Top 5 Things To Do On A Cruise Stop In Puerto Plata

Last Updated 1 year ago

The Dominican Republic has quickly become one of the top cruising destinations in the Caribbean, especially the port in Puerto Plata. The country features 1,000 miles of coastline that features prime locations for ship docking and exploring the bountiful beaches and untouched nature that the country has to offer.

Of all the destinations in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata has positioned itself as the most popular cruising city in the country. Due to its location on the northern coast, the city is geographically positioned well to be a stopping point on a ship’s way to other prime destinations such as Turks and Caicos and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In addition, the city has invested in infrastructure in order to build up cruise traffic capacity. The city was recently able to welcome 75,000 passengers in October 2022 through its two large cruise ports – Amber Cove and Taino Bay.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself touching down in this new cruising hotspot during your next ship-bound vacation, here are the top 5 things to do during a cruise stop in Puerto Plata!

Visit White Sand Beaches

The most popular thing to do in the city of Puerto Plata is to visit one of the over 40 beautiful beaches in the city. The coastal inner city is lined with postcard-perfect beaches that offer a wide variety of landscapes, including tree-lined and turquoise-watered oases and long stretches of white sand.

Beaches to check out in the inner city include Camacho, Acapulco, and Long beach. These three popular beaches are loved by locals and tourists alike and are easily accessed from Puerto Plata’s major cruise ports. Along with these beaches, consider taking a taxi to beaches such as Playa Dorada, Costa Dorada, or Pueblito to experience a more secluded and less touristy experience!

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Take A Day Trip To The 27 Waterfalls Of Damajagua

Touring the multiple waterfalls in Damajagua is another one of the most activities to do while spending a day in Puerto Plata. The falls are located less than an hour outside the city, and it is an activity that is best done on a guided excursion that handles transportation and planning. In most offerings, guides lead visitors on a 3-hour trek that includes hiking, swimming, sliding, and seeing breathtaking water features along the way.

For a list of highly reviewed excursions to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, check out the site’s Trip Advisor page! A visit to these falls is a once and a lifetime experience that is sure to be a highlight of your vacation!

Ride On The Historic Teleferico Cable Car To Mountain Isabel De Torres

Do you want to explore a mountain top with majestic ocean and city views without a long and exhausting hike? Puerto Plata has you covered with the Teleferico Cable Car! This 8-minute cable car ride is an attraction in itself, with a steep and beautiful ride that is sure to fill up your camera roll with amazing pictures.

Once you reach the end of the ride, you will have arrived at Mountain “Isabel de Torres”, which has sweeping views of the ocean and is a perfect place to eat a picnic lunch. There is also a 100-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer and exhibits explaining the history behind the mountain.

The Cable Car can be picked up about a mile from the cruise port and is a great activity for the full family!

Visit The Ocean World Adventure Park

Ocean World delivers unique water-based experiences that are fun for the whole family! They offer unique experiences such as swimming with dolphins, feeding marine wildlife, and ocean life shows with an upbeat attitude and a family-friendly atmosphere! The Adventure Park has water slides and pools along with places for the whole family to relax with a sweet treat or cold drink.

For more information and a full list of offerings, check out their website!

Sample Local Rum At The Macorix House Of Rum

If you are a lover of Rum, you cannot miss the Macorix house of rum. This half museum, half tasting room provides 1-hour tours to visitors that are both informative and fun. Visitors will learn the story of Macorix, how rum is made and aged, and be provided with multiple samples of both barrel-aged and flavored rums while learning the history behind them! The setting of the tasting room is tastefully decorated, and there is a gift shop where you can take drinks to go, including fun drinks such as alcoholic popsicles!
Want to learn more? Check out the Macorix Website!