Puerto Plata

Things to do in Puerto Plata

NatureMount Isabel de TorresMount Isabel de Torres rises above the city, with a Christ statue, gardens, and walking paths that overlook the coast. The cable car's operating status has changed in recent years, so check current access before you plan around it. If you go, start early, since clouds often cover the summit by afternoon and lines grow later.Explore related tours

Adventure27 Waterfalls of DamajaguaThe Damajagua waterfalls are a chain of falls and pools in the hills where guides lead you to climb up, then jump and slide back down. Wear shoes that grip and can get wet, and choose the number of falls that matches your fitness and comfort.Explore related tours

CultureFortaleza San FelipeFortaleza San Felipe is a 16th century Spanish fort at the harbor mouth, with thick stone walls, cannons, and a small museum. It is quick to visit, and it sits at one end of the Malecon, so pair it with a waterfront walk.Explore related tours

CultureMalecon of Puerto PlataThe Malecon is a long seaside promenade along the city's waterfront, with ocean views, statues, and food stands. Late afternoon and evening bring local families and a lively, breezy atmosphere, and it is a good place to watch the sunset.Explore related tours

CultureVictorian old town and Parque CentralThe historic center around Parque Central has Victorian-era wooden houses, a gazebo, and the San Felipe cathedral. A morning walking tour shows the buildings at their best, and the nearby umbrella-covered street is a popular photo spot.Explore related tours

CultureAmber MuseumThe Amber Museum in the old town displays Dominican amber, including pieces with insects and plants trapped inside, in a historic mansion. It is small and takes under an hour, and the knowledge helps if you plan to shop for amber jewelry.Explore related tours

BeachSosua BaySosua Bay is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped beach east of Puerto Plata with calm water and reefs close to shore for snorkeling. The beach is busy and lined with vendors, so go in the morning for calmer water and a quieter setting.Explore related tours

AdventureKitesurfing in CabareteCabarete is one of the best-known kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in the Caribbean, with steady trade winds and a wide bay. Lessons are easy to arrange, mornings are usually calmer for beginners, and afternoons bring stronger wind for experienced riders.Explore related tours

AdventurePlaya Encuentro surfingPlaya Encuentro, just west of Cabarete, is the main surf beach on the north coast with breaks for beginners and advanced surfers. Go early for the best waves and lighter winds, and take a lesson if you are new, since there are reefs under the surf.Explore related tours

NatureEl Choco National ParkEl Choco National Park, behind Cabarete, protects forest, lagoons, and limestone caves with freshwater pools. Guided walks take you through the caves, so bring a swimsuit and sturdy shoes and expect slippery steps.Explore related tours

BeachPlaya DoradaPlaya Dorada is a long golden beach lined with established resorts just east of the city, with a golf course behind it. The Atlantic can have waves and currents here, so swim where flags show it is safe.Explore related tours

FoodRum and cigar tastingsRum and cigars are part of the local culture, and tastings and small factory visits are common outings around the city. Ask your hotel about options, and remember that many countries have limits on how much you can bring home.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Puerto Plata

Playa DoradaEstablished resorts, golf, convenientPlaya Dorada is a gated resort complex just east of the city, with all-inclusive properties along a long beach and a golf course behind. It is a few minutes from the old town and the cable car. It suits families and couples who want an easy all-inclusive stay with day trips nearby.All-inclusive staysGolfersFamilies

Costa Dorada and CofresiResort coves west of the cityWest of the city, Costa Dorada and the Cofresi area have resorts set on smaller beaches and coves, some with pools and water activities. It feels more self-contained than the city. It suits families and travelers who plan to stay mostly at their resort, with occasional trips into town.FamiliesResort-based tripsCalmer coves

SosuaLively beach town, diving, nightlifeSosua is a beach town about 20 to 30 minutes east of the airport, built around a sheltered bay with good snorkeling and diving. It has many restaurants, small hotels, and a busy nightlife. It suits travelers who want to walk to food and beaches outside a resort.Snorkeling and divingIndependent travelersNightlife

CabareteActive, young, beachfront cafesCabarete is a beach town east of Sosua known for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and nearby surf at Playa Encuentro. The beachfront is lined with cafes, schools, and small hotels, and evenings are social. It suits active travelers, couples, and anyone who wants lessons and a laid-back town feel.Water sportsActive couplesLong stays

Puerto Plata cityHistoric, local, budget-friendlyStaying in the city puts you near the Malecon, the fort, the Victorian old town, and local restaurants. Options are smaller and simpler than the resort areas. It suits travelers who want local culture and easy access to the cable car, though the beaches are better elsewhere.CultureBudget tripsShort stays

When to go

Getting there and around

Eat and drink

Day trips from Puerto Plata

Cayo ArenaCayo Arena is a tiny sand cay off Punta Rucia, west of Puerto Plata, surrounded by shallow reefs good for snorkeling. Trips usually include a boat ride through mangroves and take a full day with a long drive each way.Explore related tours

Laguna Gri Gri in Rio San JuanLaguna Gri Gri is a mangrove lagoon in the town of Rio San Juan, east of Cabarete, where boats wind through the mangroves to small beaches and caves. Combine it with a stop at nearby Playa Grande for a full day along the coast.Explore related tours

Santiago de los CaballerosSantiago, the country's second city, sits about an hour or more inland, with the large Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, cigar culture, and busy local life. Go with a guide or driver, since city traffic is heavy.Explore related tours

Samana PeninsulaThe Samana Peninsula, east along the coast, is where humpback whales gather in Samana Bay roughly from January to March. It is a long day with several hours of driving each way, so many travelers prefer to stay a night or two.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

Good to know

• The currency is the Dominican peso; US dollars are accepted at resorts and many tour desks, but carry pesos for taxis, guaguas, and small shops.
• A 10 percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills by law, and it is customary to leave a little extra for good service.
• Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth if your hotel advises it.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, since the Caribbean sun is strong even when the Atlantic breeze makes it feel cooler.
• Watch for strong currents on Atlantic beaches like Playa Dorada and Encuentro, and swim where flags or lifeguards show it is safe.
• Keep valuables out of sight, use resort-recommended taxis at night, and book excursions through reputable licensed operators.

Questions people ask