Puerto Plata: Travel & Excursions Guide
🌴 Puerto Plata: What to Do, See & Experience in the Dominican Republic's Hidden Gem
Forget Punta Cana for a minute.
If you want the real Dominican Republic — the one with wild waterfalls, emerald mountains, colorful streets, and locals who still wave at tourists — Puerto Plata is where the magic lives.
This is the north coast at its finest: authentic, adventurous, and refreshingly uncrowded. From jungle thrills to historic charm, here's everything you need to know about exploring Puerto Plata like a local.
🏞️ Nature & Adventure — Where the Wild Things Are
Puerto Plata sits between mountains and ocean, which means one thing: adventure playground.
12 Waterfalls of Damajagua
Slide down natural stone chutes, jump into turquoise lagoons, and feel the power of the rainforest. This isn't a theme park — it's nature's original water slide, raw and exhilarating.
➡️ Explore the 12 Waterfalls
Zipline Through the Jungle
Soar above emerald treetops with ocean views stretching to the horizon. Pure adrenaline, zero fear (well, maybe a little). It's the kind of thrill that makes you feel alive.
➡️ Book Zipline Adventure
Buggies Off-Road
Mud-splattered, grinning ear to ear — that's how you'll finish this ride. Tear through backroads, cross rivers, and discover hidden corners of the island most tourists never see.
➡️ Buggies Adventure
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Imagine: golden sand, crashing waves, warm breeze, and you on horseback riding along an endless Caribbean beach. It's the kind of moment that stays with you forever.
➡️ Ride by the Ocean
Deep Sea Fishing
Head offshore with a private crew and hunt for mahi-mahi, tuna, barracuda, and marlin. Land your catch, bring it to a local restaurant, and eat what you conquered. Ocean to table — doesn't get fresher.
➡️ Book Fishing Charter
Want it all? Check out our X2 & X3 Combo Tours — double (or triple) the adventure, one epic day.
🏛️ Culture & History — Where Old Meets Gold
Puerto Plata isn't just beaches and waterfalls — it's got soul.
Mount Isabel de Torres & Cable Car
Ride the iconic teleferico (cable car) 2,600 feet up to Cristo Redentor. The views? Unreal. The city, ocean, and mountains spread out like a living postcard. On clear days, you can see forever.
Fortaleza San Felipe
This 16th-century Spanish fortress once defended the coast from pirates. Now it's a peaceful museum where you can walk the ramparts and imagine cannon fire echoing across the bay.
Amber Museum
Puerto Plata is the amber capital of the world. See prehistoric insects trapped in golden resin millions of years ago — it's like Jurassic Park, but real.
City Streets & Local Life
Stroll the Victorian-era architecture, pop into family-run chocolate factories, sip fresh Dominican coffee. This is the Puerto Plata tourists rarely see — and it's the best part.
Want the full experience? Our Puerto Plata City Tour covers it all in one day.
🏖️ Beaches & Islands — Postcard Vibes
Puerto Plata's coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, each with its own personality.
Sosua Beach
Golden sand, calm water, beach bars serving cold Presidente beer. This is where locals and expats hang out — relaxed, unpretentious, perfect for snorkeling.
Cabarete Beach
Windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean. Even if you don't surf, the energy here is contagious — watch the pros, grab fresh fish tacos, and soak it in.
Costambar Beach
Quiet, residential, and uncrowded. Great for long walks and peaceful swims away from the buzz.
Isla Bonita — Private Paradise
Soft white sand, turquoise water, and a private island vibe. Catamaran cruise, snorkeling, beach lunch — it's the Dominican dream come true.
➡️ Discover Isla Bonita
🐒 For the Curious — Unique Experiences
Monkey Jungle
Meet curious squirrel monkeys in their natural habitat. They'll climb on your shoulders, steal your heart (and maybe your snack). Pure joy for kids and adults alike.
➡️ Meet the Monkeys
Ocean World Adventure Park
Swim with dolphins, watch sea lion shows, and explore marine life up close. It's family-friendly fun with an educational twist.
🍴 Food & Drink — Taste the Island
Don't leave without trying:
- La Bandera — the national dish (rice, beans, meat, plantains)
- Fresh seafood — grilled mahi-mahi, lobster, conch
- Mamajuana — the local herbal rum drink (sip carefully)
- Fresh tropical fruits — mango, passion fruit, guanabana
Pro tip: Ask locals where they eat. The best food is rarely in tourist zones.
🚗 Getting Around
Puerto Plata is easy to navigate:
- Taxis & Ubers — widely available
- Motoconchos — local motorcycle taxis (cheap, adventurous)
- Rental cars — if you want freedom to explore
- Tour pickups — most excursions include hotel pickup/drop-off
🌞 When to Visit
Puerto Plata is beautiful year-round, but:
- December–April: Dry season, perfect weather, higher prices
- May–November: Greener, fewer tourists, better deals
Need details? Check out our full guide: When to Visit the Dominican Republic
🎒 Quick Tips
✅ Bring sunscreen (Caribbean sun is strong)
✅ Learn basic Spanish phrases — locals appreciate the effort
✅ Carry small bills (USD or pesos)
✅ Book excursions early — popular tours fill up fast
✅ Stay hydrated — it's hot, but you'll love it
🌴 Ready to Explore Puerto Plata?
This is the Dominican Republic at its most authentic — wild nature, warm people, and adventures that don't feel manufactured.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, riding horses on the beach, or sipping rum at sunset — Puerto Plata delivers.
👉 Browse all our Puerto Plata excursions: excursionsdominicana.com
📩 Questions? Reach out — we live here, we know every hidden corner.