As soon as you step onto the magical Dominican Republic, especially Puerto Plata, it will simply leave you dazzled and feeling some kind of inner peace inside you at the same time. Here you will have everything you’re looking for on a vacation, from the natural beauty of the amazing white sand beaches with crystalline water to some fantastic thrill-inducing adventures or even something more relaxing for the mind and the body - you just need to choose which one fits you better. Curious to know more about it? Then scroll down and find out more about the top things to do in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. While you are there, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy a journey of a lifetime.
1. Catch a breathtaking sunset view at La Puntilla Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Puerto Plata is filled with a plethora of attractive spots that tourists can behold. After a lengthy trip around the city, wrap up the day by relaxing at La Puntilla Park. Adjacent to Fort San Felipe, this coastal park is flocked by locals and visitors with its spacious grounds that serve as a cozy leisure spot for families and groups of friends.
You can bike along the lanes of this park while enjoying a panoramic view of the vast Atlantic Ocean. You can also drop by its amphitheater if you want to catch local performances or huge concerts staged in the area.
La Puntilla Park
Address: Av. Gral. Gregorio Luperón Av, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic
Website: La Puntilla Park
2. Take candid photos along Paseo de Doña Blanca
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Ven y disfruta de todo un panorama te esperamos
Posted by Paseo de Doña Blanca on Wednesday, December 28, 2022
A fancy alleyway, Paseo de Doña Blanca doesn’t fail to catch the attention of travelers visiting Puerto Plata. Otherwise known as “Pink Street”, this fabulous spot in the city is named after Doña Blanca Rainieri, one of the pioneering icons of the area’s tourism sector.
Now, this stylish alley continues to gravitate more tourists with all its ornaments painted in pink. If you’re about to celebrate sensational occasions such as birthdays or weddings, this is a great spot to use as a backdrop with its striking appeal. Along this notable alley is Pachuche by C Brugal Cigars, a wine bar and a cigar lounge where some locals hang out.
Paseo de Doña Blanca
Address: Calle Beller No.30, 57000 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Website: Paseo de Doña Blanca
3. Head out to Paradise Island (from USD 89.0)
Paradise Island, as the name suggests, is indeed a paradise. So prepare yourself because it’s going to be a long day! As you set off on the boat and reach the desert island, you will surely be get excited as you get to snorkel around to see the coral reef. Make sure you enjoy a peaceful moment on the island’s beach before heading to Monte Cristi National Park. This tour also includes beverages and lunch.
Full-Day Tour to Punta Rucia and Cayo Arena with Snorkeling
Duration: 9 to 11 hours
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4. Ride the Puerto Plata cable car (from USD 89.0)
Whether you are coming from a cruise or not, this is a good way of planning out your day. Ride the Puerto Plata cable car and prepare to be wowed! Visit the city attractions and some of the most beautiful scenic views that Puerto Plata has to offer. This guided shore excursion includes the top 10 must-sees of the city, such as San Felipe Fortress, Mt. Isabela, the historic Victorian district, and a lot more. Make sure you book this one and take a lot of pictures.
Amber Cove Shore Excursion: Explore Puerto Plata and Cable Car
Duration: 4 to 30 minutes
5. Get your adrenaline pumping at Damajagua Waterfalls (from USD 179.0)
Finally some real adventures for our adrenaline lovers! This tour will grant you five adventures in just one day. Brace yourselves because it’s going to be a crazy ride! At this tour, you can expect canyoning and sliding around Damajagua Waterfalls, riding your own ATV while exploring the countryside, going on ziplines, and finishing off very peacefully by enjoying a horseback ride with beautiful views. Have fun on this one, you will not regret it.
Full-Day Combo Adventure: Waterfalls, ATV, Ziplining, and More
Duration: 8 hours 15 minutes
6. Enjoy whale-watching at Samana Bay (from USD 132.0)
Picture whale-watching and spending some time relaxing at the marvelous Cayo Levantado Beach? Who wouldn’t like that? This is a full-day tour where you will enjoy some of nature’s most wonderful creations. After, you will be taken to Cayo Levantado for a complimentary lunch and then just enjoy some peace and quiet before getting back.
Whale Watching in Samana
Duration: 11 to 13 hours
7. Explore Mount Isabel de Torres
If you are not into hiking your way up to the top, you can always go by cable car. Once at the peak, you will see the iconic landmark, the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer, while looking at the stunning views of all that nature surrounding Puerto Plata. It will leave you breathless. Before going down, don’t forget to go around and breathe some fresh air at the beautiful botanical gardens. Tip: Go on a sunny day, otherwise you won’t see much of the landscape.
Mount Isabel de Torres
Website: Mount Isabel de Torres
8. Stop by Amber Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This museum hosts one of the biggest amber exhibitions which is an out-of-the-ordinary and very fascinating thing you’ll encounter on your Puerto Plata visit. It offers very interesting tours if you would like to know more about the natural history of the island. See interesting exhibitions on fossils of insects and even learn about how amber is formed and which colors it can have. At the end of the tour, remember to head to the souvenir shop and see some jewelry made with amber.
Amber Museum
Address: Calle 12 de Julio 24, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic
Website: Amber Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD
9. Swim with dolphins at Ocean World Adventure Park
A nice way of spending some family time together is heading to Ocean World Adventure Park - your kids will love it and so will you. This park has a lot of adventures for everyone, including swimming with dolphins or sharks, fabulous shows with sea animals or birds, and exotic bird areas. If you want, you can also go snorkeling in an artificial coral reef aquarium filled with tropical fish. It is a great place to go for a few hours in the morning or in the afternoon and burn some energy while having fun. You just have to choose what package fits you best.
Ocean World Adventure Park
Address: Calle Principal #3 Cofresí, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Website: Ocean World Adventure Park
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 9am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
10. Get to know the history behind Fort San Felipe
Considered one of Spain’s major military engineering marvels, Fort San Felipe was built to protect the north coast of the island from the British and Dutch soldiers and also French pirates back in the 16th century. It was later a prison and now a museum and a famous tourist attraction. During your visit here, you won’t just learn about this place but you also will learn the history of the island itself. Tip: If you can, see the sunset from there. The view from up there is simply gorgeous.
Fort San Felipe
Address: Calle Avenida General Gregorio Luperon, Puerto Plata, Província Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Website: Fort San Felipe
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD
11. Visit the beautiful Samana Bacardi Island (from USD 130.0)
Starting from Samana fishing village, embark on a full-day journey into the deep ocean. You might even catch sight of some magnificent whales! After this, get ready to cruise into Bacardi Island, right in the middle of the ocean. Expect a beautiful paradise with white sand, turquoise waters, and coconut and banana palm trees - and the only thing you have to do is lay down and relax. This tour also includes breakfast, lunch on the beach, tour guide, a catamaran or boat trip, and beverages.
Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Whale Watch Catamaran Cruise
Duration: 11 hours
12. Experience snorkeling at Sosua Bay (from USD 47.0)
Ready for some morning snorkeling at Sosua Bay? On this tour you will spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the bay, swimming with fishes, and seeing some of nature’s most beautiful creations - the coral reefs. After this session, its time to head back to the beach. Grab a drink, have lunch, enjoy the sun, do whatever you want as long as you have fun.
Puerto Plata Snorkeling Tour
Duration: 5 hours
Pack your bags and head to Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata, with its spectacular and sprawling landscapes, combines everything one can dream of on a vacation. A place full of life, with a lot to explore and to see while getting to know a different culture, Puerto Plata promises a holiday to remember. So, pack your bags now and get started on these exciting things to do!
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