10 Best Puerto Plata Excursions & Tours to Book Today
Discover the best Puerto Plata excursions and tours, from waterfalls and Monkeyland safaris to catamaran cruises. Book your adventure today and explore the Dominican Republic’s north coast!
NATURE & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
9/18/20259 min read
The best Puerto Plata excursions and tours include jungle adventures, waterfall hikes, island snorkeling trips, cultural experiences, and nature tours that highlight the Dominican Republic’s north coast. In this guide, you’ll find 10 top-rated activities in Puerto Plata that are popular, well-reviewed, and easy to book online. Whether you’re staying at a resort or docking at Amber Cove or Taino Bay cruise ports, booking in advance is the easiest way to secure your spot and make the most of your trip.
✅ 1. Puerto Plata City Tour with Rum & Chocolate Factories
Ideal for first-time visitors or cruise passengers, this guided city tour takes you through Puerto Plata’s most iconic spots in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll taste Dominican rum at the Macorix Rum Factory, sample handmade chocolate at a local shop, and stroll the colorful Umbrella Street and the charming Paseo de Doña Blanca. Other highlights include Independence Park, the San Felipe Cathedral, and the historic San Felipe Fortress, which overlooks the Atlantic.
The tour also features a cigar workshop, the Amber Museum, and time to shop for local crafts at El Mercado de Joaquín. With bottled water, snacks, WiFi, and pickup at Amber Cove, Taino Bay, or your hotel included, it’s an easy way to enjoy the best of Puerto Plata in one day.
Book this Puerto Plata City Tour on Viator and discover the rum, chocolate, history, and culture that make this city so unique.
✅ 2. Damajagua Waterfalls Adventure with Dominican Lunch
One of the most exciting things to do in Puerto Plata is visiting the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, also known as Los 27 Charcos. This half-day adventure takes you into the jungle, where you’ll hike scenic trails, climb to the top, and then jump, slide, and swim your way through a series of refreshing natural pools. Helmets and life jackets are provided, and friendly guides make sure the experience is safe and fun.
After the adventure, you’ll enjoy a Dominican buffet with rice and beans, fried plantains, pasta, grilled pork, fried chicken, and fresh salads. Pickup and drop-off from Amber Cove, Taino Bay, or your Puerto Plata hotel are included, making it a stress-free excursion for both cruise guests and resort visitors.
✅ 3. Monkeyland Puerto Plata Safari Tour
This family-friendly excursion takes you into the Dominican countryside on an open-air safari truck. The highlight is Monkeyland, where you’ll feed playful squirrel monkeys that hop right onto your shoulders and hands for fruit, creating unforgettable photo moments under the care of experienced staff.
The adventure continues with a stop at a local countryside home, where you’ll discover how families live in rural Puerto Plata and sample fresh Dominican coffee and hot chocolate. Along the way, the ride offers sweeping views of the island’s lush landscapes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Playa Dorada, and Imbert, making it simple to join from your hotel.
✅ 4. Triple Fun: Damajagua, Buggies, and Monkeyland
This full-day tour brings together three of Puerto Plata’s most exciting experiences in one adventure. Start at the Damajagua Waterfalls, where you’ll hike through the forest and then jump, slide, and swim in a series of refreshing pools. Afterward, climb into a two-person buggy and follow countryside trails, splashing through rivers and muddy paths for a ride that’s as fun as it is unforgettable.
The day finishes at Monkeyland, where playful squirrel monkeys wait to be fed fresh fruit. Guided by staff, you’ll enjoy close encounters and take amazing photos as they climb onto your shoulders. With entrance fees, bottled water, and round-trip transport included, this excursion is an easy way to enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, and adventure all in one day.
✅ 5. Catamaran Day Trip with Snorkeling and Sailing
Sail along the Atlantic coast on a spacious catamaran from Sosua to Ocean World Marina. During the trip, you’ll stop at two snorkeling spots where you can swim in clear water and see colorful tropical fish around the reefs. Back on board, the crew keeps the atmosphere relaxed with music, sunshine, and plenty of space to stretch out or sip a drink.
A buffet lunch and unlimited drinks from the open bar are included, giving you time to recharge between snorkel stops. With hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete, this excursion is an easy way to enjoy a fun day of sailing and snorkeling.
Book this Catamaran Snorkeling and Sailing Excursion on Viator.
✅ 6. Private Dominican Culture and Community Tour
This private tour is a great way to experience the Dominican Republic beyond the resorts. Your day begins in the countryside at a traditional rural home, where you’ll meet welcoming locals and see how world-class coffee is grown and prepared. You’ll taste fresh Dominican coffee and join a hands-on cooking class to make mofongo, a delicious dish made from mashed plantains, garlic, and spices. The aromas, flavors, and stories shared here give you a real sense of Dominican life.
After the cultural experience, the tour continues to a seaside nature park in Puerto Plata. Here, you can relax on a private beach with clear waters, try non-motorized watersports, or simply enjoy the ocean views from quiet scenic spots. With round-trip hotel transport included, and part of your booking cost invested directly back into local communities, this tour combines culture, food, nature, and meaningful travel in one unforgettable day.
✅ 7. Half-Day Buggy Adventure from Amber Cove and Taino Bay
This buggy tour is a great way to add excitement to your time in Puerto Plata. The adventure begins in the village of Maimón, just minutes from Amber Cove and Taino Bay. After a short safety briefing, you’ll jump into your buggy and ride through the countryside on dusty trails, splashing through mud and water as you go.
Along the way, you’ll pass through local villages and stop at a small cigar shack where you can learn about cigar rolling while tasting organic coffee and hot chocolate. The tour also includes a break at a local beach, where you can swim before heading back on the trails. Come prepared to get wet and muddy; this ride is packed with action, laughter, and unforgettable views of the Dominican countryside.
✅ 8. Horseback Riding in Puerto Plata Countryside
See Puerto Plata’s countryside in a different way on this guided horseback riding tour. After pickup from your hotel or cruise port, you’ll head to the ranch where trained staff match you with a horse that suits your experience. A quick safety briefing helps you feel comfortable before you set out on the trails.
The ride takes you through lush plantations, small villages, and open fields with views of Mount Isabel de Torres rising in the distance. You’ll pass sugarcane fields and tropical scenery while enjoying the gentle rhythm of the ride at a relaxed pace. With knowledgeable guides leading the way and round-trip transfers included, this three-hour excursion is an easy and memorable way to explore the natural side of Puerto Plata while still leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.
Book this Horseback Riding Excursion in Puerto Plata on Viator.
✅ 9. VIP DayPass: ATV, Zipline, Horseback Riding, and Pool
The VIP DayPass is one of the best ways to pack adventure, culture, and relaxation into a single day in Puerto Plata. Start with a rush of adrenaline on a series of certified ziplines, gliding over the treetops with sweeping views of the countryside. Then climb onto your ATV and ride along riverbeds and trails through local villages, kicking up mud and water along the way.
After the action, switch gears with a relaxed horseback ride where you can take in the tropical scenery at a slower pace. Back at the adventure park, wander through the gardens, meet rescued animals, and cool off with a swim in the pool. A freshly prepared Dominican lunch is included, along with bottled water refills and round-trip hotel pickup, making this an easy and unforgettable all-in-one experience.
✅ 10. Paradise Island Tour to Cayo Arena
Cayo Arena, also known as Paradise Island, is one of the most unique places you can visit from Puerto Plata. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head to Punta Rucia and board a speedboat that takes you across crystal-clear water to a tiny island of soft white sand surrounded by coral reefs. Once there, you can snorkel among colorful tropical fish, relax on the beach, and enjoy fresh fruit and drinks in the sun.
The tour also includes a ride through the mangroves, where you’ll see another side of the Dominican coast and may spot local wildlife. Back on the mainland, a traditional Dominican lunch is served before your return trip, with a stop at a local market along the way. With transport, snorkeling gear, and lunch included, this tour makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Cayo Arena.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions and Tips for Your Puerto Plata Excursions
Should I book tours before I arrive?
Yes. The most popular tours often sell out in advance, especially during high season or when multiple cruise ships are in port. Booking early on Viator secures your spot, locks in the price, and usually comes with free cancellation if your plans change. It is the easiest way to make sure you do not miss out on the excursions you want most.
What should I check or prepare the day before the tour?
Confirm your pickup time and location with the tour operator. Save your Viator booking details on your phone, especially the “Know Before You Go” notes that mention what to bring or wear. Many adventure tours suggest wearing old clothes or water shoes. Pack sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, a towel, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and some cash for tips or souvenirs so your day runs smoothly.
Why get the provider’s WhatsApp or contact number?
In Puerto Plata, many guides and drivers use WhatsApp to coordinate with guests. Having their number makes it simple to get quick updates, find your pickup point, or let them know if you are running late.
Do I need to bring cash or ID on excursions?
Yes. Bring a photo ID such as a driver’s license or a photocopy of your passport, along with small bills in USD or Dominican pesos. Cash is useful for tipping your guides or driver, buying snacks, drinks, or souvenirs at local stops, and paying for optional extras like lockers or water shoes.
Should I have travel insurance for excursions?
It is highly recommended. A reliable travel insurance policy covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, delays, and adventure activities such as ziplining, waterfall jumping, ATV riding, and snorkeling. Even with experienced guides, these are active outdoor experiences where accidents can happen. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your excursion knowing you are protected. Read more about travel insurance options here.
Does the weather matter for these tours?
Puerto Plata is warm and tropical year-round, but rain or sea conditions can sometimes affect excursions. For ocean trips like catamarans or Paradise Island, rough seas may lead to rescheduling. Inland adventures can get muddier in the rain but are still a lot of fun. Many tours run rain or shine, and some travelers even say it makes the experience better. If you can, plan water activities early in your trip so there is time to adjust if needed.
How do I know if a tour operator is reputable?
Check ratings and traveler reviews on Viator. Look for badges such as “Badge of Excellence” or high percentages of recommendations. Small-group tours often provide a more personal experience. Viator works with established operators, so you can book with confidence, but it is always smart to read recent reviews.
Should I book through my cruise line or hotel, or online myself?
Cruise lines and hotels are convenient but often more expensive with fewer choices. Booking online through Viator lets you compare tours, read reviews, and often save money. Just make sure the timing fits your ship schedule if you are arriving by cruise, as most local operators in Puerto Plata are familiar with Amber Cove and Taino Bay timetables.
Puerto Plata is just the beginning of what the Dominican Republic has to offer. For a deeper look at the north coast, explore our Puerto Plata Travel Guide, and if you’re dreaming of sand and sea, our Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic guide will help you choose the perfect spot.
To make your trip easier, book your transportation or find the perfect hotel on Booking.com or Hotels.com so you can relax and focus on enjoying every moment.
If it’s your first time visiting, don’t miss our What to Pack for the Dominican Republic guide and our First-Time Guide to All-Inclusive Resorts for extra tips that will make your vacation stress-free.
Start planning today and get ready for your dream Puerto Plata getaway.
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