Taino Bay is a newly-built, bustling cruise port located in the center of Puerto Plata. This beautifully designed port provides all the amenities you need, including shops, bars, restaurants, free WiFi, an ATM, pools, an artificial beach with soft sand, and even a lazy river. Its convenient location near numerous attractions in Puerto Plata makes it an ideal docking spot for visitors.
What is Taino Bay?
Taino Bay, opened in 2021, is a cruise port located right by downtown Puerto Plata. Unlike Amber Cove, Taino Bay is a public port open to all cruise lines. The area itself is vibrant and bustling with plenty to see and do. With maps and signs everywhere, you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
The port area is filled with shops, lush greenery, and cobblestone-paved paths, creating a picturesque setting. Even if you don’t have a shore excursion planned, you can easily spend an entire day at Taino Bay. Cruise passengers can enjoy free WiFi, a pool, artificial beach, and plenty of seating.
When you arrive, you’ll first see the Welcome Center, which features bathrooms, a central fountain, and an ATM. This center leads to the main area where most amenities are located. As you walk towards the village, don’t forget to look back at the ship to see the impressive monkey art installation. Additionally, there are open aviaries around the port where you can see parrots, adding to the lively and colorful atmosphere.
What to do in Taino Bay
Relax at the beach area
Taino Bay has a small, artificial beach that is about 820 ft. (250 m) long. The sandy area has loungers available for you to relax on, but the shore itself is rocky with no access to the water. On the beach, you’ll find a Mexican grill restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine. It’s recommended to bring your own towels from the ship to use at the beach.
Lazy river
The lazy river is free to enter and it wraps around the family beach. This area is filled with plenty of palm trees and seating options, including beanbags and hammocks. The views are fantastic, with ships docked in port adding to the scenery.
Next to the lazy river and hammocks, there is a tiki bar. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful surroundings. With so many seating choices and the calming water of the lazy river nearby, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Unwind by the pool
Taino Bay has a large pool complete with in-pool loungers and a swim-up bar. However, beverages come at an extra cost. Beach beds and chairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You’ll also find umbrellas offering shade and a nice spot to unwind. Occasionally, you might also enjoy some DJ music or even dancers, making the pool a perfect spot to relax.
It’s recommended to bring your own towels. If you are traveling with children, the pool has a walk-in shallow area, making it safe for kids to get in and out of the pool easily.
Taino Bay Monkey Island
For wildlife lovers, a visit to Monkey Island Taino Bay is a must. Here, you can get up close to cute squirrel monkeys inside a sanctuary filled with branches and ropes, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Monkey Island is located in the corner of Taino Bay, right next to a bar and several retail shops. During your visit, they will take pictures of you with the monkeys, which you can purchase after the tour to remember your special encounter.
Go shopping
The main shopping area in Taino Bay is known as Taino Village, and features about 35 shops. Here, you’ll find a variety of local crafts, t-shirts, beachwear, makeup, sunglasses, cigars, jewelry, and more. Prices are generally higher than outside the port since they are scaled for tourists. Most of the shops are owned or rented by locals.
Keep in mind that Taino Bay is right in the center of Puerto Plata, so you can easily go shopping in the city as well for a cheaper price.
What to Do Near Taino Bay
Explore the Amber Museum (Museo del Ámbar Dominicano)
The Amber Museum features an impressive collection of naturally formed amber. Here, you’ll find pieces in various sizes that contain plants, insects, and other fossilized small animals. One of the highlights of the museum is a 20-million-year-old gecko, perfectly preserved in amber. Visitors can take a brief, guided tour where a guide explains the history of amber and leads them through the exhibits. The tour is available in multiple languages.
The museum, located in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, features information panels in both English and Spanish that explain how amber is formed and share the history of the house’s original family. On the first floor, there is a store with a gift shop where visitors can purchase amber jewelry and other Dominican handcrafts.
Distance from Taino Bay: 0.7 miles (1.2 km)
Visit Fortaleza San Felipe
If you’re interested in learning about the history of Puerto Plata, a visit to Fortaleza San Felipe is a must. Built by the Spaniards in the 16th century, the fort was constructed to defend the north coast of the Dominican Republic from foreign invaders and pirates. Keep in mind that there is a small fee to enter the fort.
The central tower of the fort is now a museum that contains military artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. The view from the top is spectacular, offering amazing sights of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding city. Additionally, an audio tour is available in multiple languages.
Distance from Taino Bay: 0.9 miles (1.5 km)
Discover Mount Isabel De Torres
Mount Isabel de Torres, standing 2,600 ft. (793 m) above the city of Puerto Plata, offers spectacular views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. A highlight for visitors is the scenic cable car ride, which takes around 5-7 minutes and travels up and down the mountain. At the summit, you’ll find a small botanical garden showcasing a variety of tropical plants and flowers, as well as a massive statue of Christ, a replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro. This statue is an iconic landmark and provides a stunning backdrop for photos.
Distance from Taino Bay: 6.9 miles (11.2 km)
Stroll through Umbrella Street
Umbrella Street immerses visitors in a lively atmosphere with vibrant umbrellas hanging from the rooftops, perfect for capturing that Insta-worthy photo. Located in the northern part of the city, this visually striking street has become one of the city’s most beautiful attractions. As you stroll along Umbrella Street, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to explore and enjoy.
Distance from Taino Bay: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Explore the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
Only a 30-minute drive from Taino Bay, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua is one of the most visited attractions in the city due to its natural beauty. Here you’ll find 27 waterfalls, though most people only explore 12 of them. It’s recommended to go on a guided tour for the best experience. The waterfalls offer opportunities for swimming, sliding, and jumping into natural pools. The lush surroundings and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Distance from Taino Bay: 19.6 miles (31.7 km)
Relax at Playa Dorada
One of the most popular beaches in Puerto Plata is Playa Dorada. It is known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is lined with palm trees and has restaurants, bars, and even a kitesurfing school nearby. It’s a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure, providing a picturesque setting for sunbathing and exciting activities like kitesurfing. Visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks while taking in the beautiful ocean views.
Distance from Taino Bay: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Taino Bay Food and Drink
In Taino Bay, there are many bars and restaurants to explore, each with a unique vibe and various seating options, including hammocks and lounging chairs. One popular place is Casa Palapa, offering delicious Mexican cuisine. If you’re by the pool, you can conveniently visit the Blue Parrot for drinks. Right next to it is the mojito bar, perfect for a refreshing drink.
For an authentic Dominican chocolate experience, visit Cacaito, where you can taste and purchase local chocolate. Sports enthusiasts can head to Keloke Bar to enjoy drinks while watching their favorite games. Coffee lovers can’t miss Cortaito, where you can savor the best coffee paired with delightful desserts. Seibar is an oasis where you can refresh yourself with a variety of drinks.
The rum bar offers a must-see rum-tasting experience, perfect for those looking to sample local spirits. The Calmaito Pool Bar provides a relaxing spot for drinks and cocktails right by the pool. For ocean views and a great selection of cocktails, head to the Juracan Mix Bar. Taco lovers will enjoy the Mexican food available at Casa Palapa.
Taino Bay Transportation
Taino Bay in Puerto Plata offers plenty of transportation options for visitors. Within the port, there are complimentary tuk tuk (rickshaw) rides that transport passengers from the pier to the port entrance. Tipping the drivers is recommended for their service. Additionally, taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the port. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey to ensure a fair price.
Since the port is right in the middle of the city, walking is also a convenient option. Many attractions, including the historic city center and the San Felipe Fortress, are within walking distance of Taino Bay, allowing visitors to explore the area on foot easily.
Many visitors opt for organized tours, which include transportation and guided experiences of popular attractions such as the Damajagua Waterfalls, Mount Isabel de Torres, and local beaches like Playa Dorada. These tours provide a hassle-free way to see the sights and often include additional amenities and insights from knowledgeable guides.
How Does Taino Bay Compare to Amber Cove?
Taino Bay and Amber Cove are two distinct cruise ports in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Taino Bay, opened in 2021 and situated in the heart of Puerto Plata, is a publicly owned port that welcomes many cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, and Celebrity Cruises. It can serve up to 14,000 passengers and three cruise ships at a time. The port has amenities such as a lazy river, pools, shops, dining options, monkey island, and an artificial beach.
Amber Cove, built in 2015, is located about 7.9 miles (12.7 km) west of Puerto Plata in Maimón. This privately owned port primarily serves Carnival-owned cruise lines and can handle up to 8,000 passengers and two large cruise ships at a time. Amber Cove also offers a lazy river, pools, shopping, dining, and even a zipline.
If you’re not cruising with a Carnival-affiliated line, you’ll likely dock at Taino Bay. The port is preferred for its wide range of activities, higher capacity, and central location. Amber Cove is still an excellent port, and offers unique attractions like a zipline for those looking for adventure. Its secluded setting may appeal to those who appreciate a quieter, more intimate atmosphere away from the bustling crowds.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Taino Bay?
The best time to visit Taino Bay is from December to April. During this period, temperatures are cooler, averaging around 79°F (26°C), and there is little rain. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the local attractions.
The hottest month in Puerto Plata is typically July, with average temperatures around 83°F (28°C), and the coldest month is January, with average temperatures around 75°F (24°C). This relatively mild and stable climate throughout the year makes Puerto Plata a pleasant destination for travelers at almost any time.
Puerto Plata’s hurricane season spans from May to October, though hurricanes are rare in the Dominican Republic. The rainiest months in Taino Bay are typically September to November and April to May, but these showers are generally short-lived and unlikely to disrupt your plans significantly.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Puerto Plata on a Cruise Day in Port
Taino Bay Cruise Port Guide – FAQ
Can you walk to the beach from Taino Bay?
Yes, you can walk to the beach from Taino Bay. Acapulco Beach is 1.9 miles (3 km) away, which takes around 30-40 minutes to walk. Cosita Rica Beach is 2.4 miles (3.9 km) away, which is around a 50 minute walk.
Read More: The Best Puerto Plata Beaches Perfect for Cruisers & Vacationers
Which cruise lines go to Taino Bay?
Taino Bay serves many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Virgin, MSC, and Celebrity Cruises. In contrast, Puerto Plata’s other cruise port, Amber Cove, is exclusive to Carnival ships.
Can you walk from Taino Bay to Umbrella Street?
Yes, you can walk from Taino Bay to Umbrella Street. The street is only 0.6 miles (1 km) from the cruise port, making it a convenient 10-15 minute walk.
Is Puerto Plata walkable from the cruise port?
Taino Bay is located right in the middle of Puerto Plata, so most of the attractions in the city are walkable.
Is the pool at Taino Bay free?
Yes, both the pool and lazy river in Taino Bay are free.
What currency should I use at the Taino Bay cruise port?
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Taino Bay.
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