Hi Can you recommend a private snorkeling trip to Samana Bay we are a family fo 4 2 adults and 2 kids 10 and 12. Melia Caribe Beach Resort is one of the areas best values, while Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa offers a high-end experience.
You will easily spot butterflyfish, surgeonfish, grunt, triggerfish, and angelfish over a seabed packed with sponges and gorgonian. The area has many resorts and amenities, making it an ideal place to stay for travelers who want to snorkel right from their hotels. However, as most of the world-wide animal encounters, this comes along with serious limitations of the freedom of those animals. .
Playa Rincon. Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, godominicanrepublic.com. Lets start right with the secret I mentioned in the title and the introduction. The Caribbean coast of the country, sheltered from trade winds, offers the best conditions for snorkeling. Please consider seriously if youd enjoy this type of snorkeling experience. You will be amazed by the beauty of this area. Contact me here if you are looking for help crafting an amazing off-the-beaten-track itinerary for your holiday in the Dominican Republic. While The Wall is located right next to the famous Bacardi Island Cayo Levantado, La Farola is a sunken ferry between Cayo Levantado and the city of Saman. You can actually snorkel and swim with whales which is a big difference to the regular whale watching tours in the Bay of Saman. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! If staying in Punta Rucia, I am recommending you to stay at either Corales Guesthouse* (if you are on a budget) or at Punta Rucia Lodge* (if youd like to splurge a bit).
Its not the best snorkeling spot, but like you said, sometimes when people go there and they would like to go snorkeling for the very first time, then its good to go to Isla Catalina. Rocky drops and caves with a vibrant marine life, Small scenic island with coral reefs and seagrass meadows. This picturesque island is located around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) off La Romana on the south coast. Artificial reefs have been installed in front of several hotel beaches (especially at Be Live Collection Canoa, Catalonia Royal La Romana, Dreams Dominicus La Romana, and at the southern section of Iberostar Selection beach). With around 40 miles of coastline in the Punta Cana area, there should be some snorkeling opportunities right off the beach, people might think. Snorkelers and divers can view corals, sponges, sea fans, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and moray eels. When the sea is calm and the visibility okay, you can also snorkel from several beaches in the northern coast of the peninsula, especially in Rincn, Playa Ermitao, Portillo, and in Playa Las Ballenas. If you are interested about whale watching in the Dominican Republic, you can continue reading here. Isla Catalina is also a very nice excursion with some decent snorkeling. From swimming with humpback whales to climbing the highest mountain in the Caribbean, youll have many adventures to choose from when visiting the DR. Isla Saona is by far the most popular excursion for all Punta Cana visitors and it is without a question a stunning one. My sister and her husband went there on their honeymoon and they still talk about it because they loved it there so much! It is one of the few excursions where animals are held in captivity hence I recommend strongly not supporting these activities. The rocky coastline features numerous rock overhangs and caves where you can spot sea creatures like lobsters, eels, and scorpionfish. There are plenty of choices, among them party-infested booze cruises, elegant catamaran trips or a combination of both, using various styles of boats including yachts, glass-bottom boats, pirate ships and many more. The Samana Peninsula is a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the areas unspoiled coastline and waterfalls. What do you think about the snorkeling options in Punta Cana and beyond?
Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed. I visited both spots and especially La Farola was top-notch with an incredible abundance of fishes and the best snorkeling I had in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. Snorkeling in Punta Cana the best spots and reefs (+ a secret to tell), The best things to do in Punta Cana for an unforgettable vacation, Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Shoot me a message if you need more help planning such a Dominican Republic itinerary. Visiting the isolated sandbar is a unique experience on its own, but it gets even more exciting once you head into the water. The clear turquoise waters are home to numerous marine species, including blue tang, French grunt, moray eels, peacock flounders, cushion sea stars, and French angelfish. Cayo Arena is located approximately a 20 minutes boat ride away from Punta Rucia, a tiny sleepy fishing town west of Puerto Plata. Punta Cana is a famous Caribbean getaway, but the area is not among the Dominican Republics best snorkeling spots. Rays can sometimes be spotted, usually in shallow beach areas. Exactly Umiko, and I dont want to have a blog just to tell that everything is amazing. Boats to Cayo Arena leave from Playa La Ensenada and Punta Rucia (about 20 minutes away).
At Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal All Inclusive you will find a tennis court, a fitness centre and free bikes.
Since this postcard-worthy isle is part of the Parque Nacional del Este nature reserve, the marine life is protected. ), better come to Punta Cana with lower expectations when it comes to snorkeling. ), as there is a small reef close to the beach. Are you keen to go on one of the mentioned excursions? Or maybe you have already been snorkeling in the Dominican Republic and can share your highlights with us? Chris.
Although this time of year offers better rates and fewer crowds, there is a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, especially in August and September (1). There are a few restaurants on the southeastern side of the beach and places to rent kayaks, snorkel gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas. This sheltered bay hosts a vibrant coral reef right off the beach.
If youre seeking a balance between nice weather and affordability, April to June is a great time to visit. , Silver Bank, Dominican Republic. Aquatic Adventures, aquaticadventures.com. If you are traveling to Punta Cana, you are most likely coming to enjoy the beach, the Caribbean sun and the warm waters of the Atlantic ocean. In particular, much of the coast (), Aruba is a small Dutch Caribbean island located some 30 miles off the coast of Venezuela. In case you decide on Saona, I would choose one of the premium tours as they are a bit quieter and more family-oriented.
Despite the remote feel, you can easily reach Playa Rincon with a short boat ride from the fishing village of Las Galeras. Cayo Levantado, a small picture-perfect island laying off the south coast of the peninsula, can be visited by boat tours from Saman, but it is also possible to stay on the island resort. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. covid-19 coverage): Book it*.
If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 35+ activities for your vacation. Saman Peninsula is Santo Domingos north coast snorkeling hotspot. From Playa Bonita area, you can also take a boat trip to explore Cayos Las Ballenas, 4 small coral islets laying some 3km off the coast. Curacao southwester (), St Barthlemy, often nicknamed St Barts by English speakers, is by no means a top snorkeling destination in the Caribbean, but if you spend some days on the island, youll have fun discovering its underwater world. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Discover on which snorkeling spots you are most likely to see your favorite species, The Turks and Caicos Islands, less known than some other Caribbean destinations, are a veritable Eden bordered by white sands, coconut palms and a crystal sea.
If I get there I would have to save for the trip to Silver Banks as the possibility of snorkeling anywhere a humpback is enticing. Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. It is the perfect spot for snorkeling. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and Id love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. If you rather would like to start a boat trip right from your accommodation than driving so far, there are also several boat trips available that begin right off the beach in Bavaro and Punta Cana. Sosua is a town on the Dominican Republics north coast with a kind of sketchy image, especially at night. As the second-largest country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republics diverse landscapes, extensive coastline, and picturesque beaches make it an incredible holiday destination. I will design your tailor-made itinerary, tell you how to save money on your trip and send you the best insider tips and recommendations.
Booking a guided excursion is a great way to experience the Dominican Republics top offshore snorkeling sites. General Information about snorkeling in Punta Cana, The (best) snorkeling in Punta Cana and beyond, Snorkeling during Punta Canas booze cruises and catamaran trips, Snorkeling off the resort in Punta Cana/Bavaro, catamaran tours in Punta Cana, continue reading here, Isla Catalina is by an organized excursion, a comprehensive article about Isla Catalina here, private tours to Isla Catalina, check out this article, Isla Saona is by far the most popular excursion for all Punta Cana visitors, see here in my complete guide about Isla Saona, Book Discovery & Snorkeling Excursion Isla Saona*, the booze cruises and catamaran trips along the coast of Bavaro and Punta Cana, 13 Insider tips on how to find the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, 26 exciting things-to-do in Punta Cana in 2021 (Dominican Republic), Punta Cana itinerary for an easy 1-week road-trip beaches, culture and mountains, Excursion to Isla Saona everything you need to know for your hassle-free Saona Island Tour 2022, itinerary for your holiday in the Dominican Republic, tours offered from Puerto Plata and beyond, here on how you can get from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata and vice versa, whale watching in the Dominican Republic, you can continue reading here, Finest Punta Cana a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort, Baha Principe Luxury Esmeralda a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana all-inclusive resort, Road trips in the Dominican Republic first-hand experiences and local advice, The weather in Punta Cana all you need to know for a worry-free vacation, https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/isla-saona-excursion-with-mano-juan-from-punta-cana/, https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/excursion-whalewatching-from-punta-cana-by-bus-and-boat/, https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/excursions-tours/punta-cana-family-activities/, https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/best-rated-family-lux-coral-nursery-snorkeling/, Scape Park Punta Cana review a tropical theme park with zipline and blue lagoon in Punta Cana, RIU Party the wildest pool parties you will find in Punta Cana, AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana a comprehensive review of this newly-built Punta Cana hotel, Coco Bongo Punta Cana how to make the most out of this spectacular show and nightclub, Catalonia Bayahibe La Romana a comprehensive review of this all-inclusive resort close to Punta Cana. Due to the remote area, which requires a multi-day trip by boat to reach it, interaction with the whales is still possible in a very sustainable way and reaches until face-to-face encounters in the water, which is hardly possible anywhere else in the world. I am delighted to read in the comments about any snorkeling experience you might have had. If you want access to snorkeling right from your resort, Bayahibe is a fantastic place to stay. On the other hand, if you have booked your holiday in Punta Cana and would like to add some fun snorkeling, usually combined with other tour elements such as a catamaran cruise or visiting islands, please read on.
Why not snorkel a bit, you might think?
A dozen of decent to good snorkeling spots are found off the beaches of the islands, (), Located East to Aruba and Curacao, Bonaire is the second-largest island in the Dutch Caribbean. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. You are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience in the Dominican Republic? The best way to go to Isla Catalina is by an organized excursion. We would definitly want to try the Bay of Samana.
Some small coral patches are found at Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach. The dry season is characterized by warm temperatures (25-29C/77-84F in average) and low levels of rainfall but is also the peak tourist season when loads of visitor come to enjoy the countrys beaches. sure, you might spot some underwater life, even when snorkeling right off the beach, although it might not be as colorful as one might expect. Yes, there is some decent snorkeling in the area of Punta Cana, and especially for a beginner it might be awesome. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including windsurfing.
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This is a legitimate question as there are some nice snorkeling spots in Punta Cana and beyond.
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Catalina Island, also called Isla Catalina, has some of the Dominican Republics most beautiful beaches and top snorkeling sites. The azure waters are calm and shallow, with a coral reef and many different tropical fish. Bayahibe region boasts some of the best snorkeling from the main islands coast.
If Curacao is more renowned for its clear emerald water and its gorgeous beaches than for its underwater life, it remains a good snorkeling destination. Isla Catalina is an island off the coast from La Romana, a major city in the Dominican Republic approximately 45 miles away from Punta Cana. Although its not as famous as other Caribbean snorkeling destinations, the country has many amazing places to explore the underwater world. Punta Cana is a dream destination for SNORKELING and diving. Dominican Republics coastal waters attract colorful aquatic life, typical from the Caribbean reefs.
Its 67km of coastline and 35 beaches make it a popular destination for beach holidays. Saona https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/isla-saona-excursion-with-mano-juan-from-punta-cana/ 450+ spots have been featured on Snorkeling Report with the help of people like you. Nearly all tours to Isla Saona also include a snorkeling stop at an artificial reef consisting of a wreck and an old jetty devasted by a hurricane some years ago, which is home to some species of fish. The best snorkeling beaches include Playa Rincon on the Samana Peninsula, Playa Sosua on the north coast, and Playa Magallanes in Bayahibe.
We are staying in Barcelo Bavaro adn have 2 kids age 7 and 4. As mentioned, snorkeling is possible around Punta Cana and might be even great for beginners, but experienced snorkelers can easily be disappointed. Your contribution will help the snorkeling community find sites and enjoy the underwater world! This full-day catamaran snorkel cruise, for example, will take you from Punta Cana to Catalina Island for snorkeling at The Wall Reef. The best way to get to Saona Island is on a guided day trip, such as this full-day catamaran snorkel cruise from Bavaro in Punta Cana.
Sosua Beach and Alicia Beach are located about 45 minutes from Puerto Plata and are both easy to access. Share your favorite snorkeling spot and help us cover the world map. 3. Boat tours to Catalina Island leave from numerous places on the mainland, including the resort areas of Punta Cana, Bvaro, and Bayahibe. Some of those tours include a snorkeling stop on a little reef off the coast from Bavaro. The Caribbean is a world away from where I am but its a nice place to dream about, Haha, Delphine, it is!
Compared to Isla Saona you might indeed see an abundance of fishes but only because they are attracted and fed with bread when the tours are coming. Cayo Levantado, a small coral cay off the Samana Peninsula, is an excellent beginner-friendly snorkeling destination. The property will provide you with air conditioning, a coffee machine and a balcony. In the Santo Domingo area, you will find good snorkeling in Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta (near the crossing between Las Americas highway and the road to Las Americas International Airport) and in Boca Chica beach, where snorkelers will enjoy a shallow lagoon sheltered by a coral reef. Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are both around an hour driving away from Punta Cana, from most all-inclusive resorts in the area it is even around 1.5 hours. An artificial reef and coral patches in front of the resort provide a habitat for diverse sea life, and there is an on-site PADI dive center. Its on my list for its beauty and because its a Spanish-speaking country.
The Bahia Principe Luxury Resort owns the island, but there are two public beaches on the west side that are accessible to guests not staying at the resort.
Playa Frontn, at the eastern tip of the Peninsula, offers good snorkeling in a spectacular setting. When you come here, enjoy it and make sure to check back here. I liked the all-day catamaran tour with drinks and music that you mentioned for Isla Catalina. The tours typically last a week and sell out well in advance, so keep this in mind when making your travel arrangements. .
2 The whales exhibit frequent surface activity, including breaching and fin slapping, making it a thrilling and unforgettable experience for snorkelers. I have written a comprehensive article about Isla Catalina here if you are interested in further information. Chris, Its hard to take a bad photo in Punta Cana, isnt it? Let me know how I can help you (check my packages here) and send me a request here! In case you have a rental car, obviously it would be considerably cheaper. The golden sandy beach provides easy entry into the water, and there are some coral patches with varied sea life.
In nearshore shallow w (), Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas, Our top12 best snorkeling spots to see sea turtles, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see sharks, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see rays, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see starfish, Cration/Dveloppement twinbi | Agence web Paris. Some of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean I have visited so far were the Tobago Cays in the Grenadines and the San Blas Islands in Panama. Good to be forwarned that even with such a large reef the snorkelling in Punta Cana might not be some of the best! Other facilities offered at the property include a nightclub and on site shops.
But for the best snorkeling in the Dominican Republic, book a boat tour to the islands of Saona, Catalina, or Catalinita, all reachable by day tours from Punta Cana, Bvaro and Bayahibe resorts. yes, snorkeling in the Dominican Republic is pretty easy, there are hardly any strong currents at all. If youre not staying on the island, you can book a boat trip from Santa Barbara de Samana or Punta Cana or take a water taxi from the Avenida Marina port. Hi Chris, The bay has a vibrant coral reef with abundant marine life and many types of tropical fish. Whats a good family trip snorkeling for younger kids 8-11? I was surprised to learn that the best snorkeling isnt in Punta Cana. We are going to Punta cana mid Feb and we are not able to decide which activity to chose. Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? I hope I have not destroyed your vacation dreams with this blogpost. I like that you brutally honest about snorkeling in Punta Cana. Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant with sea view, Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal All Inclusive is located in the Riviera Maya town of Akumal. Its important to be authentic and honest. Check out the 35 best Punta Cana tours!
Its rocky shore is home to vibrant underwater life, that you can encounter at Playa Magallanes, at walking distance from Bayahibe village. Alternatively, there are tours offered from Puerto Plata and beyond*. The animals are visited and touched multiple times during the day, probably 365 days a year. Beginners but maybe not a full day away from Punta Cana?
The whales start arriving at Silver Bank in December and leave in late April, so plan your trip during this period if snorkeling with humpbacks is on your bucket list. The Caribbean Sea is home to thousands of varieties of fish, coral, sponges and other marine life.
The country provide dozens of good snorkeling spots, from coral reefs to shipwrecks, mangroves and sandbanks where stingray abound. Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo* (rating 4.92/5)Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling* (rating 4.91/5)Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda* (rating 4.91/5)Best excursion below 50 USD: Countryside & Culture Tour* (rating 4.75/5)Best excursion for families: Family Buggy Adventure* (rating 4.63/5)Not the right tour for you?Check out the 35 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog!
It is also one of the best options for off-the-beach snorkeling without the need for a boat or an excursion so why not give it a try. Aruba hosts wonderful beaches and a dozen of nice snorkeling spots, especially on its northwestern coast, all of them being (), Saint-Martin is a small picturesque island in the north of the Caribbean, divided into a French part in the north and a Dutch part in the south.
Unfortunately, I havent had the opportunity yet to experience this adventure on my own so I cant share any personal experiences of the Silver Banks trip with you. A local favorite on the Dominican Republics north coast, Playa Sosua is a good spot for those looking to snorkel right from the beach. The Atlantic coast of the country is known for its harsh currents and rough waters.
Therefore you only have two options: either you book a pricey private tour from Bavaro or Punta Cana (contact me for tour operator details) or youll take advantage of the various group excursions heading towards Cayo Levantado and charter a fishing boat for a quick one-hour side trip while your group has free time on Cayo Levantado. . Required fields are marked *. Which is your favorite spot to snorkel?
The area is full of resorts to suit a wide range of budgets.
The area is home to many excellent dive sites and has several dive centers offering snorkeling and diving trips. Not far from Catalina Island, Saona Island is another top pick for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, snorkeling here is subpar and the diversity of species low, maybe due to the many tours stopping here. You can also get there on a guided excursion from Puerto Plata, such as this full-day boat trip with snorkeling. Then Silver Banks might be the place to go for you, as long as you have some spare change available. Would you like to take advantage of someone with years of experience in the tourism industry (knowing all the travel hacks ) and living right in the place where you would like to spend your holiday?Thats what my personal travel coaching is for. The snorkeling stop is on the way to Isla Catalina. However, if you compare Punta Cana with other areas in the Caribbean or in the world, one have to be honest that there are better conditions in other snorkeling destinations so people know what to expect. If you are planning a snorkeling trip to the Dominican Republic (or anywhere else in the Caribbean), we recommend the excellent Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas (also available in ebook), the reference guide to ID the fish you will encounter snorkeling in the country. Localize and discover the best snorkeling spots in more than 50 destinations worldwide. please send me a private message on Facebook or Instagram or an email ([emailprotected]) with some more details, especially the hotel you are staying at and your travel dates. Time seems to have forgotten this place. However, I loved the whole excursion, especially as it was a full catamaran excursion where you get drinks, music, food and you can explore a new island, so I can highly recommend this excursion from Punta Cana. There are so many beautiful places and activities the Dominican Republic has to offer (such as Isla Saona or Whalewatching), it would be a pity exactly choosing the one where animals are suffering. Neighboring Playa Alicia is another top pick for snorkeling and diving that tends to see fewer crowds, although the conditions can be rougher than at Sosua Beach. Therefore, my recommendation is similar to the one for Isla Saona: the booze cruises and catamaran trips along the coast of Bavaro and Punta Cana are fun with some nice scenery and its worth to go, but dont book those tours if you are looking for excellent snorkeling experiences (as long as you are not a beginner). Most photos are stunning thanks to the sunshine and the tropical colours. Silver Bank is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel and swim with migrating humpback whales. For many people, a trip to the Dominican Republic is one thing above all else: a relaxing all-inclusive vacation on a beautiful white-sanded beach. Marvelous beaches, turquoise ocean (with a color which appears too blue to be true ), stunning scenery and on most occasions and animated party cruise are a combination hard to resist when looking for a typical Caribbean holiday experience. The best snorkeling reachable from Punta Cana in terms of a day trip is located in the bay of Saman, which has two stunning reefs: The Wall and La Farola. The best bet would be the few resorts in Cabeza de Toro (Dreams Palm Beach*, Catalonia* (check extensive hotel review here), Be Live Experience*, Natura Park*, etc.
Also known as Paradise Island, Cayo Arena is a tiny sandbar west of Punta Rucia on the north coast.
Apart from Saman Peninsula, Playa Sosa is one of the best options for snorkeling Santo Domingos northern side. 2022 OutsiderView. Your email address will not be published. The property also offers free parking. To get to Silver Bank, its best to book a guided whale-watching expedition with a reputable tour operator, such as Aquatic Adventures. Playa Magallanes is one of the best locations for beach snorkeling.
They comprise approximately 50 islands but the three main islands are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, around which the most accessible snorkeling can be found. Alternatively, if you want to snorkel with the schools of fish around Cayo Arena, consider this full-day boat trip from Puerto Plata. If you still need to decide between whale watching and Isla Saona, it is a pretty tough decision. Is it difficult for you to decide what and where to book? If you like snorkeling, (), The US Virgin Islands are located in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, to the east of Porto Rico. Chris. , Schedules/Rates. Aquatic Adventures, aquaticadventures.com. While Punta Cana, at the eastern tip of the island, features the longest reef on the island, snorkeling is generally not recommended there. In this article, I am showing you where to go for a decent snorkeling experience and am also telling you a little secret most people dont know about Punta Cana.
The Dominican Republic is a year-round snorkeling destination, thanks to a pleasant water temperature around 27C (81F). These islands are fringed by vibrant coral reefs, especially in remote areas. If you are looking for THE best place to snorkel in Punta Cana and beyond, Isla Catalina is your place to go. The water sure does look inviting. Besides, enjoy what the catamaran excursion has to offer.
This site contains Affiliate Links, which means that we may earn commissions through links you make purchases through. It is one of the most picturesque sceneries in the country, as it is just a sandbar in the open ocean surrounded by shallow water and an impressive reef. However, I highly recommend spending the night in Punta Rucia and heading off individually the next morning.
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