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Big Sur landscape / Puerto Kennedy
Big Sur landscape / Puerto Kennedy - Photo by Yitzhak Rodriguez

Explore Puerto Plata: The Best Dominican Republic Destination for an Unfor

About Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic is a hidden gem for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. With beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and a rich history, Puerto Plata is a prime destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you want to explore the city's colonial past, go on a zip line adventure, or simply unwind on the beach, Puerto Plata has something for everyone.

If you're looking for a vacation spot that has something for everyone, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is a great option. This beautiful coastal city offers everything from picturesque beaches and exciting nightlife to rich history and culture.

One of the main draws of Puerto Plata is its stunning beaches. With crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy shores, it's the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the warm Caribbean weather. Visitors can spend their days swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach with a good book.

But there's more to Puerto Plata than just its beaches. The city is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions. The Fort of San Felipe, for example, is a 16th-century Spanish fort that offers incredible views of the ocean and the city. The Amber Museum is another popular spot, where visitors can learn about the history and significance of amber in the Dominican Republic.

In addition to its beaches and cultural attractions, Puerto Plata is also known for its vibrant nightlife. From beachside bars to nightclubs, there's no shortage of entertainment options in this city. Visitors can dance the night away to the sounds of local musicians and DJs, or simply enjoy a drink and take in the lively atmosphere.

Overall, Puerto Plata is a great vacation destination for anyone looking for sun, fun, and a taste of Dominican culture. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the city's history and culture, or party the night away, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city.

If you're planning a trip to Puerto Plata, be sure to book your accommodations early, as this popular destination tends to fill up quickly. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that so many people choose Puerto Plata as their go-to vacation spot in the Dominican Republic.

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Popular Stays in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

This hotel revels in its beautiful beachfront setting, lying in the popular resort of Playa Dorada. Guests will find themselves just 100 metres away from the shopping centre, where they can explore the range of shops, dining options and entertainment venues that it has to offer. Puerto Plata Airport is located just a 20 minutes' driving distance from the hotel. This attractive hotel beautifully embodies the essence of island style and charm. The guest rooms are sublimely designed, featuring refreshing tones and a relaxing ambience. Guests are invited to take advantage of the range of facilities that the hotel has to offer. Guests can dine in style in the hotel's 3 restaurants, where delectable world cuisines are served.
The BlueBay Villas Doradas is an adults-only resort fantastically secluded among greenery and palm trees just in front of the sea within walking distance from the beautiful golden beach of Playa Dorada. The city centre of Puerto Plata is around 5 km from the complex. The beach resort provides 24h unlimited services and offers a wide range of leisure and entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs, shopping sites, casinos and an unparalleled 18-hole golf course; as well as numerous dining options. Special services for golfers are available to at this hotel.
Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Plata, Marien Puerto Plata Hotel is an all-inclusive resort boasting stunning natural surroundings and pristine, golden sand beaches, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat, a romantic escape, or a family adventure. The resort is equipped with a spa and top-notch meeting facilities, perfect for hosting special events. At Marien Puerto Plata, guests are treated to an extensive selection of delectable food and beverage options without the need for wristbands, with access to five bars and seven dining options that require no reservations. The resort also offers an array of land and water activities suitable for all ages, local entertainment and a dedicated kids club complete with a pool. Furthermore, guests can unwind at the Bay Spa, tee off at a nearby golf course, partake in excursions to natural wonders or explore the historic city of Puerto Plata.
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Business hotelsHotels with charmBeach hotelsSustainable HotelHotels with spaSport hotelsFamily hotelsDesign

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada All Inclusive

This luxury resort located in Costa Dorada on the North coast of the Dominican Republic. Native tropical plants and fauna surround the beachfront colonial-style property. The resort is family friendly and has many activities for all ages. The property is only 10 minutes from Puerto Plata and 20 minutes from the airport. With four main restaurants, you will find both a la carte dining and buffet options whichever you desire. You can choose from classic Mexican cuisine to international dishes including sushi and Mediterranean. Snacks and cocktails are available all day at any of the bars and lounges situated throughout the property. Activities are numerous including Star Camp for the children designed with over 140 activities based on age ranges that will keep them entertained for hours. You can spend the day at the beach snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking or enjoy the sun while lounging by the pool with a cool drink in hand. The resorts professional spa offers many treatments from facials to massage all created to bring complete relaxation and balance of body, mind and spirit. Every member of the family will have the vacation of their dreams creating wonderful memories for all. The rooms are modern and stylish and offer many standard amenities. Rooms are air-conditioned and include daily minibar service and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many of the rooms feature a private balcony to enjoy your morning coffee or drinks under the stars in the evenings, with views of the gardens, pool or ocean.
Between soft green hills and the Caribbean Sea, the excellent Club Hotel Riu Bachata enjoys a great setting, surrounded by 50,000 m2 of garden and with fantastic views to the Atlantic Ocean. It features various dining options offering Caribbean delicacies, sports facilities, especially water sports, and a great spa and wellness centre. An 18-hole golf course can be found in the surrounding area.
Discover the Caribbean whilst staying at one of the best vacation resorts in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic. Enjoy a resort that boasts more than 45,000 m² of tropical gardens. PlayaBachata Resort invites you to come and enjoy an exceptional stay at a beach resort in Puerto Plata which offers a wide selection of services, such as: 6 restaurants (2 buffets, 2 offering specialties and 2 snack bars), a beautiful beach with stunning views and entertainment for all the family. This is a hotel for everyone; for both families and friends who wish to experience true comfort at one of the zone's largest hotel complexes. Choose from the 998 rooms and suites and discover the benefits of relaxing in a resort near to the best beaches in Puerto Plata.
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Business hotelsGolf hotelsBeach hotels

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa

The hotel complex lies directly on the long, white sandy beach on the Playa Dorada in the north of the island. The lively centre of Puerto Plata is 3.5 km from the hotel The capital's airport lies some 25 minutes away by car. Opened in 2005, this luxury hotel complex was built in a colonial style and lies in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. There are a total of 50 junior suites. The hotel features a lounge bar, a breakfast restaurant close to the beach as well as a stylish gourmet restaurant affording views of the mangrove swamps. Personal check-in service is available in pre-booked rooms. Decorated in a Caribbean style, the suites comes with an en suite bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, a direct dial telephone, an Internet connection, a radio, satellite/cable TV, a minibar, a radio and a hire safe as standard. Individually controllable air conditioning also features, as do tea and coffee making facilities as well as ironing facilities. Each of the rooms also comprises a balcony or a terrace and a king-size bed. In the beautifully set gardens is a swimming pool as well as a sun terrace with sun loungers and parasols laid out ready for use. Chilled drinks are served at the poolside snack bar and a wonderful view can be enjoyed from the 4 hot tubs on the hotel roof. The hotel's spa area comprises a sauna as well as various professional massage and spa treatments. Sports enthusiasts are able to work out in the gym, or play tennis and beach volleyball. Further leisure options include snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing. For an additional fee, deep sea angling and dive courses are available. The nearest golf course is 300 m from the hotel. Guests may select their breakfast from an ample buffet. Lunch and the evening meal can be taken à la carte whilst the latter may alternatively be chosen from a menu.
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Sport hotelsFamily hotels

Lifestyle Tropical Beach & Spa All Inclusive

Located on Confresi Beach on the north coast of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Plata, this hotel is less than 3 km from the town of Puerto Plata and the Amber Museum, and is just 30 minutes from the International Airport of Puerto Plata. In addition, Brugal Rum Factory and Ocean World are within easy reach. Stretching along the golden sands of Cofresi Beach, the jewel of the Amber Coast, lies this complex, the essence of a true tropical beachfront resort. The buildings are low-rise Mediterranean style, amid Caribbean style thatched roofs and cobblestone walkways, comfortably blending with the surrounding mountain ranges and sparkling hues of the ocean. There are 282 spacious guest rooms divided into 229 Tropical Rooms, most with ocean views, and 53 Junior Suites. Facilities include a 24-hour reception, a safe, a currency exchange, air conditioning, a bar, an auditorium, a restaurant and Internet access. Room and laundry services (fees apply) are available as well as a car parking and a kids club. The guest rooms include two queen-size beds or one king-size bed, individual air conditioning, a direct dial telephone, cable TV, a hire safe, a balcony or terrace, an en suite bathroom, a hairdryer, a mini-fridge and an ironing set. The full daytime activities programme includes jogging, games, a gym, occasional live music, Spanish lessons, beach and pool volleyball, 2 tennis courts, bicycles, horse riding (fees apply), non-motorized water-sports: snorkelling, introductory scuba diving lessons in the pool, windsurfing, boogie boards, kayaks, dance lessons, spa (for an added fee) and evening entertainment and live shows in the amphitheatre. Sun loungers and parasols surround the swimming pool, there are also water aerobics along with a hot tub. Massage treatments are also available for an added fee. The hotel offers international, Italian, Asian, Mexican, Dominican and buffet style restaurants with three bars.

Things to do in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The Best Damajagua Waterfalls Shore Excursion and Party from outside the main gates of the Amber Cove port in Puerto Plata awaits! Your REAL adventure starts with a narrated, countryside drive to the Damajagua Waterfalls "base camp", located at the edge of a tropical forest.  You will cross a river and streams before making an approximately 30-minute uphill hike. Your return to base camp will be via a series of jumps and slides through waterfalls and natural water slides carved by centuries of rushing water. Your highly skilled coach and guide, a member of our "Jump Crew",  will be with you from  start to finish - making all the jumps and slides with you! The party starts immediately following your adventure when your coach becomes party host! You will enjoy free-flowing rum punch and lively local music on the return. Your adventure and party is approximately 4-hours leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the Amber Cove Cruise Center.
Drive your own Dune Buggy through the sugar cane fields, up to the mountains and down to the beach. With all the instruction and equipment included, even beginners can learn how to drive a dune buggy. After being collected from the outside of Amber Cove Port, you will be taken to the tour starting point which is just 35 minutes away. Enjoy amazing scenery, muddy paths and a picturesque beach. Please remember to wear clothes that you don't care about, sunglasses/goggles and bandana for mud and dust.
Explore the history and culture of Puerto Plata with a guided excursion in the city’s downtown area Visit the island’s most famous rum factory, and watch how this beverage is made Marvel at the astonishing collection of Amber and Larimar national stone of Dominicana Republic Take in sweeping views of the ocean and step back in time at the San Felipe fortress See how chocolate is made at one of the island’s chocolate factories
Amber Cove & Taino Bay cruise ship passengers, eat, drink and be merry... very merry on our All Inclusive Puerto Plata City Tour, a 5 hour glimpse into Dominican life. From the time we pick you up in an air conditioned bus at Amber Cove until we return you to port, friendly and knowledgeable guides will keep you entertained with Dominican history, folklore, great food, lots of local rum drinks and more! Adults 18+ only.
Action, nature, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: • All equipment and training • Staff Assistance • Hotel pickup and drop-off • Puerto Plata main highlights tour
Enjoy meeting the city of Puerto Plata, with our qualified staff that speack french, english, german, russian, italian. This is by far the best way to absorb a lot of the local Dominican culture in a relatively short period of time, our well-experienced tour guides and the people in town will make this experience something to remember as you stop in the most interesting sites.
This tour allows me to show you the characteristics and flavors that represent our beautiful province. You choose each place to visit so you can enjoy each stop to the fullest and you can choose the start time. You will be entertained with Dominican history, national drinks, a delicious typical lunch at a local restaurant and then we will stop for a delicious dessert at the chocolate factory. We will visit the San Felipe fort built in 1577, a cigar factory to see how the gallery of precious stones of amber and larimar are made. We will take a walk along the beautiful and colorful Calle de las Parasols, you will get to know the famous Calle Rosada in honor of Doña Blanca and a visit to the fruit market to see and enjoy the daily life of the locals, the central park and the San Felipe Cathedral founded in 1502, the colorful Victorian houses built in 1857, and a last stop at the Malecon with a refreshing breeze and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Our company is dedicated and ready to provide our clients with a unique and profound tour experience. Professionalism is a top priority, Andy tours has over 15 years experience in the tour operating business. Our company extensive knowledge of the surrounding areas and attractions. Our goal is to ensure that every client have their own unique personal experiences as they explore the beautiful island of Dominican Republic.

Why People Love Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

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Brad_P
4
Sep 2023
Alex was a great tour guide. This was a fun and educational tour. Beautiful views and nice ride in an air conditioned vehicle. Would do again. Caution that the van is located outside the port gates. It is a long walk from the ship. I recommend taking a taxi from port to the meeting point.
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Elizaxxxx
5
Jun 2023
We booked this tour because of all the great reviews on TripAdvisor…and it did not disappoint! Winston was our guide and Luis our driver and both were excellent. Winston provided us was a lot of information and history of the Dominican. His passion and love of his country was very evident. We...
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Paul_L
4
Jul 2024
We were able to experience Puerto Plata, but there wasn’t much time to fully enjoy. Also, the cable car wasn’t running which would have been the highlight of the day. They drove us up the mountain instead.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Plata

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the Damajagua Waterfalls, hike to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, go zip-lining, or try horseback riding on the beach.

What are some of the best beaches in Puerto Plata?

The beaches in Puerto Plata are some of the best in the Caribbean. Playa Dorada, Sosa Beach, and Cabarete are all popular options for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

What are some cultural attractions to see in Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata is home to many historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Fort of San Felipe, visit the Amber Museum, or take a tour of the Brugal Rum Factory.

What is the best time of year to visit Puerto Plata?

The best time to visit Puerto Plata is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal.

What are some family-friendly activities to do in Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata has plenty of options for families. You can visit the Ocean World Adventure Park, go on a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, or take a tour of the 27 Charcos waterfalls.

What is the nightlife like in Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata offers a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. The Malecon area is a popular spot to enjoy live music, dancing, and drinks.

What are some all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata has many all-inclusive resorts, including the Grand Paradise Playa Dorada, the Riu Bachata, and the Iberostar Costa Dorada.

What is the local cuisine like in Puerto Plata?

The food in Puerto Plata is a blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. Some popular dishes include sancocho (a meat and vegetable stew), mangu (mashed plantains), and pastelitos (meat-filled pastries).

What is the best way to get around Puerto Plata?

The most convenient way to get around Puerto Plata is by taxi. You can also rent a car, but be aware that driving in the Dominican Republic can be challenging.

What are some popular day trips from Puerto Plata?

There are many day trips you can take from Puerto Plata. You can visit the nearby city of Santiago, go on a boat tour to the nearby islands, or take a trip to the historic town of Sosa.