Catamaran Day Trip, Snorkeling & Sailing Excursion

The best part of this excursion is the mix of two snorkeling stops and a lively sail along the Dominican coast. You begin at Sosua Beach, ride out to the catamaran by small boat, and spend the day moving between water time, lunch, music, and open-bar drinks.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the crew’s strong attention to safety, especially for first-time snorkelers. I also like that the boat ride ends with a scenic sail toward Puerto Plata rather than simply sending you straight back to a van. The main caution is crowding: the boat can feel tight around the snorkeling areas, and the buffet and reef quality receive mixed marks.

At a glance

• Two snorkel stops from Sosua: Use the supplied mask and snorkel at two sites, with crew members nearby to help in the water.
• A 75-foot catamaran: The boat provides room for lunch, drinks, music, and coastal views, though busy departures can feel crowded.
• Hotel pickup from Puerto Plata and Cabarete: Allow about six and a half hours overall, including the road transfers.
• Lunch and open bar included: Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are part of the package.
• A crew-led party atmosphere: Papo, Alain, and other crew members are praised for friendly service, dancing, jokes, and patient help.
• Weather matters: Heavy rain and rough seas can change the day quickly, and seasickness is a real possibility.

From your hotel to Sosua Beach

Your day begins with pickup at hotels in Puerto Plata or Cabarete. The transfer portion is listed at roughly ten minutes for each pickup stop, but your total road time will depend on where you are staying and how many pickups are being made. The route may pass the Eric Tours International office before you reach the coast.

I like this arrangement because you do not need to arrange a taxi to Sosua Beach. Pickup and drop-off remove one of the more annoying parts of a boat excursion, especially if you are staying outside central Puerto Plata.

At Sosua Beach, the departure is not from a conventional marina. You first take a small boat from shore to the waiting catamaran. That detail matters if you have trouble stepping between boats or balancing in shallow water. One older couple found the boat transfer difficult and would have preferred direct marina access.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also expect to get wet before you even settle into your seat, since the small boat transfer is part of the launch process.

Boarding the 75-foot catamaran

The catamaran used for the outing is about 75 feet long. It has enough space for snorkeling, lunch, drinks, music, and a covered area, but it is not a private charter. The advertised maximum is 45 participants, while a crew response referenced the vessel’s capacity as high as 70 people. Either way, you should think of this as a social group cruise, not a quiet sailing lesson.

That distinction helps set the right expectations. If you want a calm boat with plenty of personal space, this may disappoint you on a busy departure. Several people enjoyed the energy, while others felt the boat and snorkeling areas were too crowded.

The crew is the strongest part of the experience. Papo is singled out as a warm host, and Alain is described as speaking English, French, and Spanish. Crew members give safety instructions, help beginners in the water, and keep the mood moving with music, dancing, and jokes. A Michael Jackson performance is also part of the onboard entertainment.

I would choose this trip partly for the crew rather than for the boat alone. Their job is not simply to serve lunch. They help people get around the deck, keep an eye on swimmers, and encourage anyone nervous about open water.

Two snorkeling stops near Sosua

The morning focuses on two snorkeling locations. Equipment is provided, and the crew gives instructions before you enter the water. This is useful if you have never snorkeled before or feel uneasy in the sea. One first-time snorkeler felt included and supported, while another person who had been afraid of swimming in the ocean found the experience helped build confidence.

The fish are a major part of the appeal. At one stop, fish gather around bread fed from the boat, making them easier to see. That can be fun for a beginner because you are likely to have something to watch even if the reef itself is not spectacular.

I would keep your expectations moderate. Some people describe beautiful fish and enjoyable water time. Others found the reef rather lifeless and the snorkeling boring. This is a pleasant introduction to the sea, not a specialized reef expedition.

Crowding is the other issue. With many people entering the water at once, you may bump into fins or have trouble moving freely. One person felt unable to swim comfortably because of the number of snorkelers. If you want the best chance of enjoying the stops, listen closely to the crew and move away from the densest group when it is safe to do so.

The water is generally the star, but conditions can change. Rain, wind, and waves may make the ride rough. One outing was hit by a hard downpour and large waves, and a passenger became sick. The operator said the weather was an unexpected heavy shower rather than a tropical storm, but the experience still shows why this trip is best booked with a flexible attitude.

Lunch, drinks, and the afternoon sail

After the snorkeling, you return to the boat, dry off, and eat the buffet lunch. Food is included, along with unlimited drinks from the open bar, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

The meal receives mixed reactions. Some people call it delicious, while others describe it as average or too limited, with one vegetarian wishing for better choices. I would treat lunch as convenient fuel rather than the main reason to book the trip. If you have strict dietary needs, the available details do not promise a broad range of alternatives, so ask before booking.

The open bar adds value for people who want a relaxed party cruise. You can have drinks without paying separately each time, and the crew keeps the music and dancing going after the water activities. This is a good fit if you enjoy a festive group atmosphere.

The return sail is one of the nicest parts of the schedule. Instead of ending the day immediately after lunch, the catamaran travels along the coast toward Puerto Plata. You get time to sit back, dry off, take in the sea views, and enjoy the boat itself.

A few people appreciated ending at a Puerto Plata dock rather than riding all the way back to Sosua before taking a van. The exact final transfer depends on the day’s operation, but hotel drop-off is included after the boat portion.

How good is the value at $84?

At $84 per person, this is a reasonable package if you plan to use the full range of inclusions. You are paying for hotel transportation, a six-and-a-half-hour outing, a catamaran ride, two snorkel stops, equipment, lunch, bottled water, and an open bar. Buying those pieces separately would take more planning and could cost more.

The value is strongest for you if you want a full social day on the water. The crew, entertainment, drinks, and transportation make the price easier to justify. You also avoid arranging separate taxis between your hotel, Sosua, and Puerto Plata.

The value is weaker if your only goal is excellent snorkeling. Reef quality can be ordinary, fish may gather mainly where food is offered, and the water can feel crowded. A serious snorkeler may prefer a smaller boat with more time at fewer sites, though that is not what this excursion is designed to provide.

Photos and videos are available for purchase at the end. They are not included in the price, so plan for an extra expense if you want a record of the day. The included package does not cover a DVD.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who likes a boat trip with music and a friendly crew. The staff’s patient help is useful for people who are nervous in the water, and most participants can take part.

It is also a good choice for a group that wants a simple booking. Pickup, equipment, food, and drinks are handled for you, leaving little to organize.

I would be more cautious if you suffer from motion sickness, dislike crowded boats, or need quiet time. The boat can move with the waves, and several people became seasick. Bring whatever motion-sickness remedy you normally use, though the supplied information does not promise that medication will be available onboard.

The route also requires some ability to board a small boat and move around the catamaran. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the beach-to-boat transfer will be easy.

Practical tips for a better day

• Arrive ready to swim: Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. You may get wet during the small-boat transfer.
• Use strong sunscreen: You will spend several hours exposed to sun and reflected light from the sea.
• Keep valuables simple: The activity is built around swimming and moving around a boat, so bring only what you need.
• Expect a group outing: The maximum is listed as 45 people, but the boat has a larger stated capacity. Personal space may be limited.
• Listen to the safety briefing: This matters most at the two snorkeling stops, especially if you are new to the activity.
• Ask about food needs: Vegetarian choices may be limited, and the buffet is not the same as a full restaurant meal.
• Consider seasickness: Rough water and sudden weather can make the ride uncomfortable. Prepare before boarding if you are prone to nausea.
• Budget for photos: A photo and video package can be purchased at the end, but it is not included.

Weather, cancellations, and the small print

This excursion requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off follows local time.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity is near public transportation, although hotel pickup is already offered from Puerto Plata and Cabarete.

Should you book the Puerto Plata catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a busy, social day on the sea with snorkeling, lunch, drinks, music, and a crew that works hard to keep everyone involved. The friendly service, helpful water guidance, and coastal sail are the most reliable reasons to choose it.

Think twice if you want uncrowded snorkeling, a quiet sail, or a polished gourmet meal. The reef can be modest, the buffet is uneven, and weather can turn a pleasant outing into a rough one.

For most people staying in Puerto Plata, the $84 price is fair because it covers transport and nearly everything you need for the day. I would book it for the atmosphere and the complete package, not solely for the underwater sights.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip begin?

The tour begins at Sosua Beach. You take a small boat from shore to the waiting catamaran.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Puerto Plata and Cabarete.

How long does the excursion last?

The full experience lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The itinerary includes two snorkeling stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served onboard after the snorkeling portion.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the open bar, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

How large is the boat?

The catamaran is approximately 75 feet long.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Poor-weather cancellations may also result in a different date or a full refund.