shore excursions puerto plata

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Top 10 Puerto Plata Taino Bay Excursions

• Waterfalls Jump & Slide ($79.99)
• Taino Bay Highlights Sightseeing ($55.99)
• Dune Buggy & Beach Break ($119.99)
• Damajagua Park Waterfalls ($69.99)
• Adventure Park Day Pass - ATV, Horses, Zipline, etc. ($169.99)
• Off-Road ATV & Zipline Adventure ($116.99)
• Zipline & Horseback Riding ($109.99)
• ATV & Beach Adventure ($99.99)
• Damajagua Waterfalls & Zipline Adventure ($134.99)
• Private Fishing Charter ($589.99)

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• Round-trip transportation from outside the main gates of your Taino Bay cruise terminal in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic!
• Air-conditioned shore excursion vehicles (van or minibus according to the number of participants)!
• English-speaking, knowledgeable Taino Bay shore excursion guide, and party host!
• Visit the famous Damajagua Waterfall!
• Jump and slide up to 12 of the 27 waterfalls!
• 30-minute uphill hike led by a skilled and specially trained shore excursion guide!
• Safety equipment including a helmet and life jacket!
• Complimentary Rum Punch after your Jump and Slide, Bottled Water, and Soft Drinks!
• Seasonal fresh fruit and treat!

• Round trip transportation from your Taino Bay cruise terminal in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic!
• Air-conditioned vehicles (van or minibus accordingly to the number of participants)!
• Guided AND scenic city sightseeing excursion!
• English speaking, local certified guide!
• Visit the Rum Factory, Amber Museum, Fort San Felipe, Central Plaza, Malecon, and Cigar Factory!

• Round-trip transportation from your Taino Bay / Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal!
• Automatic transmission - super easy to drive, no license required!
• Fully licensed and insured Puerto Plata Dune Buggy excursion!
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) speaking, professional Dune Buggy excursion guide!
• Helmets for your safe participation!
• Option to ride single or double!
• Visit a Cigars Factory, Teco Beach, and more!
• Complimentary cold soft drinks and bottled water! 

• Round trip transportation from your Taino Bay cruise terminal in Puerto Plata!
• English speaking, local certified Puerto Playa shore excursion guides!
• Air-conditioned excursion vehicles!
• Guided climb up Damajagua Falls!
• A scenic drive of the Maimon countryside!
• All taxes, fees, and entrance fees are included!

• Round trip transportation from your Taino Bay Cruise Center in Puerto Plata!
• Fully licensed and insured vehicles!
• Short transfer to Adventure Park (20-25 minutes)!
• English speaking, local certified Puerto Plata guide!
• VIP Pass at Country World Adventures Park!
• Activities included: Off-Road ATV, 8 Zip Lines, Horseback Riding, and Pool-Zip N'Splash!
• All security equipment is included for all activities!
• Entrance to Tropical Garden!
• Dominican buffet lunch included!
• Complimentary bottled water!

• Round-trip transportation from your Taino Bay Cruise Center in Puerto Plata!
• Fully licensed and insured shore excursion vehicles!
• Short transfer to the shore excursion Adventure Park (20-25 minutes)!
• English-speaking, local certified shore excursion guide!
• Off-road ATV with beach stop!
• 8 zip-line circuit and pool-zip n'splash!
• All safety equipment is included for all activities!
• Dominican-style buffet lunch included!
• Complimentary cold bottled water and rum and coke (after the activities)!

• Round-trip transportation from your Taino Bay Cruise Center in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic!
• English-speaking, local certified Puerto Plata shore excursion guide!
• All zip line equipment is included!
• All necessary horseback riding equipment including riding helmet!
• For beginners too - all riders matched to horse according to riding experience!
• A Dominican buffet lunch is included!
• Complimentary cold bottled water!

• Round-trip transportation from your Taino Bay Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal!
• Fully licensed and insured ATV Excursion!
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) speaking, professional ATV excursion guide!
• Helmets provided (mandatory to wear)!
• Option to ride single or double for the same price on an automatic Honda 420cc ATV!
• Visit a Cigar, Coffee, and Cacao Factory to see the artisan process!
• Beach break at Teco's Beach!
• Complimentary cold soft drinks and bottled water!

• English-speaking, local certified excursion guide!
• Visit the famous Damajagua Waterfalls!
• Jump 7 of the 27 waterfalls!
• Enjoy 3 ACCT-certified zip lines!
• Dominican lunch included!

• Round-trip transportation from your Taino Bay cruise terminal in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic!
• 4-hour private fishing boat charter excursion!
• 8 guests per boat!
• English-speaking, Local experienced fishing excursion captain and crew!
• Professional deep-sea fishing equipment!
• All necessary fishing equipment and bait!
• Cold bottled water, beer, sodas, and snacks!
• 1 or 2 fighting chairs!
• All safety equipment!
• All taxes and fees!

• Air-conditioned sightseeing shore excursion vehicles (van or mini-bus according to the number of participants)!
• English speaking, local certified Puerto Plata shore excursion guide!
• Guests will visit/view Mt. Isabel de Torres, Fort San Felipe, and Independence Plaza!
• Cable car ride at Mount Isabella!
• Open bar including rum punch and bottled water throughout the shore excursion!

• Air-conditioned round-trip transportation from outside your Taino Bay, Puerto Plata cruise terminal (van or minibus according to the number of participants)!
• Beach time at the famous Blue JackTar Hotel on Playa Dorada - Golden Beach!
• Use of facilities including umbrellas, lounge chairs, showers, and more!
• Free WiFi at the Blue JackTar Hotel and beach area!
• Welcome Rum Punch!

• Air-conditioned round-trip transportation from your Taino Bay, Puerto Plata cruise terminal in (van or minibus according to the number of participants)!
• City sightseeing highlights - Fort San Felipe, Malecon - Neptune Statue and
• Independencia Park!
• Welcome Rum Punch at Blue JackTar Hotel!
• Lounge chairs, Umbrellas (First-come-first-serve), and use of facilities!
• Free WiFi at the Blue JackTar Hotel!
• Rum punch is available in the vehicle until depleted!

• Guided nature walk through the Dominican forest!
• English-speaking, knowledgeable Taino Bay nature guide!
• See some of the famous Charco Grande Waterfalls!
• Dip your toes in the water or enjoy a relaxing swim in the collection pool by the falls!
• Cold bottled water and Rum Punch (after activity)

• Round trip transportation from your Taino Bay Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal!
• Automatic ATV, high-end, side by side all-terrain vehicles!
• Safety equipment including helmets, goggles, and bandanas!
• Free time at Playa Dorada beach!
• Complimentary bottled water on board the transportation!
• Rum Punch upon arrival at the resort beach

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions Guide

Welcome to the stunning North Coast of the Dominican Republic! If your cruise ship is docking at the Amber Cove or Taino Bay cruise ports, get ready for an adventure-packed day exploring Puerto Plata and its surroundings. From historical landmarks to thrilling activities, this Puerto Plata Shore Excursions guide will help you make the most of your time ashore.

Fort San Felipe Puerto Plata, courtesy of puertoplatadr.com

Getting Around:

– Transfer Services : Upon disembarking, you’ll find various transportation options. Taxis, shuttle services, and organized tours are readily available. Consider booking excursions in advance to ensure a smooth experience. The Puerto Plata Concierge can assist you in booking a transfer and also any excursions.

Puerto Plata port transfer services

Top 6 Activities in Puerto Plata:

1. Ocean World Adventure Park : Ideal for families, this marine-themed park offers encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and exotic animals. Enjoy shows, snorkeling, and relaxing by the pool. This park is located in Cofresi Beach , Puerto Plata.

2. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua : For the adventurous souls, embark on a trek to the 27 waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in each. It’s an exhilarating experience surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.

3. Puerto Plata City Tour : Explore the historic city with a guided tour. Visit the iconic Fort San Felipe, the Amber Museum, and the Victorian-style architecture of the historic district, Parque Independencia.

4. Sosua Snorkeling Catamaran : This private catamaran service offers various catamaran models to choose from, including top brands such as Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Aventura, and Privilege. The charter is very scenic, sailing along the gorgeous coastal landscape and stopping at major snorkel spots in Sosua. It includes drinks, food, snorkel gear, music and crew. Book it online today.

5. Sosua Beach Snorkeling : Discover the vibrant underwater world of Sosua Bay. Snorkeling excursions offer the chance to see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.

6. Playa Dorada Beach : If you prefer a relaxing day, head to Playa Dorada. Enjoy the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and explore the local shops and restaurants.

Snorkeling in Sosua beach

Tours list by Cruise Ship:

Cruising in the MSC Seashore or Seascape? visit the MSC Puerto Plata Excursions page for a curated list of shore excursions. MSC docks at the Taino Bay port, which is located in the heart of the city, easily accessible to many activities in town, specially within the Historic district.  You can see all the scheduled cruise trips to Puerto Plata at the MSC cruises page.

Playa Dorada beach, courtesy of puertoplatadr.com

For those visiting with the Dominican Daze by Virgin cruises try the Virgin Voyages Puerto Plata excursions . this cruise trip docks the Scarlet Lady and on occasions the Valiant Lady, which are the flagships of cruising with Virgin. Arrival time is usually 10am or before, sometimes as early as 8am with departure around 5pm or even 7pm.

Tips for a Great Experience:

1. Currency: The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Ensure you have some local currency for small purchases, but major credit cards are widely accepted, as well as cash in US Dollar (mainly), Canadian Dollar and also Euro. USA currency is the most widely accepted, and trades for RD$56 local pesos per dollar. The current exchange rate today can be referenced here with Scotiabank .

2. Language: Spanish is the official language. While many locals in tourist areas speak English, German, French and other languages, it’s helpful to know a few basic Spanish phrases that will open many doors into the local culture.

3. Clothing and Sun Protection: Wear comfortable clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially if you plan on spending time outdoors. Having mosquito protection for your skin is 100% recommended when taking tours in the countryside, specially in tours walking in the forest land, river side, etc.

4. Bargaining: In markets and local shops, bargaining is common. Feel free to negotiate prices but do so respectfully.

5. Time Management: Keep track of your ship’s departure time and plan your excursions accordingly. It’s advisable to return to the ship well in advance. Always plan to book shore excursions for the first hours of the day, say 9am-3pm and leave the last 2 hours of the day for port activities such as shopping.

Doing it this way you will always be on time when the cruise ship departs. Most cruise ship arrivals at Amber Cove and Taino Bay do so between 8am-10am; and depart around 5-7pm in most cases. Check the Puerto Plata cruise port schedule online before booking any out of port excursion.

Ocean World Marine park

Landmarks and Cultural Insights:

1. Fort San Felipe: This historic fortress was built in the 16th century to protect Puerto Plata from pirate attacks. Explore the well-preserved grounds and enjoy panoramic views.

2. Amber Museum: Learn about the region’s rich history with amber, known as “Dominican Gold.” The museum showcases unique amber pieces, including fossilized insects.

3. Victorian District: Wander through the charming Victorian-style buildings in the historic district, reflecting Puerto Plata’s colonial past. This is located within the city tour boundaries, see above.

4. Malecon: Stroll along the Malecon, a scenic oceanfront boulevard, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and vibrant street life.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Puerto Plata has something for every type of traveler. By planning ahead and choosing the right excursions, you’re sure to make the most of your day on the Dominican Republic’s beautiful North Coast. Enjoy your time ashore and visit the Puerto Plata Ports Guide to get the most complete overview and reviews of the local ports including the restaurants, shopping, swimming pools, bars and amenities.

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11 Best Shore Excursions in Puerto Plata for Cruise Ship Visitors

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Puerto Plata is a favorite stop for numerous cruise companies. And it is no secret why that is. Puerto Plata, located on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic, has beautiful coastlines, luscious green landscapes, and very friendly and welcoming residents. If you have booked a Caribbean cruise, you may find yourself lucky to discover that Puerto Plata is one of the ports of call on your vacation. You’ll need to decide from the many shore excursions in Puerto Plata which one you’d like to choose from. This can be a hard decision as there are many wonderful options available. 

With its idyllic palm-fringed beaches, cultural heritage, and many activities, Puerto Plata is an excellent port of call to visit. If you are wondering what to do while in port, you will discover that there are so many things to see and do in Puerto Plata. You will have no problem filling your day with adventure while exploring Puerto Plata and its rich cultural history. 

Table of Contents

• 1 Should You Book Your Excursion On Your Own or Through Your Cruise Ship?
• 2.1 If You Arrive at Amber Cove Cruise Port
• 2.2 If You Arrive at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata’s Cruise Port
• 3 The Best Shore Excursions in Puerto Plata
• 4 Puerto Plata City Tour
• 5 Puerto Plata Aerial Tramway El Teleferico
• 6 Amber Cove and Taino Bay 2-Person Buggy Tour
• 7 The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
• 8 Waterfalls and Buggys Cruise Ship Shore Excursion
• 9 Zip Line and Waterfall Tour Combo with Lunch
• 10 Monkey Land Excursion
• 11.1 Amber Club Beach Getaway
• 11.2 Iberostar Costa Dorada
• 11.3 Fricolandia Private Beach Club
• 12 Catamaran Snorkeling Tours
• 13 The Cruise Ports in Puerto Plata
• 14 Staying in Port
• 15 Things to Do at Amber Cove Cruise Port in Puerto Plata
• 16 Things to Do at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata’s Cruise Port
• 17 Puerto Plata Shore Excursions Recap
• 18 Popular & Related Posts

Should You Book Your Excursion On Your Own or Through Your Cruise Ship?

This is a question that many people ask. There are benefits to both scenarios that you should take into consideration when deciding how to book your shore excursions in Puerto Plata. First and most importantly, if you book your shore excursion through your cruise line, they guarantee that you will not be left behind if there is a delay while you are on your shore excursion. This is important because getting left behind in a port has serious implications and costs, such as needing a passport to fly to the next port, the cost of getting to the next port, and finding a place to stay overnight. The drawback to booking an excursion through your cruise line is the cost. Most shore excursions are pricey, and the costs will increase quickly if you purchase excursions for the whole family. 

The benefit of booking excursions on your own is that you will be paying a reduced price for the same excursion you can book through the cruise line. Also, local tour operators are well aware of the needs of their customers, especially cruise ship passengers. They know that you must return to your ship by a designated time and make sure that you are back in time. One of the drawbacks of booking your own shore excursion is that sometimes shore excursions are specifically tailored for the cruise line. You might not be able to find the exact shore excursion that your cruise ship offers.

Getting to Puerto Plata From the Cruise Ports in Puerto Plata

The shore excursions offered to cruise passengers in Puerto Plata are tailored specifically for cruise passengers. This means that most shore excursion tour operators offer pickup options from either cruise port. While this added benefit is worked in with most excursions, there might be the off chance that you will need to find your own way into town from your cruise port. Do not worry; getting to town is very easy from the Amber Cove cruise port , and especially Taino Bay, Puerto Plata’s cruise port .

If You Arrive at Amber Cove Cruise Port

If you arrive in Puerto Plata via Amber Cove, you will need to get a ride into town since Amber Cove cruise port is 8 miles away. Taxis are available in Amber Cove to take you into town or to other destinations around the area. The cost of taxi services is set by the taxi union and posted in the taxi waiting area right outside the cruise port. The cost for a ride into town is $30.00 per vehicle for a maximum of 5 passengers. The price for additional passengers is $4.00 per passenger.  

If You Arrive at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata’s Cruise Port

If you arrive in Puerto Plata via Taino Bay Cruise Port , you are in luck, as Taino Bay is located near the heart of the city. You should not have any problem connecting with your shore excursion company near the cruise port. And, since you are very near the center of town, you can explore Puerto Plata on foot or walk along the boardwalk known as the Malecon. You can also take a taxi to various points of interest around Puerto Plata.

The Best Shore Excursions in Puerto Plata

If you go beyond the cruise port, you will find that there are many exciting things to do in Puerto Plata and the surrounding area. It can be challenging to decide which shore excursion to book. Here are a few of the best excursions in Puerto Plata to help you decide.

Puerto Plata City Tour

The Puerto Plata City Tour is one of the most popular shore excursions in Puerto Plata. During the Puerto Plata City Tour, you will learn about Puerto Plata’s history and culture. On this city tour, you will visit sites such as the Independence Plaza, the town square in the center of town, Macorix House of Rum, and the popular Umbrella Street and Paseo de Dona Blanca, which is also known as Pink Street. You will also visit the Fortaleza San Felipe, which was a fort used to protect the city of Puerto Plata against pirates. You will also stop by an Amber Museum, a Cigar factory, and a Chocolate Factory. 

This tour offers pick-up from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay, so you do not have to worry about finding transportation for your tour. You will also find a similar tour offered by your cruise line.

Puerto Plata Aerial Tramway El Teleferico

A great excursion to go on to start exploring Puerto Plata and get a perfect bird’s-eye view of Puerto Plata and the surrounding area is the Aerial Tramway, a  popular attraction in Puerto Plata . The aerial tramway, known as the Teleferico, is a cable car ride that takes you up to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres. Mount Isabel de Torres is a 793 meter high mountain located to the south of the town of Puerto Plata. As you ascend the mountain, you see that this in one of the  best places to see panoramic views  of the beautiful town of Puerto Plata and the lush tropical landscape of the mountainside.

The aerial tramway ends at the top of Mount Isabel De Torres which is a national park in the Dominican Republic. At the top, you will find a gift shop, a restaurant, and a miniature replica of the statue of Christ the Redeemer from Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. At the time of this writing, this excursion was not offered by most cruise lines. If you decide to ride the aerial tramway you will need to take a taxi to the tramway.

Amber Cove and Taino Bay 2-Person Buggy Tour

This is a rugged half-day dune buggy tour through the Puerto Plata Province, where you will have an exhilarating off-road experience. You will also stop at Playa Dorada, a popular and beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic, where you will be able to stop and go for a swim. There are different varieties of off-road buggy experiences to choose from. Your cruise ship will also offer a similar tour. This tour also offers pick-up at both Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports.

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

The Waterfalls of Damajagua is by far one of the more popular shore excursions in Puerto Plata. While there are 27 waterfalls in Damajagua, you will likely only see seven or twelve. This tour is an adventure tour that involves hiking through the forest until you reach the waterfalls. At the waterfall, you will enjoy the water and the natural slides down the waterfall. Lunch is generally included with this tour. You will find a variety of different tours of the waterfalls. This tour also offers pick-up from Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports. You will also find similar waterfall tours offered by the cruise line. 

Waterfalls and Buggys Cruise Ship Shore Excursion

This excursion is a great choice if you would like to combine the waterfalls and buggy excursion. This is a half-day tour with lunch included. You will hike to the waterfall, where you will enjoy the water and the natural slides. After your visit to the waterfall, you will enjoy an all-terrain buggy ride. This tour offers pick-up from Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports. You will find a similar tour offered by your cruise line. 

Zip Line and Waterfall Tour Combo with Lunch

If you would like an exhilarating adventure, you can combine the waterfall hike with a zip line adventure. You will enjoy the cool water and going down the natural slides of the waterfall. You will also enjoy ziplining over the waterfalls. This tour includes lunch and pick-up from Amber Cove and Taino Bay. You will also find a similar excursion offered by your cruise line.  

Monkey Land Excursion

Monkey Land is a popular shore excursion in Puerto Plata that takes you into the jungle, where you will listen to the wildlife while looking for the popular squirrel monkeys found in the Dominican Republic. You will be given a plate of fruit to feed the monkeys. The monkeys will visit you, hoping to get a bite of the fruit. The monkeys are friendly and loveable. However, you will be trained on how to interact with the monkeys to avoid any problems as they are wild animals. Many cruise lines offer this tour. 

The Monkeyland Puerto Plata Tour is similar to the one offered by the cruise. There is also a similar tour, the Monkey Jungle with Zipline tour, which combines an exciting zipline with a visit to Monkey Jungle. Before booking these tours, you will need to confirm that they offer pick-up and drop-off to your cruise port.

You will also find many other excursions to choose from here.

Beach Resort Getaways

A great way to spend the day is at a beach resort, relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the beach or pool. Beach resort getaways are a popular option. Many are offered as shore excursions in Puerto Plata. These are a few popular choices.

Amber Club Beach Getaway

A day at Amber Club Beach Resort might be what you are looking for. Your cruise line offers a variety of all-inclusive and a la carte options, such as the Amber Beach Club Getaway. You can choose an all-inclusive option at this resort or pay for drinks and meals as you order them. Various cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America , offer this getaway.

Iberostar Costa Dorada

This is an all-inclusive beach escape with air-conditioned transportation to the Iberostar Costa Dorada Resort. You can enjoy their swimming pool and beautiful beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are included for the day, as are unlimited drinks and snacks. Lunch at the main restaurant is also included. Some cruise lines offer this resort escape, or you can contact the resort to purchase a day pass. 

Fricolandia Private Beach Club

You can spend your day at Fricolandia Private Beach Club, enjoying the picturesque shoreline. To reach the crystal clear waters of the ocean, you will need to go down a wooden staircase. You can choose to enjoy their refreshing cliffside swimming pools instead of walking down to the beach. Lunch and drinks are included in this tour. This beach getaway is offered by several cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Lines , and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line. You can also purchase this excursion on your own.

Other Beach Clubs you can purchase on your own are Ocean Breeze Beach Club and Taino Bay Beach Club. Before buying a day pass, you should confirm any transportation needs with the tour operator or resort, or you can easily take a taxi if necessary. 

Catamaran Snorkeling Tours

If you are looking for a refreshing tour where you will enjoy swimming in the ocean, then I recommend a catamaran snorkeling tour. While you will find independent tour operators offering catamaran snorkeling tours, I recommend taking this tour through your cruise line only, and I do stress “only” if it is offered by your cruise ship. Independent tours tend to run 6 hours or more, and you will risk returning to your ship after the all-aboard time if you do this tour on your own. 

The Cruise Ports in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata has two cruise ports, Amber Cove and Taino Bay. The port you will stop at will depend on the cruise line you are traveling with. 

Amber Cove Cruise Port was developed by Carnival and is primarily used by Carnival Cruise ships, although other cruise lines occasionally visit. The port has two berthing positions and can accommodate up to 8,000 passengers. It is located about 8 miles up the coast from the main town of Puerto Plata. 

Taino Bay, Puerto Plata’s cruise port, is located near the heart of Puerto Plata and is within walking distance of the town of Puerto Plata. Taino Bay Cruise Port has three berthing positions and can accommodate up to 14,000 passengers. The port is used by cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and MSC.

Staying in Port

Both Amber Cove and Taino Bay have many activities. You can stay in port and have a full day enjoying the many activities offered at each cruise port.

Things to Do at Amber Cove Cruise Port in Puerto Plata

Amber Cove is a great port of call. It was developed by Carnival for its cruisers and it does not disappoint. If you choose to stay in port at Amber Cove, there are a variety of activities to keep you busy. 

If you like shopping, you are in luck. There are many shops to explore at Amber Cove. You will find items such as local artisan products, cigars, and the popular Mamajuana cocktail. And as in many other ports of call, there is also a Diamonds International store where you can find incredible jewelry to purchase.

Amber Cove has a large pool area where you can spend the day swimming or sunbathing. There is also a small splash pad for the kids. If you are more daring, you can ride the zipline across the Amber Cove pool area. 

Other activities at Amber Cove include snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Equipment for these activities is available to rent. If you are looking for a quiet day, you can rent a cabana for your port day.

There are several restaurants and bars in port where you can enjoy lunch and a refreshing cocktail. This option would be an additional cost. You can also head back to the cruise ship for lunch. Going back to the cruise ship is easy as there is no tender at Amber Cove. Read our blog to discover more about the many things to do at Amber Cove Cruise Port.

Things to Do at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata’s Cruise Port

The Dominican Republic developed Taino Bay Cruise Port to accommodate cruise lines other than Carnival. If you decide to stay in port, you can enjoy a variety of activities at Taino Bay. 

Taino Bay has an incredible shopping area where you can find many artisan products and souvenirs to take home. As in many other ports, you will find Diamonds International, where you can find beautiful pieces of jewelry to purchase. 

Taino Bay has a wonderful pool area where you can relax and enjoy sunbathing or swimming the day away. There is a beach area specifically for sunbathing where you will have a great view of your cruise ship. Unfortunately, there is no beach at Taino Bay. You can float down the lazy river if you want a more leisurely water experience. Inner tubes are available without charge.

If you are interested in learning about the local spider monkeys, Monkey Island is a great place to visit. At Monkey Island, you will spend 30 minutes interacting with curious spider monkeys. Read our blog to discover more about the many things to do at Taino Bay Cruise Port.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions Recap

There are many shore excursions to choose from. Whether you choose to venture out and explore the town, spend a day relaxing at a beach resort, or spend the day enjoying the activities in port, we are sure you will have an incredible time during your port day in Puerto Plata. Happy Cruising!

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10 Best Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: Puerto Plata Cruise Port Tours

Posted on Published: March 9, 2023  - Last updated: March 13, 2024

Categories Blog , Caribbean , Cruise , Dominican Republic , Resources , Reviews , Tours

Here are the best Puerto Plata shore excursions for your next trip to the Dominican Republic. If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic from a cruise ship, you may be searching for the most amazing Puerto Plata cruise port tours. If your ship is docking at the Amber Cove cruise port or the Taino Bay port, we’ve got you covered!

The north coast of the Dominican Republic is absolutely stunning. There are beautiful natural wonders by land and by sea, as well as postcard perfect coastlines. This region is also known as the Amber Coast due to the region’s large natural amber deposits. Since the Amber Cove cruise port opened in 2015, a second cruise port, Taíno Bay opened in 2021.

This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Should I book my tours independently or through the cruise ship?

When you’re booking your tour on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, you may wonder if it’s necessary to book your shore excursions through the cruise line. Please note that you may have to book a couple of these excursions through the cruise ship, and they may not be available with all cruise lines. I’ll provide details about booking some of these tours independently if they aren’t available through the cruise ship.

Many of the Puerto Plata shore excursions can be booked independently from the cruise ship. I find that the cruise ships always charge a premium price and you can find much better deals if you book the tours independently. These tour companies are well aware of the fact that the cruise ship will leave without you if you do not make it back to the Puerto Plata cruise port on time.

Don’t worry, they’ll get you back on time! It’s always a good idea to remind your tour operator that you will need to be back to the ship by a certain time, too. So, without further ado, here are the best shore excursions in Puerto Plata and beyond.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (or 27 Charcos, as the locals call them) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puerto Plata. Much like the name suggests, this natural wonder consists of 27 waterfalls and there are naturally formed rock slides between them.

Most visitors only experience 12 waterfalls in one visit due to time restraints and the effort it takes to cross all of the waterfalls in a single day. Your tour guide provides you with a helmet and a life jacket for your safety. You’ll embark on an uphill hike to the top of the 12th waterfall, a moderate hike taking about 40 minutes. It takes 70 minutes to hike to the top of the 27th waterfall.

Once you reach the top of the waterfall, it’s time for the really fun part. Slide across the rocky ledges down each waterfall and into the natural swimming pools below. For the larger drops, you can experience a thrill of a lifetime or take an alternate route down if you don’t feel comfortable with the drops. The Damajagua Waterfalls is one of the top Puerto Plata shore excursions for lovers of the great outdoors. Book your tour here.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: City Highlights Tour

Sometimes when you visit a new place, you want to see the most popular attractions and highlights all in one day. Out of all the Puerto Plata shore excursions, I recommend booking a city highlights tour to get an overall sense of the city. This is a fantastic choice for first time visitors to Puerto Plata.

You’ll travel between the attractions in a private air-conditioned vehicle and you’ll also avoid the crowds this way, too. In a half day tour, you’re able to cover so much ground on this tour of Puerto Plata with your local guide.

Some attractions you’ll see include the Macorix House of Rum, Independence Square (Puerto Plata Central Park), the San Felipe Fortress, Umbrella Street, Fifi Jewelry Amber Museum, Del Oro Chocolate Factory, and Catedral San Felipe (The Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle).

Your tour guide, Edwin, provides you with an amazing introduction to this vibrant Dominican city. One past customer raved, “Edwin is a wonderful, kind, funny, knowledgeable, and respectful guide.” Book your tour here.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: Visit a Beautiful Beach

One of the top reasons to visit the Dominican Republic is to experience the beautiful beaches. I suggest visiting my blog post about the 20 best beaches in Dominican Republic and choosing one near Puerto Plata. Some of the best beaches near Puerto Plata include Playa Dorada (it’s the closest), Sosua Beach, Encuentro Beach and Cabarete Beach.

You can easily take a taxi to any of these beaches, making sure to arrange a pickup time to return back to the cruise ship. For an even easier option, choose one of the Puerto Plata shore excursions that takes you to a beach. This tour to Playa Dorada (Golden Beach) includes a short city tour, a half day at the beach with a complimentary lounger, and transportation to and from the cruise port. White sand beaches, turquoise water, what more could you ask for?

If you’re looking for a beach excursion in Puerto Plata, this one is the most convenient and delivers exactly what you’re looking for. If you don’t mind arranging your own transportation, I also suggest taking a look a little farther down this article to the section on booking a day pass to a resort. However, for the simplest option, book your Playa Dorada tour here.

RePapel, Artisanal Paper with Purpose

RePapel is a small cooperative in a low income community of Puerto Plata and 100% of the workforce are women. These women are local artisans committed to working with natural and recycled products, as well as reducing overall waste.

RePapel allows these women to be self-employed. Before working at RePapel, the women often worked as nannies away from their homes and their families. By working at this co-op, they are able to follow their passions creating handmade products, and spend time with their own families at home after work.

By volunteering at RePapel, we offered extra hands and assistance creating paper products and handmade crafts. We were able to increase the amount of products made, interact with the ladies in English (helping their English skills), and purchase products from their shop. We helped make paper and also jewelry made from paper.

I’ve never met a group of women quite like this one. These are the happiest women I’ve ever met! They are always singing, dancing, and clapping. They only knew us for minutes, yet made us feel welcomed like a part of their family. Even though we spent a small amount of time together, we were hugging each other like we were old friends.

You can book this experience through select cruise ships’ Puerto Plata shore excursions ( Princess , Holland America Line ) . If you aren’t visiting Puerto Plata on a cruise, you may be able to arrange a visit to RePapel. Inquire through their Facebook page or by email (I’m not sure if anyone will reply, but it’s worth a shot!).

Chocal, Hands On Chocolate Experience With Women’s Co-Op

Chocal is a cacao cooperative where you can assist the workers with their chocolate production. This company successfully grows cacao plants and produces chocolate bars for sale all over the Dominican Republic.

The company had to take out a sizeable loan for proper equipment, and cannot afford to hire any more workers at this time. As the women have even gained help from their own children at the cooperative, they’re in need of extra hands to help make more chocolate bars.

Once the organization sells enough chocolate to pay back the loan, they’ll be able to hire more workers that they desperately need. In the meantime, volunteers assist in the various steps of making chocolate.

We sorted cacao beans and cacao nibs; both steps must be done by hand and can be a time consuming job. We also helped create packaging for the cacao balls, and poured chocolate into molds. At the end, we were able to purchase chocolate from their shop as souvenirs for loved ones back home (or to eat on the bus ride back to the ship!).

You can book this experience through select cruise ships’ Puerto Plata shore excursions ( Princess , Holland America Line ). If you aren’t visiting Puerto Plata on a cruise, you may be able to book your visit independently. Check out the Chocal website for contact information.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: Snorkeling Tour

Want the best of Puerto Plata’s beaches and underwater adventures all in one? This snorkeling tour in Puerto Plata takes you to two snorkeling sites in Sosua Bay on a half day tour. It’s one of the best Puerto Plata shore excursions to view underwater sea life.

You’ll drive to Sosua Bay to experience its crystal clear waters and 1km long sandy beach. The tour company provides all equipment (mask, fins, etc.). You’ll take a boat ride to the first snorkel spot, Three Rocks, and then back to Sosua bay for the second coral reef.

After snorkeling, a sun chair awaits you on Sosua Beach where you can relax or swim in the sunshine. There are also many shops and restaurants on Sosua Beach that you’re welcome to check out. Book your snorkeling tour here.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: ATV Tour

Craving excitement? This is one of the top small group Puerto Plata shore excursions for adventure seekers! This ATV Adventure Tour incorporates a half day visit to Country World Adventure Park where you’ll explore the Dominican countryside in a rugged quad one or two-seater.

You’ll get off-road access in a rugged ATV for solo passengers or pairs. Other amenities at Country World Adventure Park (and included with your tour) are an on-site swimming pool, a pool zip line, and tropical botanical garden. Water and coffee/tea is also included.

Even if you’ve never ridden an ATV before, the staff and tour guides will make you feel comfortable and help you learn how to ride them. One reviewer states, “This experience was not only the best excursion I’ve ever been on, it was the highlight of our entire trip!”. Book your tour here.

Resort Day Passes in Puerto Plata

When you’re looking to take it easy, booking a resort day pass is one of the best Puerto Plata shore excursions you can take. The main attraction is relaxing! Essentially, you’ll book a day pass to a beautiful all-inclusive resort and enjoy all the amenities while you’re there. Here are some of the best resort day passes in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Sunscape Puerto Plata Resort & Spa

The Sunscape Resort & Spa is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort on a stunning beach in Puerto Plata. There are many activities to enjoy along with delicious food and drink. When you book a daycation to the Sunscape Resort & Spa, you’ll enjoy three pools, access to the beach area, tennis courts, beach volleyball, pool games, complimentary wifi, an all-inclusive buffet, two snack bars and five open bars. Book your day pass here.

Iberostar Costa Dorada

A day pass to the Iberostar Costa Dorada is an entire day in paradise! This is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on an award-winning beach. It’s just 10 minutes away from the Puerto Plata city center. With your all inclusive day pass, enjoy three outdoor pools, a fitness room, tennis courts, basketball courts, and unlimited cuisine from restaurants and bars. There’s complimentary wifi, beach access, and the option to upgrade to have a room at the hotel for the day. Book your day pass here.

Viva Wyndham V Heavens

Spend the day at the beautiful Viva Wyndham V Heavens all-inclusive beachfront resort. Enjoy the white sand beach and turquoise waters along with a fun array of activities and entertainment. There’s an outdoor pool with loungers, an endless amount of food and drinks from on-site restaurants and bars, non-motorized water sports, a fitness center, and complimentary wifi. Book your day pass here.

Spend the Day in Amber Cove

If your cruise ship is docking at the Amber Cove cruise port, you may choose to spend the day there. Amber Cove has fantastic amenities if you’re looking for a swimming pool day or water activities day. Amber Cove cruise port is a great place to walk around and explore. There are palm trees, fountains, man-made waterfalls, and flowers all around. Go shopping or enjoy a coffee tasting at a cute cafe.

At the Amber Cove Aqua Zone, there’s a huge swimming pool with two water slides. There’s also a relaxing lazy river where you can float for hours in the sunshine. The pool has over 1000 loungers all around it, so you won’t have any issues finding a place to take it easy.

While the swimming pool, lazy river and waterslides are free, there are more paid activities that you can do at the Amber Cove Aqua Zone. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, aqua bikes, and other sporting equipment for some exercise in the water for an additional charge at the Amber Cove Aqua Zone.

There’s a 650 foot zip line that runs across the Aqua Zone of Amber Cove. We paid $20 per person to ride the zip line and we were able to ride it an unlimited amount of times all day. It’s one of the best ways to see the beautiful natural scenery from up above, combined with a thrilling ride. Check out our full blog post about Amber Cove to learn more details about everything you can see and do there.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: Eat, Drink and Be Merry Tour

Here’s an amazing city tour that offers a true taste of Dominican life. The Eat, Drink and Be Merry Tour , operated by Iguana Mama, provides details about Dominican history, culture, and folklore from knowledgeable local guides. This tour includes transportation to and from the cruise port, and all over the city of Puerto Plata.

You’ll make a couple of stops at famous Puerto Plata attractions, like the Teleferico Puerto Plata Cable Car to the top of Mt Isabel where you’ll enjoy panoramic views. You’ll also visit the Fortaleza San Felipe and time permitting, go inside the fort.

You will also experience the best Dominican food and drink. Learn the history of rum making on the island and sample 8 different kinds of rum. Have lunch at a beautiful courtyard cafe in a restored Victorian home. And lastly, learn to roll a cigar (and sample, if you wish), drink Mama Juana and it’s party time! Book your tour here.

What Not to Do in Puerto Plata: Swim With Dolphins

When you’re planning your Puerto Plata shore excursion, please, please, please do not swim with dolphins. At Ocean World Adventure Park, Ocean’s World Dolphin Encounter is a captive marine mammal park. I really wish that these kinds of parks no longer existed. Most people who want to swim with dolphins adore animals. But, please know that you are contributing to their suffering by supporting these places.

A British study out of the University of Newcastle found that “these programs are  highly stressful for dolphins  because they disrupt natural resting, feeding and social behavior.” Dolphins are very intelligent, highly sociable creatures. They live and travel in large groups called pods. Holding dolphins captive at aquatic parks is torturous as it separates them from their pods.

You might wonder how these dolphins are captured in the wild and come to live at marine theme parks. They are obtained by methods called “drive fisheries”. While the first purpose of drive fisheries is to slaughter toothed whales, another objective is to sell the most beautiful dolphins to aquariums and marine theme parks.

Out of the captured dolphins that are spared, only 53% of them survive the first three months of captivity. This is one of the most inhumane slaughters in the world. By visiting dolphinariums, you’re contributing to it. Read more about the  negative impacts of swimming with dolphins , and ethical choices for excursions that are fantastic alternatives.

More Blog Posts About Dominican Republic

Looking for more articles about the Dominican Republic and Dominican Republic shore excursions? If your cruise is docking at the Amber Cove cruise port, here are the best things to do in Amber Cove . You may not want to leave the port!

Love beach days? I’ve got a blog post about the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Trust me, these are some of the prettiest beaches in the world and the best places to visit for beach lovers. Here’s my guide to the 20 best beaches in the Dominican Republic .

More Caribbean Cruise Port Guides

Stopping at more ports of call along the way? Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides:

• St. Kitts Cruise Port Guide: How to Spend a Day in St. Kitts
• Cockleshell Beach in St. Kitts (Shore Excursion)
• How to Explore the St. Thomas Cruise Port
• Things to Do in Barbados From a Cruise Ship
• Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Bonaire
• Best Things to Do in Grenada in a Day
• Nassau, Bahamas Segway Tour (Shore Excursion)
• Best Things to Do in Martinique
• Riding Scooters in Grand Turk
• Best Things to Do in Guadeloupe
• Club Med Guadeloupe Day Pass (Shore Excursion)
• Things to Do in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

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Explore Best of Puerto Plata with Cable Car

• Ascend 2,555 feet above sea level to reach the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres, which stands as Puerto Plata's most impressive geographic feature
• Capture a glimpse of a typical countryside house and take photographs of the Christ the Redeemer statue during your tour
• During your tour, catch a glimpse of a typical countryside house and take the opportunity to photograph the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Explore the beauty of Victorian architecture at Parque Independencia and savor some free time in the Victorian square
• Explore the Cathedral of Puerto Plata, a significant pilgrimage site in the Dominican Republic also take a guided stroll along "Umbrella Street" and pause for photos at Paseo de Doña Blanca, famously recognized as Pink Street

On this Puerto Plata shore excursion, you will ascend to 2600-feet above sea-level to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres.

Mount Isabela is Puerto Plata's most impressive geographic feature towering above the city, which will delight you with panoramic views of Puerto Plata from its flat-topped peak. Once at the top, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, see a representation of a typical countryside house or "casa tipica," take photos of the Christ the Redeemer Statue (a smaller version of the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and enjoy the views of Puerto Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.

After your time at the summit, you will take the cable car ride down the mountain for amazing views and then meet your transportation for the drive through the city to Fort San Felipe, home to a historic Spanish fortress built in 1577 to protect the city of Puerto Plata from pirates and other enemies. Here at Puerto Plata's oldest surviving structure, you will enjoy a fully narrated tour around the grounds of the fort. It is located on a hill at the Puntilla Del Malecon, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; its strategic location protected the entrance to the city's seaport. The construction of the fort was commissioned by King Felipe II of Spain in 1564, and it was completed in 1577 by Don Rengifo de Angulo, the fort's mayor.

Stroll along "Umbrella Street" and stop for photos at Paseo de Dona Blanca known as, "Pink Street". Next, your journey takes you to Parque Independencia, where your guide will offer fascinating insights into the Victorian architecture and Puerto Plata's restoration era. You'll have the opportunity to explore the Cathedral and enjoy some free time in the Victorian square before returning to your cruise ship.

Please Note: The minimum age to participate is 10 years old. The order of tour may vary depending upon ship's arrival time. A van or bus descent from the Mt. Isabela summit may be substituted for the cable car in the event of cable car maintenance, high winds or poor weather conditions. Participants must be able to get in and out of the vehicle, stand, and walk completely unassisted. This tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible , and cannot accommodate guests with mobility issues, or those who have difficulty walking or standing.

Puerto Plata Shore Excursion, Snorkeling tour & Sosua Beach Day

• Snorkeling Guide
• Use of Snorkelling equipment
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entry/Admission - Sosua Beach
• Food and drinks
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• Eric Tours International, Beach Way # 34, Located in front of merlin dive centre, Gregorio Luperón 35, Sosúa 57000, Dominican Republic
• Amber Cove Cruise Port, Maimón, 57000, Dominican Republic
• Taíno Bay Cruise Port, Shore Excursions, Av. Antigua Via Férrea Muelle Turístico entre Av. Penetración Portuaria y, Calle Duarte, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Eric Tours International Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Puerto Plata Province Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 Sosua Beach Stop: 4 hours - Admission included See details
• 3 Eric Tours International Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Nav1go 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Cruise excursion Not good snorkeling. First spot was basically 2 rocks about 12 feet down and they were feeding the fish white bread to attract them. The second was back in Sosua bay and in 20+ feet of water. This has more fans but hard to see given depth. They kept us tight knot and the flailers and kickers abounded. I will give them credit that they actually sailed most the way back which was preferable to the 1 hr bus ride to start the trip. Read more Written June 2, 2024
• christophercK6476PV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Finding Nemo was a success Fun, fun, fun! The water was spectacular. All of the different marine life made this experience exactly what my family was looking for. Staff made sure everyone had a phenomenal time. They played great music for adults (could skip some songs that used bad language), overall the Catamaran was clean and the food was good. Tony was a great host…. Read more Written May 29, 2024
• Passport46510937983 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Welcome to the MUD Parade!! FUN!!! Fantastic!! Frank and Victor were absolutely the best!! Great ride, lots of mud and mud and mud !! But a strategic beach stop to wash off before the next mud parade! Bring goggles, wear old clothes, water shoes and gators! Best day, cant wait til Spring 2025 to do it again! Read more Written May 21, 2024
• T8924PTrobinm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dirty Fun for Everyone!! Amazing fun! I am a 60-year-old Grammy and my kids were shocked that I enjoyed this excursion so much. Haha! We got SO muddy!!! Once that first wave of mud hits you, you feel like you're already messy so just sit back and enjoy letting go. My husband enjoyed speeding through the mud and being a badass! I can't say enough about how wonderfully caring the tour staff were. Everyone was so helpful and nice! Like one of the other commenters, I did not see lockers and was going to suggest that future tourists bring a trash bag to cover your belongings because ours got super-nasty. But then I saw the lockers when we returned. They were behind the desk where you get signed up. The trash bag could still be a good item to bring. Wear a mask or balaclava to keep the mud out of your mouth. The stop for souvenirs and tastings was really fun and I was happy to patronize some local families. And the beach was a wonderful respite from the craziness of the adventure. 100% FUN!!! Do it!! Read more Written May 17, 2024
• Safari17021922978 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Puerto plata buggy ride. My wife and I loved this off road experience. We never do stuff like this on holiday and we're glad we did. That being said, you WILL get very wet and very dirty...there's also very little in the way of padding in the buggies, so you will feel every bump on the road...and there are many. I highly recommend wearing a bandana and pool/sea shoes as your feet get wet too. Also, wear clothes that you're happy to throw away afterwards, or you can wash out very quickly after the trip. Heads up! As well as driving through the beautiful DR countryside, you also drive through small villages and have to cross main roads. The jewellery sellers at the beach stop can be a nuisance, but just be firm and you'll make it off the beach without emptying your wallet. I'd highly recommend this trip. Read more Written May 14, 2024
• lakeerahs 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I loved it The food was good, the atmosphere was awesome! The tour guides was so cool. You must do this! I can’t swim and they helped me in the water and made me feel very comfortable Read more Written May 14, 2024
• Jennifer W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exciting and Adventurous I've been on many ATV excursions and this was by far one the the best. This was the longest actual ride I've ever experienced Read more Written May 1, 2024
• kimatgerstner 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Excursion on the Island! This was hands down the best excursion ever! Our crew was great! The bus ride to get there was 2 hours - but worth the wait! The "island" is actually a sand bar surrounded by a reef that you can snorkel over. Clear waters and lots of life to see. Don't think you will have it to yourself - there was about 250 people there all at once - 3 big boats each holding 50 people and about 10 or more speedboats each holding about 12 or so... but still very cool! Read more Written April 24, 2024
• brianhQ310WT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Give this “ Adventure a missfor improvement Friendly staff. But no instruction. Machines old, not well maintained,some broke down repeatedly. First stop at the gift shop,not sugar cane field as on brochure,was a run down gift shack. A plastic chair collapsed with a woman injured,laying on the floor,no assistance from the untrained staff was forthcoming. ( Or first aid kit. ) The second stop was on a beach, with a run down shack offering food, beer. Behind with the jungle was literally a rubbish dump,filled with garbage. Value for money,not really. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• MannyCandace 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Extraordinary Was amazing this is my second time going and it is a great experience everything was perfect the excursion and the people. Would recommend for anybody. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• michaellX2384VM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good Time Trip was fun…great crew…good food and drinks…Michael Jackson dancer was excellent…friendly people and great swimming/snorkeling Read more Written April 7, 2024
• puntagordapaul 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Communication and customer service. Great communication from Nathalie from the time you book your trip. I had the opposite experience with another tour operator in the area. Sadly the day we were going to depart , there was intermittent rain and the chop on the water was a bit rough. I figured I was going to lose my money, but I decided to cancel our booking as I did not think my family would enjoy the trip under those conditions. I emailed them to let them know and much to my surprise they said they understood and would refund my money. I will defenitly rebook with them next time I’m in Sousa. Thanks again for the great customer service!!!! So sad never got to go Read more Written March 23, 2024
• kensleyv2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best day ever We had the best time on our catamaran charter! We especially loved Franklin - he was so nice and fun. The food was 10/10, especially the wings, and the beer and rum punch were great too! Couldn't have been better. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• Stephanie B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highlight of our trip!!! This excursion was so much fun! It truly was the highlight of our trip! Edwin Tours picked us up at 9am right on time and took us over to UTV/Buggy place. Everyone was so professional and there was always someone that spoke English. Do not miss this excursion!!! Edwin Tours made our trip so relaxing and fun Read more Written March 13, 2024
• Jonathan S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do if you like offroading Had a great time here, these guys were calm and patient and very focused on customer service. They were a lot of fun and the route we took was a lot of fun. I would do it again Read more Written March 1, 2024

More to explore in Dominican Republic

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Puerto Plata Shore Excursion, Snorkeling tour & Sosua Beach Day provided by Eric Tours International - Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

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SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

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Essential Guide to the Puerto Plata Cruise Terminal

I ’ve been on over 20 cruises, and over that time, I’ve visited numerous Caribbean, Bahamian, American, and Canadian ports. But up until recently, I’d never had a cruise stop in the Dominican Republic. So, when I booked my most recent Virgin Voyages cruise, I was excited to stop at the Puerto Plata cruise terminal on our Dominican Daze itinerary. Our cruise shopped at the new port in the area – the Taino Bay Port.

While I was only there for a day, I found Puerto Plata to be absolutely beautiful with delicious food and great people. I definitely want to return to spend more time in the areas I quickly saw.

Disclosure: I paid for my own trip and excursion in Puerto Plata. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Location of Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is located on the northern Atlantic Coast of the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola (which is shared with Haiti). It’s west of Puerto Rico and south of Turks and Caicos.

The third largest city in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is located about 5 hours from the country’s capital Santo Domingo, and is on the north coast.

Unlike Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic is not a US territory. Therefore, passports are required if you are flying in. You’ll need to check directly with your cruise line to see what form of ID they require. I always cruise with my passport just in case I have a medical emergency and need to be evacuated.

The Dominican Republic is in the Caribbean hurricane belt. If you are cruising during hurricane season, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast. There’s always a risk your cruise will be re-routed due to a storm.

If booking Puerto Plata excursions during your cruise, it’s a good idea to book them through the cruise line. That way, if they are canceled, you’ll be reimbursed.

Taino Bay Puerto Plata

Taino Bay Cruise Port is the newest cruise port I’ve ever visited – opening in December 2021 . It was originally the Puerto Plata cargo port and is located right in the center of the action. Many, but not all, of the cruise ships visiting Puerto Plata dock at the Taino Bay cruise port.

If you don’t want to book an excursion or leave the cruise port area, there’s still plenty to do right there. In fact, I’d recommend booking a later or early-ending cruise excursion so you have some time to explore the cruise port before sailing away.

Amenities and Activities at Taino Bay

Here’s some of what you’ll find right in the cruise port. Cruise travelers can spend the day in the Puerto Plata cruise port if you’d prefer not to leave.

A huge pool/lazy river: This is free for guests and a great option to cool off if you want to leave the ship but don’t plan to do a shore excursion in Puerto Plata. Some of the cruise staff on our ship were raving about the lazy river, but we didn’t have a chance to try it.

Shops: Want to do some souvenir shopping in Puerto Plata? The Puerto Plata cruise port offers several specialty shops including jewelry stores (where you’ll find Larimar, exclusive to the Dominican Republic), duty-free shops, souvenir shops, and clothing shops. These are all relatively small, but there’s a good selection of them.

Experiences: There are six aviaries scattered throughout the port. Exotic birds, including Macaw Parrots and the native Amazona Ventralis, can be found in these aviaries.

There’s also Monkey Island , located right in the port. In this hands-on experience, you can interact with and feed adorable squirrel monkeys. This is something you are typically able to just walk up to – you won’t need to book an excursion because you won’t be leaving the port.

Restaurants: If you’d like to get food and drinks off the ship, you won’t have to walk very far. There are several restaurants and bars in the Taino Bay cruise port, including a mojito bar, a rum bar, a coffee shop, and a Mexican restaurant.

WiFi, restrooms, and a last-minute excursion desk are also available at the Puerto Plata cruise port.

Things to See in Puerto Plata

Want to explore beyond the cruise port? There are lots of great things to see and do in Puerto Plata. Highlights include:

The Umbrella Street: An adorable, Instagram-friendly street with colorful umbrellas hanging above. In addition to being a great photo opportunity, there are shops and restaurants along the street.

Paseo Dona Blanca (Pink Street): Within walking distance of the umbrella street is the Paseo Dona Blanca (also known as the pink street). This is also an Instagram-friendly street that is entirely bright pink, with different installations that are great photo backdrops. Both Umbrella Street and the Pink Street are an easy walk from Central Park (Independence Square).

Macorix House of Rum: If you love rum, you’ll want to do the tour and tasting at the Macorix House of Rum. It includes a movie about rum making, a walk through the barrels, and a tasting of a bunch of different rum flavors. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase your favorites at a great price.

Fortaleza San Felipe : As you sail into the Taino Bay cruise port, you’ll see the Fortaleza San Felipe, a historic Spanish fortress.

Ocean World Adventure Park: An ocean park offering animal encounters, a beach, a restaurant, and more, Ocean World Adventure Park is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers.

Puerto Plata Cable Car: If you want to see beautiful views of Puerto Plata from above, visit the Puerto Plata Cable Car. The ride will take you up to Mount Isabel de Torres, a National Park.

Playa Dorada : Want to visit the beach during your day in Puerto Plata? Playa Dorada (the golden beach), is a great option. This is the area where many of the Puerto Plata resorts are located.

Damajagua Waterfalls : This park, which is best via by cruise ship passengers via an excursion, offers 27 waterfalls (although excursions typically include visits to 12). You’ll be able to swim, jump, and more. Here’s one excursion that is well-rated .

Dominican Amber Museum : Puerto Plata is well-known for its beautiful amber. If you want to see it up close, you can visit the Puerto Plata Amber Museum .

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions

You’ll have lots of options for excursions in Puerto Plata if you decide to leave your cruise ship. Excursions will vary by availability and cruise line, but here are some options listed below.

Keep in mind that if you book an independent excursion not through the cruise line, it’s your responsibility to make sure you get back to the ship on time. If you book the excursion through your cruise line, they will be responsible for making sure you get back.

Food Tour: During my most recent Virgin Voyages cruise, we did a Puerto Plata tasting tour that I would highly recommend. We started at the Macorix House of Rum, where we were able to taste multiple varieties of rum.

We then headed to three popular restaurants – La Skina Restaurant, Mares Restaurant, and Casita Azul, to try some location cuisine. Before going back to the port, we stopped at the Pink Street and the Umbrella Street. It was led by a local guide and was an official cruise ship excursion.

Ziplining : Looking for a little more adventure? Some excursions go to the Wild Play Adventure Park where you’ll be able to zipline over the ocean and enjoy some time at the beach.

Beach Day : Want to visit the beach? One excursion on our sailing was to Coconut Cove Beach where sailors had the opportunity to enjoy drinks, lunch, and time at the beach. There was also a separate excursion to Fricolandia Beach Club.

Damajagua Waterfalls : There were a number of different excursions to Damajagua Waterfalls. One includes ziplining, swimming, sliding, and a ride in a buggy. There’s also one that includes off-roading.

You’ll probably find a number of other excursions during your visit to Puerto Plata. Think about the type of experience you’d want to have and find a well-reviewed excursion that fits. If you aren’t sure, a guided city tour of Puerto Plata is always a good idea so you can get an overview of the area.

Amber Cove Puerto Plata Port

I mentioned above that many cruise ships dock at the new-ish Taino Bay cruise port. However, there are more than one cruise ship terminals – some ships dock at the Amber Cove cruise port. Opened in 2015, the Amber Cove cruise center was developed privately by Carnival Cruise Line.

Amber Cove is sort of a combination between a port and a private destination. There’s lots to do within the port , including a water park area, shopping, watersports, and more. Excursions are also an option, if you’d like to explore beyond the Amber Cove cruise port immediate area.

Frequently Asked Questions

During our food tour, we had the opportunity to try bandera dominicana (translated to Dominican Flag), a dish that includes fried plantains, rice and beans, chicken, and some fruit. We also had a delicious soup with rice.

Popular drinks include the local mamajuana – a drink made with rum, honey, and wine, as well as local rum.

The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso. US dollars are typically accepted, which makes it easy for a quick cruise port stop. Credit cards are accepted in some locations.

The post Essential Guide to the Puerto Plata Cruise Terminal appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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Shore Excursion Details

Eat, drink & dance dominican experience, puerto plata, dominican republic.

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• 4 1/4 hrs Estimate Duration

Become immersed in the Dominican culture by experiencing the local cuisine, spirits and dances firsthand. While pausing for photos along the seaside boulevard El Malecon, you will discover a bit about the local history, which you will delve into more deeply at the engaging Confluence Ethnographic Gallery. Besides browsing the museum’s exhibits – which cover topics ranging from piracy to Carnival celebrations – you will enjoy a tasting of premium Dominican rum, most likely a selection from Ron Barceló, a brand made with 100% sugarcane juice. The restaurant La Catalina will serve as the venue for the remaining festivities, which begin with a performance of merengue, a lively dance so emblematic of the national identity that UNESCO recognized it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. You will be encouraged to join the costumed dancers, who will be happy to show you the steps. A delightful lunch of traditional Dominican stew known as sancocho follows.

• Delve into the Dominican culture and history through immersive experiences. • Browse an ethnographic museum and sample a popular premium Dominican rum. • Watch costumed dancers perform the merengue and join in the fun if you wish. • Dine on a traditional Dominican stew at the atmospheric restaurant La Catalina.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Activity Level:

• 3 Challenging