Review · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Private Catamaran with Sound system, Slide, Open bar & Snorkeling
The best part of this private catamaran cruise is the freedom to make the boat your own for three hours. Your group can play its preferred music, swim off the side, snorkel over tropical fish and coral, and settle into a floating bar at a shallow natural pool. It works especially well for birthdays, wedding celebrations, bachelor parties, and family gatherings.
I like the combination of snorkeling and a sandbar stop, since you get both an active water outing and easy time to relax with a drink. I also like the practical touches: hotel pickup can be arranged, equipment and snacks are included, and the crew can host groups with a wide range of ages and mobility needs. The main consideration is the fixed three-hour schedule. With snorkeling, cruising, swimming, food, and music all included, the time can pass quickly.
Key points to know before you book

- Private for your group of up to 10: The listed price is $699 per group, rather than per person.
- Snorkeling at Punta de los Nidos: Plan on about 30 minutes among tropical fish and coral.
- Natural pool stop: Spend roughly one hour in shallow, calm water with access to a floating bar.
- Your music sets the mood: The sound system lets your group choose the soundtrack while cruising Bávaro Beach.
- Open bar and snacks included: Alcoholic drinks, refreshments, fruit, and snacks are part of the package.
- Pickup and access are practical: Hotel pickup can be arranged, and the boat is listed as accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
What the $699 private rate really means

The price is $699 for a group of up to 10 people. At the full group limit, that works out to about $69.90 per person, before any personal extras such as photos. That is a fair way to look at this outing, since you are paying for a private setting rather than joining an open boat with strangers.
The value gets stronger when you are celebrating something. A birthday group, extended family, wedding party, or bachelor party can share one boat, one sound system, and one bar without splitting into separate bookings. You also avoid the awkwardness of trying to keep a large group together during a shared excursion.
There is one detail worth clarifying when booking. The boat is described as holding up to 50 people, while the listed private rate covers a group of up to 10. That likely means the vessel can handle larger parties, but the quoted package is specifically for up to 10 people. If your group is larger, ask Gone Fun Tours about the correct rate and arrangement before paying.
The price includes private transport, snorkeling equipment, snacks, unlimited alcoholic drinks, music, and refreshments. Towels and sunscreen are not included, and photos are available to purchase separately. Bring your own towel and sun protection so you are ready for the water from the start.
More Catamaran Cruises with Open Bar in the Dominican Republic
- Punta Cana: Saona Island Catamaran Tour with Food & Open Bar
★ 3.5 · 380 reviews - Private Catamaran Cruise with Slide & unlimited drinks
★ 5.0 · 270 reviews - Punta Cana: Catamaran Tour with Reef Snorkeling and Open Bar
★ 4.7 · 257 reviews
Starting at Jellyfish Restaurant in Punta Cana

The listed meeting point is Jellyfish Restaurant on C. Chicago in Punta Cana. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point, which makes the day easy to plan if you are arranging your own transportation.
Hotel pickup can also be arranged. That matters for a celebration group, since coordinating several taxis or rental cars can eat into the day before you even reach the marina area. Confirm the pickup details when you book, including the hotel location and meeting time.
The booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. The activity is offered in English, German, Russian, Italian, French, and Spanish, giving mixed-language groups a better chance of receiving instructions everyone understands.
The boat is listed as accessible for wheelchair users and strollers. Accessibility on a boat can depend on the exact boarding point and sea conditions, so anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm the practical details in advance. The important point is that access has been considered rather than left unaddressed.
Cruising along Bávaro Beach with your own soundtrack
Once underway, the boat cruises along the length of Bávaro Beach. This is the social part of the outing, with music from the sound system, complimentary drinks, fruit, and time to settle into the rhythm of the cruise.
The ability to choose the music is more useful than it may sound. A family group may want something relaxed, while a birthday or bachelor party may prefer a louder party atmosphere. Because the boat is private for your group, you do not have to fit your mood around another party’s playlist.
The open bar includes unlimited alcoholic drinks, along with refreshments. The supplied details do not list specific brands or a full drink menu, so ask if you need a particular beverage. The package also includes snacks and fruit, but it should not be treated as a full meal. Eat before boarding if your group tends to get hungry after swimming.
The cruise is also the time to watch for marine life. Dolphins, sharks, and rays may be spotted from the boat, but sightings are not guaranteed. Think of these as possible bonuses, not the reason to book. The dependable parts of the experience are the cruise, snorkeling stop, natural pool, drinks, and music.
Thirty minutes at Punta de los Nidos

The first planned stop is Punta de los Nidos, reached by a short cruise from Bávaro Beach. This is the active part of the trip, with about 30 minutes set aside for snorkeling.
Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The water offers views of tropical fish and coral, giving you a quick look at the underwater side of the coast without committing to a full-day snorkeling expedition.
Thirty minutes is enough for a taste, especially if your group includes casual swimmers or people who want to alternate between snorkeling and staying aboard. It is not a long reef session. Strong snorkelers may wish for more time, but the shorter stop helps keep the outing balanced with the later natural pool visit and beach cruise.
If you have never snorkeled before, this format can be comfortable. You can try the equipment, look around, and return to the boat without spending half a day in the water. If snorkeling is your main goal, keep your expectations measured because the schedule gives equal weight to swimming, drinks, and the party atmosphere.
The water activities also make sunscreen important. It is not included, so bring your own and apply it before boarding. A towel is not provided either, which is easy to overlook when the focus is on the open bar and sound system.
More Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises in the Dominican Republic
- Small-Group Cruising and Snorkeling Catamaran Tour
★ 5.0 · 2,401 reviews - Punta Cana Combo Tour: Snorkeling, Catamaran Cruise & Parasailing
★ 4.5 · 1,094 reviews - Private Catamaran Snorkeling Family Adventure
★ 5.0 · 320 reviews - Party Boat Catamaran with Snorkeling from Punta Cana
★ 4.0 · 232 reviews
One hour at the shallow natural pool

The longest stop is the natural pool, a sandbar with calm, turquoise water. You can walk in the shallow water, swim, enjoy snacks, and use the floating bar while the boat remains nearby.
This stop is likely the easiest part of the outing for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can enjoy the water, while people who prefer a gentler pace can stand on the sandbar with a drink. Children and less confident swimmers may find the calm setting more manageable than open water, though the supplied information does not provide specific child-safety details.
The natural pool also gives the group room to talk and take photos. Snorkeling is usually a focused activity, but a sandbar stop lets everyone spread out and enjoy the setting at the same time. For a family celebration, that shared ease may be more valuable than squeezing in another formal sightseeing stop.
The floating bar is a major part of the appeal, but keep the practical limits in mind. Alcohol and swimming require good judgment, particularly in the sun. You have an hour here, so there is no need to rush into the water with a drink in hand. Stay hydrated with the included refreshments and use sunscreen throughout the day.
A party boat that can still work for families

The sound system, open bar, slide, and private format give this excursion a clear party character. It is a natural fit for adults celebrating a birthday, wedding event, bachelor party, or other milestone.
At the same time, the snorkeling and natural pool make it more than a floating bar. Families and extended groups can use the boat as a simple shared activity, with some people in the water and others enjoying fruit, snacks, and music aboard.
The boat is described as having capacity for up to 50 people, but the advertised private booking is for up to 10. That distinction matters for atmosphere. A group of 10 can expect a private gathering, while a much larger event may involve a different arrangement. Ask the operator how the slide, seating, pickup, and food service work for larger numbers.
The strongest praise attached to this experience focuses on the crew’s customer service, easy transportation, and the quality of the group memories created. That fits the design of the outing. The itinerary is simple, but the staff’s ability to keep transportation, drinks, music, and water activities moving smoothly will shape the day.
Timing, weather, and what to bring

The cruise lasts about three hours. That makes it easy to fit into a Punta Cana holiday, but it also means you should arrive ready to board. There is not much spare time for a forgotten towel or a late start.
Pack:
- A towel
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Dry clothing for after the cruise
- Any personal medication
- A phone or camera in a waterproof case
Photos are available to buy, so you can choose to leave the main photo-taking to the crew if that service is offered during your outing. The details do not say how many images are included or what they cost, so ask before purchasing.
Good weather is required. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is important for a water activity, but it also means you should avoid placing it on the final few hours of your holiday if possible. A rescheduled trip is much easier to handle when you still have another day available.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in the Dominican Republic.
Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this cruise to a group that wants a private social outing with a little snorkeling, not to someone seeking an intensive marine excursion.
It is a strong choice for:
- Families and extended families traveling together
- Birthday and wedding celebration groups
- Bachelor parties and adult social groups
- Friends who want control of the music
- Mixed groups with both swimmers and non-swimmers
- Visitors who value hotel pickup and included equipment
It may be less suitable if you want a quiet sailing trip, a long snorkeling session, or a full-day coastal tour. The music, open bar, and party setup are central to the experience. If your ideal boat trip is peaceful and nature-focused, this may feel too lively.
The private price also works best when you fill most of the 10-person limit. A couple or small group would pay the same $699 package rate, so the per-person cost rises quickly with fewer participants.
Should you book the Punta Cana private catamaran?
Book it if your group wants an easy, celebratory day on the water with private space, a flexible soundtrack, an open bar, and two different water stops. The combination of Punta de los Nidos snorkeling and the natural pool keeps the three hours from becoming only a party cruise.
I especially like it for extended families because people can choose their own pace. Some can snorkel, some can use the slide or swim, and others can stay aboard with fruit and a drink. The positive feedback on transportation and crew service also points to the practical side of the experience, which matters when you are coordinating a large gathering.
Skip it if snorkeling is your sole priority, if you want a quiet boat, or if your group is too small to make the private rate worthwhile. For up to 10 people who want a shared celebration rather than a structured sightseeing tour, the $699 price can be good value. Bring sunscreen and towels, confirm pickup, and leave room in your schedule in case weather affects the boat day.
FAQ
How long is the private catamaran tour?
The activity lasts approximately three hours.
How many people can join the private booking?
The listed price of $699 covers a private group of up to 10 people. The catamaran itself is described as having capacity for up to 50 people, so larger groups should ask Gone Fun Tours about the proper arrangement and price.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes. Hotel pickup can be arranged for your convenience. Confirm the pickup details when booking.
What is included in the price?
The package includes private transport, snorkeling equipment, snacks, unlimited alcoholic drinks, music of your choice, and refreshments.
Is snorkeling part of the itinerary?
Yes. The tour stops at Punta de los Nidos for about 30 minutes of snorkeling among tropical fish and coral. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.
More Private Catamaran Charters in the Dominican Republic
- Punta Cana Private Catamaran Cruise with Drinks and Light Snacks
★ 5.0 · 281 reviews - Private Catamaran Cruise with Slide & unlimited drinks
★ 5.0 · 163 reviews - Private Catamaran Booze Cruise & Snorkeling
★ 5.0 · 137 reviews - Punta Cana Private Catamaran Cruise: Snorkeling, Beach & BBQ
★ 4.5 · 39 reviews
New on the water in the Dominican Republic
- Puerto Plata Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling, BBQ & Open Bar★ 4.5 · 20 reviews
- Catamaran Party Cruise with Snorkeling & BBQ★ 4.5 · 45 reviews
- From Punta Cana: Saona Island Full Day For Small Group Catamaran★ 4.5 · 50 reviews
- Full Day Tour in Punta Cana with Dune Buggy and Catamaran★ 4.5 · 25 reviews
- Saona Island Tour Catamaran Buffet Lunch & Full Day Trip★ 4.0 · 20 reviews
- Catamaran Booze Cruise And Snorkeling Punta Cana – Adults Only★ 4.5 · 70 reviews
- Saona Island Full Day Excursion from Punta Cana + Catamaran Party★ 4.0 · 103 reviews
- Punta Cana: Catamaran Boat Party with Unlimited Drinks★ 4.2 · 82 reviews
Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises, side by side.

Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling
Read our review →
Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran
Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling
Read our review →
Catamaran with Open Bar, Snorkeling and Lunch
Read our review →
Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar
Read our review →
Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran
Read our review →
Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo
Read our review →
Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel
Read our review →Lists this catamaran appears in
