Category: Caribbean

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER & OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE

This approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion allows visitors to experience the aquatic wonders on offer at the Ocean World adventure park, including free time for independent exploration. The itinerary also includes a dolphin encounter experience to make the trip even more memorable.

Excursion Details

This approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion to Ocean World is the ideal family outing. Following a bus transfer and check-in, lasting around 30 minutes in total, visitors are treated to a ‘Dominican experience’. This is a chance to discover local culture through demonstrations of wood carving and cigar rolling, learning a few steps of traditional dances, and indulging in a tasting of local chocolate, Dominican coffee or mamajuana (a spiced, sweet alcoholic liquor).

Next, come face-to-face with a dolphin during your ‘dolphin encounter’, lasting around 30 minutes. Once in the pool, you’ll stand in waist-deep water and interact with the magnificent mammal, under the supervision of an experienced trainer. Children can also take part.

Then, enjoy approximately three and a half hours of free time within Ocean World. Seek out more dolphins to observe (or even sea lions), go snorkelling in a tropical fish aquarium or interact with birds as you walk through a rainforest. There’s also a freshwater pool for kids to paddle in and a beach lagoon if you need time to relax.

Approximately 30 minutes is then provided for souvenir shopping at the venue (time permitting), so that those who want to can purchase local products. There are also multiple onsite restaurants – for an additional cost – if you get hungry.

A bus transfer lasting around 30 minutes then returns to the port.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, sun block, and additional money for lunch, pictures & souvenirs. No cameras or glasses are allowed in the water. Pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this program. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied in the water by an over 18-year-old. Participants must remove Jewelry from hands, neck, and ears to avoid harming the animals.

Participants must have the physical ability and skills which may be required to participate in the program. Cameras are not allowed when interacting with the animals. Photos and videos of the Dolphin Encounter will be available for purchase at the venue. The minimum height to participate on the water park and slides is 48 inches. The minimum height for the snorkel aquarium is 45 inches. The transfer to and from Ocean World takes approximately 30 minutes each way.

The dolphin encounter portion will last approximately 30 minutes. Total time spent at the park: 4 hours and 30 minutes. It is up to the guest’s discretion to participate in the additional activities available onsite at the park. Ocean World is cashless, therefore, it is recommended that guests bring credit/debit cards for any additional purchases

DOLPHIN SWIM & OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE

Excursion Details

Lovers of sea life will enjoy this approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion, which not only includes entry to the Ocean World adventure park, but also features a chance to swim with and play with dolphins.

The adventure begins with a bus transfer and park check-in, which lasts around 30 minutes. You will then learn all about Dominican culture in a ‘Dominican experience’, which includes a cigar rolling demonstration, traditional dancing and a tasting of local products, including chocolate, coffee or mamajuana, a spiced liquor that’s popular throughout the Dominican Republic.

Swimming with dolphins will be a highlight of the day for many. Spend approximately 30 minutes in the water with these spectacular sea creatures. Guided by an experienced trainer, you can interact with them and swim with them.

Free time to explore Ocean World then follows. You’ll have approximately three and a half hours to learn more about marine wildlife while snorkelling in the tropical fish aquarium or observing more sea life in action. Or get to grips with the world outside the water during a walk through the rainforest and its aviary. Afterwards, there’s approximately 30 minutes of free time for shopping in Ocean World’s souvenir shops (time permitting).

A bus transfer lasting around 30 minutes then returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, sun block, and additional money for lunch, pictures & souvenirs.

No cameras or glasses are allowed in the water. Pregnant women not allowed to participate in this program. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied in the water by an +18-year-old. Child minimum height is 115cm (45 Inches) and minimum age is 6 years old. Participants must remove Jewelry from hands, neck, and ears to avoid harming the animals. Participants must be able to swim and must use lifejackets (provided by Ocean World).

Participants must have the physical ability and skills which may be required to participate in the program. Cameras are not allowed when interacting with the animals. Photos and videos of the Dolphin Swim will be available for purchase at the venue. Minimum height for the water park and slides is 48 inches. Minimum height for the snorkel aquarium is 45 “. The transfer to and from Ocean World takes approximately 30 minutes each way. The dolphin swim portion will last approximately 30 minutes.

Total time spent at the park: 4 hours and 30 minutes. It is up to the guest’s discretion to participate in the additional activities available onsite at the park. Ocean World is cashless, therefore, it is recommended that guests bring credit/debit cards for any additional purchases

OCEAN WORLD DAY PASS

Excursion Details

Ocean World is a hugely popular attraction in Puerto Plata, and it’s not difficult to see why. Explore its many wonders during this approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion.

The first 30 minutes or so is spent on a bus transfer from the port to the adventure park. Once checked in, learn about local culture through a ‘Dominican experience’. Watch a cigar rolling demonstration, try out traditional dance steps and taste some locally produced chocolate, coffee or mamajuana, a sweet and spicy alcoholic drink.

Following this, approximately three and a half hours are yours to explore Ocean World however you like. Your pass provides access to a tropical forest complete with iguana, fish and bird habitats, waterslides and much more. There are opportunities to snorkel with tropical fish or swim in a freshwater oasis, and you can also view various wonderful marine creatures, including dolphins and sea lions. If you get hungry, pay a visit to one of the on-site restaurants (at an additional cost).

Afterwards, there’s approximately 30 minutes for souvenir shopping at Ocean World (time permitting), before a bus transfer lasting around 30 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, sun block, and additional money for lunch, pictures & souvenirs. An over 18-year-old adult must supervise children at all times. Minimum height for the water park and slides is 48 inches. Minimum height for the snorkel aquarium is 45 inches. The transfer to and from Ocean World takes approximately 30 minutes each way. Total time spent at the park: 4 hours and 30 minutes. It is up to the guests discretion to participate in the additional activities available onsite at the park.

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated on this tour. Guests using wheelchairs must always be assisted by a physically capable adult companion (18+) to navigate the park. The terrain at the park is a mix of paved, gravel, uneven surfaces and ramps. Guest must be able to get on and off the bus unassisted. Ocean World is cashless, therefore, it is recommended that guests bring credit/debit cards for any additional purchases

TOP TEN BEST

Excursion Details

Gain a valuable insight into both Puerto Plata and the wider Dominican Republic by exploring its food and drink, history, culture, sports and much more on this excursion, lasting approximately four and a half hours. An impressive total of 10 favourite attractions are covered.

Begin with an approximately 15-minute drive to the Jose Briceño Baseball Stadium. Admire panoramic views of this stadium (which was renovated in 2024 and has capacity for over 10,000 spectators) from your bus, followed by a drive of around 15 minutes that will take you to the Macorix House of Rum. Spend approximately 35 minutes finding out about the rum production process on a tour of this popular venue.

Next, there’s a short drive to the Amber Museum. During a tour of approximately 30 minutes, learn all about natural history through the museum’s many fascinating exhibits, including fossilised insects and birds, and discover why Dominican amber is a highly valued resource.

Afterwards, there’s a short drive to historic Plaza Independencia (often known as Independence Park), followed by approximately one hour to explore nearby sights, including the Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle, Paseo de Doña Blanca (a dazzling, pink-painted alleyway) and Umbrella Street, crowned by vast columns of colourful umbrellas to provide another aesthetic treat.

Following this is a brief drive to the Gregorio Luperón Museum, which explores the life of the former leader of the Dominican Republic. A short stop here is a chance to soak up panoramic views of this colorful building from your seat on the bus. Afterwards, there’s a journey of around 15 minutes tracing part of Malecón de Puerto Plata (a sprawling coastal boulevard), before a short pause to offer views of the locally famous statue of Neptune, perched out on a small island in the water.

The final site to be visited is Fortaleza San Felipe, a Spanish-built fortress dating to the 16th century. Enjoy an external viewing of this imposing structure for around 20 minutes, before the excursion concludes with approximately 25 minutes of free time for souvenir shopping – time permitting – followed by a short drive back to the port.

Important Information: The views of the Jose Briseno Stadium and Gregorio Luperon Museum are from the bus, with no stops for entry. The Fortress de San Felipe stop includes a walk around the grounds. Entrance to the fort is not included. The Cable Car/Teleferico is viewed only from the base and does not include a ride to the top.

This tour includes guided visits inside the Macorix House of Rum and the Amber Museum. The order of sites visited may vary. This is not a shopping-focused tour. While shops may be present in the downtown area, shopping is at the guest’s discretion wherever possible. The primary focus of the tour is on exploring the destination

EAT, DRINK AND DANCE DOMINICAN FIESTA

Get to know traditional Dominican dishes and dances during this approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion. The itinerary includes a cooking class and dance lesson after a visit to some of Puerto Plata’s key sights.

The Dominican Republic has a vibrant culture influenced by its Spanish, Taíno and African heritage. This approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion is the perfect way to get a taste of Dominican life through its cuisine and customs.

A short drive transports guests from the port to Parque Central (also known as Independence Park), a large public square in the historic centre of Puerto Plata. Spend around 30 minutes here, admiring the manicured park and its pavilion, the Cathedral of St Philip the Apostle (which overlooks the square) and the Victorian-style architecture of the surrounding buildings.

Then make brief visits to nearby Umbrella Street (crowned with numerous colourful umbrellas) and Paseo de Doña Blanca (known locally as Pink Alley because of its coating of bright pink paint). This is followed by approximately 15 minutes to browse and shop for souvenirs.

Board a bus for an approximately 30-minute drive to Rancho La Catalina in El Cupey. Following a short welcome, sample some local fruits for around 15 minutes before spending approximately 30 minutes learning traditional Dominican dances, such as the merengue, bachata and mangulina. Drinks are also included during your time at Rancho La Catalina.

By now you’ll have worked up an appetite, so it’s time to learn about a Dominican stew known as sancocho. Over the course of around 20 minutes, you’ll be shown which ingredients are required to make this dish and receive an explanation as to how it is prepared before tasting some for yourself during lunch, which lasts around 40 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for coffee.

After 15 minutes or so for taking photos of this special experience, a journey of approximately 30 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate

OVER THE OCEAN ZIPLINE WITH BEACH and LUNCH

Take your visit to the Dominican Republic to new heights during this approximately five-hour ziplining excursion. The itinerary also includes lunch and time at the beach.

See the Dominican Republic from land, sea and sky during this approximately five-hour excursion. Begin with a drive to Ocean Outpost in Coconut Cove, lasting around an hour. This beachside setting offers all kinds of thrilling activities and experiences, as you’ll be discovering.

After a complimentary welcome drink and time to secure your belongings in a locker, there’s around 15 minutes to have your harness fitted, followed by a safety briefing and demonstration, also lasting about 15 minutes. Then get ready to glide and zoom along the zipline circuit (measuring around 1,200 feet) with the Atlantic Ocean below you. The experience lasts around one hour.

After the ride, you’ll have around one hour to eat lunch of local dishes and relax on the beach. While on the beach, take in the coastal scenery surrounding you.

Finally, spend around 15 minutes browsing for souvenirs in the gift shop (time permitting) before an approximately hour-long bus transfer returns to the port.

Important Information: Please note: Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate. Lockers and watersports are available to rent. It is recommended to bring swimwear, sunscreen and a beach towel. Knee length shorts are required for zipline. Closed toe and secure footwear must be worn.

It is recommended to bring cash or credit cards for extra menu items, photos & souvenirs. Maximum Weight 265 lbs/120 kg. This tour is not available for pregnant women persons with neck or back conditions. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. The transfer to and from Coconut Cove takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, depending on traffic, and may take place on an open-air truck

DAMAJAGUA WATERFALLS

Go hiking up to the renowned Damajagua waterfalls and earn your joyful descent down its natural waterslides on this approximately four-hour excursion. As you hike, you’ll also be learning about the flora and fauna of the area from your guide.

Embark on an approximately four-hour adventure that includes a guided hike and the chance to jump, splash and slide down multiple waterfalls. A bus transfer of around 40 minutes transports guests from the port to the Damajagua waterfalls, a series of differently sized cascades in luscious surroundings.

Once arrived, you’ll be able to place any belongings into a locker before a short safety briefing. Following this, you’ll be given a helmet and life jacket, so gear up and follow your guide to begin the hike.

Over the next two hours or so, you’ll trek through the tropical scenery to make your way to the seventh waterfall. As you walk, your guide will tell you all about the varied wildlife and nature around you. Once arrived at the seventh fall, the adventure doesn’t stop, as you’ll be making the return journey back to base camp by jumping and sliding down the various waterfalls you’ve just ascended past.

A guide will be on-hand to make sure everything stays safe, so simply enjoy being in the water and having fun as you descend by making a splash. Once returned to base camp, you’ll have around 20 minutes to dry off and change before an approximately 40-minute return drive to the port.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests bring their bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a change of clothes.

The minimum age to participate is 8 years. Guests with back or neck conditions and pregnant women cannot take part to this tour. Maximum weight to participate is 250 lbs. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Lockers and shoes are available for rent at an additional cost. Guests should be physically fit to participate on this tour. Guests will be required to hike approx. 45 minutes to reach the 7th waterfall. The hike to reach the 7th waterfall is approximately 1 km and is on uneven and inclined terrain

EXPLORING ISABEL DE TORRES MOUNTAIN and PUERTO PLATA CITY

Take a drive up to Puerto Plata’s highest point – the summit of Natural Monument Mount Isabel de Torres – to view a replica of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on this approximately four-hour experience. Afterwards, get to know the city on a sightseeing tour of key historical attractions, including Fortaleza San Felipe panoramic view.

Glimpse Puerto Plata from above on Mount Isabel de Torres before experiencing it up-close during this approximately four-hour experience. A transfer of around 30 minutes transports guests from the port to the top of the Natural Monument Mount Isabel de Torres – measuring over 790 metres high – where you’ll find a smaller replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue and botanical garden to enjoy a walk around the protected park nest for endemic tropical flora & fauna. Spend approximately one hour and 30 minutes here admiring the statue, views over the city, hills and Atlantic Ocean, before taking a stroll through the diverse plants and flowers in the botanical gardens.

Next, it’s time for some sightseeing in the historic centre of Puerto Plata. After an approximately 30-minute drive, embark on a tour of city landmarks such as Parque Central (also known as Independence Park) and the colourful Victorian-style houses surrounding it, the Cathedral of St Philip the Apostle and the 16th-century, Spanish-built fortress, Fortaleza San Felipe. After the tour, which lasts around one hour and 15 minutes, the experience concludes with a short drive back to the port.

Important Information: Please note: Minimum age required to participate is 6 years old. It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and insect repellent and cash or credit cards for additional purchases.

The tour may operate either on an open truck or on a bus. Guests must be able to manage a ladder to access the open-air truck. This tour involves walking up and down several steps at the Botanical Garden. Guests will walk approximately 200 meters at the Botanical Garden. Tour Order may vary

SEA LION ENCOUNTER and OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE

From interacting with sea lions to dancing the merengue, this excursion to Ocean World, lasting five-and-a-half hours, is a chance to experience some of the Dominican Republic’s wildlife and culture. There’s also the opportunity to sample local chocolate and coffee.

Home to everything from a tropical reef aquarium and waterslides to a rainforest, Ocean World in Puerto Plata is one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular attractions. On this packed excursion of around five-and-a-half hours, experience Ocean World’s highlights, including a sea-lion encounter, while also learning more about the Dominican Republic’s favourite food, drink and music.

The day starts with a journey of around 30 minutes from the port to Ocean World. Then, before the aquatic fun begins, enjoy a Dominican cultural experience. You’ll be able to try locally produced chocolate, coffee and mamajuana (a spiced, sweet alcoholic liquor), as well as observing woodcarving and cigar rolling. There’s even traditional music and dancing, for those who want to take their first steps in bachata or merengue – the latter is the Dominican Republic’s official dance and plays a part in many cultural and social occasions.

Then it’s time for a close encounter with a sea lion. Move over to an interaction pool, where you can pet and play with these remarkable creatures over approximately 30 minutes.

Afterwards, enjoy around three hours of free time to explore the rest of Ocean World. Consider making use of unlimited free access to waterslides, watching some of the animal exhibits (time permitting) or snorkelling in the aquarium. Finally, you’ll have about 30 minutes to shop for souvenirs (time permitting) before the return journey back to the port, lasting around 30 minutes.

Important Information: Please note: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. It is recommended that guests bring their bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and additional money for pictures & souvenirs.

No cameras or glasses are allowed in the water. Pregnant women are not allowed to participate. An 18-year-old adult in the water must accompany children under 11 years old. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old and guests must be at least 115 cm / 45 in tall. Participants must remove jewelry from hands, neck, and ears to avoid harming the animals.

Participants must have the physical ability and skills which may be required to participate in the program. Wheelchairs and electric mobility equipment is not allowed inside the premises. Cameras are not allowed when interacting with the animals. Photos and videos of the Sea Lion Encounter will be available for purchasing at the venue.

Minimum height for the water park and slides is 48 inches. The transfer to and from Ocean World takes approximately 30 minutes each way. The sea lion encounter portion will last approximately 30 minutes. Total time spent at the park: 4 hours and 30 minutes.

It is up to the guest’s discretion to participate in the additional activities available onsite at the park. Ocean World is cashless, therefore, it is recommended that guests bring credit/debit cards for any additional purchases

PUERTO PLATA WALKING TOUR

Plunge into Puerto Plata’s landmarks and local life on this walking tour, lasting approximately three and a half hours. Wander through local neighbourhoods, past colourful murals and landmarks, including Parque Central, the Cathedral of St Philip the Apostle and the Amber Museum. You’ll even get to watch a cigar-making demonstration.

Your Puerto Plata discovery on foot, lasting around three and a half hours, begins with a short transfer to Parque Central, a popular gathering spot in the heart of the historical centre. This is where your walking tour – lasting around two hours and 20 minutes – begins. While in Parque Central, look out for the twin bell towers of the distinctive Cathedral of St Philip the Apostle (also known simply as San Felipe Cathedral) as a backdrop.

Next, stroll along Calle Imbert, a road lined with Victorian buildings, and pause at a local souvenir shop, where you can watch Dominican cigars being crafted by hand.

Your exploration continues along Paseo de Doña Blanca, also known as Pink Alley due to its brightly painted floors, walls and buildings. Then make your way to Calle Separación (a street that houses Puerto Plata’s town hall) to arrive at the Logia Masónica Restauración. Admire the pillared facade of this historic masonic lodge, before moving on to view the murals adorning nearby Calle Sánchez, a road nestled behind part of Puerto Plata’s long, seafront boulevard.

Take a brief pause to sip a refreshing coconut, then wander past more Victorian-style buildings on your way to the Amber Museum for a short external viewing. The excursion then concludes with a short transfer back to the port.

Important Information: Please note: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking. It is recommended that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, wear sunscreen, and bring cash or credit cards for any additional purchases. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old. Entrance to the Amber Museum is not included in the price of this tour. Guests will walk approximately 450 meters. Some of the walking may take place on uneven terrain.