REVIEW · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Private Catamaran Booze Cruise & Snorkeling
Book on Viator →Operated by GOING PARTY BOAT · Bookable on Viator
A booze cruise on a private catamaran hits different. On this 3-hour Punta Cana coastal ride, you get a captain-led stop-and-swim plan: unlimited open bar plus snorkeling setup, all for your group only. I like that you’re not stuck with a big cattle-car vibe, and I also like that snorkel gear and flotation aids are included so the water time starts fast.
My main caution is that snorkeling quality can swing with the sea. On one day it may be crystal-clear and calm, but if conditions are rough you might not go as far out, and the water can be shallow where you end up.
In This Review
- Key Points That Make This Catamaran Worth Your Time
- The Real Vibe: A Punta Cana Party Catamaran, Not Just a Boat Ride
- Price and What You’re Actually Buying (Up to 15 People)
- Getting There: Punta Cana Pickup and the Bavaro Beach Start Point
- On-Board Experience: Captain, Crew, Music, and the Open Bar
- Stop 1: The Sandbar Natural Pool, Where Most People Win
- Snorkeling: Coral Reef Time, but Seas Can Change the Plan
- Drinks and Snacks: How the On-Board Fuel Changes the Mood
- What Rain (and Rough Water) Looks Like on This Trip
- Who Should Book This Private Booze Cruise
- Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise in Punta Cana?
- FAQ
- How long is the private catamaran cruise?
- Is this tour private?
- What’s included for snorkeling?
- What drinks are included on the open bar?
- Do they offer pickup and drop-off?
- Is there an age requirement for drinking?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Key Points That Make This Catamaran Worth Your Time

- Private for up to 15: you’re sailing as one party, not shoehorned into strangers’ plans
- Unlimited drinks included: vodka, tequila, rum, beer, plus soft drinks for the full cruise window
- Snorkeling equipment on board: snorkel gear and flotation devices are part of the deal
- Natural pool/sandbar stop: this is often the most dependable “swim moment” even when conditions shift
- Crew energy matters: reviews highlight professional, interactive hosts, including a crew member named Raphael
The Real Vibe: A Punta Cana Party Catamaran, Not Just a Boat Ride
This isn’t a quiet sunset cruise. You’re on a catamaran built for a social few hours along the coast, with dance music and a team that keeps the momentum going. If your idea of a good Dominican Republic day is drinks, music, and a real water stop, this fits the mood.
What makes it feel like value is the private format. You’re paying for a charter-style experience for up to 15 people (price is per group), which means your “cost per person” can stay reasonable when you have a full group. If it’s just two or four, the per-person number climbs, but you still get the main benefits: your own boat time, your own schedule, and no awkward waiting around for strangers.
You also get more than “just cruise.” The package includes coastal cruising time, snacks (tropical fruits, nachos, and sauces), and an on-board team that’s there to guide you during the stops and water moments.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dominican Republic
Price and What You’re Actually Buying (Up to 15 People)

At $759 per group for up to 15 people, you’re buying a private 3-hour outing with a lot handled for you. The big budget items already inside the price are the open bar, snacks, and the snorkeling-related gear plus life jackets/flotation devices.
Here’s the simple math. If you fill the boat with 15 people, you’re effectively around $50 per person for the core experience. With 10 people onboard, you’re closer to $76 per person. That’s still in the realm of “worth it” if your group wants a party-style day with alcohol and water time included.
Two add-ons are worth keeping in mind. Beach lunch isn’t included, and photos/souvenirs are available to purchase. In reviews, photo pricing came up as something people felt was pricey, so if you care about pictures, plan to treat that as an optional splurge rather than an automatic part of the day.
Getting There: Punta Cana Pickup and the Bavaro Beach Start Point

The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana, and you’ll also have a mobile ticket. The activity starts at Going Party Boat on Bávaro Beach, C. Chicago, Punta Cana, and ends back at the meeting point.
Timing-wise, plan for about 3 hours total. “About” matters here because you’re dealing with sea conditions and the flow of the day, not a museum timeline.
One practical note from feedback: if your hotel has strict pickup rules, you might not be picked up at the front door. That can feel annoying in the moment, but the trip itself still holds to the advertised duration once you’re on the boat.
On-Board Experience: Captain, Crew, Music, and the Open Bar

Once you’re aboard, the tone is party-first, but the crew doesn’t feel like random entertainment. Reviews repeatedly call out professionalism mixed with fun, and that balance makes a difference when you’re trying to coordinate a group on water.
The captain and crew are there to answer questions and provide commentary about the marine environment. If you like learning while you’re doing something, this is one of those tours where you can actually ask and get a real answer, not just background facts.
The open bar is a core part of the value and the vibe. Drinks listed include vodka, tequila, rum, and beer, and you’ll also get soft drinks like juices, sodas, and bottled water. It’s unlimited during the cruise window, so you don’t have to keep doing math in your head. You also have tropical fruits, plus nachos and sauces for food between swim moments.
If you’re wondering whether this is all about noise, most reviews point to the crew staying active and interactive rather than letting people drift. One reviewer specifically highlighted Raphael and his crew for being fun and professional, which matches the pattern you’ll see across the feedback.
Stop 1: The Sandbar Natural Pool, Where Most People Win

The sandbar stop is the part I’d treat as the anchor of the day. It’s described as a natural pool (sandbar), and this tends to be the most “reliable” water time when conditions aren’t perfect for snorkeling.
A sandbar setting usually means a calmer experience than open water. Even when the sea is less cooperative, a sandbar still gives you a controlled place to cool off, hang out in the water, and use the flotation devices if you want that extra comfort. For groups with mixed comfort levels in the water, this is a big plus.
Some guests also mentioned additional on-board fun like slides. That isn’t spelled out in the core inclusions, but if those are available on the day you go, that’s a bonus that pushes the day closer to a full-on party day, not just a swim stop.
And if you’re thinking about photos: yes, you’ll likely take your own. But the tour also sells photos as an add-on. One review said the photo pricing felt expensive and wished they had the cost upfront, so keep expectations clear.
Snorkeling: Coral Reef Time, but Seas Can Change the Plan

Snorkeling is part of the headline, and snorkeling gear is included. The experience description frames it as snorkel time in a coral reef area with colorful fish, with life jackets and flotation devices on board to help you feel steady.
Here’s the reality check: snorkeling can vary based on sea conditions, and the tour doesn’t pretend otherwise. One review noted they didn’t go far enough out for much to see, and the water ended up around 5 feet deep, which limited what they could experience. Another review-and-response pattern suggests that conditions are usually calmer and clearer but can turn rough.
So what does this mean for you?
- If you’re coming mainly for the party boat vibe and a fun swim, snorkeling is a bonus.
- If you’re coming specifically for standout reef viewing, keep flexibility in your brain. Some days will be better than others.
If snorkeling is important to your group, the best move is to go in expecting a “try it and enjoy the water” session rather than guaranteeing a perfect reef picture. You’ll still have the included gear, and the crew will guide you, but nature decides how wide and deep the snorkeling moment ends up.
Drinks and Snacks: How the On-Board Fuel Changes the Mood

This is where the tour becomes more than transport. Unlimited drinks shift the whole experience from sightseeing to celebration. The mix listed is classic Dominican Republic-style national drinks: rum, tequila, vodka, plus beer, along with juices and sodas.
Snacks are also built in: tropical fruits and nachos with sauces. That matters because you’re out for about three hours and you’ll likely spend time both on the deck and in the water. Having food included helps keep energy up without you needing to buy lunch separately.
If your group is celebrating something—birthday, bachelor party, family trip—this is the kind of outing people tend to remember. Several reviews describe it as a highlight, not a filler activity.
What Rain (and Rough Water) Looks Like on This Trip

Weather can be a wildcard in Punta Cana. One review described the day as rainy but said the crew made it fun anyway, with people dancing in the rain. That’s a good sign because it suggests the staff leans into the moment rather than shutting it down when the sky changes.
At the same time, rougher sea conditions are directly tied to snorkeling results. If water is too choppy or the plan has to change, snorkeling can become limited. This is also where the sandbar stop earns its keep, because even if snorkeling is underwhelming, you’ll still have a water hang-out planned.
There’s also a weather-based cancellation approach: the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Who Should Book This Private Booze Cruise
This tour is a strong match for:
- Adult groups who want an open bar catamaran experience with swimming time
- Bigger groups that can actually fill the boat (up to 15), so the per-person value holds up
- Birthday celebrations and bachelor parties, based on how often those occasions show up in feedback
It also includes rules that matter for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18. Most travelers can participate, which is a good general sign.
But be honest about your priorities. If you care most about snorkeling as the main event, you might want to temper expectations. One review came right out and said to go for the booze rather than the snorkeling. That doesn’t mean snorkeling is terrible—just that it’s not a guarantee every day.
Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise in Punta Cana?
Book it if you want a private party cruise with unlimited drinks, a sandbar swim, and a crew that keeps things moving. The value works best when you bring a full group of friends or family and you’re excited about the social side of the trip.
Skip it or adjust expectations if snorkeling is your top goal. Seas and visibility can change how far you go and what you actually see. In those cases, the sandbar stop is still likely to deliver the day’s best “in-the-water” memories.
If you’re choosing between “another beach day” and “a planned, hosted water party,” this one tends to win. You’ll come back with that feeling of having done something special without having to organize anything yourself.
FAQ
How long is the private catamaran cruise?
The tour runs for about 3 hours.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates, up to 15 people.
What’s included for snorkeling?
Snorkeling and snorkel gear are included, along with life jackets and flotation devices.
What drinks are included on the open bar?
The open bar includes vodka, tequila, beer, and rum, plus soft drinks like juices, sodas, and bottled water.
Do they offer pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered in Punta Cana. The start point is Going Party Boat on Bávaro Beach.
Is there an age requirement for drinking?
Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.








