Snorkling near the beach?

I've heard that it's possible to snorkle on some of the beaches in DR in waist deep water? Has anyone done this? We're staying at the Gran Ventana later this month and would love to bring our own snorkling gear.

Reef at Gran Ventana is a long way out, best I have found is in Juan Dolio on the south coast, the reef is about 100 metres offshore and is very good to snorkel in. Hotels in the area are the Barcelo Capella Beach and the Metro Marina