Snorkelling

[charliep]

Hi all,

I'm heading out to the Ib Dominicana at the end of Oct and am really really really keen to do some snorkelling - is there anything available directly off the beach, within walking distance or anywhere else?

Weather – what can we expect? Will the sea be really choppy?

And can anyone recommend the swimming with dolphins at the Manati Park?

Any help is greatly appreciated – cheers 

[CoralReef]

The Bavaro beach area of Punta Cana, where the Dominicana is located, is a wonderful snorkel location! You can find lots of good spots off the beach. The reefs are a little far for most people to swim to, but there are tons of boat trips available. We did a tour where you pilot little 2-person speedboats along the beach and out to a catamaran anchored by the reef, and then snorkel from the catamaran. It was really fun! And good snorkeling.

I would expect a little bit of choppiness unless you are really lucky with the weather. Bavaro is kind of on the corner of the island between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, so it does get some Atlantic currents. Plus, the end of October is usually a windy time in the Caribbean. Because Bavaro is protected by reefs, it shouldn't be too choppy to enjoy yourselves in the surf.

[baltovaca]

do you have to bring snorkel masks, fins with you or does the hotel provide it?