Party boat, but with real water time. I like that your ticket rolls snorkeling gear and an ocean pool with a floating bar into a single 3-hour outing, instead of turning the trip into a slow, mostly-dry boat ride. I also like the crew vibe, which can get lively fast with music, dancing, and fast service, even on a small-group day (up to 50 people). One thing to consider: this is a “party” style cruise, so if you want quiet, this likely will not be your best match.
Pickup helps too. The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, and you meet at Bibijagua on C. P.º del Sol in Punta Cana, then return to the same place. If you’re booking for a birthday or a group hang, I’d plan to budget a bit extra for extras like souvenir photos, since those are sold onboard.
In This Review
- Quick key points before you commit
- Price and what you actually get for $95
- Getting to Bibijagua and staying on schedule
- Stop 1: cruising the Bavaro coastline with music and drinks
- Snorkeling over colorful coral reef (with gear included)
- Natural ocean pool: waist-high water and a floating bar moment
- The sandbar scene and dancing back to the dock
- Crew energy: friendly hosts and the music-first feel
- Food and drinks: snacks, open bar, and the premium-bar question
- What to bring so you feel prepared (not just excited)
- Who should book Sabina del Mar Party Boat VIP
- Should you book this party boat in Punta Cana?
- FAQ
- How long is the Sabina del Mar Party Boat VIP cruise?
- Is snorkeling included, and do I need to bring equipment?
- Is the open bar included in the ticket price?
- Does the tour offer pickup and drop-off?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What costs extra during the trip?
- Are there age rules for kids?
- What if weather is bad?
- What’s the maximum group size?
Quick key points before you commit
- Open bar and alcoholic drinks are included, not just soft drinks
- Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can get in the water quickly
- Natural ocean pool time comes with drinks at waist-high water
- Water slide fun adds a true activity break from just floating around
- Small-group feel (max 50) helps you dance and move without feeling packed
Price and what you actually get for $95

At $95 per person, this is priced like a true activity package, not a bare-bones boat rental. You’re paying for the whole bundle: fuel, local/national park fees, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. The snorkeling equipment is included too, which matters, because in the Caribbean the “equipment included” line is often where value shows up.
This cruise also stacks multiple “types” of fun. You get moving-time along the coast (with music and drinks), active-time in the water (snorkel), and then a second water moment in a natural ocean pool. That mix makes the half-day feel full, even if 3 hours on the water sounds short on paper.
If you’re the kind of traveler who hates paying extra for every tiny thing, the included items here are what you want to see: snacks and drinks come with the ticket.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Punta Cana
Getting to Bibijagua and staying on schedule

Your start point is Bibijagua, C. P.º del Sol, Punta Cana 23000, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is offered, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which is a big deal if you don’t want to coordinate taxis in Punta Cana.
Transfers are typically short, and one group reported around a 25-minute ride from pickup to the boat area. Even with that, you should still show up a few minutes early when pickup is called for. On a party boat, the timeline moves fast once everyone is onboard.
One practical note: bring a phone that can handle heat and water (or keep it in a dry bag). You’ll likely want pics and video, and you’ll be close enough to the action that “I’ll just put it in my pocket” can turn into “why is my phone sticky.”
Stop 1: cruising the Bavaro coastline with music and drinks

The cruise begins with a ride along the Bavaro coastline, built around music and party energy. This is where the vibe sets the tone: drinks flow, people loosen up, and the boat turns into a moving hangout.
What I like about this segment is the way it makes the day feel like an event right away. You’re not waiting around for the “real part” later in the day. And if you care about sound, you’ll probably appreciate the freedom people describe on board: some passengers report being able to connect their phones via Bluetooth and play their own music.
If you’re traveling with friends, this is also a good time to stake out your favorite spot on the deck. You’ll want shade if you burn easily, and you’ll want a spot near the water access if you’re planning to snorkel and use the slide.
Snorkeling over colorful coral reef (with gear included)
Then comes the activity most people remember: snorkeling among colorful fish in a tropical coral reef area. The biggest value here is simple: snorkeling equipment is included. That removes a common friction point where you’d otherwise hunt for rentals or arrive without the right mask/gear.
Snorkeling time is typically the kind of moment that changes your day from “fun ride” to “I’m glad I booked.” The water part also breaks up the party rhythm so you’re not just dancing and drinking for three straight hours.
Two tips for better snorkeling sessions:
- Go in calm and breathe slow first, then adjust your mask. Rushing makes it harder to enjoy.
- If you wear sunscreen, use reef-safe if possible, and apply after getting settled onboard so you’re not slippery when you climb on and off.
Also, based on onboard experiences people describe, you might see dolphins in the broader area. That’s never guaranteed, but the possibility is part of why the cruise feels like an adventure rather than just a party.
Natural ocean pool: waist-high water and a floating bar moment

After the snorkel, the cruise shifts into a different kind of water experience: a natural ocean pool. The key detail is that it’s shallow enough for the “floating bar in waist-high water” moment, which is exactly the kind of setup that makes group fun easier.
This is where the cruise’s “VIP party boat” label actually makes sense for many people. You get to stay in the water without a full-on open-ocean swim, and you can still hold a drink and talk. It’s a social water zone.
Potential drawback: if you’re a strong swimmer who prefers deep-water snorkeling, a natural pool might feel more playful than wild. But for most visitors, it’s a safer, easier way to enjoy the ocean without committing to long swim distances.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Punta Cana
The sandbar scene and dancing back to the dock

Once you reach the sandbar, the cruise leans hard into the party side. Drinks start flowing more steadily, music continues, and the vibe shifts into dancing and group energy.
From the reviews and the overall format, the boat setup tends to feel spacious rather than cramped, especially on days with fewer passengers. People describe having room to dance around instead of being shoulder-to-shoulder all the time, which is rare on party boats in busy beach areas.
One more fun detail: some boats include a water slide on board, and multiple people call it a highlight. Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, it’s one of those surprises that turns “this seems like a typical excursion” into “okay, that was genuinely fun.”
Then it’s back toward the dock, wrapping up the day at the same meeting point you started from.
Crew energy: friendly hosts and the music-first feel

The crew is a major reason this cruise earns such strong ratings. Names that come up include Miguel, Romito, and Jose, along with mention of other helpers and captains like Gabriel and Angel. Even when people talk about food or drinks, they often bring the conversation back to the staff keeping things moving, making sure you’re comfortable, and encouraging the fun.
There’s also a consistent theme: people say they felt welcomed, not shoved aside. That matters because on a party boat, the difference between a great day and a mediocre one is often whether the staff stays engaged or just checks boxes.
One consideration, though: not every day runs the same way. A negative experience mentioned a crew that felt dry and the atmosphere not matching the party expectation. If you’re booking for a major milestone and you need consistent hype, I’d set expectations that conditions and energy can vary, even if the overall format is built for fun.
Food and drinks: snacks, open bar, and the premium-bar question

You should expect light snacks plus bottled water. Alcoholic beverages are included, and the cruise is designed as an open bar experience. People also talk about plenty of rum and mixed drinks, and the bartender keeping cups topped up.
Where things can get tricky is the idea of a premium package. One complaint described a premium bar not matching expectations, and the guest reported a refund after bringing it up. Translation for you: if premium options are offered at checkout or as an upgrade, double-check what that means before you pay. Ask the operator what premium includes, and whether it changes the number or type of drinks.
Also plan for photo extras. Many people mention an onboard photographer and that souvenir photo packages cost extra. If you want those memories, carry some cash or be ready to purchase onboard.
What to bring so you feel prepared (not just excited)

This cruise is relaxed, but the practical stuff makes it better. Here’s what I’d pack:
- Sunscreen (and consider reef-safe if you can)
- Water shoes if you’re sensitive about boarding and shallow-water spots
- A small dry bag for your phone and wallet
- Light cover-up for the ride back when sun hits less predictably
- A little cash for photo packages if you’re the type who likes printed memories
If you tend to get motion-sick, bring what works for you. Even if the ride feels smooth for many passengers, it’s still open water and a boat.
And if music matters, bring your charging cable and a playlist ready. Several people mention using Bluetooth to play their own songs, so you can shape the vibe.
Who should book Sabina del Mar Party Boat VIP
This is a strong fit if you want:
- A half-day outing that combines snorkeling + beach-water play + party atmosphere
- A social cruise where you can dance, mingle, and keep moving through the day
- A group birthday or friend trip where you want activities without planning every step
It’s also a good option if you don’t want to spend your whole Punta Cana vacation stuck inside a resort schedule. The cruise takes you out of the normal routine and gives you ocean time plus a built-in party structure.
Not ideal if:
- You want a quiet, nature-first tour with minimal music and no drinking focus
- You’re very picky about food variety beyond snacks
- You expect “VIP” to mean an ultra-luxury private yacht experience
Should you book this party boat in Punta Cana?
If you want a fun, social half-day that includes snorkeling gear, an ocean pool water moment, and an open bar—this looks like solid value for $95. The strongest “yes” comes from the same pattern: people say the crew keeps things lively, the boat doesn’t feel overly cramped, and the activities deliver more than just sightseeing.
I’d book it if you’re the type who laughs easily, enjoys music, and wants to turn a day off into a real highlight. And I’d do two things before you go: confirm which boat you’ll board if the company offers multiple boats, and check what any premium bar upgrade actually includes.
If that’s your style, this cruise is exactly the kind of Punta Cana excursion that turns into a story you tell later.
FAQ
How long is the Sabina del Mar Party Boat VIP cruise?
It’s about 3 hours on the water. Transportation time to and from the pickup/drop-off is not included in that estimate.
Is snorkeling included, and do I need to bring equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling is part of the experience, and snorkeling equipment is included.
Is the open bar included in the ticket price?
Alcoholic beverages are included. Snacks and bottled water are also included.
Does the tour offer pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup is offered.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Bibijagua, C. P.º del Sol, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
What costs extra during the trip?
Souvenir photos and a DVD are available for purchase, but they are not included in the base price.
Are there age rules for kids?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the maximum group size?
The cruise has a maximum of 50 travelers.
































