Puerto Plata is a charming and popular place that lies on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, a destination known for nature and history. The golden beaches attract nature lovers while colonial architecture makes it a must-visit for history buffs.
All the attractions and the place itself are affordable, so without any hesitation, you can make Puerto Plata your dream destination and add these must-see experiences to your bucket list.
Read on to learn 21 things to do while you visit Puerto Plata, all of which are diverse and exciting:
1. Relax In Playa Dorada Beach
One of the major Puerto Plata attractions is Playa Dorada Beach. This renowned stretch of coastline makes the city's largest beach and has tonnes of activities you can engage in.
The whole area is protected, so you can swim and take part in watersports without any worries. Jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing are some popular activities to have on this beach for an enjoyable holiday.
So, while you are here in Puerto Plata don't miss out on this beautiful beach!
2. Private Beach Experience At Cofresí Beach
Playa Dorada Beach has got all the vibe for a lively, active beach day, but for people who want to have that private beach experience, Cofresí Beach may be the proper option for you.
The environment here is similar, calm turquoise waters with lush tropical surroundings and plenty of restaurants where you can join in. The pleasant setting and the greater extent of activities however can be overshadowed by the crowds over the weekend.
With all the available facilities, the beach experience is perfect if you are in Puerto Plata in summer looking for a beautiful and relaxing escape.
3. Ziplining In Monkey Jungle Dominican Republic
The Zip Line Adventure in Monkey Jungle is a popular exhilarating experience in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
The new heights of excitement offered by the adventure will surely make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you soar above the rainforest canopy.
The best thing is that you will also be captured, so you can relieve the moments. The Monkey Jungle itself is home to animals, mainly playful monkeys, and if you are new to nature don't worry as guides here will help you feel connected.
4. An Adventurous Day In Ocean World Adventure Park
Spending a day in the Ocean World Adventure Park is the best-rated activity while you are in Puerto Plata. The main highlight of this place is thrilling water activities including Swim with Dolphins, plus Shark and Stingray encounters.
This aquatic park is not limited only to aquatic animals, it also has other fascinating creatures to explore, birds and butterflies being the major ones on the list.
The marine shows here are magnificent, the acrobatic skills of dolphins, sea lions, and sharks are sure to hook your attention and make your day unforgettable.
5. Visit Macorix House of Rum
Macorix House of Rum is a popular tourist attraction to explore what the rum-making tradition is like in the Dominican Republic. The place allows you to know how the rum-making process works from scratch.
Not only that, you will also be allowed to taste the rum and in the tasting session, you'll get to experience their signature varieties.
So, for a day filled with fun and educational activities, a visit to Macorix House of Rum is a perfect way to get along with the rich heritage of Dominican rum.
6. Visit Fortaleza de San Felipe
Fortaleza de San Felipe is an old military fort, which was used to protect the place from invaders. Once you are in the fort, you will get a view of the ocean and Puerto Plata’s harbor.
Along with the stunning views, the architecture, which has been preserved giving utmost priority is also an attraction here. The cannons and walls are the best-protected ones.
The admission fee of the fort comes with pre-recorded audio, meaning you won't be an unknown guest here, the audio will help learn everything about the history of the fort and its significance.
7. Damajagua The 27 Waterfalls Excursion
Damajagua waterfall is inside a national park of the Dominican Republic. The place is made of 27 waterfalls and lies in the forest of the Damajagua River.
To reach here, you have to hike through the forest and once you reach the destination, you can swim and engage in fun activities like jumping through a series of seven cascading falls.
Except for swimming and jumping, some slides let you glide down smooth rock formations into refreshing pools of water. The excursion is well-guided and is a top adventure activity for an adrenaline-filled experience.
8. Teleferico Puerto Plata Cable Car
This cable car facility is available to reach the top of the mountain called Pico Isabel de Torres.
Here you'll get to see the panoramic views of the city surrounded by beautiful coastlines. The mountains on the horizon are the next beautiful thing to be hooked on.
The ride in the cable car is peaceful, during the entire time you will be surrounded by the greenery and once you reach a certain height, you will get a bird’s-eye view of Puerto Plata.
Not only that, as dusk arrives, the sunset view is also top-notch here, with the yellow/orange colors in the sky, and the colors all over the ocean and mountains.
9. Golfing In Los Mangos Golf Club
The Los Mangos Gulf Club serves golfers looking for family or independent play near Puerto Plata.
It is a short ten-minute drive from the city and takes players to this rare 9-hole golf course whose challenging features include steep sports surfaces.
Here golfers can play in this beautiful location of Costambar Village while soaking in its exclusivity. Also, most visitors love Puerto Plata because of its status as the Dominican Republic's premier tourist hotspot combined with its beautiful Caribbean lifestyle.
10. Buggy Tour at Dune Buggy Adventure
This local company provides an extraordinary service, Dune Buggy Adventure was established with the idea of providing an adventure of driving a buggy in the countryside.
This is an exceptional way to explore the island. Though the ride is full of bumps and bounces this is what makes the journey thrilling, to the next level.
On the way, you can explore all the hidden beaches and local villages and even get to know the culture native to this place. This experience is more for people visiting in groups than solo travelers, the team you are with makes the adventure more memorable.
11. Factory Tour at Del Oro Fine Dominican Chocolate
The Del Oro Fine Dominican Chocolate is a chocolate-making factory in the Dominican region. The tour service available here is surprisingly free, with a lot of free tasting samples.
As you walk in, you get to learn the entire chocolate-making process, from bean to bar. The tour begins with a cup of rich hot chocolate and warm brownies.
After the tour, if you want to take the flavors of Dominican cacao home, you can visit the shop nearby and purchase a variety of Del Oro's delicious chocolate products, perfect for souvenir gifts.
So, with the tour, the unique flavors of the Dominican cacao await!
12. Scuba Diving At Blue Tang Divers
To enjoy the Puerto Plata tour to the fullest, scuba diving is a must at Blue Tang Divers, a company that delivers professional service.
Involved in the scuba diving industry for a long time, you will explore the underwater world in the best way here. As the area around Puerto Plata has crystal-clear waters, you will easily be able to witness the marine life in the coral reefs.
Blue Tang Divers will provide you the opportunity to dive at some of the most beautiful and diverse dive sites allowing for a truly magical underwater adventure.
13. Snorkeling In Paradise Island
Snorkeling itself is an exciting experience, so why not try it in the blue waters of Puerto Plata? The snorkeling activity is available in an inhabited area called Paradise Island/ Cayo Arena where you are taken by the travel companies via boat or bus.
The tour to the island also includes some refreshments and chances to relax on the beach after your snorkeling adventure.
The island's calm and shallow waters won't overwhelm you, especially if you are a beginner in snorkeling. As you enter the water under professional guidance, the marine life here will amaze you.
14. Try Local Food In Tio Pan Restaurante
If you are looking for a place to taste the ultimate Dominican cuisine, Tio Pan Restaurant is the right spot for you. The traditional Dominican cuisine offered here is greatly reviewed by the visitors here.
Besides food, the place is also admired for its quick service and pleasant atmosphere. Though it is a family-owned restaurant, staff can easily understand English, so language won't be a problem. The must-try dishes at Tio Pan include:
- Mashed plantains called mofango
- Another classic plantain dish called mangu
- chicken and rice dish called Arroz con Pollo
15. Take A Motor Boat Ride in Gri-Gri Lagoon
Gri-Gri Lagoon is in the town of Río San Juan, a place perfect for scenic adventure. This freshwater lagoon is fringed by lush mangroves, you will also notice impressive limestone cliffs along the journey.
The ride takes you to the hidden corners of the lagoon. The highlight of the ride is the natural cave within the lagoon that you can enter and Playa de los Minos, a small, peaceful beach.
Taking a motor boat ride in the Gri-Gri lagoon can be a perfect opportunity to explore hidden places in Puerto Plata. Moreover, this way you can have a peaceful day out on the water, connecting with nature.
16. Mangrove Tour in Paradise Island
The other name for Paradise Island is Cayo Arena and this place is more than just beaches. The island is surrounded by mangroves, resulting in an attractive ecosystem perfect for exploration.
The way you explore the ecosystem is even more captivating, you have options like a bus or boat ride and the excursion lasts for about two to three hours. The experience is perfect as you can discover numerous unique floras and faunas on this isolated island.
Moreover, the tour companies also provide you with services like snorkeling where you can feed and swim along with colorful fish and other marine life, keeping excitement at its peak.
17. Visit Umbrella Street
Umbrella Street is a destination tourists flock to. The place features many multi-colored umbrellas hanging overhead creating a cheerful atmosphere and making a photo-op unforgettable.
The place is not just an artistic spot for snapping photos, but there are multiple options to spend your day relaxing, the popular ones being coffee shops, jewelry stores and restaurants.
Overall, it’s a great place with lively vibe to take a walk and relax.
18. Visit Town Full Of Colors-Paseo de Doña Blanca
Paseo de Doña Blanca is another vibrant place to visit in Puerto Plata that you must visit while you are here. Different from the Umbrella Street, Paseo de Doña Blanca has brightly painted buildings that give the area a festive atmosphere.
The architecture of the place is also unique with a pink hot spot to take some fun photos. The bright pink alley is set up with a ladder, light posts, plants, and benches, so every corner is an ideal place to fully enjoy the charm of the street.
This cute little street is often crowded, so it's best to visit early in the day or during quieter times to get the best snaps without the disturbance of the crowd.
19. Shopping At Playa Dorada Shopping Centre
If you want to pick up souvenirs, local products, and international brands, shopping here is the best choice. This place is a complete package of goods if you plan on bringing some memories back home.
As the location is near the popular Playa Dorada Beach, this shopping center is easily accessible to tourists.
The crafts, jewelry, and art of the place are perfect as souvenirs. Besides that, souvenirs like amber, cigars, and local coffee can also be an excellent choice to take home.
20. Experience The Sosua Catamaran Excursion
The catamaran excursion in Sosúa begins from Sosúa, a beautiful beach town near Puerto Plata. The catamaran then takes you on a journey along the coast, full of beautiful scenes.
The excursion package also comes with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the tropical scenery. During the tour, you'll be given time to enjoy the coastline and the islands present on the route.
The whole time here will be engaging, with nature. The authentic meals provided during the excursion also keep things exciting.
21. Have Fun At Taíno Bay Cruise Port
Taíno Bay Cruise Port is a fine tropical place to enjoy the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Plata. The port was opened just a few years back to provide easy access to the city and surrounding areas for cruise passengers.
So, whenever you are here, you'll be able to experience a variety of attractions, right from the port itself. Entry into the cruise port is free and there are numerous amenities you can enjoy here, the top ones being shopping, dining, and water activities.
Overall, with shops selling Dominican goods, restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, and water-based adventures this place will provide you with a luxury beach resort experience.
