When Dominican tourism took off in the 1980s, it started here. Playa Dorada — "golden beach" — is a gated resort complex a few kilometres east of Puerto Plata, with a dozen or so hotels set around a Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course and fronted by a long, gently curving beach of coarse golden sand. Next door, towards town, the smaller Costa Dorada strip has a handful of resorts of its own.
For cruise passengers it is the easiest "real beach" from Taino Bay: about fifteen minutes by taxi, with calmer water than the town’s own Long Beach thanks to an offshore reef. Dominican beaches are public by law, so you can walk on without a hotel wristband, but loungers, toilets and showers belong to the resorts and beach clubs — which is why many visitors buy a day pass or settle at a beach restaurant.
Top things to do at Playa Dorada & Costa Dorada
Swim and do nothing
The beach shelves gently and the reef takes the edge off the Atlantic swell on most days. Even so, this is the open north coast: there can be waves and currents, especially in winter. Swim where others are swimming and heed any flags.
Buy a resort day pass
Several all-inclusive hotels sell day passes that cover loungers, pools, lunch and drinks. Availability and prices vary by hotel and season, and some only sell them when occupancy is low — arrange it in advance or through a tour rather than turning up at the gate.
Water sports and beach vendors
Banana boats, kayaks, snorkelling trips and horse rides are sold along the sand. Prices are negotiable; agree everything before you start.
Play golf
The 18-hole Playa Dorada course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., runs between the hotels and the sea. Tee times, clubs and carts can be booked through the clubhouse; start early to beat the heat and be back in time.
How to get to Playa Dorada & Costa Dorada
- From Taino Bay: about 15 minutes by taxi along the Malecón and the coast road. Agree a round-trip fare and a pickup time; your driver will usually wait or return.
- From Amber Cove: around 30 minutes.
- From POP airport: about 15–20 minutes — it is the closest resort area to Gregorio Luperón airport.
- Staying here: see our where to stay guide for the best-rated resorts.
Insider tips
- Tell the taxi driver which public access or which hotel you want; "Playa Dorada" is a large gated complex with several entrances.
- Bring a towel from the ship, reef-safe sunscreen and small notes for chairs, drinks and tips.
- Do not leave bags unattended on the sand while you swim.
- In winter the north coast can be rough for a day or two after a cold front; if red flags are up, enjoy the sand and the pool instead.
Best tours for Playa Dorada & Costa Dorada
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Playa Dorada & Costa Dorada:
Adventure from US$125 per group Amber Cove & Taino Bay: Buggy Tour with Swimming & Tasting
The best-rated off-road excursion from the cruise ports. You drive a buggy along country tracks and through villages to a beach, with stops to see cigars being made and to try Dominican coffee and chocolate. Priced per buggy for up to two people.
- Drive a buggy through countryside villages to a sandy beach
- Stop at a traditional cigar factory
- Taste local coffee and chocolate
Adventure from US$90 4-Wheel ATV Tour at Amber Cove & Taino Bay
A short, well-rated ATV ride through the beaches and farmland around Puerto Plata, with stops at small farms to see cigars rolled and to taste local coffee, hot chocolate and rum. At two hours it leaves plenty of time for the port pool or a walk into town.
- Ride an ATV across beaches and countryside
- Small farms with a cigar-rolling demonstration
- Taste organic coffee, hot chocolate and rum
Boat trip from US$88 Puerto Plata: Catamaran Snorkeling Trip with Buffet & Open Bar
A relaxed day on the water from Sosúa, east of Puerto Plata: two snorkelling stops in the bay, an open bar and a freshly prepared buffet lunch, with a professional crew looking after you. Check the pickup options for your port or hotel when booking.
- Sail Sosúa Bay on a spacious catamaran
- Two snorkelling stops
- Open bar and freshly prepared lunch on board
