Catamaran Day Trips

Spend a day on a catamaran and you'll understand why Columbus stopped here in 1492.

The north coast of the Dominican Republic is built for sailing. Reliable trade winds, calm water inside the offshore reef line, water visibility that runs 40–60 feet on a good day, and a chain of swimmable bays — Cofresí, Sosúa, Cabarete, Punta Rucia — strung along an hour of coastline. Several catamaran operators run day trips out of Puerto Plata's marinas, and almost every Cofresí guest who books one rates it among the highlights of their stay.

The standard format: pickup at your resort around 9:00 AM, transfer to the marina, briefing on board, then a 30–45 minute sail to a snorkel anchorage. Snorkel for an hour over a reef or wreck, sail to a second beach stop, drop anchor for swimming and lunch, then sail back with the open bar going. Most trips are back at the resort by 3:00 PM. Full-day trips extend to a third stop and a longer return sail.

Half-day vs full-day

Half-day catamaran (4–5 hours) covers two stops, lunch, and is back to the resort in time for an afternoon nap. Roughly $60–$80 per person. This is what most resort tour desks book by default. Full-day catamaran (6–7 hours) usually includes a Sosúa Bay snorkel, a beach stop on Sosúa, lunch, and a sunset return sail. Closer to $90–$120 per person. The full-day version is the better value if the wind is good and you don't mind being on the water all afternoon.

What to expect on board

Most boats are 50–75 foot sailing catamarans with shaded deck seating, deck nets at the bow (the classic catamaran lay-down spot), a bar service, restrooms on board, and snorkel gear included in the trip price. Lunch is usually a full Caribbean buffet served on the boat — fresh fish, rice and beans, salads, fruit, sometimes lobster on the upgrade tier. Open bar runs from departure to last call before docking — typically rum punch, beer, and soft drinks. Tip the crew.