Small-Group Food Catamaran

Overview

Happy Fish Catamarans runs this 3.5 hour trip from Punta Cana with a cap of 27 guests, even though the double decker boat itself can hold far more, so there is generous deck space and plenty of shade. Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, and the crew runs the outing in both English and Spanish.

The route hugs the shallow, clear water around Punta Cana and Cape Engaño. The boat anchors at a nature reserve near Cabo Engaño for swimming and snorkeling, with gear provided. Afterward it moves on to a sandbar where you can stand in waist-deep water, drink from a floating bar, and try a stand-up paddleboard. Back on board there is a slide and, according to several reviewers, a diving board on the upper deck.

An open bar covers beer, rum, tequila, tropical juices, and soft drinks, plus bottled water, nachos with salsa, and seasonal fruit.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupTransport collects guests from their hotels, and several reviewers noted the driver arrived on time or early.
2. Sail along the coastThe catamaran cruises the shallow, clear waters of Punta Cana and Cape Engaño with shaded seating on two decks.
3. Snorkel at the nature reserveThe boat anchors near Cabo Engaño for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is included and reviewers said the stop was not rushed.
4. Sandbar and floating barAt Sandbar Cove you stand in waist-deep water with drinks served from a floating bar. A stand-up paddleboard is available and the slide and diving board are open.
5. Return sail and drop-offAfter the sandbar, the boat sails back and transport returns guests to their hotels.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, based on the listing and what repeated reviewers said.

• What to bring. The listing asks for swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
• Small group feel. The operator caps the trip at 27 guests, and reviewers frequently reported far fewer on board, sometimes under ten. Several described it as feeling close to a private outing.
• Pace and fitness. Nothing is strenuous. Reviewers said the snorkeling stop had plenty of time and that they were free to do as they liked, in the water or on deck.
• Food and drink. Nachos with salsa, seasonal fruit, and an open bar with beer, rum, tequila, juices, and soft drinks are included. Multiple reviewers singled out the homemade guacamole as a highlight. Tips are the only listed extra.
• Families with kids. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the journey, and at least two reviewers brought very young children and older relatives and reported everyone had a good time.
• Music and party vibe. The sandbar is described by one reviewer as like a boat party. Some travellers mention the music could be quieter, so expect a lively rather than quiet atmosphere.

Common issues. There are no extra fees beyond tips, which are not included. The party atmosphere is not for everyone, and some reviewers found the music too loud. Group size can vary, and while the cap is 27, reviewers reported groups ranging from a handful of people to 16. One reviewer travelling with a toddler noted the trip worked across ages, but the boat party feel at the sandbar may not suit travellers wanting a quiet cruise.

Common Questions