8 Best Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: How to Spend Your Port of Call

Only have one day in Puerto Plata and not sure how to make the most of it? You’re in the right place!

With beaches, jungle, and Dominican culture waiting just beyond the port, it can be difficult to decide how to spend your cruise stop. The last thing you want is to waste precious time researching or end up booking an excursion that doesn’t suit you, which is why we’ve rounded up the best Puerto Plata shore excursions for every type of traveler.

And rest assured, every tour includes pickup from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay, making it easy to start exploring as soon as you step off the ship. Let’s get into it! 

Why We Book Shore Excursions Independently

We almost always book our shore excursions with Viator rather than the cruise itself. We do this for a few reasons, but a big reason is that independent tours tend to have smaller group sizes, which almost always leads to a better experience. There’s less waiting around and no fighting for the best views or photos!

Another reason is that booking independently tends to be much cheaper than booking through your cruise line! These excursions are still planned around cruise schedules, and many operators offer a back-to-ship guarantee, or a refund if your ship arrives late. And if a tour timing ever looks a little tight, it’s always worth sending the operator a quick message before you book.

Puerto Plata has two cruise ports. Amber Cove is a private dock for Carnival ships, while Taino Bay is right in the city center and serves most other cruise lines. The good news is that every tour in this guide includes pickup from both ports, so getting started couldn’t be easier!

Best Puerto Plata Shore Excursions

1. See Puerto Plata’s best sights with a local guide

If it’s your first time visiting Puerto Plata, this sightseeing tour is one of the best ways to experience the city’s highlights in just a few hours. Rather than trying to navigate everything yourself, you’ll travel between the main attractions with a knowledgeable local guide who’ll bring Puerto Plata’s history and culture to life along the way.

We love this itinerary because it packs a lot into a short visit. You’ll ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres for incredible views over the city, stop by the historic San Felipe Fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and visit colorful spots like Umbrella Street and Pink Street, which are perfect for snapping photos. There’s also time to sample some of the Dominican Republic’s most famous exports, including rum, chocolate, and coffee – yum! You’ll even get to watch skilled artisans hand-roll traditional cigars.

We also love how easy this excursion is for cruise passengers. Pickup and drop-off are included from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay, and the schedule is designed to fit around your ship’s arrival, so you can relax knowing you’ll be back with plenty of time before departure. Plus, it includes a little bit of everything, from beautiful viewpoints to local treats, so we think it’s the perfect way to make the most of your time here. But don’t just take our word for it because you can read hundreds of glowing reviews here! 

2. Visit the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and try typical food

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled shore excursion, look no further than this tour! It takes you to explore the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, which are among the Dominican Republic’s most famous natural attractions, so you’ll really be making the most of your time in port with this one! 

The adventure begins with a hike through the jungle to reach the waterfalls. It can be fairly active, but the guides stop for breaks along the way and provide all the safety equipment and instructions you need before tackling each section. 

Then, once you reach the water, the real fun begins! You’ll be able to jump into the pools, where you can float through narrow canyons, slide down smooth rock formations, and swim in the cool water. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to experience the beauty of the Dominican jungle! 

The exact number of waterfalls you visit can vary depending on rainfall and water levels, but the experience is still packed with plenty of excitement. Just bear in mind that you’ll get completely soaked, so bring secure water shoes and avoid carrying anything that isn’t waterproof!

All of this excitement works up quite an appetite, so afterward, you’ll refuel with a traditional Dominican buffet lunch – yum! You’ll also get round-trip transportation from Amber Cove and Taino Bay, so the logistics are super simple. What’s not to love?

3. Get off the beaten path on a buggy adventure

If you’d rather swap sightseeing for a bit of adrenaline, this buggy adventure is an absolute blast! You’ll head off-road to explore Puerto Plata’s countryside, driving through lush tropical scenery and rural villages that most cruise visitors never get to see.

One thing we really like about this tour is that it’s more than just a buggy ride. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local ranch to see how Dominican cigars are made and sample organic coffee and rich hot chocolate. It’s a fun way to learn a little more about local culture while taking a break from all the action.

You’ll also make a stop at the beach, where you can cool off with a swim or simply enjoy the sea views before jumping back into your buggy. Fair warning, though… this is definitely a tour where you’re going to get muddy! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring sunglasses or a bandana if you have one, as the trails can get pretty dusty depending on the weather.

Round-trip transportation from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay is included, so it’s an easy excursion to fit into your day ashore. You’ll be able to shower off afterward, as well, as you’ll be nice and clean again by the time that you get back on the boat.

4. Play with squirrel monkeys

If you’re an animal lover, this is one of the most memorable shore excursions in Puerto Plata! This tour takes you to Monkey Jungle, a beautiful sanctuary where you’ll get to meet friendly squirrel monkeys in a safe and natural setting.

The best part is that the monkeys are incredibly curious and love interacting with visitors! They’ll happily climb onto your shoulders, sit on your head, and even eat fruit straight from your hands. How amazing is that? Honestly, these little guys are so cute that you’ll wish you could take them home with you – but for legal purposes, we have to make it clear that that’s not allowed! 

However, this tour is not just about the monkeys. After your visit to the sanctuary, you’ll head into Puerto Plata to see some of the city’s most colorful landmarks, including the famous Umbrella Street and Pink Street. You’ll also stop by the historic San Felipe Fortress to learn about its fascinating history, so you won’t miss out on any of Puerto Plata’s must-see landmarks. 

We definitely think that this is one of the most memorable excursions you can book. After all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to cuddle adorable squirrel monkeys! 

5. Zipline above the Damajagua Waterfalls

If you want to pack as much adventure as possible into your time in Puerto Plata, this zipline and waterfall tour is hard to beat! It combines five ziplines with a visit to the Damajagua Waterfalls, so you’ll get to experience the national park from both above and below.

The tour begins with a hike through the jungle to reach the zipline course. It takes around 40 to 45 minutes and is mostly uphill, so this is definitely one for active travelers. However, the guides take breaks along the way, and the views and excitement waiting at the top make the effort well worth it!

Once you’re up there, you’ll soar through the trees on five different ziplines before heading down to the waterfalls. This is where you’ll jump into cool pools, slide down natural rock formations, and swim through the beautiful gorge. Honestly, this sounds like such an amazing way to experience the Dominican Republic’s tropical scenery! Just make sure to bring supportive water shoes, as there’s quite a bit of walking and you’ll get completely soaked.

After all of that action, you’ll sit down to enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch, which is included with the tour. You’ll also get to sample local coffee, chocolate, rum, and mamajuana before being taken back to the cruise port.

6. Visit Puerto Plata’s best beaches and city sights on a private tour

If you want to combine sightseeing with some time on the sand, this private Puerto Plata tour gives you the best of both worlds! You’ll visit some of the city’s biggest highlights before finishing the excursion with a relaxing beach stop.

One thing we really like about this tour is that it’s completely private, so you won’t be following a huge group around all day. You’ll have more flexibility at each stop, and your guide can help you make the most of the limited time you have in port.

Along the way, you’ll see colorful Umbrella Street and Pink Street, visit the historic San Felipe Fortress, and stop at the Amber Museum. You’ll also head up toward Mount Isabel de Torres for beautiful views over Puerto Plata, although access can depend on the weather.

There are a few food stops included too! You’ll visit the Macorix rum distillery for a tasting and call at a local chocolate factory, which is a fun way to learn more about some of the Dominican Republic’s best-known products.

After exploring the city, you’ll head to a beautiful beach to unwind in style. A sunbed and umbrella are included, so you can relax in comfort, swim, and maybe grab a drink before returning to the cruise port. I mean, you can’t go to the Dominican without doing a little sunbathing, right?

7. Relax and snorkel on a catamaran cruise

For a more relaxing way to spend your day in Puerto Plata, this catamaran cruise combines snorkeling, coastal views, and plenty of time to enjoy the Caribbean sunshine. Cruise port pickup is included from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay, so you won’t need to arrange transportation independently. From there, you’ll board the catamaran and set sail along the Dominican Republic’s beautiful northern coastline.

Once you’re out on the water, it’s time to jump in! Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can take advantage of the excellent visibility and admire the colorful coral reefs. The crew will also take you to a beautiful natural pool where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet – how cool is that? We really think that this tour is the perfect way to embrace island life! 

When you get back on the catamaran, the party really starts. There’s an open bar serving unlimited drinks, and a tasty barbecue lunch is included – sounds like a good time to me! Plus, the crew are super friendly and keep everyone entertained, whether you want to chill out and chat with fellow travelers or maybe even get up and dance.

At around three hours long, this excursion is a great choice if you want to enjoy a fun half-day out at sea while still leaving yourself some time to explore the port or relax afterward. If snorkeling, drinks, and sunshine sound like your ideal port day, this tour is perfect!

8. Go horseback riding

If you’re looking to escape the crowds for a few hours, this horseback riding tour is one of the most memorable shore excursions in Puerto Plata. It’s the perfect choice if you want to experience a quieter side of the Dominican Republic while enjoying some incredible scenery along the way.

Cruise port pickup is included, so all you need to do is meet your driver before heading out to the ranch. After a quick introduction, you’ll be paired with your horse before setting off through the beautiful Dominican countryside. The route takes you along peaceful trails surrounded by tropical greenery before eventually opening up onto a stunning stretch of beach.

Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, there’s no need to worry. One of the things guests praise most about this tour is the friendly, attentive guides, who do a fantastic job of matching horses to riders and helping everyone feel comfortable and confident.

The beach is undoubtedly the standout moment. There’s something pretty special about riding along the shoreline with the waves beside you, and you’ll even have the chance to stop and give your horse a well-earned treat. If you’re feeling peckish, you can also grab local food and drinks from vendors on the beach – just remember to bring a little cash.

This three-hour excursion strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Puerto Plata beyond the cruise port, we think this horseback riding tour is an excellent choice.

Where to Stay Before or After your Cruise

Most cruises that pass through Puerto Plata typically start in either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. They are well connected with major airports, making them the most convenient options for cruise passengers.

Spending a night or two before or after your cruise is always a good idea. It gives you a buffer in case of delays and lets you explore a bit without feeling rushed. Both cities have great neighborhoods and plenty of restaurants, as well as easy access to their cruise terminals.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Miami and Fort Lauderdale for every budget. All of these options are within easy reach of the cruise ports, so you can keep things simple on travel days! 

Miami

Luxury – $$$

Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area is a great option if you want something comfortable and well-located for a short stay, like before boarding your cruise ship! It sits right between Downtown and Brickell, so you’ve got easy access to both areas, plus you’re only a short drive from the cruise port.

The hotel has a modern, business-style feel, with spacious rooms and a reliable setup that works well for a quick stop in the city. There’s also a pool and on-site dining, which is handy if you don’t feel like heading out after a long travel day.

Rooms here usually start at around $300 USD per night. Check prices and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$

The Elser Hotel Miami is one of the best mid-range options in the Downtown area, especially if you want a bit more space. It’s located right by the waterfront, with easy access to Bayside Marketplace and just a short drive to the cruise port.

The rooms here are more like apartments, with full kitchens and living areas, plus floor-to-ceiling windows in some units. There’s also an awesome infinity pool with great views over the bay!

Rooms here usually start at around $280 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here.

Budget – $

CitizenM Miami World Center is a great budget-friendly option if you want something modern and central. It’s located near the Worldcenter complex, so you’re close to shops, restaurants, and transport links.

The rooms are compact, but they’re very well designed, with a smart layout that makes the most of the space. The hotel also has a fun, tech-forward feel, with self-check-in and a stylish rooftop pool area. It’s a great pick if you’re happy with a smaller room in exchange for a great location and lower price.

Rooms here usually start at around $120 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

Fort Lauderdale

Luxury – $$$

The Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club is a popular choice for luxurious travelers. This resort has a private beach and two swimming pools, as well as tennis and volleyball courts, a spa, and four restaurants. The rooms range from standard queen or king hotel rooms, or you can upgrade to suite-style rooms or a room with a view.

Prices fluctuate by season but range from $275 to $700 USD. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com. 

Mid-range – $$

Tides Inn Hotel is a lovely and quaint hotel, overlooking the beach and offering light, airy rooms. The private beach is just steps from the hotel, and this area is great for snorkeling or diving. There’s also a pool and garden to enjoy. You can book double, single, or studio hotel rooms with a balcony and ocean views. 

Rooms are $240 USD on average and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Blue Strawberry by the Sea is a charming, budget-friendly hotel just one block from the ocean. It’s also a 5-minute walk to the town square, so you’re close to Fort Lauderdale’s top sights. The rooms are clean and simple, offering double, king, or apartment-style rooms. There are also two swimming pools onsite!

Rooms are available for around $115 USD per night. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

Stopping in Puerto Plata will certainly be a memorable part of your cruise! There are some epic shore excursions here, so be sure to book your favorite one well in advance so you don’t miss out.

If you’re still planning, be sure to explore our other travel guides for detailed port itineraries, hotel recommendations, and more of our favorite tours all around the world. We’ve also included some of our most popular destination guides below to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

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