Things to do in Puerto Plata

Discover the largest manmade dolphin habitat in the world at Ocean World Puerto Plata, a must-see attraction for any visit to the Dominican Republic. With a full-day pass, you can snorkel in a tropical reef aquarium, learn more about marine mammals from expert handlers, get up-close to feed tropical birds and walk through a tropical rainforest, Bird Exhibit and Habitat of Iguanas. The pass also includes access to some of the animal shows. Have fun with the playful sea lions, watch the skill of the dolphins, and see all the drama of the shark show. Then, relax on Dolphin Beach and soak up some Caribbean rays.  With lunch and lounge chairs included as part of the package, this is your passport to a world of marine adventures.

The Dolphin Encounter offers close contact with a bottlenose dolphin, in waist deep water. During these interactive programs, you will be able to touch and feed these gentle mammals, playing with them in a safe environment. You will even dance with them! This interaction is both fun and educational for all ages, ideal for non swimmers and families with young kids. The Dolphin Encounter program also includes a Day Pass for the Ocean World Adventure Park, with all its attractions, and the round trip bus transfer from nearby hotels. Boasting the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world, Ocean World is a must-see attraction for everyone visiting the Dominican Republic. Day Pass visitors have the opportunity to snorkel in our Tropical Reef Aquarium, visit the Pirate's Pool, learn about marine mammals, feed exotic tropical birds, walk through a tropical rain forest, and watch the Dolphin Show, Shark Show, Sea Lions Show and Tropical Bird Show. Lunch is included.

After being collected from your hotel, make your way to the Damajagua Waterfalls. Nature has crafted some awe-inspiring pools, etched out of limestone with stalactites and stalagmites. You will be introduced to the local waterfall guides and provided with a life jacket, water shoes, and helmet. If you want to take photos on the tour please only bring waterproof cameras. A moderate 45-minute uphill hike through a beautiful jungle landscape gets you to the 12th waterfall. From there you head back downriver and you jump, slide, and swim your way through a series of spectacular waterfalls, canyons, and pools. The tour includes jumps of up to 25 feet (8 meters), however, there is another way down if you don't feel like jumping. After changing into your dry clothes the tour concludes with a lunch buffet.

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Puerto Plata, Sosua, or Cabarete, and then make your way by bus to the brilliant white sands of Punta Rucia, 67 kilometers east of Montechristi. Get amazing views of the countryside before you board a speedboat to cross to Cayo Arena.  Be welcomed by the turquoise waters and white sands of the paradise island. Go ashore to sink your toes in the sand and top up your tan. Marvel at the colorful marine life and coral gardens on an optional guided snorkeling tour, and enjoy a selection of fresh fruits and drinks.  Navigate the thick mangrove forest of Monte Cristi National Park by speedboat, and look for the abundant wildlife in the lagoons and channels. Get a feel for island life at a local market before taking the speedboat back to the mainland.

The highlight of any visit to Ocean World Adventure Park is the rare opportunity to swim and play with beautiful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The Dolphin Swim experience begins with a brief orientation. Guests learn about dolphin behavior and discover how Ocean World Adventure Park trainers use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with them. Then it's time to get into the water and start interacting with these amazing creatures. Guests will be able to interact with a dolphin in its own environment. The Dolphin Swim also includes a Day Pass at Ocean World Adventure Park and a round trip bus transfer from nearby hotels. Boasting the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world, Ocean World is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Dominican Republic. Day Pass visitors have the opportunity to snorkel in the Tropical Reef Aquarium, learn about marine mammals, feed exotic tropical birds, walk through a tropical rain forest, and observe dolphin shows, shark shows, sea lion shows and a tropical bird show.

Canyoning is an extraordinary activity which popularity around the world constantly grows. You can try it out in Dominican Republic, not so far from Puerto Plata! Discover the limestone canyon of Damajagua River hidden in the tropical forest. Swim in a mountain stream, slide down rock slides, jump from waterfalls! Immerse yourself in the lush Caribbean nature and enjoy a real adventure... You will be under the supervision of our tour guide and canyoning instructor. At the end of the tour, you will make a toast together to the successful end of the activity! This trip is an excellent option for everyone who likes outdoor activities, contact with nature and positive emotions :)

Take a 30-minute drive by open safari truck to the top-rated attraction in Puerto Plata of the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. Plunge into the awe-inspiring pools, etched out of the limestone, where stalactites and stalagmites can be seen in 1,000 colors. Hike for about 20-30 minutes uphill. Then, make your way back down by swimming, jumping and sliding through the 12 most beautiful cascades. Head back towards Puerto Plata on a 15-minute journey to Country World Ranch. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared with fire wood on arrival. Next, gear-up for your zip line adventure, and prepare to fly. With a bottle of fresh drinking water attached to your harness to keep you hydrated, feel the adrenaline rush of 8 ACCT certified zip lines. Get a safety briefing before you experience the 7,900 feet of galvanized steel cable. No previous experience is needed and, unlike other zip line parks, you will not be subject to any active braking, such as using gloves to stop. Be free to take photos or videos with your own camera as you ride the network of zip lines. The longest is a staggering 2,460 feet! Determine your own speed: the instructors will move at your pace. Try seasonal fruits fresh from the trees. A natural juice will also be prepared to boost you with natural energy in preparation for your next amazing adventure. Take a relaxing ride through the countryside on horseback and get some breathtaking views. The horses are well-trained and kept in the best condition. Suitable for children and beginners, the ride starts with full basic riding instructions. You will not gallop the horses, unless you request otherwise. Mount the right horse matched to your skill-set before you set off. Before heading back for your drop off, take a walk through the tropical garden.

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure at the waterfalls of Damajagua in the Dominican Republic, located at the confluence of emerald waters, deep in a tropical rainforest of the Cordillera Septentrional. 27 refreshing waterfalls have been chiseled by Mother Nature’s celestial mallet. Ideal for visitors who like to commune with nature, while experiencing an adrenaline-fuelled day, you will hop on the back of a safari-style truck, where a team of experienced guides and drivers await. Note that only 12 of the 27 waterfalls will be visited, since doing the 27 waterfalls would take greater physical preparation. After a short safety briefing, glide across the natural water springs, bathing in heavenly caves. Flanked by the whistling of exotic birdlife, and the banks of the Damajagua River, the rustling of the streams arouse a state of stillness. A labyrinth of tunnels and chutes are scattered around the waterfalls, some reaching heights of up to 13 feet. Somersault with the grace of aquatic birds, as your guide keep a watchful eye. Walk an interpretative rainforest trail to come face-to-face with Mother Earth, and wildlife waits to be greeted. Leap headfirst, swimming crossways, and sliding down natural waterslides. Explore unpredictable falls, with teasing names like “La Virgen” and “La Tinajita.” “La Virgen” holds Taino legends, where the aborigines built a statue of pebbles that paid homage to the Virgin of Altagracia, perhaps becoming the first worshippers of the Patron Saint of the Dominican people. After a typical buffet-style lunch, head towards the small town of Imbert and visit a local market where you can purchase artisan products and crafts bearing a distinct Dominican hallmark.

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Plata, Sosúa, or Cabarete, then heads out into the sprawling countryside to the municipality of Imbert. Take the winding road to the world-famous Damajagua Waterfalls where your epic adventure awaits. Nestled in the rolls hills of the Northern Corridor Mountain Range and behind the long stalks of sugar cane fields, lies a treasure unlike anywhere else in the world — a place where Mother Nature has crafted awe-inspiring pools etched from limestone for your enjoyment! Arrive at the entrance to the falls and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment for your adventure, then wander through the dense and luscious tropical jungle, marvelling at endemic plants and beautiful vegetation along the way. Cross the river to finally arrive at the waterfalls and take a moment to soak up this incredible feat of nature. Follow your guide as you visit the waterfalls one by one, and discover their unique characteristics and offerings as you slip, slide, and have some fun! When booking, you can choose between the option to slide down just 7 waterfalls.

Discover Cayo Arena, a paradise of coral reefs and tropical fish. Sail on the Ocean King catamaran on this private trip, spending time at Cayo Arena and Monte Cristi National Park. Indulge in a lobster lunch at Playa Punta Rucia and visit a cigar factory to learn the tricks of the trade. Get picked up from your accommodations and enjoy a scenic road trip through the picturesque countryside to Castillo de la Isabela. When you arrive, climb onboard the Ocean King catamaran, decked out with a solarium and water slide. Tour along the coast of Playa La Ensenada in your catamaran, enjoying Caribbean music and indulging in a few light refreshments. Drop anchor at Cayo Arena and spend around two hours swimming and snorkeling amongst the corals and tropical fish. Set sail to Monte Cristi National Park, feeling the wind in your hair. Look out for wildlife in the lush mangroves of the national park before stopping at Playa Punta Rucia. Land on the beach and savor the taste of freshly cooked lobster with a Caribbean lunch. Return to your hotel and visit an artisanal cigar factory, observing the process of cigar production and having the chance to buy some souvenirs.