The Best Boat Rentals in the Dominican Republic

Most private half‑day charters in popular areas like Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata run roughly $500 to $1,500 depending on boat size, trip length, and inclusions. Shared party cruises typically cost about $50 to $100 per person. Full‑day private yacht outings start around $2,000 and can exceed $5,000 for larger luxury vessels. Prices commonly include a licensed captain and crew, fuel for the planned route, sound system, ice and bottled water, and often snorkel gear; many “party catamarans” add an open bar and light snacks. Hotel transfers and premium catering can usually be added for an extra fee. Exact inclusions are listed on each Getmyboat booking page, so confirm what’s covered before you pay.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to different group sizes and vibes. Catamarans are the go‑to for groups and celebrations, offering stable decks and plenty of shade. Motor yachts fit guests who want a more private, upscale experience with indoor lounges and cabins. Smaller speedboats are great for quick reef stops and island hopping. Sportfishing boats are common near Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, and Puerto Plata for offshore trolling. Classic sailing catamarans are available in several hubs for relaxed cruising with the wind.

Visitors typically book with a professional captain, so no license is required. If you want a self‑operated “bareboat” charter, the owner will ask for proof of boating competence—usually a license or a resume of experience—and may require a skills check before approval. Bareboat options are more limited than captained trips, so plan ahead if that’s your preference.

The busiest hubs are on the east, south, and north coasts. Common departure points include Cap Cana Marina and the beaches of Bávaro and Los Corales in Punta Cana; the public pier at Bayahibe and Marina Casa de Campo in La Romana; Puerto Bahía Marina in Samaná; Ocean World Marina or Sosúa Beach near Puerto Plata; and Marina Zar‑Par in Boca Chica for Santo Domingo day trips. Your captain will share the exact meeting point and whether hotel pickup is available.

Coastal routes showcase palm‑lined beaches, turquoise sandbars, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Popular day trips include Saona Island and Catalina Island off La Romana, the shallow “natural pool” off Bávaro, and Cayo Arena (“Paradise Island”) near Punta Rucia. In Samaná, boats cruise among the karst islets and mangroves of Los Haitises National Park, and from mid‑January to late March you can spot humpback whales in Samaná Bay. On the south coast, river cruises reveal the jungle cliffs of the Río Chavón near Altos de Chavón.

Yes—family trips are very common, and all reputable charters provide properly sized life jackets and a safety briefing before departure. If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, tell the owner your child’s weight so the crew can have the right PFDs ready and extra shade if needed. For the calmest seas with kids, aim for a morning start time.

Most private charters allow BYO snacks and beverages, and many include an open bar or can arrange catering. Glass is often discouraged for safety, so plan on cans or plastic. If you have dietary needs or want a celebration cake, message the owner in advance so they can chill drinks, stock ice, or set up onboard service.

Pet policies are set by each owner. Some boats welcome small, well‑behaved dogs, while others restrict pets due to deck layouts or upholstery. Protected areas and some beaches also have rules about animals ashore. If your pet is joining, bring a fitted pet life jacket, a leash, and a small towel, and confirm acceptance in your booking messages.

Captains monitor marine forecasts and will not depart if conditions are unsafe. In the event of high winds, rough seas, or storms, you’ll typically be offered a new time or date; if rescheduling isn’t possible, many listings provide a weather‑related refund according to the policy shown at checkout. Tropical showers are brief, but during Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) plans can change quickly, so keep an eye on messages from your captain the day before departure.

Absolutely. Catamarans and larger yachts are perfect for groups, with sound systems, dance space, and easy water access for swimming and snorkeling. Hosts can help with decorations, playlists, and timing for a sandbar stop or sunset cruise. For big groups, reserve early and share your headcount, pickup plans, and any must‑have extras so the crew can tailor the day.

The most reliable weather is December through April, when seas are calmer and rain is less frequent. Humpback whale season in Samaná runs roughly mid‑January through late March, which is a bucket‑list window for wildlife cruises. Summer brings warm water and great snorkeling visibility, but the Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest storm risk in August and September. U.S. holiday periods like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—plus local peak weeks such as Easter/Semana Santa and winter holidays—book up quickly and can price higher, so reserve well in advance.

Weekdays are usually less crowded and sometimes a bit cheaper. Mornings tend to have the smoothest seas and clearest snorkel conditions, while afternoons suit party vibes and golden‑hour photos; sunset trips are ideal for proposals and special toasts. If you’re planning an island run to Saona, Catalina, or Cayo Arena, an early start helps you beat the crowds.

In Punta Cana, many boats board along Bávaro’s Los Corales or El Cortecito beaches or inside Cap Cana Marina. For La Romana and Bayahibe, departures are typically from the Bayahibe public pier or Marina Casa de Campo for Saona and Catalina trips. Samaná charters often leave from Puerto Bahía Marina near Santa Bárbara de Samaná, convenient for Los Haitises and whale‑watching season. On the north coast, Puerto Plata outings depart from Ocean World Marina or Sosúa Beach for reef snorkeling and coastal cruising.

Humpbacks return to Samaná Bay each winter, with the core viewing window from about January 15 to late March and the highest odds in February and early March. During this period, you can book licensed whale‑watching boat tours that follow local guidelines to protect the whales. Morning departures usually offer the calmest seas; these trips are popular, so secure your date early if you’re visiting in that window.