Dominican Republic's Building New Flagship Cruise Port

Last Updated 1 year ago

The Dominican Republic is building a massive new cruise ship port in Pedernales called Port Cabo Rojo. Once complete in late 2023, the new port will become a leading destination for cruise ships in the Caribbean region. Although still in the making, authorities are slowly publishing details about the new port, which will also house several large hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment facilities.

There are already several important cruise ship ports in the Dominican Republic, including Amber Cove in Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo. However, with cruise ship passenger numbers expected to grow sharply over the following years, the government is investing in a new flagship port that will become one of the biggest in the region.

Cabo Port Rojo, located on the southwestern tip of the Dominican Republic, is being built to handle more than a million cruise ship passengers per year. The new port is part of a wider investment package for the Pedernales region which will see new hotels and entertainment options built. The goal: to transform the area into a top resort location, similar to Punta Cana

Pedernales is known for its rich natural beauty and untouched beaches. With the new investment program, visitors will find it easier than ever before to reach the area’s national parks, pristine tropical waters, and rapidly-developing ecotourism potential.

New details have already emerged concerning the area’s new hotels, and when complete, more than 4700 hotel rooms are expected to be built. The Spanish hospitality firm Iberostar won the tender for the construction of Cabo Rojo’s first major resort, which will have 580 rooms as part of the first phase of the port’s development project.

The new resort will occupy more than 240,000 square meters in a prime beachside location. It will feature several restaurants and stores, a gym, a spa, pools, and other amenities. The project is only in the early stages of development, so more concrete plans will be made available later on. In addition to Iberostar’s 580-room resort, at least three other hotels are currently being planned, with more on the way later.

Port Cabo Rojo will feature some impressive amenities once complete. The first of its kind in the Caribbean, the cruise ship terminal will also host an array of entertainment and shopping options that will help attract tourists to stay for longer periods. Inspired by local Caribbean design, the ambitious plan also foresees the construction of a water park within the terminal’s vicinity. Guests will also find options for shopping and fine dining, as well as a spa and access to local beaches.

The cruise ship industry is increasingly important for the Dominican Republic, and the country will see the number of large cruise ship ports jump from three to six in the following years. In addition to Port Cabo’s new port, an airport is also in the making, set to become the country’s third-largest.

Pedernales: The Dominican Republic’s Next Top Tourism Region

Located in the southernmost province of the Dominican Republic, Pedernales is a growing ecotourism hotspot. With ongoing improvements to its tourism infrastructure as well as the building of the country’s flagship cruise ship terminal, Pedernales will become one of the most accessible nature-based destinations in the Dominican Republic.

Some of the top destinations in Pedernales include Jaragua National Park, the largest protected area in the Dominican Republic and part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. Home to both rich nature including colorful flamingos, as well as an array of historical archaeological sites. Visitors can also find stunning beaches, such as Playa Bahía de las Águilas, recognized as the country’s most beautiful thanks to its diamond-white sands and crystal-clear water.