Happy Fish Catamarans · Punta Cana coast
Happy Fish sails a catamaran along the Punta Cana coast with 16 guests at most, stops to snorkel in a nature reserve, then anchors at a waist-deep sandbar with a floating bar. It isn't Saona: it is the trip for people who want clear water without a 6 AM bus.
Saona takes a full day from Punta Cana. This takes 3.5 hours. Happy Fish picks you up at your hotel (or you meet them at Plaza Bibijagua), and a catamaran capped at 16 guests sails close to the shore before stopping in a nature reserve to snorkel. The operator says it's a less crowded spot than most snorkel trips use; guests report fish, coral, turtles and even a stingray.
Then the boat anchors on a sandbar in waist-deep water with a floating bar. Drinks run from rum, beer and tequila to margaritas and rum punch, and the snacks are chips with salsa and guacamole and seasonal fruit. There is a toilet on board and a paddleboard, and guests mention a slide and a diving deck.
It is a different day from Saona, not a cheaper copy. You won't see the island, the turtle project or the Palmilla starfish. Book it as well as a Saona day, or instead of one if the 6:00 AM start puts you off.
An air-conditioned vehicle collects you, or meet at Plaza Bibijagua. The operator confirms the time by email or WhatsApp.
The catamaran sails close to shore so you see the coastline.
Snorkel with gear provided; guides help you find fish and coral.
Stand in waist-deep water with a drink, try the paddleboard, eat snacks.
Drop-off at your hotel or the meeting point.
★★★★★Amazing day trip. The crew was kind, service was amazing, and we had so much time snorkeling and relaxing in the water. Our guide made sure we saw tons of fish and coral reefs. The boat had a slide and diving deck that we all enjoyed.
★★★★★Nino and his crew were so fun and welcoming. The snorkeling area and sand baths were beautiful and the kids loved using the paddleboard while we enjoyed the floating bar.
★★★★★The snorkeling area was secluded and filled with fish, the guides also used food to attract the fish near the coral reefs. [...] One thing to note is that they do not offer professional photography, but they can take pictures of you on your camera for you.
★★★★★Bring sunscreen and towels. They will take care of the rest! They even provided chips and salsa and guac after the snorkel.
Read next:
No. It sails along the Punta Cana coast, with a snorkel stop in a nature reserve and a sandbar. For Saona, see the small-group Saona tour or the catamaran from Bayahibe.
Sixteen at most, according to the listing. One guest wrote that the small group made the trip personal.
Yes. A family with children aged 7 and 9 praised how the crew kept them safe. Children 3 to 11 get a lower price, infants up to 2 ride on a lap, and children must be with an adult.
About 3.5 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Ready to book
A half day of snorkelling and a sandbar, with hotel pickup in Punta Cana.
Small-Group Saona Island Full Day TourFourteen guests on a speedboat: the Mano Juan turtle project, a beach lunch and the Palmilla starfish, ahead of the crowds.★ 4.9 · 9 hours · from $165
Saona Catamaran Day from BayahibeA 75-foot sailing catamaran with 30 guests at most: Catuano reef snorkel, Saona beach time and lunch on board.★ 4.9 · 8 hours · from $169
Saona Day Trip with Lunch & Open BarThe budget classic: speedboat out via the natural pool, about three hours on Saona with lunch and an open bar, catamaran party back.★ 4.3 · 9 hours · from $82