Choose from 10 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Plata
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Isabel de Torres Mountain
Isabel de Torres Mountain is located near Puerto Plata and overlooks the region’s coastal strip. Also called Mount Isabel de Torres, this scenic mountain is home to the only aerial tramway in the Caribbean. The cable car, or teleférico in Spanish, brings visitors up 2,555 feet (778.8 meters) while offering spectacular views down to the city and surrounding waters. The ride takes approximately five to seven minutes. It is recommended that you visit in the morning, as early as possible; the afternoon is prone to heavy cloud cover and you might find yourself at the top of Mount Isabel de Torres with no views at all.
Mount Isabel de Torres’ peak offers impressive views of the Dominican Republic. Atop the mountain, there is a replica of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue found in Brazil. The statue sits atop a big dome, which houses stores selling jewelry and other souvenirs.
The mountain is also home to a botanical garden. Wander the paths to admire the tropical plants and surrounding scenery. If you are hungry, there is a full-service restaurant and snack shack at the Isabel de Torres’ peak as well.
Practical Info
Wear proper walking shoes if you want to explore Isabel de Torres Mountain. You have the option of taking the aerial tram both ways or taking the car up and walking down. You can skip the cable car altogether and drive up one of two roads. Isabel de Torres and the aerial tramway are open for visitors daily.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 64
Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano)
Dominican amber is considered to be some of the finest and clearest in the world. Housed in a Victorian-era mansion that once belonged to a wealthy local family, Puerto Plata’s Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano) has an extensive collection of the semi-precious gemstone.
The Basics
Amber is formed from the resin of trees that became fossilized between 25 and 40 million years ago, covering and preserving whatever lay in its path, from insects to leaves and even small animals. Situated in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, the Amber Museum has many excellent examples of the naturally formed stone. One of the most popular items on display is a 16-inch-long (40-centimeter-long) lizard, perfectly preserved in clear resin.
Information panels explain in both English and Spanish how the gemstone is formed and share the history of the family who owned the house. Many Puerto Plata tours include a visit to the museum in addition to such popular attractions as Fortaleza San Felipe and the cable car on Mt. Isabel de Torres.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the Amber Museum is free.
- An on-site shop sells genuine amber jewelry and the popular larimar jewelry.
- You can tour the museum with a guide or choose to explore independently.
- Because of steps up to the museum as well as between floors, the museum is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Amber Museum is located at 61 Calle Duarte, close to the cathedral in the center of Puerto Plata. It’s walking distance from other points in the center and can be visited as part of a guided tour of the town.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily and is busiest mid-mornings. Guides offer tours throughout the day, but visit first thing or in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
To see more of the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty, head to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Parque Ecológico Ojos Indígenas), about 270 miles (430 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Plata. Here you can learn about the island’s plants and animals, swim in crystal clear freshwater lagoons, and walk along forest trails to an almost deserted beach.
Address: Calle Duarte 61, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Ocean World Adventure Park
Snorkeling opportunities, dolphin shows, and a beach full of lounge chairs all contribute to Ocean World Adventure Park’s standing as a top family attraction in the Dominican Republic. The park is prime for kids during the day and transforms into a casino after dark, complete with a restaurant, slot games, a disco floor, and a Vegas-style show, offering parent-friendly nightlife with Caribbean flair.
The Basics
A day pass to Ocean World Adventure Park is a good value for a day of fun, granting access to most of the park’s major attractions and activities, including Dolphin Beach, a freshwater pool, and the Tropical Reef Aquarium, in addition to a buffet-style lunch. Daily sea lion and dolphin shows entertain, while the tropical bird exhibit and iguana habitat spotlight animal species native to the tropical rainforest. For those who want to play after dark, the Bravissimo show offers a live performance with unlimited drinks and optional dinner followed by casino games and a disco party. Dinner show packages are available, as are day trip tours from Santo Domingo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Programs often sell out, so it’s best to guarantee entrance by booking ahead.
- Be sure to bring a bathing suit, towel, sun protection, and spending cash.
- The site features changing rooms and shower, and fee-based lockers are available.
- All facilities are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for visitor use with advance notice.
- Flip-flops and shorts are not permitted at the Bravissimo Show.
- Kids are allowed at the Bravissimo show, but visitors must be 18 or older to enter the casino or disco.
- Ocean World Adventure Park offers the chance to swim with dolphins, sea lions, and sharks for an additional fee. Prices start at $79, and reservations for these interactive programs are required.
How to Get There
Ocean World Adventure Park is set three miles (five kilometers) west of Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic's north coast, about a 30-minute drive from Gregorio Luperon International Airport. Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from the Puerto Plata area, although hotels farther out can incur additional fees. Those who wish to arrive and leave on their own schedule can travel by private vehicle or taxi.
When to Get There
Ocean World Adventure Park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. The Bravissimo Show runs on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 9pm.
Dolphins at Ocean World Adventure Park
Ocean World Adventure Park boasts the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world, currently home to 15 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from Cuba and Honduras. They each eat up to 26 pounds of fish per day.
Address: Calle Principal #3 Cofresí, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Daily: 9am - 6pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 69
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (27 Charcos)
Hidden in a lush Dominican Republic jungle, Damajagua Falls—otherwise known as the 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua—are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls that were discovered in the 1990s. Located in the midst of sugarcane fields in the Northern Corridor mountain range, the hidden falls are a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Basics
You can climb, jump off, and slide down natural waterslides on this obstacle course created by Mother Nature and the Damajagua River. Tour guides will take you as far as the seventh waterfall and provide appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets. It is possible to explore beyond the seventh waterfall, but interested adrenaline seekers will need to arrange private transportation from Puerto Plata or Cabarete, then a private guide and safety equipment upon arrival at Damajagua Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Closed-toe shoes or water shoes are a must. Bring dry clothes to wear on the ride home.
- All visitors must arrive with a guide; self-guided tours are not allowed or advisable.
- Children younger than eight years old may climb only to the first waterfall.
- Be prepared to do more hiking through the jungle the higher you get.
- Most large jumps off the falls, suitable only for good swimmers, have walk-around options if you want to skip them.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive at the 27 Waterfalls base camp via organized tour from Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosua, or the Amber Cove cruise port. If you’re arriving via car, look for the AGRD kiosk opposite the entrance to the falls. Buses are available from Puerto Plata or Santiago; look for the stop “27 Charcos, La Cascada.”
When to Get There
The falls are open from 8:30am to 4pm daily. The round-trip hike all the way to the seventh fall takes about four hours. If you want to avoid crowds, arrive early in the day.
Community Involvement
Recognized as a protected area and natural monument, the authorities who run the Damajagua Falls tours are committed to preserving the environment. One US dollar of every entrance fee goes to a fund directly invested in the surrounding communities.
Address: 27 Charcos, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 75
Bravissimo Show
Ocean World’s Bravissimo Show is one of the highlights of a visit to Puerto Plata. An international dance show choreographed to Caribbean rhythms, the Las Vegas-meets-the-Caribbean extravaganza features nearly 30 dancers and over 100 costumes. Guests are provided with unlimited rum, wine and beer during the show and free access to Ocean World’s casino and admission to the Ocean World Disco as well.
The disco features 360-degree ocean views and is located on the fourth floor of the main casino building. If you are a fan of karaoke, stop by on Wednesday nights; Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are tropical themed.
The casino includes a variety of games, including blackjack, three-card and Texas Hold ’em poker, while roulette, big six, craps and a selection of popular slot machines are also available.
Practical Info
Children ages 17 and under are not allowed in the casino or disco. The Bravissimo Show lasts three hours. No photos or video are allowed during the show, and there is a dress code — casual or sem-formal. No shorts, tank tops or flip-flops are allowed at the show. Ocean World’s casino is open daily from 3pm to 3am.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Hours: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Admission: Varies
From $ 89
Sosua Beach
Located between Puerto Plata’s resorts and the surf town of Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, Sosúa Beach is a pristine stretch of sand famous for excellent diving and snorkeling. With white sand fringed with trees and calm waters ideal for swimming, it’s a relaxing spot popular with families and day-trippers.
The Basics
Protected by a coral reef, the waters around Sosúa Beach are filled with marine life and coral gardens. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of tropical fish including parrotfish and lionfish here. The horseshoe-shape golden-sand beach is the perfect spot to relax with a book, and the water is safe enough for children to swim.
Many people visit Sosúa Beach as part of a full-day tour from nearby Puerto Plata, enjoying snorkeling, a catamaran trip, or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sosúa Beach is a must for snorkelers and beach enthusiasts.
- Rent snorkel gear from shops at the beach or choose a tour that includes equipment.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent from the bars along the beach.
- If you visit during the winter months, you might see migrating whales offshore.
How to Get There
Sosúa Beach is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) east of Puerto Plata International Airport. You can reach the beach by boat as part of a snorkeling trip, by car, or by taxi. Public buses run to the beach frequently from Puerto Plata town.
When to Get There
Sosúa Beach is temperate and open to the public year-round. It’s busiest on Sundays, when local families come to spend the day at the beach. The atmosphere in Sosúa Beach is family-friendly during the day, but nighttime brings out a grittier element in town.
The Amber Museum
At the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata town, you can see all kinds of ancient insects and plant life preserved in amber. Tree resin that’s naturally fossilized over thousands of years, the beautiful semi-precious stone is found in many places worldwide, but amber from the Dominican Republic is widely considered to be among the clearest and best in the world.
Practical Info
Address: Sosua, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 47
Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada is one of the most popular beaches in the Puerto Plata area. Here you will find a number of the major resorts along its shoreline. The gated community features around a dozen luxury resorts and hotels that border the Amber Coast.
If you are not staying along the bay of Playa Dorada, one of the best ways to experience the area is from the water. Take a catamaran tour along the North Coast from Playa Dorada to the Bay of Sosua. If the idea of spending an afternoon on a boat isn’t appealing, resorts along Playa Dorada rent watersports equipment. Try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, sailing or parasailing. The waters at Playa Dorada are crystal clear and the shallow, sloping beach makes it a popular spot for families with small children. You can go snorkeling right off the beach with coral reefs only a short swim away.
If you want to experience more than a day on the beach, Playa Dorada has a number of options to keep you busy. Go shopping at the plaza, which features boutiques, restaurants and a cinema. There is also an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Other non-beach activities include an equestrian center and several casinos. Playa Dorada is also home to the Caribbean’s biggest go-kart center, complete with three tracks.
Practical Info
Playa Dorada is considered the Dominican Republic’s first tourist area but it still remains one of the best. The beach is only a five-minute drive from Puerto Playa. Other things to see and do in the area include the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress and a cable car ride up to the Mount Isabel de Torres summit.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 59
Brugal Rum Center
Named after Catalonian expatriate Andres Brugal, a visit to the Brugal Rum Center offers visitors a chance to see the magic of turning sugarcane into one of the Dominican Republic’s chief exports – rum. From golden brown to crystal clear, the rum you’ll see, smell, and taste at the Brugal rum center will open your eyes to the possibility of what a refined drink rum can be. Families enjoy the wondrous automated distilling and bottling process and marvel at the mechanics of turning sugarcane into the nectar of the gods. An excellent escape from the ordinary while in Puerto Plata, take some time to explore a local icon and learn a bit about distilling in the process.
Practical Info:
The factory offers free tours on an ongoing basis Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to noon and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Address: Dominican Republic
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.- noon, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
From $ 64
Fort San Felipe
Built under the orders of King Philip II of Spain, Fort San Felipe has been guarding the waters off Puerto Plata for more than 450 years. It was designed to protect the town from pirates as well as European invaders and later served as a prison. Today visitors come to tour the ruins and to enjoy the sweeping sea views from its ramparts.
The Basics
Fort San Felipe stands on a promontory at the end of the malecón (seawall promenade) overlooking the Atlantic. Its thick stone walls and doorways protected with coral spikes were intended to keep out invaders. In 1800, the fort was the site of a battle against the United States, when US troops defeated a combined French–Spanish force. During its time as a prison, the fort held Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the Dominican Republic’s founding fathers.
The fort is filled with military artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, including cannons and artillery, and information panels in English and Spanish explain the building’s history.
Fort San Felipe is a popular stop on guided tours of Puerto Plata.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to Fort San Felipe is via paid ticket.
- Audio guides are available for visitors.
- Watching the sunset from the adjacent park is a popular activity.
- The fort is not wheelchair accessible.
- Make time to visit Puerto Plata lighthouse, located next to the fort.
How to Get There
Fort San Felipe is located at Avenida General Gregorio Luperón in Puerto Plata. It can be reached on foot from most places in the city center, by taxi, or as part of guided tour with round-trip transport provided.
When to Get There
Fort San Felipe is open every day except Sunday. Lunchtime through early afternoon is the most popular time to visit, but the fort never feels overcrowded. Plan to spend around 30 minutes here perusing the exhibits and enjoying the view.
The Beaches of Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata means “silver port,” and for many years it was one of the most important silver-trading ports in the Caribbean. In modern times, the city has become famous for its beautiful beaches, with soft sand, crystal clear waters, and attractive resort hotels. Sosúa Beach and Golden Beach (Playa Dorada) are among the most popular with vacationers.
Address: Malecon, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 64
Amber Cove
Amber Cove, opened in November 2015, may be newer than most cruise ports in the Caribbean, but its nearby attractions are far from rookie. Carnival Cruise Lines built the port, located on the Dominican Republic’s so-called Amber Coast and servicing Puerto Plata, for the use of their cruise ships along with other large-capacity liners that the the Carnival Corporation owns.
The Basics
Amber Cove is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the Dominican Republic’s rife offerings of tropical adventures. Zipline courses through the Monkey Jungle, horseback rides through the countryside, and thrilling waterfall slides at Damajagua Waterfalls are among the more popular options, but Puerto Plata city tours and trips to Mundo King Creole Castle don’t disappoint. Though cruise guests don’t even have to leave Amber Cove to have a good time, as the port itself is full of amenities like bars, retail shops, and even a full-scale water park. And if you don’t want to take on outdoor challenges, you can just chill—made easy with the port’s waterfront cabanas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Amber Cove is perfect for families, offering nearby attractions such as Ocean World Adventure Park.
- Don’t miss out on the many closeby beaches, including Cabarete Beach and Golden Beach.
- Most shore excursions include multiple stops, making it easier to do more in a short amount of time.
- Amber Cove shore excursions can last up to five hours, so plan accordingly.
How to Get There
Amber Cove has a convenient transportation hub, with access to rental cars and taxi services that let you get around and explore with ease. Most shore excursions include pick-up from the cruise port for a hassle-free outing.
Port Information
Although Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, most shore excursions are offered in English, as are other services catered to tourists. However, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish. The currency for the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso, but some businesses around Amber Cove accept American dollars.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 39