Bacardi Island Excursion from Punta Cana

This full-day trip combines a catamaran or speedboat ride across Samaná Bay, an open-air truck journey through the hills, horseback riding (or a truck if you prefer), a stop at El Limon waterfall where you can swim, and several hours on Bacardi Island (Cayo Levantado) with lunch and beach time. Expect a packed schedule—about 10–12 hours door-to-door. The boat ride can get choppy, the horseback portion is mostly walking pace, and the waterfall swim feels refreshing after the heat. The island itself has clear water, decent snorkeling, and plenty of rum drinks. It’s genuinely pretty but not deserted; tour groups are usually there.

Best time is December through April when seas are calmer and rain is less likely. Expect to pay around $110–$160 per person depending on group size, inclusions, and whether you upgrade for smaller boats or better lunch. Book through your hotel or a reputable local operator—prices fluctuate with season and fuel costs.

Tip: Choose the version with the smaller group and catamaran if you get motion sick; the speedboats are faster but rougher. Skip the horseback ride if you’re not comfortable on horses—they’ll happily take you by truck instead. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for the waterfall, and cash for tips and extra drinks.