Does your eastern Caribbean cruise itinerary include a day in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic? If so, you want to make the most of your cruise day. After all, this tropical paradise has a beautiful town center, historic fort, adventure parks, botanical gardens, museums, and stunning mountains covered in lush foliage. That’s not to mention the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and sun-soaked sandy beaches in Puerto Plata.
With so many shore excursions, attractions, and tours, choosing the best ones for your cruise day in port can be overwhelming. So how can you plan your day in Puerto Plata to experience all this Caribbean island has to offer?
Whether you’re a history buff, sightseer, beach lover, or adventure seeker, Puerto Plata caters to everyone’s idea of fun, excitement, and relaxation.
The article is a guide to the best shore excursions when spending a cruise day in Puerto Plata. In it, I’ll share my top tips on making the most of your time in the port and enjoying the must-see shore excursions and activities in Puerto Plata.
Where is Puerto Plata?
Puerto Plata is a popular cruise port located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture. The city of Puerto Plata is a bustling hub of activity, with colorful buildings, lively markets, and plenty of restaurants and bars to explore.
Discovering Puerto Plata
You’ll get a distinct Latin feel when disembarking the ship and heading into Puerto Plata. Dating back to the 16th century, the influence of Spanish colonists is evident throughout the city, especially in downtown Puerto Plata. You’ll also find colonial buildings with distinctive Victorian architecture.
The city has around 150,000 inhabitants, and tourism is the main contributor to the economy. However, rather than being a gimmicky tourist destination, it’s a thriving city with locals going about their daily lives. So, the city has a more authentic feel than typical cruise ports I’ve been to in the Caribbean.
Puerto Plata Map
Exploring Puerto Plata on Cruise Day — An Overview
How can you make the most of your cruise day in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic?
Most cruise passengers head for the popular Damajagua Waterfalls, where you can swim, go ziplining, explore caves, or jump into pools. An alternative is the historic Fort San Felipe, which has panoramic views of Puerto Plata. Also popular are the beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy lunch and relax in the sun on Playa Dorada beach.
Arriving at Puerto Plata’s Two Cruise Ports — Taino Bay and Amber Cove
The main pier is Puerto Plata Cruise Port in Taino Bay, located in the city center. The other pier is in Amber Cove, west of the city, and a 20-minute drive to the center.
Taino Bay Cruise Port
Taino Bay is the main cruise port in Puerto Plata and is within walking distance of the heart of the city. When you disembark, you can immediately explore the historic downtown area, colorful markets, and vibrant restaurants. There is also a typical range of amenities for cruise passengers: souvenir shops, local handicrafts, tour guides, and plenty of shore excursions.
The cruise ship dock also features an entertainment complex with a botanical garden, swimming pool, bars, restaurants, a zip line, and a theme park. You also have direct access to historical landmarks in proximity to the port. There are also plenty of local taxi drivers inside and outside the port.
It’s important to note that the beach has no access to swimming. So you must travel to a nearby beach in Puerto Plata to enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Amber Cove Cruise Port
Amber Cove is a custom-built cruise port for ships on the Carnival Corporation Line. This modern port facility is a private 30-acre retreat that can handle two large cruise ships at a time. From here, there are plenty of options to arrange excursions and tours or take a taxi 6 miles (9.6 km) to downtown Puerto Plata.
The huge Amber Cove resort has everything you need for your cruise day. There are shopping facilities, sports amenities, watersports, and a large swimming pool complex. Additionally, you can have fun on water slides, hire cabanas, go kiteboarding or windsurfing. There is also a selection of restaurants and bars exclusively for cruise passengers.
Spending the entire day in Amber Cove without leaving its compounds is possible. However, you’ll miss experiencing authentic Dominican Republic culture and the island’s stunning natural scenery.
How to Get around Puerto Plata Cruise Port
Several transportation options are available if you plan on leaving the port to explore the island.
Taxis
The first thing you’ll notice is that taxi rates are exceedingly high. However, a taxi is your only option to get from Amber Cove to downtown Puerto Plata. But be prepared: a one-way, six-mile trip for four persons costs a whopping $35 (USD).
However, you can negotiate a better deal by politely haggling with a taxi driver outside the gates, where you’ll be able to hire a driver and tour guide for $40. This is for a round trip and includes a guided walking tour of the historic sites in the city.
Uber
Uber is a great way to get around the city and visit local attractions. The fares are much cheaper than the fixed rates on display at the ports. For example, most taxi rides around Puerto Plata cost between $3 and $5. And if you’re not confident in your Spanish language skills, then Uber is the ideal solution.
Walking
If you arrive in Taino Bay, walking is a great option to explore downtown. For example, after leaving the ship, it’s a 15-minute walk to the eye-catching Umbrella Street and 20 minutes to the Amber Museum or the San Felipe Fortress.
The nearest sandy beaches are Acapulco Beach, Puerto Plata Beach, and Long Beach, which are around 50 minutes on foot from the Taino Bay Cruise Terminal. So, you may want to take a taxi to make the most of your time on the island.
Step off the ship and into Puerto Plata’s charm with this ultimate walking tour!
Organized tours
Arranging a shore excursion beforehand is the best way to make the most of your cruise day in Puerto Plata. The tours usually include entrance to several attractions and lunch or snacks. Also, you save the bother and expense of getting a taxi from Amber Cove. Check with your cruise line about the available shore excursions.
Activities at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata Cruise Port
If you arrive at Taino Bay Cruise Terminal, you have access to a private resort where you can spend the entire day. What can you do without leaving the cruise port? Here is a guide to Taino Bay.
A huge pool
Taino Bay offers a refreshing escape with ample swimming space and lounge at the swimming pool. Perfect for a leisurely dip or socializing with fellow cruisers in a relaxed setting.
Bars and restaurants
Explore a variety of vibrant bars and restaurants at Taino Bay cruise port. You can indulge in local cuisine with a choice of three restaurants serving authentic Dominican cuisine. Or you can sip tropical drinks at one of the ten bars in the resort.
Whether you choose the Rum Bar or Tiki Tiki bar, you are guaranteed stunning sea views of the Caribbean Sea and lush mountains just steps away from your ship.
Shops to find souvenirs
Taino Bay has all you need to enjoy your cruise day without leaving the port. There are many shopping areas where you can buy clothing, gifts, souvenirs, surfing clothing, local crafts, and jewelry. There are also the usual duty-free shops and diamond stores. However, you may find the sellers somewhat pushy, so kindly but firmly say “no thank you.”
Monkey Island
Monkey Island at Taino Bay lets you interact with squirrel monkeys in a safe and fun way. The delightful, playful monkeys have bright eyes, agile bodies, and expressive faces. This attraction is also an entertaining and educational experience for children, raising awareness of the threats squirrel monkeys face in the wild.
Aviaries
Tropical birds like macaw parrots, Hispaniolan parrots, and cockatoos are on show in the six aviaries in Taino Bay Resort. The beautiful birds are on display in the shopping area, near the welcome center, and several restaurants.
White sand beaches with loungers
Taino Bay has a pristine, private beach with golden sand exclusively for cruise passengers. However swimming is not permitted. To ensure your relaxation and enjoyment of the Caribbean sun, complimentary beach beds are provided. These are set up directly on the sand, offering a splendid view across from the cruise ships.
What to Do in Puerto Plata
Let’s look at the many shore excursions in and around Puerto Plata if you decide to leave the cruise port terminals.
Have an adventure at Damajagua Waterfalls
Visiting the breathtaking 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua is part of the cruise day itinerary of many passengers. Located 18 miles (29 km) or a 40-minute drive from Puerto Plata, the natural wonder features waterfalls, pools, cliffs, and lush tropical jungle. You can enjoy sliding into the clear pools or jumping from cliffs.
You can get a guided tour of this shore excursion, where you are provided with life jackets and helmets, which are essential for your safety. Also water shoes are highly recommended. The excursion also includes a short hike and some gentle climbing. So, it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility problems.
If you are feeling adventurous, you could organize the Waterfalls Adrenaline Adventure. This strenuous trip lasts four hours and includes a 40-minute hike. In this trip you enjoy the thrill of a canyoning experience in flooded caves, squeezing through narrow passages, and swimming in the many pools of Damajagua’s waterfalls.
Explore the Fortress of San Felipe (Fortaleza San Felipe)
The locals call it Fuerte San Felipe de Puerto Plata, a must-see attraction in the city. Located near the Taino Bay cruise port, the fortress dates from 1577, when Spanish colonizers built it to protect the city from pirate attacks. The fort contains a museum, giving insights into Puerto Plata’s history.
Apart from exploring hidden chambers, the place is worth visiting for its spectacular panoramic city views and the surrounding coastline. There are plenty of green spaces for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Admission to the fortress is only a few dollars, and entrance to the grounds is free. The fortress is easily accessible on foot from the cruise port, taking about 20 minutes to walk the mile-long journey.
Tour the Centro Histórico
A highlight of visiting Puerto Plata for a day is exploring the Centro Histórico, or historic city center. This is a 20-minute leisurely walk from the cruise terminal. However, if you are arriving in Amber Cove, you could arrange transport by private taxi at the gates, including a guided tour.
This area is filled with charming colonial architecture, vibrant colors, and bustling streets, giving you a taste of Dominican culture and history. Its main attraction is the public plaza—also called Independence Square or Town Square. This area is dominated by Cathedral San Felipe (St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral) and is surrounded by colonial buildings and Victorian architecture.
Nearby the historic center of Puerto Plata are many other places to see, such as the Spanish fortress of San Felipe, and the Amber Museum.
Catedral San Felipe
Also called Catedral de San Felipe Apóstol, the imposing Catholic Catedral dominates the city’s central square. This beautiful church is one of the city’s oldest and most important landmarks and holds great cultural and historical significance. It’s also a fine example of Victorian architecture in Puerto Plata.
It’s easy to incorporate a visit to the large cathedral on a walking city tour. You’ll be impressed with the blocky architecture, stained glass windows, and bright interior. I recommend getting a tour guide—there are usually plenty near the entrance. You will learn fascinating facts about Dominican history and religion.
Visit the colorful Umbrella Street
A trip to downtown Puerto Plata wouldn’t be complete without visiting Umbrella Street or Calle de las Sombrillas. It’s a 14-minute walk from the cruise port toward the Centro Histórico. Umbrella Street is part of the street Calle San Felipe and runs parallel to the Town Square.
As its name suggests, colorful umbrellas are the highlight of this pedestrian area. Dozens of rainbow-colored umbrellas are hung over the street, creating dappled shade below. Beautiful bougainvillea shrubs add to the street’s vibrancy and color.
A favorite thing to do is to enjoy a coffee at one of the independent cafes on the street, where you can soak up the Caribbean atmosphere of this bustling street. The umbrellas, flowers, and blocky architecture make unique photo opportunities for your Instagram feed.
Paseo de Doña Blanca (Pink Street)
Paseo de Dona Blanca is another must-see street as you stroll through Centro Histórico. Located half a block from Umbrella Street, the Insta-worthy street—also called Pink Alley—is a vibrant pink. It’s guaranteed to be one of the most colorful walks you can take on vacation. And it’s not just the Victorian buildings and sidewalks that are painted magenta-pink. The gates, benches, and seats are all in the brightest pinks.
Only have a day? This Puerto Plata walking tour hits all the must-see stops!
Visit the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata
The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata is a fascinating attraction showcasing the beauty and history of a precious resource—amber. The museum is housed in a charming Victorian-style mansion in the heart of Puerto Plata’s historic district. Therefore, you can plan to visit the museum after Umbrella Street and Pink Alley.
As you study the prehistoric specimens, look for plants, insects, and fossilized creatures. You can also see pieces of rare blue amber. Then you can marvel at the museum’s highlight—a 20-million-year-old gecko preserved in amber.
Learning about amber is a way to explore the city’s cultural heritage. Even though it’s not a precious stone, amber is regarded as the national gemstone of the Dominican Republic.
Walk along the Malecón
A must-do activity while in port for the day in Puerto Plata is to take a leisurely stroll along the Malecón. This picturesque seaside promenade stretches from the city center to the shores of Long Beach and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s the perfect way to finish off your walking tour.
This popular waterfront area is lined with palm trees, colorful benches, and charming street vendors selling local handicrafts. There is also a wide selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes. When in Puerto Plata, you can grab a bite to eat at Eleven POP grill bar and look over the sea to Neptune statue.
Enjoy stunning views from Isabel de Torres mountain
Take the cable car (teleferico) to the top of Isabel de Torres mountain for the most spectacular views in the Dominican Republic. The entrance to the cable car is only a 20-minute walk from the cruise port. You will travel 2,600 feet (792 m) above the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by lush plants and vibrant flowers.
At the summit, you can explore caves, stroll through flower-filled gardens, and take panoramic photos of Puerto Plata. There are also varieties of various bird species, making the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Also at the mountain top is the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of a domed fortress. This is a replica of the iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro.
Fun fact: The Teleferico Puerto Plata cable car is the only one in the Caribbean.
Shopping in Puerto Plata on a cruise day
Shopping is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Puerto Plata on a cruise day. The city offers a variety of shopping options. Everything from local markets selling handmade crafts and souvenirs to upscale boutiques featuring designer brands and diamond rings.
Most cruise ship passengers leave their shopping until they return to the boat. Amber Cove and Taino Bay have excellent shopping facilities for passengers. This saves carrying around your purchases as you stroll through the historic center of the city.
Paddleboarding or kayaking through a manatee reserve
A unique and memorable experience when visiting Puerto Plata for the day is kayaking through a manatee reserve. On a paddleboard or kayak, you can explore mangroves in search of these gentle marine mammals. Getting up close with sea cows in their natural habitat can be an unforgettable experience.
The manatee reserve in Puerto Plata is home to a population of West Indian Manatees, an endangered species protected by local authorities. You can also observe Dominican wildlife and exotic wild birds.
It’s important to note that the journey from the cruise port to the manatee reserves takes 90 minutes, and the shore excursion, including travel, lasts six hours.
Spend a cruise day at Ocean World Adventure Park
Spending the day at Ocean World as part of your Caribbean cruise day is an engaging and memorable experience. The day pass gives you access to animal shows, sandy beaches, waterslides, and snorkeling. For an extra fee, you enjoy the thrill of swimming with dolphins, sharks, and sea lions.
Ocean World Adventure Park is located between the two cruise ports. So, it’s easy to reach, and travel doesn’t take much time. In addition to the entertainment, you can buy an extra pass to spend time with experienced trainers. This way, the whole family can learn about the habitat and conservation of these remarkable sea creatures.
Beaches, restaurants, and monuments in Playa Neptuno
Puerto Plata Beach is one of the most popular beaches where you can spend the day while on a cruise. This beautiful beach also goes by the name Playa Neptuno due to the statue of Neptune on a tiny island 1,000 feet from the shoreline. Dotted along the beach are small bars and restaurants.
The beaches adjacent to Puerto Plata Beach, along this stretch of coastline, are typically quieter than those at the resorts. These areas are perfect for activities like ocean swimming, kiteboarding, and surfing. Additionally, it’s possible to purchase a day pass for certain resort beaches if you’re interested in an all-inclusive beach experience, where amenities and services are provided as part of the package.
The best way to see Playa Neptuno is to get a taxi from the cruise port. It’s a 7-minute drive.
However, for a better beach experience, you can drive further to Sosua Beach. Here, you can enjoy a fine, sandy shoreline and calm, clear waters. Sosua Beach is also popular with divers. Beach bars, grill restaurants, and snack shops sell cocktails, Creole food, and seafood. Allow for a 40-minute journey to get to Sosua.
Sailing and snorkeling on a catamaran
Book a catamaran excursion with your cruise line to combine adventure, swimming, partying, and relaxation on your day in Puerto Plata. Catamaran trips usually include sailing, snorkeling, a bar, and lunch on the ship.
During a catamaran excursion, you can enjoy sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea while taking in stunning views of the Dominican coastline.
Book an island rum-tasting tour
No day trip to a Caribbean island would be complete without sampling locally-made rum. Puerto Plata is home to the Brugal Rum Distillery, located about a mile east of the town. The tour includes the history of rum in the Dominican Republic, viewing the distilling process, and tasting some of the best rums on the island.
However, you can also include rum tasting as part of a city walking tour. The Macroix House of Rum is a 10-minute walk from the dock. You could plan this as the finale of your day in Puerto Plata.
Enjoy an all-inclusive beach day
Do you want to enjoy an all-inclusive beach day while visiting Puerto Plata cruise port? Several beautiful beaches in the area offer a variety of amenities and all-inclusive activities for cruise passengers. Check out options with your cruise line that include food, drink, and water activities.
Playa Dorada beach day
Playa Dorada is a popular option in Puerto Plata for an all-inclusive day at the beach. Several resorts offer day passes to enjoy beach facilities. These include Grand Paradise, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, and Gran Ventana. In addition to relaxing on a sun lounger and sipping cocktails, watersports centers offer kiteboarding, diving, snorkeling, and hydroflight sports.
The resorts are a 20-minute drive from Taino Bay or 30 minutes from Amber Cove. Many cruise passengers love the chance to wind down and enjoy a carefree day at the resorts while in port. Some resorts also offer spa services.
Don’t miss out on my complete guide to the most stunning, must-visit Puerto Plata beaches—perfect for cruisers & vacationers craving paradise!
ATV Adventure Tour in Country World Adventure Park
Booking an ATV adventure tour is one of the most exciting shore excursions in Puerto Plata. Located in the Country World Adventure Park, you can explore the lush Dominican countryside on a one or two-seater quad bike. Even if you’ve never ridden a quad, you’ll get expert instructions beforehand.
Country World Adventure Park is a 25-minute drive west of Puerto Plata and looks over Amber Cove. Included with the excursion is access to the swimming pool and tropical botanical garden, and ziplining is also available.
Exhilarating kitesurfing in Cabarete
Cabarete, located one hour from the Puerto Plata cruise port, is a kitesurfer’s paradise. The small fishing village has some of the best kitesurfing schools in the Caribbean. They cater to adrenaline junkies of all experience levels—from beginners to experienced surfers. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the thousands of cruise passengers, book a shore excursion to Cabarete.
With consistent trade winds blowing across the turquoise waters of Cabarete Bay, the location is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. After your thrilling rides and jumps, you can relax on the beach and enjoy a meal at one of the many beachfront restaurants and bars before returning to the cruise ship.
Indulging tour of Del Oro Chocolate Factory
One of the most indulgent and delicious tours when visiting Puerto Plata for the day is a visit to the Del Oro Chocolate Factory. This unique factory allows visitors to see firsthand how chocolate is made, from bean to bar. It’s located at the eastern end of the city and takes 15 to 20 minutes to get there by taxi.
As you enter the factory, you are greeted by the rich aroma of freshly roasted cocoa beans. The knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through the chocolate-making process, from grinding the cocoa beans to making chocolate and molding the bars. You’ll also have the chance to taste different varieties of chocolate and learn about the history of chocolate in the Dominican Republic.
Top Food and Drink Spots in Puerto Plata
There are plenty of small cafes, bars, and restaurants in the bustling town of Puerto Plata. Here are some of the favorites:
La Ponderosa del Mar
La Ponderosa del Mar is a charming restaurant in the heart of Puerto Plata specializing in Caribbean cuisine. It’s the place to go if you’re after delicious seafood dishes and excellent service. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite among locals and tourists.
La Ponderosa del Mar offers fresh seafood options. You can choose from grilled lobster to shrimp cocktails and get flavors of the Caribbean right on your plate. Pair your meal with a refreshing tropical drink or a cold Red Stripe beer for the ultimate Dominican dining experience.
Casita Azul Victorian Bar & Grill
Casita Azul Victorian Bar & Grill is a hidden gem in the Town Square of Puerto Plata. Many people love visiting the restaurant due to its cozy atmosphere and Victorian-inspired decor. The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes based on Caribbean fusion, traditional recipes, and international cuisine.
The Casita Azul is a favorite for lunch with many cruise ship passengers. A favorite dish to order is the grilled seafood platter, which is always fresh and perfectly cooked. The cocktails are also impressive, with creative concoctions that perfectly complement the flavors of the food.
Skina
Bar Skina is a relaxed lunch spot in the center of Puerto Plata. The restaurant offers a great dining experience that combines Dominican, Caribbean, and Spanish flavors with a modern twist. The menu boasts a variety of affordable dishes highlighting the fresh ingredients and bold flavors of Caribbean cuisine.
Charros CaribeMex
Charros CaribeMex in Puerto Plata is a dining experience close to Ocean World that is not to be missed. This Mexican-Caribbean fusion restaurant offers unique dishes combining the best of both worlds. The colorful and vibrant decor sets the tone for a lively meal filled with flavor and excitement.
The menu at Charros CaribeMex is a mouthwatering mix of traditional Mexican dishes with a Caribbean twist. Each dish is expertly prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, from delicious tacos to spicy ceviche and lobster, shrimp, or bass filet fajitas. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is top-notch from start to finish.
Mosha’s Reggae Lounge
If you spend a day in Sosua, having lunch in Mosha’s Reggae Lounge is a must. This laid-back, vibrant lounge offers a unique experience that combines delicious Caribbean cuisine with the soulful sounds of reggae music. They serve traditional Caribbean dishes, from jerk chicken to plantains, all bursting with flavor and spice.
I’d advise you not to go to Mosha’s if you’re looking for a quick bite. All meals are cooked to order. However, while waiting for your tasty lunch, you can relax on the beach lounge chairs, play cards, listen to Reggae beats, and soak up authentic Caribbean culture.
Discover the hidden gems of Puerto Plata on this self-guided walking tour—don’t miss out!
Puerto Plata Cruise Port FAQs
Here are answers to questions many cruise ship passengers have before coming to Puerto Plata.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Plata?
The best time to visit Puerto Plata generally falls between December and April. During these months, the weather is mostly sunny and warm, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city’s attractions, beaches, and engaging in outdoor activities. This period is also considered the peak tourist season, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodations and services.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and possibly find lower prices, the shoulder seasons—just before and after the peak season, so November or May—might be appealing. However, keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in the Caribbean, with the highest likelihood of storms typically between August and October. While hurricanes are not a daily threat, it’s something to consider when planning your visit.
Can I get a taxi to the beach from outside Puerto Plata Cruise Ports?
Taxis are readily available at the Puerto Plata cruise ports in Amber Cove and Taino Bay. It’s best to look for taxis outside the port terminal gates and politely haggle a price. It’s usually possible to arrange a return rate and guide for a walking tour of downtown Puerto Plata.
However, it’s good to remember that the standard taxi fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata is exceptionally high.
What language do they speak in Puerto Plata?
The primary language locals speak in Puerto Plata is Spanish, the official language of the Dominican Republic. In tourist areas and most shopping centers, most people understand and speak English to varying degrees. However, a basic knowledge of Spanish will enhance your experience during your visit.
Is there a free beach at the Puerto Plata cruise port?
The beach in Taino Bay is free for cruise ship passengers. It is a sandy beach with a shaded area, hammocks, and beach lounges. For free beaches outside the port area, walk along Av. Gral. Gregorio Luperon until you find a spot you like. Most beaches have shaded areas and beach bars for snacks and drinks.
It’s good to note that many beaches in Puerto Plata require an admission fee, and the all-inclusive resort beaches are significantly more expensive.
What currency should I use in Puerto Plata?
The official currency in Puerto Plata and the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Most tourist places, including local stalls and markets, accept US dollars and credit cards. However, it’s recommended to have local currency on hand.
In the Caribbean even if you can pay in US dollars, vendors often give change in local currency. So, it’s worth asking before buying anything in dollars.
Which cruise lines visit Puerto Plata?
Several cruise lines include Puerto Plata as a port of call in their Caribbean trips. Some of the major cruise lines that visit Puerto Plata include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
Amber Cove is an exclusive port owned by the Carnival Corporation. Therefore, you will dock at Amber Cove if you arrive on a Carnival or Princess cruise.
Can you walk to the beach from the cruise port in Puerto Plata?
Both cruise ports—Amber Cove and Taino Bay—have golden sandy beaches. Therefore, you don’t have to walk far to relax on a beach in the Caribbean. However, you typically must take a taxi to reach the other beaches, which are a 30-minute walking distance from the Puerto Plata Cruise Port.
Discover the most beautiful, breathtaking beaches in Puerto Plata you can’t afford to miss.
Can you safely walk around Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic?
Puerto Plata is generally safe for cruise passengers who are spending the day in the city. However, the usual advice for tourists is applicable. So, stick to well-traveled areas, avoid poorly lit or secluded places, and be mindful of your belongings.
Top Tips for Enjoying a Cruise Day at Puerto Plata
Remember to calculate ride costs on shore excursions
Booking shore excursions through the cruise line or before you depart is the cheapest option. A round trip from Amber Cove can cost $70, only for a 7-mile journey. Of course, it’s possible to haggle with some taxi drivers. But since you’re only in Puerto Plata for a day, you want to ensure it’s memorable for the right reasons.
Free Wi-Fi throughout Puerto Plata
You’ll find a ton of Wi-Fi hotspots in Puerto Plata. Many restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops offer customers free internet access. So, you have plenty of opportunities to post your latest cruise pics on Instagram and FaceTime with friends and family and check your emails in Puerto Plata.
Visit Umbrella Street early in the day
Do you want spectacular insta-worthy shots of Umbrella Street or Pink Alley? If so, try to make them your first port of call on your downtown walking tour, as the streets are packed by lunchtime and early afternoon.
So, an early visit to downtown Puerto Plata will let you get the best shots to post on social media.
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