Punta Cana Sand Bar and Natural Pool: A Catamaran Day
2 min read
Ask anyone who has done a boat trip in Punta Cana what they remember and the answer is nearly always the same: the sand bar and the natural pool. It is the moment the day stops being a boat ride and becomes a swim in clear, shallow Caribbean water with music still playing in the background.
A typical day, step by step
- Boarding and welcome. The friendly crew welcomes you aboard, and life jackets are on board.
- Cruise along the Bávaro coast with music and the open bar. On several trips you also pass Dolphin Island and may spot dolphins from the boat.
- Snorkelling at the reef. Snorkelling gear is included; it is a good first snorkel for beginners and families.
- The natural pool and sand bar. The boat anchors in shallow, crystal-clear water off Bávaro Beach. You can swim, float on the water pad and keep the party going in the water.
What makes the sand bar special
It is a bank of sand in the sea with very shallow water around it, so you swim in a sort of open-air natural pool instead of deep water. That is why trips are popular with first-time visitors and with groups who would rather not swim far from the boat.
How long you spend on the water
The standard trips are about three hours on the boat. Departure times vary: some start at 9:00, others at 11:00, 14:00 or 14:30. You can compare them on each trip page, for example the Sand Bar party boat or the unlimited-drinks sand bar cruise.
What to bring
- Swimwear, sunscreen and sunglasses (the towel is not included).
- A change of clothes for the way back.
If the weather is bad
Trips that are cancelled because of thunderstorms are refunded or rescheduled, as set out on each page. If you are unsure about the forecast, message us on WhatsApp and we will help.
Browse all the Punta Cana boat trips and pick the departure that suits you.
