cana, combining a catamaran party, open-bar drinks, snorkeling, and hookah-style underwater viewing near Bávaro’s coral reef. Hotel pickup, equipment, guides, and return transport are included, but allow extra time at the marina.
“This company (Powers Adventures) was amazing! The hotel pickup and once you arrive can be a little chaotic because you have to wait for the boat. But once you’re on the boat it’s absolutely amazing! It’s great for if you’re just trying to sit back or if you’re wanting to have tons of fun! This excursion is for everybody! We had so much fun!”
You’ll cruise the Bávaro coast on a half-day catamaran outing that combines tropical-fish snorkeling, Hookah underwater time, and an eight-minute parasailing flight. Pickup, equipment, guides, hotel return, and unlimited drinks are included. Expect music, dancing, and a lively group setting.
“***DONT BOOK THIS TRIP & DONT USE VIATOR*** First of all Don't let the pictures fool you, the boat they put you on is a crappy old charter boat. They didn't have enough equipment for everyone to hooka dive & didn't have enough equipmenRead more”
Spend about 3.5 hours exploring Punta Cana’s reef without a scuba certification. Ride a Scuba Doo scooter for 10 to 15 minutes with a helmet and diver guide, snorkel from a floating platform, and take a glass-bottom boat ride if conditions allow. Pickup covers Bavaro and Los Corales, with extra fees elsewhere.
“It was my first time underwater. I'm glad there were experienced divers with us. My only concern was that the description stated a glass boat tour that we never received.”
At Cabeza de Toro, you ride an underwater ScubaDoo scooter at 3 to 5 meters, snorkel at El Niño, and cruise aboard the Panoramic One glass-bottom boat. An instructor stays with you throughout, and swimming skills are not required. Hotel pickup, equipment, and a life jacket are included.
“je suis dubitative, en soit l'activité peut être sympa mais dans cet endroit il n'y a rien à voir. on nous force à prendre des poses pour faire des photos qui vont nous être vendues super chers, il y a peu si ce n'est pas de poissons. bref une activité chère que je ne referai pas”
Ride a Scuba Doo scooter about 3 meters below the surface while a professional dive master stays with you. You will also snorkel, ride a glass-bottom boat, watch reef life through a 180-degree view, and return by shared transport.
“Toata experiența a fost ok, nu la superlativ….. Preluarea de la hotel a fost intarziata, scufundarea nu a durat mai mult de 7-8 minute, desi era specificat ca este de 20 min, fructele tropicale au lipsit cu toate ca erau specificate.”
You’ll learn basic scuba skills, practice with an instructor, then spend at least 30 minutes underwater in Punta Cana at 6 to 12 meters. The 3.5-hour outing includes transport from Bávaro, equipment, and instruction in English, French, or Spanish, but no photos or certification.
“AMAZING. That was our second time diving. We are so grateful that we chose this trip. Great people. Our driver was the best!!! Great contact on WhatsApp. Everything perfect. Thank you guys.”
Travel from Punta Cana to La Romana, then sail by catamaran to Catalina Island for guided scuba sessions at The Wall and The Aquarium. You’ll also get a beach BBQ, open drinks, snorkeling gear, lounge time, and help from a PADI-certified team speaking English, Spanish, and French.
“Très bien mais j'aurais souhaité plus d'encadrement lors de ma plongée... la première c'est très bien passée, la seconde j'ai eu des difficultés (eau dans le masque, je n'arrivais pas à la retirer car j'avais mal placé le masque sur ma tête... ) résultats : depuis que je suis sorti de l'eau j'ai mal au niveau de la poitrine, les poumons probablement...”
Pick a coast, a cave or a boat.
