Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: The Complete Guide

If your cruise is stopping in Puerto Plata, you’re in for a treat. The north coast of the Dominican Republic offers an incredible variety of shore excursions — from heart-pumping adventures to relaxing beach days.

Cruise Ports in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is unique in that it has two cruise ports:

Amber Cove — Operated by Carnival Corporation, this purpose-built port opened in 2015 and serves Carnival, Holland America, Princess, and P&O cruise lines.
Taino Bay — The newer port opened in 2021 and serves Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and other lines.

Both ports are located just minutes from the city of Puerto Plata and offer easy access to all excursions in the region.

Types of Excursions Available

Adventure Tours

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
ATV/Buggy rides
Zip-lining
Horseback riding
River kayaking

Water Activities

Catamaran cruises with snorkeling
Deep-sea fishing
Scuba diving
Parasailing

Beach Days

Sosúa Beach
Playa Dorada
Cayo Arena (Paradise Island)
Private beach clubs

Cultural Experiences

Puerto Plata city tour with cable car
Dominican cooking class
Cigar and rum factory tours
Local village visits

Tips for Booking Shore Excursions

Book in advance — Popular tours sell out, especially during peak season (November-April)
Check your port — Make sure you know whether you’re arriving at Amber Cove or Taino Bay
Consider the weather — The north coast can be rainy November through January
Bring cash — For tips, souvenirs, and local purchases (USD is widely accepted)
Choose licensed operators — Always book with insured, licensed tour operators who guarantee on-time ship return

How to Get the Most from Your Port Day

With limited time in port (typically 6-8 hours), planning is key. We recommend choosing one main excursion rather than trying to do too much. Leave time to enjoy the experience without rushing back to your ship.

Browse all Puerto Plata excursions and let us help you plan the perfect port day!