Dominican Republic · SNORKELING TOURS IN PUERTO PLATA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying out next month: 15 snorkeling tours in Puerto Plata worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Sail Puerto Plata’s north coast aboard a 75-foot Tip Top catamaran, stopping twice to snorkel near Sosua Bay. You’ll get hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, drinks, music, and a lively crew that may include Alex, Andrew, Sonia, Alain, or Papo. Expect a social day, not a quiet private cruise.
“Papo and crew where a blast and a fanominal experience will definitely go again when we return again”
Sail from Sosua to Ocean World Marina aboard a 75-foot catamaran with Papo, Alain, and the crew. You’ll snorkel at two sites, feed fish, enjoy lunch and an open bar, then sail back along the coast. Hotel pickup from Puerto Plata or Cabarete is included.
“A memorable time of my life. The blue oceans were calling me for a long time and I couldn’t be more happy that I have embarked on this trip. The fear of swimming in the ocean was always on my mind. This experience has helped me overcome another adventurous milestone in my life. Everything was perfect from nature giving us the the best weather and also an amazing few that didn’t stop us wasting any time or miss out any fun. The snorkeling to begin with was so phenomenal and I cannot stop thinking about it. One of a kind experience swimming in the ocean with the fish and looking…”
From Amber Cove or Taino Bay, Richard and the Eric Tours team take you to Sosua Bay for two reef stops by speedboat, with masks, fins, inflatable vests, and an in-water guide. Then spend time on Sosua Beach with a sun chair, warm water, and optional food at your own cost.
“The staff was incredibly friendly and did all they could to accommodate everyone in the party. The first stop had all kinds of fish and was very worthwhile. I didn't see as many on the second stop. The pictures taken and provided free of chargRead more”
Join Alex, Tony, and the crew for a half-day catamaran outing from Sosua Beach. You will stop at two snorkeling reefs, swim, use the boat’s slide and jump board, enjoy BBQ chicken wings and sausages, and keep the music and drinks going. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
“Snorkeling was fun and the food was good. However it took an hour to get to the beach and an hour to get back to our resort. The transportation stopped two other places to pick up people and that was tiring. The excitement kind of died because the trip was so long. The music on the boat could’ve been better too. Variety would have improved the liveliness on the boat. They eventually let people make song requests…That helped some. We didn’t veer too far from the island which I was unsure why that happened. But maybe it was a safety thing because it did rain earlier that day and it…”
Spend about five hours sailing from Sosúa Bay to Ocean World Marina on a 75-foot catamaran. You get two snorkel stops, equipment, a Dominican buffet, open bar, music, and transportation from Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete, and nearby cruise ports.
Spend about four hours sailing from Puerto Plata to Sosua Bay for two snorkeling stops, tropical fish, music, local drinks, snacks, and a simple barbecue. Guides such as Omar, Eduardo, and Chico help beginners get comfortable, while the party boat setting keeps the ride lively.
“The whole thing was amazing love it can’t wait to do it again 🥰🥰 I recommend this 100% the people that work there super nice the food the vibe everything perfect”
Cruise from Sosua on a catamaran with guides such as Jeremie and Yeremmy, stopping at two snorkeling sites and a natural pool. You get hotel or port transport, snorkel gear, BBQ, snacks, unlimited drinks, music, and an animation crew. Expect a social party boat, not a quiet sail.
“What started as a spontaneous, last-minute plan ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we stepped on board, the atmosphere was perfect, great music, sunshine, and nonstop drinks set the tone for an incredible Read more”
Spend about three hours aboard a shared catamaran in Sosúa Bay, with a beginner-friendly snorkeling stop, music, drinks, and a light grilled lunch. Pickup is offered from Amber Cove, Taino Bay, and selected hotels, with a back-to-ship-on-time guarantee.
“Viator generally is a good option but not this time. We were met outside the cruise port after a 30 minute walk to the meeting point where we were taken to an old bus. We sat on the bus for about twenty minutes before we were told we Read more”
Spend four to five hours with Ismael Transfer Tours at Sosua Beach, snorkeling two coral sites from a private boat before a Dominican buffet, rum, beer, piña colada, and beach time. Groups of eight or more use a catamaran or yacht.
“We had the BEST time!! The ride to the beach with Ismael was so fun and entertaining learning about the culture of DR, snorkeling was amazing and they made sure we saw a lot of really cool fish, and the best part was the authentic DominicRead more”
You’ll ride from Puerto Plata to Sosua, board a catamaran, snorkel with a marine guide, and enjoy rum, beer, mojitos, soft drinks, fruit, nachos, and island music. Round-trip port or hotel transport is included, though road time counts toward the four-hour schedule.
“Had fun however what I payed for was not the experience promised. Food was great. Host were great. Payed for a 4 hour excursion and only got 2 1/2 hours and was told by the host that I was given a private excursion that is only 2 1/2 hoRead more”
Join a 52-foot Lagoon catamaran from Sosúa Beach for about five hours of snorkeling, coastal views, music, swimming, and a BBQ lunch. Pickup is offered from Puerto Plata, Cabarete, and Sosúa. Snorkel gear, water, soft drinks, rum, local beer, and a restroom are included.
“pretty fish and wonderful crew members. I lost my hat. But its ok. Im liked the excursion and the timing fot the excursion was good. Had other things to do in the afternoon. I had fun.”
You’ll cruise from Puerto Plata toward Sosua on a private catamaran with a captain, crew, snorkeling gear, coral reefs, tropical fish, island music, drinks, fruit, and nachos. The four-hour outing includes hotel or cruise-port transport, though sea conditions and pickup details deserve careful attention.
“If you get seasick, I do not recommend this activity. Staff was great but half our group was vomiting. Was not able to eat or drink anything. We had the boat fir 4 hours but we were off the boat in an hour. Spent a lot of money but unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy it. Again, staff was great!”
Join a half-day catamaran from Sosúa Bay at 3:30 pm for reef snorkeling, tropical fish, Three Rocks, a barbecue meal, local drinks, music, and sunset views. Snorkeling gear, soda, alcohol, fees, and taxes are included. Pickup is offered, and groups can reach 60 people.
“It was just horrible. It must be mentioned in the description that it is only suitable for young people between 20 and 30 years old who love alcohol and just want to party. There was just screaming, dancing and snorkeling... well, for families wiRead moreAuto-translated”
Travel from Puerto Plata to Punta Rucia, then speed by boat through Monte Cristi mangroves to Cayo Arena. You get snorkeling gear, fruit, drinks, lunch, a guide, and about 4.5 hours around the sandbar. Expect sun, open water, and a long road transfer.
You’ll travel from Puerto Plata to Punta Rucia, speed across the Atlantic to Cayo Arena, snorkel among tropical fish, cruise mangrove canals, and eat a Dominican buffet. The $95 price includes transfers, guide, boat rides, gear, drinks, and lunch. Bring strong sun protection because the sandbar has no shade.
Pick a coast, a cave or a boat.
