Unlock up to $400 Sailor Loot, member-only pricing, and exclusive perks when you book with us!

Learn More
Sign In
Join for Free

Up to $400 Sailor Loot, member pricing & exclusive perks

Log in or sign up
Serious Sailors Virgin Voyages Top 10 First Mate Logo
Facebook Groups
Bar Tab Optimizer
Cabin Selector
Serious Sailors Virgin Voyages Top 10 First Mate Logo
Voyage Finder
Expert Guides
Cabin Selector
Back
Caribbean

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Discover the Amber Coast, a historic Dominican port that blends stunning natural scenery with vibrant local life. Start at the center, then follow the vibe.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

73-86F (23-30C)

Currency

DOP,USD

Language

Spanish

Time Zone

AST (UTC-4)

Overview

Puerto Plata is the real Dominican Republic, a historic and spirited city set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Your port, Taino Bay, drops you into a brand-new, beautifully designed village with shops, restaurants, and a pool. But just beyond, the city awaits. Ride the Teleferico cable car to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for stunning views and a lush botanical garden. Explore the 16th-century Fort San Felipe, the oldest fort in the New World, or wander the colorful, colonial-era streets of the historic center. And dont miss the 27 Charcos of Damajagua, a thrilling natural waterpark of waterfalls and canyons.

Top Sights

  • Historic Old Town
Wander through the beautifully restored historic center of Puerto Plata. Admire the colorful 19th-century Victorian architecture, take a. photo on the pink Umbrella Street, and soak in the local atmosphere.
  • Amber Museum
Discover the reason this is called the Amber Coast at this fascinating museum, housed in a beautiful Victorian. mansion. See incredible specimens of Dominican amber, many containing fossilized insects and plants.
  • 27 Charcos of Damajagua
This is the ultimate adventure, a natural water park of 27 cascading waterfalls and limestone pools. Hike up the canyon and. then jump, slide, and swim your way back down through the refreshing river water.
  • Fortaleza San Felipe
Explore this 16th-century Spanish fortress, the oldest fort in the New World, which guards the entrance to the bay. It's massive. stone walls and historic cannons offer a fascinating history lesson and beautiful ocean vistas.
  • Playa Dorada
This is the regions main tourist beach, a beautiful, long stretch of golden sand lined with resorts and restaurants. The water. is protected by a reef, making it calm and perfect for swimming or watersports.
  • Teleferico (Cable Car) & Mount Isabel de Torres
Ride the Caribbeans only cable car to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres, 2,600 feet above the city. At the. top, youll find a replica of Rios Christ the Redeemer statue, lush botanical gardens.

Neighborhoods

Costambar

Local eats and photo spots

Cofresi

Local eats and photo spots

Sosua

Local eats and photo spots

Cabarete

Sandy beaches and cafes

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Cultural Getaway in Puerto Plata

3.5 Hours

Easy

With a guide, take a cultural tour of some of Puerto Plata's most incredible communities for a look at a side of the city most people will never see.
View Details
From

$60 USD

Damajagua Waterfalls – Zip n’ Dip

5.5 Hours

Very Active

Explore Damajagua's waterfall route by hiking, zip-lining, and swimming in freshwater mountain pools.
View Details
From

$170 USD

Damajaguas Triple Adventure: Zip, Dip, ‘n Drive

7.5 Hours

Very Active

Elevate a normal day of exploration when you add buggy rides, zip-lining, cavern swimming, chasing waterfalls, and more.
View Details
From

$240 USD

Waterfalls of Damajagua

4.5 Hours

Very Active

If your friend jumps off a waterfall, should you? Yes (safely, of course)! Jump into the Waterfalls of Damajagua to find surprises around each corner.
View Details
From

$130 USD

Explore all Puerto Plata Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Cultural Getaway in Puerto Plata

3.5 Hours

Easy

With a guide, take a cultural tour of some of Puerto Plata's most incredible communities for a look at a side of the city most people will never see.
View Details
From

$60 USD

Damajagua Waterfalls – Zip n’ Dip

5.5 Hours

Very Active

Explore Damajagua's waterfall route by hiking, zip-lining, and swimming in freshwater mountain pools.
View Details
From

$170 USD

Damajaguas Triple Adventure: Zip, Dip, ‘n Drive

7.5 Hours

Very Active

Elevate a normal day of exploration when you add buggy rides, zip-lining, cavern swimming, chasing waterfalls, and more.
View Details
From

$240 USD

Waterfalls of Damajagua

4.5 Hours

Very Active

If your friend jumps off a waterfall, should you? Yes (safely, of course)! Jump into the Waterfalls of Damajagua to find surprises around each corner.
View Details
From

$130 USD

Explore all Puerto Plata Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

73-86F (23-30C)

Currency

DOP,USD

Language

Spanish

Time Zone

AST (UTC-4)

Ready to explore Puerto Plata?

Discover voyages that visit this amazing destination.
Explore voyages to Puerto Plata

Upcoming voyages that visit Puerto Plata

Ready to plan your voyage? Let's talk ship
Serious Sailors Logo
Serious Sailors® Travel Agency was created by Charles Conroy, Top 10 travel advisor for Virgin Voyages.

Serious Sailors® is a registered trademark of Serious Sailors LLC. The Serious Sailors logo, Epic Voyages™, Signature Sailings™, and associated brand elements are trademarks of Serious Sailors LLC. Virgin Voyages and related marks are the property of their respective owner; Serious Sailors LLC is an independent travel agency.
Virgin Voyages Top 10 First Mate Badge
© 2026 Serious Sailors LLC — All rights reserved.
ABOUT CONTACT TERMS OF SERVICE PRIVACY POLICY

Request Serious Sailors Rate

We'll confirm availability and reach out within 24 hours to complete your booking.
—
—
Virgin online rate
—/cabin
Serious Sailors rate
—/cabin
    How many sailors? *
    As it appears on your ID.
    Preferred contact method (choose any)

    Submit a Facebook Group Link

    Found or created a Facebook Group for your Virgin Voyages sailing? Submit it here! We'll review it and add it to the voyage page so fellow sailors can connect.
    Are you a travel agent or First Mate?*

    Book a Voyage with Serious Sailors

    Ready to set sail? Fill out the form below to book your next cruise and start your adventure with us today!
    Are you using a My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV) voucher?
    Is Serious Sailors assigned to your MNVV?
    Confirmation*