Puerto Plata
is old-fashioned elegance
Welcome to Puerto Plata
Squeezed between a towering mountain and the ocean is this working port town, the oldest city on the north coast. Wander the Malecón or the downtown streets surrounding the Parque Central and you'll see that significant revitalization efforts, meant to impress an influx of Carnival cruise ship passengers, have replaced what was until recently a palpable feeling of neglect. Intermingled with run-of-the-mill shops are the fading, once-opulent homes built by wealthy German tobacco merchants in the 1870s. Several restaurants are worth a visit, as are a few interesting museums, and the cable car ride to the nearby bluff, if not clouded over, offers panoramic views.
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Puerto Plata activities
Puerto Plata Shore Excursion: Damajagua from Amber Cove
After meeting your guides outside the Amber Cove Cruise Terminal you will board an air-conditioned vehicle for the 25 minute ride to the falls. During the ride you will receive a safety briefing and some local information of interest. Water, sodas, snacks and iced towels will be on board.On arrival at the 27 Falls of Damajagua Park you will leave the transport where you can leave a bag with your valuables, towel, dry clothes and flip flops for after the tour. Your guide will introduce you to the local waterfall guides who will be looking after you and you’ll be issued with a life jacket, helmet and a bottle of water for the hike up. If you want to take photos or video on the tour please only bring waterproof cameras. From this point on everything will get wet!A moderate 40 minute uphill hike through a beautiful jungle landscape gets you to the 12th waterfall or, if you are in excellent physical shape, choose to hike all the way to the top of the 27 Waterfalls (approximately 70 minutes) and experience it all. Either way, it's where your real fun begins as we head back down-river and you jump, slide and swim your way through a series of spectacular waterfalls, canyons and azure pools, emerging with a silly grin on your face and incredible memories to cherish! The tour includes jumps of up to 25 feet (8 meters), but don't worry, the big ones have another way down if you don't want to jump. Once back down at the first fall and after you have taken your time relaxing in the amazing azure waters there will be a 15-minute hike back to the visitor center for lunch and a well earned rum and coke!After changing into your dry clothes enjoy a delicious and varied Dominican buffet lunch which includes barbecued chicken and pork, stews, rice, pasta and salads. Sodas and local rum are included (beer available but not included). After the meal you will say goodbye to the local guides and board the transport for the 25-minute transfer back to Amber Cove. We always aim to get you back at least one hour before the departure of your ship.Please note: This tour is for cruise ship passengers only.
Amber Cove Cruise to Puerto Plata City All-Inclusive Tour
After meeting your guides outside the Amber Cove Cruise Terminal, you will board an air-conditioned vehicle for the 15 minute ride to the first stop: Puerto Plata’s spectacular Teleferico (the only cable car in the Caribbean). It reveals incredibly panoramic ocean and city views as you ascend to the summit of Mount Isabel, extremely high above sea level. At the top of the mountain you’ll find beautiful tropical gardens and a statue of Christ (a smaller replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and of course, the breathtaking views of Puerto Plata and the Atlantic ocean. Duration in this spot is approximately 90 minutes.After riding the cable car back down the mountain we board back on the bus and head to Macorix House of Rum! Here you'll learn the history of rum on the island, tour the plant and of course... sample all of their delicious rum products! Ask for seconds of your favorite! If there is time we make a quick stop at Fortaleza San Felipe, an authentic and historic Spanish fortress, also known as El Morro de San Felipe, that was built in 1577 to protect the city of Puerto Plata from pirates and corsairs! The Dominican Republic was an integral stop on the Spanish Main and was terrorized by many notorious pirates for years, including the famous British pirate Henry Morgan.From the fort we'll take a short drive down the beautiful Malecon (Ocean Drive) to a vibrant courtyard cafe for lunch. When you book this tour, we’ll provide you with the menu ahead of time so we can order your meal and drink selections. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is simply relaxed and charming!After lunch we’ll board the bus for a short ride to Puerto Plata's town square, where we'll stop for a quick look at the Victorian architecture and then walk down the street to Espigon Cigars, an authentic cigar factory and humidor. Here, you’ll learn about the history of tobacco on the island, roll your own cigar and sample the famous local rum and mamajuana!But we're not done yet! In the Dominican Republic, music is as important as the air we breathe and no visit to the island is complete until you've danced! Local "taxi” dancers will first dance for you and then, teach you a few basic steps and you'll "fiesta and bachata like a Dominican with Dominicans" until it’s time to return to the ship!
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Puerto Plata
From your Cabarete, Sosua or Puerto Plata hotel, you will be picked up by your friendly guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. During the ride you will receive some local information of interest and a short safety briefing.On arrival at the 27 Falls of Damajagua Park you will leave the transport where you can leave a bag with your valuables, towel, dry clothes and flip flops for after the tour. Your guide will introduce you to the local waterfall guides who will be looking after you and you’ll be issued with a life jacket, helmet and a bottle of water for the hike up. If you want to take photos or video on the tour please only bring waterproof cameras. From this point on everything will get wet!A moderate 40 minute uphill hike through a beautiful jungle landscape gets you to the 12th waterfall or, if you are in excellent physical shape, choose to hike all the way to the top of the 27 waterfalls (approximately 70 minutes) and experience it all. Either way, your real fun begins as we head back down-river and you jump, slide and swim your way through a series of spectacular waterfalls, canyons and azure pools, emerging with a silly grin on your face and incredible memories to cherish! The tours include jumps of up to 25 feet (8 meters) but don't worry, the big ones have another way down if you don't want to jump. After a 15-minute walk back to base camp and changing into your dry clothes, enjoy a delicious and varied Dominican buffet lunch, which includes things like barbecued chicken and pork, stews, rice, pasta and salads. Local rum drinks, sodas and water are included (beer is available but not included). After the meal, say goodbye to the local guides and board the transport for the ride back to your hotel.
Ocean World Puerto Plata - Bravissimo Show and Dinner Package
A member of Ocean World's friendly and courteous guest services team will escort you from your hotel to the stunning casino complex where the magic of this tour begins! Treat yourself to an exquisite dinner in a unique setting overlooking the marina and the sea. Unlimited rum and beer are included during dinner. Enjoy preferential seating at the spectacular 'Bravissimo' show that combines Las Vegas' extravaganza with the beat of the islands. Tropical rhythms and astonishing costumes will take you on an enchanted journey through the Caribbean. Unlimited rum and beer are also included during show. Try your luck at Ocean World casino and begin with casino coupon! Enjoy your choice of the best table games and loosest slot machines in an elegant surrounding. Modern music, great ambiance and lots of dancing await you at the Lighthouse lounge and disco, from where you will admire the spectacular and dramatic scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. A fantastic night out and a must do for anyone visiting the Dominican Republic! Please note: Children ages 18 and under are not permitted in the casino or disco
Ocean World Puerto Plata Day Pass
Splash through a shimmering waterfall and enter the undersea magic of Ocean World! This is a marine adventure unlike anything you've ever experienced before. With something to keep the entire family occupied and entertained for hours, Ocean World is a must for everyone visiting the Dominican Republic! See a bottlenose dolphin, a sea lion, gentle stingrays, and a seven-foot adult nurse shark. Snorkel through a spectacular coral grotto, alive with colorful tropical fish. Plus, catch sight of fluorescent-colored Macaws or Toucans. Now included is an educational program (available in English and Spanish) for all children between the ages of 4 and 12.
Puerto Plata to Damajagua Waterfalls Half-Day Tour with Lunch
Following a morning pickup from your hotel in Puerto Plata, meet your guide and head out of the city for the journey to the Damajagua Waterfalls — a site widely considered the jewel in the Dominican Republic’s crown. The falls carve their way through a series of ancient limestone cliffs, offering a scenic beauty that's hard to match else in the region.On arrival, prepare yourself for some serious thrills! Follow your guide through the tropical forest as colorful native birds fly overhead, then put on your provided protective gear before your leap and splash through the crystal-clear waters. The Damajagua Waterfalls are home to 27 different falls and plunge pools — surrounded on all sides by lush, green forest — and, for a more serene experience, you can even ride down natural waterslides, too.When you’re done splashing through the falls, replenish lost energy with a filling buffet lunch that includes grilled meat (usually pork), white fish and chicken accompanied by salad, rice, potatoes and pasta. For dessert, enjoy a selection of local fruit.When it’s time to leave the Damajagua Waterfalls behind, hop back aboard your minivan for the journey back to Puerto Plata. Your tour finishes with a hotel drop-off.