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The sandbar of Cayo Arena with thatched shelters and a boat in turquoise water

Puerto Plata Shore Excursions & Tickets

Waterfalls, old town, beaches and backroads — every worthwhile tour from the cruise ports and hotels, compared and bookable in a couple of taps.

You do not have to buy your excursion from the ship. Independent operators in Puerto Plata meet passengers at both Taino Bay and Amber Cove every day a ship is in, usually in smaller groups and often for less — and the well-reviewed ones plan around all-aboard times because their business depends on it.

Everything below is booked through GetYourGuide, which means live availability, free cancellation on most options and reserve-now-pay-later on many. Prices are indicative "from" starting points in US dollars and change with the season — tap any card for the current rate. Before you book, check three things on the listing: that pickup from your port is offered, the start time against your ship’s arrival, and the total duration against your all-aboard time.

Pick by what you want to do

Damajagua waterfalls

The north coast’s signature adventure: hike up, then slide and jump back down the river. Seven falls fit a cruise call; combos add ziplines or monkeys.

A waterfall pouring into a turquoise pool at the 27 Charcos de Damajagua near Puerto Plata Shore excursion from US$54
🕒 3 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.7 (92)

7 Waterfalls of Damajagua with Lunch (Taino Bay & Amber Cove)

The most-reviewed waterfall excursion built around the two cruise ports. You are collected at Taino Bay or Amber Cove, hike up through the forest with park guides and come back down the river by sliding and jumping through seven pools, then eat a Dominican lunch before the ride back.

  • Slide, jump and swim down the first seven Damajagua waterfalls
  • Helmet and life jacket provided at the park
  • Dominican lunch and port pickup included
Check price & availability
A turquoise pool below a small waterfall at the 27 Charcos de Damajagua Shore excursion from US$50
🕒 4 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.8 (23)

Puerto Plata: All 7 Damajagua Waterfalls + Dominican Lunch

A highly rated alternative that makes a point of doing all seven waterfalls rather than stopping at three or five. Multilingual guides, a Dominican buffet lunch and round-trip transfers from Amber Cove and Taino Bay are included.

  • Climb, jump and slide all seven falls of the lower circuit
  • Multilingual guides
  • Traditional Dominican buffet lunch and port transfers
Check price & availability
A squirrel monkey sitting on a branch Combo tour from US$89
🕒 4.5 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.9 (16)

Puerto Plata: Damajagua Waterfalls and Monkey Park

A combination that works well for families and mixed groups: the natural waterslides of the Damajagua falls, then time among the squirrel monkeys of a jungle sanctuary. Reviews are excellent, though there are fewer of them than for the stand-alone waterfall tours.

  • Slide down the natural rock waterslides of Damajagua
  • Meet playful squirrel monkeys in a jungle sanctuary
  • Two of the area’s favourite stops in one outing
Check price & availability
A rider on a zipline through palm forest in the Dominican Republic Combo tour from US$105
🕒 4 hours 📍 From Cruise ports ⭐ 4.8 (23)

Puerto Plata / Amber Cove: Zipline and Waterfalls with Lunch

For those who cannot choose between the canopy and the canyon: five ziplines, then the seven waterfalls with their pools and slides, with lunch and port transfers included. Expect a hike of around half an hour as part of the day.

  • Five ziplines and seven waterfalls in one outing
  • Swim through natural pools and canyons
  • Dominican lunch and port transfers included
Check price & availability
Visitors in helmets and life jackets standing in a pool at the Damajagua waterfalls Day trip from US$55
🕒 4–7 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata & Sosúa area ⭐ 4.6 (9)

27 Waterfalls Tour with Entrance Fee & Lunch

A guided visit to the Damajagua falls with the park entrance and lunch included, and a duration that stretches from four to seven hours. The longer versions suit stay-over visitors better than cruise passengers on a short call.

  • Guided visit to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
  • Hike, then jump into deep blue pools
  • Entrance fee and lunch included
Check price & availability

City, cable car & culture

The fort, the Victorian centre, rum and chocolate — with or without the ride up Mount Isabel de Torres, which depends on the weather.

Aerial view of the Brugal rum plant in Puerto Plata City tour from US$52
🕒 4 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.7 (93)

Puerto Plata: City Tour with Rum and Chocolate Factories

A well-reviewed half-day introduction to the city: a guide takes you through Puerto Plata’s history and culture, stops at a rum factory and a chocolate factory, and finishes with the sea views from the 16th-century San Felipe fortress.

  • Visit a rum factory and a chocolate factory
  • Ocean views from the San Felipe fortress
  • History and culture of Puerto Plata with a local guide
Check price & availability
A cabin of the Puerto Plata cable car on its way up Mount Isabel de Torres City tour from US$99
🕒 6 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.5 (145)

Puerto Plata: City Highlights Tour with Mount Isabel & Lunch

The most-reviewed Puerto Plata tour on GetYourGuide: the city’s main sights, a ride to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres for the view over the coast and the national park, and a typical Dominican lunch. The mountain is often in cloud — go on a clear morning if you can choose.

  • Ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres
  • Bird’s-eye view of the coast and a walk in the national park
  • City highlights and a typical lunch
Check price & availability
The Christ the Redeemer statue on the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres above Puerto Plata City tour from US$65
🕒 6 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.9 (6)

Puerto Plata City Tour and Cable Car Ride

A guide-led tour of the historic centre and its monuments followed by the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres. It has a small number of reviews but they are very good. As with every cable car tour, the ride depends on the weather and on the cable car operating that day.

  • Guided visit to the historic heart of the city
  • The stories behind Puerto Plata’s monuments
  • Cable car ride up Mount Isabel de Torres
Check price & availability
A brightly painted corner building with yellow shutters in Puerto Plata Walking tour from US$36
🕒 4–5 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata old town ⭐ 4.3 (52)

Puerto Plata: Walking Tour of the Historic Old Town

Puerto Plata’s centre is compact and best seen on foot. This guided walk covers the main landmarks of the old town in four to five hours and costs less than any other tour here — a natural fit for Taino Bay passengers, whose ship docks a short walk from the historic centre.

  • The most important landmarks of the old town on foot
  • The city’s long history explained by a guide
  • The lowest-priced guided tour on our list
Check price & availability

Sea, sand & marine parks

A catamaran in Sosúa Bay, the white sandbar of Cayo Arena, or a day at Ocean World in Cofresí.

A sailing catamaran with passengers on turquoise water off the Dominican coast Boat trip from US$88
🕒 6 hours 📍 From Sosúa Bay ⭐ 4.6 (62)

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
Check price & availability
The sandbar of Cayo Arena (Paradise Island) with thatched shelters and a boat in turquoise water Full-day trip from US$104
🕒 11 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.3 (87)

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour

A long day west along the coast to one of the most photographed spots in the north of the country: a speck of white sand ringed by reef, where you swim and snorkel before a boat ride through the mangroves. At around eleven hours it is realistic for stay-over visitors, not for most cruise calls.

  • A sandbar of white sand in the open sea
  • Swim and snorkel among colourful sea life
  • Boat ride through the mangroves
Check price & availability
A driftwood-and-thatch shelter on the white sand of Paradise Island (Cayo Arena) Day trip from US$95
🕒 7 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.3 (35)

Puerto Plata: Cayo Arena Tour with Snorkeling and Mangroves

A shorter version of the Cayo Arena day: the white sand island, snorkelling, a mangrove boat ride and a buffet lunch in about seven hours. Still a long outing — cruise passengers should only consider it on a long call and after confirming timings with the operator.

  • Snorkel in crystal-clear water at the sand island
  • Boat ride through the mangroves
  • Buffet lunch included
Check price & availability
A bottlenose dolphin breaking the surface of the sea Entry ticket from US$189
🕒 8.5 hours 📍 From Cofresí ⭐ 4.4 (37)

Puerto Plata: Ocean World Dolphin Swim

Ocean World’s in-water dolphin programme, held in what the park describes as the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world. We list it because many visitors ask for it; captive dolphin programmes are controversial, so read up and decide for yourself.

  • In-water programme with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin
  • Takes place in the park’s large man-made dolphin habitat
  • Learn about the animals
Check price & availability

Buggies, ATVs & ziplines

Mud, backroads and speed in two or three hours — easy to fit into a short call.

A dirt track through green Dominican countryside Adventure from US$125 per group
🕒 3 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.9 (63)

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
Check price & availability
Palm-fringed coast below the mountains near Puerto Plata Adventure from US$90
🕒 2 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.8 (19)

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
Check price & availability
A zipline rider above a forested valley Adventure from US$75
🕒 2 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.9 (10)

Puerto Plata: Zip Line Adventure

Two hours of pure ziplining: eight lines totalling more than 7,900 feet, built to ACCT standards with double galvanised-steel cables, and a relaxed walk afterwards. One of the best-rated activities in the area.

  • Eight ACCT-certified ziplines
  • More than 7,900 feet of cable in total
  • Double steel cables
Check price & availability
Live availability

Book now — real-time prices

Straight from GetYourGuide, updated continuously.

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The full list

Every Puerto Plata tour we recommend

Eighteen experiences we would happily book ourselves, from a US$36 old-town walk to a full day on Paradise Island.

A waterfall pouring into a turquoise pool at the 27 Charcos de Damajagua near Puerto Plata Shore excursion from US$54
🕒 3 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.7 (92)

7 Waterfalls of Damajagua with Lunch (Taino Bay & Amber Cove)

The most-reviewed waterfall excursion built around the two cruise ports. You are collected at Taino Bay or Amber Cove, hike up through the forest with park guides and come back down the river by sliding and jumping through seven pools, then eat a Dominican lunch before the ride back.

  • Slide, jump and swim down the first seven Damajagua waterfalls
  • Helmet and life jacket provided at the park
  • Dominican lunch and port pickup included
Check price & availability
Aerial view of the Brugal rum plant in Puerto Plata City tour from US$52
🕒 4 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.7 (93)

Puerto Plata: City Tour with Rum and Chocolate Factories

A well-reviewed half-day introduction to the city: a guide takes you through Puerto Plata’s history and culture, stops at a rum factory and a chocolate factory, and finishes with the sea views from the 16th-century San Felipe fortress.

  • Visit a rum factory and a chocolate factory
  • Ocean views from the San Felipe fortress
  • History and culture of Puerto Plata with a local guide
Check price & availability
A dirt track through green Dominican countryside Adventure from US$125 per group
🕒 3 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.9 (63)

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
Check price & availability
A cabin of the Puerto Plata cable car on its way up Mount Isabel de Torres City tour from US$99
🕒 6 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.5 (145)

Puerto Plata: City Highlights Tour with Mount Isabel & Lunch

The most-reviewed Puerto Plata tour on GetYourGuide: the city’s main sights, a ride to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres for the view over the coast and the national park, and a typical Dominican lunch. The mountain is often in cloud — go on a clear morning if you can choose.

  • Ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres
  • Bird’s-eye view of the coast and a walk in the national park
  • City highlights and a typical lunch
Check price & availability
A sailing catamaran with passengers on turquoise water off the Dominican coast Boat trip from US$88
🕒 6 hours 📍 From Sosúa Bay ⭐ 4.6 (62)

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
Check price & availability
A turquoise pool below a small waterfall at the 27 Charcos de Damajagua Shore excursion from US$50
🕒 4 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.8 (23)

Puerto Plata: All 7 Damajagua Waterfalls + Dominican Lunch

A highly rated alternative that makes a point of doing all seven waterfalls rather than stopping at three or five. Multilingual guides, a Dominican buffet lunch and round-trip transfers from Amber Cove and Taino Bay are included.

  • Climb, jump and slide all seven falls of the lower circuit
  • Multilingual guides
  • Traditional Dominican buffet lunch and port transfers
Check price & availability
The sandbar of Cayo Arena (Paradise Island) with thatched shelters and a boat in turquoise water Full-day trip from US$104
🕒 11 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.3 (87)

Cayo Arena: Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour

A long day west along the coast to one of the most photographed spots in the north of the country: a speck of white sand ringed by reef, where you swim and snorkel before a boat ride through the mangroves. At around eleven hours it is realistic for stay-over visitors, not for most cruise calls.

  • A sandbar of white sand in the open sea
  • Swim and snorkel among colourful sea life
  • Boat ride through the mangroves
Check price & availability
A squirrel monkey sitting on a branch Combo tour from US$89
🕒 4.5 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.9 (16)

Puerto Plata: Damajagua Waterfalls and Monkey Park

A combination that works well for families and mixed groups: the natural waterslides of the Damajagua falls, then time among the squirrel monkeys of a jungle sanctuary. Reviews are excellent, though there are fewer of them than for the stand-alone waterfall tours.

  • Slide down the natural rock waterslides of Damajagua
  • Meet playful squirrel monkeys in a jungle sanctuary
  • Two of the area’s favourite stops in one outing
Check price & availability
A brightly painted corner building with yellow shutters in Puerto Plata Walking tour from US$36
🕒 4–5 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata old town ⭐ 4.3 (52)

Puerto Plata: Walking Tour of the Historic Old Town

Puerto Plata’s centre is compact and best seen on foot. This guided walk covers the main landmarks of the old town in four to five hours and costs less than any other tour here — a natural fit for Taino Bay passengers, whose ship docks a short walk from the historic centre.

  • The most important landmarks of the old town on foot
  • The city’s long history explained by a guide
  • The lowest-priced guided tour on our list
Check price & availability
The Christ the Redeemer statue on the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres above Puerto Plata City tour from US$65
🕒 6 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.9 (6)

Puerto Plata City Tour and Cable Car Ride

A guide-led tour of the historic centre and its monuments followed by the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres. It has a small number of reviews but they are very good. As with every cable car tour, the ride depends on the weather and on the cable car operating that day.

  • Guided visit to the historic heart of the city
  • The stories behind Puerto Plata’s monuments
  • Cable car ride up Mount Isabel de Torres
Check price & availability
A rider on a zipline through palm forest in the Dominican Republic Combo tour from US$105
🕒 4 hours 📍 From Cruise ports ⭐ 4.8 (23)

Puerto Plata / Amber Cove: Zipline and Waterfalls with Lunch

For those who cannot choose between the canopy and the canyon: five ziplines, then the seven waterfalls with their pools and slides, with lunch and port transfers included. Expect a hike of around half an hour as part of the day.

  • Five ziplines and seven waterfalls in one outing
  • Swim through natural pools and canyons
  • Dominican lunch and port transfers included
Check price & availability
Visitors in helmets and life jackets standing in a pool at the Damajagua waterfalls Day trip from US$55
🕒 4–7 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata & Sosúa area ⭐ 4.6 (9)

27 Waterfalls Tour with Entrance Fee & Lunch

A guided visit to the Damajagua falls with the park entrance and lunch included, and a duration that stretches from four to seven hours. The longer versions suit stay-over visitors better than cruise passengers on a short call.

  • Guided visit to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
  • Hike, then jump into deep blue pools
  • Entrance fee and lunch included
Check price & availability
Palm-fringed coast below the mountains near Puerto Plata Adventure from US$90
🕒 2 hours 📍 From Taino Bay / Amber Cove ⭐ 4.8 (19)

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
Check price & availability
A zipline rider above a forested valley Adventure from US$75
🕒 2 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.9 (10)

Puerto Plata: Zip Line Adventure

Two hours of pure ziplining: eight lines totalling more than 7,900 feet, built to ACCT standards with double galvanised-steel cables, and a relaxed walk afterwards. One of the best-rated activities in the area.

  • Eight ACCT-certified ziplines
  • More than 7,900 feet of cable in total
  • Double steel cables
Check price & availability
A bottlenose dolphin breaking the surface of the sea Entry ticket from US$189
🕒 8.5 hours 📍 From Cofresí ⭐ 4.4 (37)

Puerto Plata: Ocean World Dolphin Swim

Ocean World’s in-water dolphin programme, held in what the park describes as the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world. We list it because many visitors ask for it; captive dolphin programmes are controversial, so read up and decide for yourself.

  • In-water programme with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin
  • Takes place in the park’s large man-made dolphin habitat
  • Learn about the animals
Check price & availability
A driftwood-and-thatch shelter on the white sand of Paradise Island (Cayo Arena) Day trip from US$95
🕒 7 hours 📍 From Puerto Plata ⭐ 4.3 (35)

Puerto Plata: Cayo Arena Tour with Snorkeling and Mangroves

A shorter version of the Cayo Arena day: the white sand island, snorkelling, a mangrove boat ride and a buffet lunch in about seven hours. Still a long outing — cruise passengers should only consider it on a long call and after confirming timings with the operator.

  • Snorkel in crystal-clear water at the sand island
  • Boat ride through the mangroves
  • Buffet lunch included
Check price & availability
Plan your day ashore

Make every hour in port count

Waterfalls, the old town, a beach or all three — compare independent shore excursions with port pickup and book in a couple of taps.

Browse Puerto Plata excursions Compare all excursions
Good to know

Booking questions

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to book an independent shore excursion?

With a well-reviewed operator, yes. Choose tours that state cruise-port pickup, read recent reviews and leave a buffer of at least an hour before all-aboard. The one real difference from a ship’s tour is that the ship will not wait for an independent excursion that runs late.

Where do independent tours meet at Taino Bay?

Normally just outside the port gate or at the taxi and tour area by the exit — the operator sends exact instructions after booking. Allow 15–20 minutes to walk from the ship along the pier and through the port village.

Are these tours available from Amber Cove too?

Most are: many listings name both ports. Always check the pickup options on the booking page, as a few start only from hotels or from Sosúa.

Should I book ahead or on the day?

Ahead. The best-rated small-group tours sell out on days with two ships in port, and booking online lets you compare reviews calmly. Most options can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before.

What currency are tours priced in?

GetYourGuide shows prices in your own currency at checkout. On the ground, extras such as photos, drinks and tips are usually paid in US dollars or pesos.