Category: Puerto Plata

DISCOVER PUERTO PLATA TRADITIONS and FLAVOURS

Soak up the history and culture of Puerto Plata during this experience, lasting approximately five and a half hours. View a cathedral and a fortress, and find out how Dominican rum, cigars and chocolate are crafted. Lunch is also included.

Enjoy Puerto Plata’s historical and cultural treasures on an experience lasting approximately five and a half hours. The day starts with a short drive to Plaza Independencia and Puerto Plata’s historical centre. Guests then have about one hour and a half to visit the Cathedral of St Philip the Apostle (also known as San Felipe Cathedral) followed by a guided walk around the Historical Center, Plaza Independencia, Umbrella’s Street & Pink Sidewalk with some time to browse at the souvenir place.

Next, delve into one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular exports – cigars. Spend about 40 minutes receiving an introduction to the handcrafted cigar tradition and demonstration at a popular local cigar venue, La Aurora. Afterwards, there’s approximately 30 minutes of free time to select and buy the one of your preferences before a short drive to Casa Azucar. Here, there will be around 30 minutes spent finding out how Dominican rum is made and sampling some for yourself, before approximately 30 minutes to learn about and taste organic chocolate. This is followed by approximately one hour to enjoy lunch.

The experience concludes with an approximately 20-minute drive back to the port, including a brief photo stop at Fortaleza San Felipe (San Felipe Fortress).

Important Information: Please note: the tour sequence may vary. Minimum age to participate 6 years old. It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes. Guests must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol. Recommended to bring cash or credit cards for additional purchases

PUERTO PLATA CITY and PLAYA DORADA BEACH WITH LUNCH

Combine sightseeing with time at the beach on this approximately five and a half hours experience in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic. Sights visited include Plaza Independencia in the city centre and the Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle, Umbrella’s Street & Pink Sidewalk before travelling to the beach.
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Explore landmarks and coastal landscapes in this excursion, lasting approximately six hours, which includes a generous chunk of time at a hotel beach in the thriving Playa Dorada region.

Set on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata has historical tales to tell, and you can learn about some of them during a visit to the city’s historical centre, reached after a short drive from the pier. Once arrived, spend approximately 1 hour visiting sites in the heart of the area, Plaza Independencia (also known as Independence Park) and the Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle, including time for last minute shopping.

The first of these, Plaza Independencia, houses a statue of Gregorio Luperón, a former president of the Dominican Republic from 1879-1880, who commissioned the park as a gift to the city. The Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle, meanwhile, was fully restored in 1956 after the original structure was destroyed by fire during the Dominican Restoration War in 1863-1865.

Afterwards, an approximately 20-minute drive moves the excursion to Playa Dorada, a popular and energetic coastal area. Spend approximately four hours and 10 minutes enjoying the beach, perhaps taking a swim or simply relaxing and sunbathing. Lunch is also included during this time.

Finally, a drive of around 20 minutes returns to the pier to conclude the excursion.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate.  It is recommended that guests bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Beach chairs are included. There is no lifeguard on duty. The transportation to and from Playa Dorada Beach from Puerto Plata is approximately 30 minutes each way. Tour order may vary

PUERTO PLATA SIGHTSEEING

Excursion Details

Begin this approximately three-and-a-half-hour excursion with a short departure from the port to the Macorix House of Rum, where you’ll spend approximately 45 minutes taking a deep dive into the rum production process. Learn how the drink is distilled, produced and stored, before sampling the goods in a tasting of several Macorix rum varieties.

Afterwards is a short drive to Plaza Independencia – known as Independence Park – followed by a visit of approximately 20 minutes to Umbrella Street, a popular and photogenic spot with numerous colourful umbrellas hanging above it. Then, move to nearby Paseo de Doña Blanca (just a few streets away) for around 20 minutes. This pretty alleyway is painted bright pink and commemorates Bianca Franceschini, who helped kick-start the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by establishing Hospedaje del Comercio, one of the country’s earlier tourist-focused hotels.

Afterwards, spend approximately 30 minutes visiting the Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle, destroyed during the Dominican Restoration War in the 19th century and later restored in 1956. Then, enjoy approximately 30 minutes of free time for self-exploring in the city’s historic centre.

The final stop is Fortaleza San Felipe, reached after a drive of around 20 minutes. Spend approximately 15 minutes admiring this 16th-century, Spanish-built fortress (which served as a prison in its later years), while also enjoying the panoramic views from its location. A short drive then returns to the pier.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes. Guests must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol. This tour is not a shopping-focused experience. While shops may be present in the downtown area, shopping is at the guests discretion and the primary focus of the tour is on exploring the destination

HORSEBACK RIDING

Excursion Details

Begin this horse-riding adventure – lasting approximately four hours – with a journey of around 35 minutes from the port to a ranch at an equestrian centre. Once arrived, the equestrian centre team will spend approximately 20 minutes providing a briefing and guidance, as well as signing a waiver and picking up a helmet to wear during your ride.

Then, it’s time to saddle up and begin the journey. Spend approximately 90 minutes riding your trusty steed, departing from the equestrian centre to travel through various beautiful settings. You’ll ride through all kinds of flora and fauna that show off different Caribbean landscapes, including a stop at a beach, where those who wish to can gallop across the sand on their horse, making for a truly memorable experience.

After the short journey back to the ranch, relax and settle in for a well-deserved lunch, lasting around 35 minutes. Finally, a journey of around 35 minutes returns to the port to conclude the excursion.

Important Information: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. Minimum age to participate is 8 years. Maximum weight is 220 lbs. Pregnant women and guests with back/neck injuries are not permitted on this excursion. Long pants are recommended, and closed-toe shoes are required

COCONUT COVE BEACH BREAK

Excursion Details

This relaxing beach trip is a chance to soak up a stretch of coastline that’s tucked away on a northern tip of the Dominican Republic, west of Puerto Plata. The approximately six-hour excursion begins with a transfer of around 75 minutes to Ocean Outpost in Coconut Cove, a beachside spot set in a peaceful pocket and offering views of surrounding rugged greenery and far-reaching ocean vistas.

After arriving at Ocean Outpost, there’s a brief pause to enjoy a welcome drink, before a short time is allocated to find a locker. Then, simply enjoy approximately three hours of free time at the beach, to use however you like. This might include relaxing and sunbathing on Coconut Cove’s sweeping arc of sand, taking a swim in the ocean or, weather-permitting, trying out other aquatic pursuits by renting a kayak, paddle-board or snorkelling equipment (rental costs are not included in the excursion price).

You could also embark on a mini hike along the beach, tracing the tropical greenery and hills that hug the sands, making for a walk with great views.

Afterwards, there’ll be approximately 15 minutes of free time to browse the gift shop, time permitting, before the approximately 75-minute transfer back to port.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests bring cash or card for souvenirs and additional bar and menu items. Guests are also recommended to bring their bathing suit, a towel, comfortable cool clothing, sunblock, hat & sunglasses. Beach chairs and umbrellas included. Restrooms, gift shops and freshwater showers are available on site. The ride may get bumpy therefore, this tour is not available for pregnant women or guests with back and neck injuries.

This tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible. 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. Lockers are available to rent onsite for an additional cost.

COCONUT COVE BEACH BREAK WITH LUNCH AND DRINKS

Excursion Details

This excursion, lasting approximately six hours, is an ideal opportunity to relax and make the most of a beautiful Dominican Republic beach, nestled on the northern coastline of the country.

Start with an approximately 75-minute transfer to Ocean Outpost, a beach venue in Coconut Cove surrounded by rugged scenery and vegetation.

Once arrived, start the relaxation process with a short stop to sip on a welcome drink, before a brief time is allocated for finding a locker (available for rent at an additional cost).

After settling in, you then have approximately three hours of free time to enjoy the beach at your own pace. Options for using this time could include topping up your tan by sunbathing on the sands, enjoying a cooling dip in the ocean waters or, weather-permitting, renting a kayak, paddle-board or snorkelling equipment if you prefer to stay active. If you prefer to stay on dry land but still want to stretch your legs, consider strolling along the beach to view the tropical scenery around you.

To make your day even more relaxing, lunch is included in the excursion cost, and you can enjoy select cocktails, water and soft drinks. Additional food and drink can be purchased at an extra cost.

Finally, spend approximately 15 minutes browsing for souvenirs in the gift shop – time permitting – before a transfer back to the port, lasting around one hour and 15 minutes.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests bring cash or card for souvenirs and additional bar and menu items. Guests are also recommended to bring their bathing suit, a towel, comfortable cool clothing, sunblock, hat & sunglasses. Beach chairs and umbrellas included. A typical Dominican lunch and drinks are included as well, featuring select rum cocktails, water, and soft drinks. Restrooms, gift shops and freshwater showers are available on site. The ride may get bumpy therefore, this tour is not available for pregnant women or guests with back and neck injuries.

This tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible. 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. Lockers are available to rent onsite for an additional cost.

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