4 to 5 hours ashore
Downtown or the port
- From Taino Bay, walk into the Victorian downtown and Umbrella Street.
- From Amber Cove, enjoy the pools and lazy river at the port.
Rather book it? A city tour with the fort and cable car.
Puerto Plata shore excursions
Waterfalls, a cable car up the mountain, and Atlantic beaches on the Dominican Republic's north coast.
Getting ashoreTwo separate terminals: Carnival Corporation brands use Amber Cove, outside the city, and most other lines use Taino Bay, closer to downtown. Check which one your ship uses.
Puerto Plata port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Amber CoveCarnival Corporation lines. A 25-acre resort-style port in Maimón Bay with pools, a lazy river and a zip line, but no beach. About 15 to 20 minutes by car from Puerto Plata.
Taino BayMost other lines. Pools, restaurants and shops, and a 10 to 15 minute walk into downtown Puerto Plata.
Check which terminal your ship uses: the two are not walkable from each other.
Taxis
Taxis are priced per vehicle. Agree on the total before you leave.
Amber Cove to downtown Puerto Plata has been about $35 one way for up to 5 people.
Money
Dominican pesos. US dollars are widely accepted around the ports; change may come back in pesos.
Language
Spanish. English is spoken at the ports and by tour guides.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
Spot something out of date? Tell us
Plan your day in Puerto Plata
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
Cable car and city
- Ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres for the view.
- Visit Fortaleza San Felipe and the downtown streets.
Rather book it? A Puerto Plata city tour.
9 hours or more
Waterfalls or a beach town
- Climb and slide down the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua.
- Or spend the day at the beach in Sosúa, about 30 minutes away.
Rather book it? A waterfalls tour; wear water shoes.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Puerto Plata tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
We earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Puerto Plata tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for Puerto Plata, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
See all results on GetYourGuide
We earn a commission when you book through GetYourGuide links, at no extra cost to you.
Puerto Plata tours from Shore Excursions Group
Shore Excursions Group sells tours built around cruise ship schedules, backed by their guarantee to get you back to the ship. Their tours aren't listed on this page; browse them on their site.
See Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) excursions on Shore Excursions Group
We earn a commission when you book through Shore Excursions Group links, at no extra cost to you. Their guarantee terms are on their site.
Scout's notes on Puerto Plata
Short port days
The cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and a walk through the city's historic center fit shorter stops, especially from Taino Bay.
Long port days
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, where you climb and slide down a series of falls, is the signature trip. Beach towns like Sosúa and Cabarete are also a drive away.
Getting back on time
From Amber Cove, everything starts with a drive to the city or beyond. Ask whether a tour picks up at your terminal.
From fellow cruisers
Tips from people who've been, read by us before they go up.
No tips yet for Puerto Plata. Be the first.