REVIEW · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Private Catamaran Booze Cruise & Snorkeling
Book on Viator →Operated by GOING PARTY BOAT · Bookable on Viator
A private booze cruise is the easiest way to party in DR. You get a private catamaran setup for your group and the unlimited open bar keeps things fun for the full 3 hours, with crew commentary and music as you cruise the coast. The trade-off: snorkeling quality can vary day to day, especially if the water is choppy or shallower than you expect.
You’ll start at Bávaro Beach and get pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana, so you don’t waste vacation time figuring out transport. I like that the experience is built around real downtime too—swim stops, floating devices, and a sandbar-style natural pool. One more consideration: since this is a party-focused cruise, the schedule stays tight, and you may not get long, deep snorkeling time.
In This Review
- Quick hits
- The Private Catamaran Booze Cruise in Punta Cana: How It Fits Your Day
- Getting Onboard at Going Party Boat (Bávaro Beach) and What the Crew Actually Does
- The Open Bar and Music: Why This Part Feels Like Value
- Reef Snorkeling in Real Life: Coral, Fish, and the Day-to-Day Conditions
- The Natural Pool (Sandbar) Stop: Calm Water Time That’s Built for Fun
- What’s Included (And What’s Not): The Stuff That Impacts Your Budget
- Price and Value for Private Groups Up to 15
- Who This Punta Cana Catamaran Cruise Is Best For
- Practical Tips So Your 3 Hours Feel Worth It
- Should You Book This Private Catamaran Booze Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the private catamaran cruise?
- Is this a private tour or shared with strangers?
- What drink options are included?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Is there a sandbar or natural pool stop?
- Are beach lunch, photos, or souvenirs included?
- Are there age limits for the open bar?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Quick hits
- Private boat for your group (up to 15), not a crowded shared cruise
- Unlimited drinks: vodka, tequila, beer, and rum, plus juices, sodas, and bottled water
- Snorkeling gear and flotation devices included, with a reef stop when conditions allow
- Natural pool (sandbar) stop for calmer water time and photos
- Crew-led energy with music and an animation team, including named crew like Raphael
- Bring realistic expectations for snorkeling, since depth and visibility can change with sea conditions
The Private Catamaran Booze Cruise in Punta Cana: How It Fits Your Day

This is a Punta Cana add-on that works best when you want a simple plan with built-in fun. You’re paying for a boat that’s reserved for your party (up to 15), with a crew whose job is to keep the mood going—music, snacks, drinks, and a few structured swim and sandbar moments.
The price ($759 per group) only makes sense if you’ll pack the boat with people. The sweet spot is groups of friends, a birthday crew, or a family group where you can split the cost without feeling like everyone has to pay a premium solo rate. If you’re traveling as a small group, you’ll still get the private experience, but you might feel the cost more because you’re not spreading it across many passengers.
Duration matters here. At about 3 hours, this isn’t a full-day sailing adventure. It’s a concentrated coast-and-party session: cruise time, a reef swim/snorkel window, and a natural pool sandbar stop—plus food and open bar in between. If you love a long quiet beach day, you might pair this with one calmer morning or afternoon. If you want the day to end with a story, this fits.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dominican Republic
Getting Onboard at Going Party Boat (Bávaro Beach) and What the Crew Actually Does

Your day starts with a meeting point at Going Party Boat, Bávaro Beach, C. Chicago, Punta Cana 23000. From there, pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana are part of the deal, so you can plan around it without scrambling for taxis.
Once you’re aboard, you’ll see how the operation is set up. The experience is led by a captain and crew, plus a professional guide and animation team. The goal is clear: you’re not just floating on water with a cooler. You’re on a staffed boat where people guide the timing, keep things moving, and encourage participation—especially during the music-and-dance segments.
In the reviews, that crew energy shows up again and again, including praise for the fun-but-professional approach. One review specifically called out Raphael and his crew as both lively and well-run. That combination matters: you want the party atmosphere, but you also want it organized enough that snorkeling gear, life jackets, and drink service don’t turn into chaos.
The Open Bar and Music: Why This Part Feels Like Value
The open bar is a major part of what you’re buying. You get unlimited drinks including vodka, tequila, beer, and rum. On top of that, there are soft drinks like juices, sodas, and bottled water, so the boat isn’t only about alcohol.
You’ll also have food along the way: tropical fruits, nachos, and sauces. That sounds basic, but it helps more than you’d think on a boat. Alcohol plus sun plus saltwater can hit harder than you expect, so having snacks on board keeps the whole vibe from tipping into sloppy-sad or just plain sick.
Music and dancing are also part of the package. The cruise includes coastal music and dance music, and the crew is clearly tuned into the party mood. One practical detail from a review: if you don’t want their random playlist, ask whether the crew can connect to your phone for your preferred music. That’s a smart move if your group has a shared playlist (and it can turn the boat into your own mini party).
Reef Snorkeling in Real Life: Coral, Fish, and the Day-to-Day Conditions

The snorkeling is set up with snorkel gear, flotation devices, and life jackets included, plus a reef stop where you’re meant to see colorful fish over a coral reef area. On a calm day, this is exactly what you want: a short, guided window where you float, look around, and come back to the boat before you lose the fun.
But here’s the truth you should plan around: snorkeling results can vary. Some reviewers were happy with the snorkeling, including people who enjoyed reef time and even the overall water fun. Others had a very different experience because the water depth limited how far they could go—one review noted water around five feet deep, which affected how much they could actually snorkel. Another explanation from the provider response is that they can’t control sea conditions. Normally you’ll get calm, clear water, but rougher weather changes visibility and what you can comfortably access.
So how should you handle this?
- Go in expecting a snorkeling stop, not a guaranteed underwater viewing show.
- If the water looks rough or shallow, focus on what’s still available—floating and light swimming can still be enjoyable.
- Wear sunscreen you trust and consider a rash guard if you’re sensitive to sun. The boat keeps you outdoors, and you’ll be out for a few hours.
If you’re the type who wants to spend half the day in deep snorkel conditions, this tour might feel like it ends too soon. If you want snorkeling as one highlight inside a party cruise, it’s a good fit.
The Natural Pool (Sandbar) Stop: Calm Water Time That’s Built for Fun

This is one of the best “not just snorkeling” reasons to book. The tour includes a natural pool (sandbar) stop, which is the kind of place where the water can feel calmer and more predictable than the open coast. That’s a big deal on a day with alcohol and music, because you want a safe-feeling area where everyone can hang out.
On top of that, sandbar time is where your group can take photos and relax between activities. Reviews also point out the sandbar as a standout moment—especially for groups that want a mix of sea time and social time. In at least one review, passengers mentioned enjoying the sandbar alongside other on-boat fun items like slides, suggesting this cruise can offer more than just floating and swimming. Since those amenities can vary, I’d treat it as a nice bonus rather than a guarantee, but the sandbar itself is definitely part of the plan.
Practically, sandbar stops tend to be friendly for mixed comfort levels. You don’t have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy time in the water. You can float, wade, and play around, then head back to drinks and snacks without the pressure of a deep snorkel mission.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Dominican Republic
What’s Included (And What’s Not): The Stuff That Impacts Your Budget

This tour bundles a lot of the “extras” that can add up elsewhere.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana
- Coastal cruise time with music
- Professional guide and animation team
- Natural pool (sandbar)
- Snorkeling and snorkeling gear
- Life jackets and floating devices
- Tropical fruits, nachos, and sauces
- Unlimited open bar: vodka, tequila, beer, rum
- Soft drinks: juices, sodas, bottled water
Not included
- Beach lunch
- Photos (available to purchase)
- Souvenirs (available to purchase)
That “no lunch” piece matters. If your group eats late or skips breakfast, you’ll want to plan a meal before you head to the boat. The included snacks are good for keeping energy up, but this is not positioned as a full meal day. Also, the photos can be expensive, so decide in advance whether you want them. If your group is photo-heavy, it’s smart to set a budget on the spot rather than reacting in the moment.
Price and Value for Private Groups Up to 15

Let’s talk money the way it feels in your group chat.
At $759 per group (up to 15), the value depends on who’s actually coming. If you fill a bigger group, you’re basically paying for a private boat experience with drinks and snorkeling gear handled for you. You’re also saving time and effort because pickup and drop-off are included, and you don’t need to coordinate separate taxis for a party.
If you’re traveling as fewer people, it still can be worth it, but you should ask yourself what you’d otherwise pay for:
- a shared catamaran plus drinks,
- separate transport,
- and separate snorkeling gear rentals.
Here those pieces are already bundled. The most valuable part might be the private group only setup. Sharing a boat changes the vibe fast—noise, crowd flow, and how long you can linger where you want. Private lets your group set the rhythm, from music requests to when you get back onboard.
Also consider how far in advance it’s booked. On average, it’s reserved about 46 days ahead. That’s not a rule, but it tells you the date you want might sell out around peak times, especially for bigger parties.
Who This Punta Cana Catamaran Cruise Is Best For

This experience is built for fun with structure. That means it’s best when you want a social day on the water and you’re happy with snorkeling being a highlight rather than the whole mission.
It fits well for:
- birthdays and bachelor/bachelorette parties
- groups of friends who want a shared experience and an easy plan
- families with adults who want boat time and an activity break
- anyone who likes drinks and music as part of the travel memory
There are also age boundaries. The minimum drinking age is 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult. So for mixed-age groups, plan your expectations around who will enjoy the open bar most, and keep an eye on water comfort levels.
Practical Tips So Your 3 Hours Feel Worth It

Because this is a short, lively cruise, small prep choices can make a big difference.
- Bring a swimsuit you’re comfortable in for repeat water time. You’ll likely be on and off the water during the snorkeling and sandbar moments.
- Plan your drink pace. Unlimited doesn’t mean you should sprint through it. Snacks are included for a reason.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider medication before you board. Even calm cruises can feel choppy when sea conditions change.
- If you care about music, ask about connecting your phone. Reviews suggest you can request music control.
- For snorkeling, set flexible expectations. If it’s rough or shallow, focus on enjoying the water and floating with the included gear.
Weather can also matter. The experience requires good weather, and if it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Should You Book This Private Catamaran Booze Cruise?
Book it if you want an organized, private party on the water in Punta Cana with the practical comforts already included: pickup, gear, drinks, snacks, and a sandbar natural pool stop. This is the kind of tour where your group can relax into a good time without planning every step.
Skip it or think twice if:
- your top priority is long, deep snorkeling with consistent visibility,
- your group wants a quiet, low-energy beach-and-book experience,
- or you’re hoping the snorkeling stop will always be perfect regardless of conditions.
My call: if your group is celebrating, loves music, and wants a memorable water day without coordinating details, this private catamaran booze cruise is a strong value. Just go in knowing snorkeling can be weather-dependent, and you’ll be happiest when you treat it as one highlight inside the whole party-and-swim setup.
FAQ
How long is the private catamaran cruise?
The duration is about 3 hours.
Is this a private tour or shared with strangers?
It’s a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
What drink options are included?
The open bar includes unlimited vodka, tequila, beer, and rum, plus soft drinks like juices, sodas, and bottled water.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana are included.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Going Party Boat, Bávaro Beach, C. Chicago, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling and snorkel gear are included, along with life jackets and flotation devices.
Is there a sandbar or natural pool stop?
Yes, the tour includes a natural pool (sandbar).
Are beach lunch, photos, or souvenirs included?
Beach lunch is not included, and photos and souvenirs are available to purchase.
Are there age limits for the open bar?
Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.














