Snorkeling in Punta Cana is something that virtually everyone can enjoy, and since the all inclusive resorts here provide their guests with snorkeling equipment at no extra charge, you can do as much as you please when staying at one. Helping to make Punta Cana snorkeling so rewarding is the Punta Cana Reef, which is the longest reef found anywhere off the Dominican Republic coast. At 24 miles in length, the Punta Cana Reef protects the majority of the Punta Cana beaches. This helps to create calmer waters for both swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll often be surprised at how shallow the water is closer to shore. In addition to spotting coral on the Punta Cana Reef, you’ll also see various tropical fishes while snorkeling, and if you want to further explore the underwater realms, you can always consider trying some scuba diving as well.

As mentioned, the all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana supply their guests with snorkeling equipment, and since you can snorkel right off the beach, you won’t have far to go once you exit your room. In addition to handing out snorkeling equipment, some of the resorts will also treat you to a complimentary snorkeling excursion. Most of the resorts here run boats out to the Punta Cana reef on a daily basis, and if you are staying at one that does, it’s awfully convenient. These resort excursions can sometimes get crowded, however, so if you want a more personal experience when snorkeling in Punta Cana, you can book an outside excursion. If you have the time, you might even interest yourself in snorkeling tours that take you to the nearby islands of Isla Saona and Isla Catalina.

The tour operators in Punta Cana that offer snorkeling charters can sometimes also help you arrange fishing excursions and other outings as well. Ripping through the water on a speed boat is surely a rush that adrenaline junkies will want to include on top of snorkeling, while visiting one of the islands is a better fit for others. Snorkeling excursions that aren’t included in your all inclusive rates at the hotel shouldn’t cost you too much, and if you can’t swing the extra money to go scuba diving, these are a nice alternative.

Punta Cana Map

Because the Punta Cana Reef is so close to shore, the guided snorkeling tours that are offered here waste little time getting you to it. Most of the guided excursions that involve snorkeling in Punta Cana will last a few hours, and if you don’t already have snorkeling equipment, it will be provided for you. Kids usually pay half-price to snorkel in Punta Cana, which is good news for families. Soft drinks are generally offered to guests on the snorkeling boats for shorter trips, and snacks and/or a meal are typically provided on longer excursions. Things that you might bring along with you when booking a Punta Cana snorkeling excursion include sunblock and some towels. It’s also not a bad idea to bring a waterproof camera so you can take some shots of the coral and the different fish that you see. The clarity of the water off the Punta Cana coast makes for good visibility, so you can get some really nice shots.

Should you head to one of the islands to do some snorkeling, you will typically enjoy anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes in the water before or after visiting some beaches and doing some birdwatching. Often times, these extended island tours provide rum in addition to soft drinks, so you might enjoy some while you are cruising to your destination. It is common on the extended Punta Cana snorkeling charters to stop at a natural swimming pool along the way, and more often than not, food will be served as well. As a side note, the snorkeling equipment that you can expect the resorts and the charter companies to provide will include your snorkel, a mask, a safety vest to help you float, and some fins to help you cut through the water with ease. All you’ll have to worry about is showing up and having a great time!