Puerto Plata Travelers Recommend

Puerto Plata, the oldest city on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, sits sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. From its colonial-era fort to its oceanfront promenade, there’s plenty to do in this working port town. Here are some ideas if you have just 24 hours to spend in Puerto Plata.

Morning: City Sightseeing

While much of Puerto Plata’s appeal lies in its beaches and coastal scenery, even those with limited time should plan to spend at least half a day exploring the colonial city center. Get oriented during a sightseeing tour of some of the city’s most notable attractions, including Fort San Felipe (the oldest fort in the New World), the Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano), and the Brugal Rum Distillery. If time permits, take the cable car to the top of Mount Isabel for its sprawling botanical gardens and panoramic views of the Amber Coast from 2,560 feet (780 meters) above sea level. 

Afternoon: Sun, Sand, Sea

It would be a shame to leave Puerto Plata without spending some time in the warm Caribbean waters, and you have a range of ways to do so. Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for an afternoon of snorkeling or observing colorful marine life from the boat itself; go stand-up paddleboarding at Sosua Beach; or experience the water from two vantage points: from the back of a Jet Ski and while parasailing behind a speedboat. Certified divers can opt to spend the afternoon exploring coral reefs and sunken Spanish galleons off the northern coast. 

Night: Sunset Dinner

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding horseback on a beautiful beach, now’s your chance. Put on your bathing suit and saddle up for a sunset ride along a quiet beach, and take a dip in the Caribbean sea with your horse. Afterward, sit down for dinner on the beach, followed by roasted marshmallows around a campfire as the stars begin to come out. Night owls and groups of friends can opt for a party-hopping tour along the north coast instead, stopping for cocktails and dancing at the bars and clubs of Puerto Plata, Sousa, and Cabarete.

Not only is Puerto Plata a fascinating historical destination, it’s also an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty and heritage of the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. With three days, you’ll have time to see the city’s highlights and head farther afield to experience the wonders of this Caribbean nation. Here are some tips. 

Day 1: History and Heritage

Kick off your trip to Puerto Plata with an orientation of the north coast aboard an open-top safari truck. Get an introduction to the area’s history, culture, and ecosystems as you drive along the back roads, passing through rural villages and by hidden beaches, visiting an artisan craft market and local school along the way. In the afternoon, take some time to tour the historical highlights of Puerto Plata itself. Walk the historic walls of Fort San Felipe (the oldest fort in the New World); sample rum at the Brugal Rum Distillery; learn about the region’s semiprecious gemstone at the Amber Museum; and ride the cable car to the top of Isabel de Torres for panoramic views. End your day with a romantic horseback ride along one of Puerto Plata’s quiet beaches at sunset.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Puerto Plata is the kind of place where you can choose your own adventure, whatever thrill level appeals to you. Head into the tropical rain forests outside Puerto Plata to explore one of the Caribbean’s top natural attractions, the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. Other options include an ATV ride through the rugged country landscape, a zipline tour through the canopy, a horseback ride from a local ranch, or sailing, snorkeling, or scuba diving in Sosua Bay. No matter how you spend your day, keep the fun going into the night with a north coast barhop between Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete. 

Day 3: Dominican Day Trip

Get a broader view of the Dominican Republic with a day trip. One popular option is swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters off Cayo Arena, also known as Paradise Island. History and natural beauty blend within Los Haitises National Park, where you can explore petroglyph-covered caverns and spot manatees in dense mangrove swamps. If you’re visiting in winter, consider spending the day whale watching in Samana Bay, where humpback whales come to mate and give birth. These day trips can be quite long, so plan for a quiet dinner at your hotel or resort.

Two days in Puerto Plata lets you tour the city’s colonial monuments with time to spare for soaking up the natural beauty and outdoor-adventure opportunities that make the Dominican Republic so appealing. Here are some tips for how to make the most of 48 hours on the northern coast.

Day 1: City and Sea

**Morning:**Take these cool morning hours to explore the town of Puerto Plata and all its historic charms. During a sightseeing tour, you’ll have the chance to visit Fort San Felipe, sip spirits at the Brugal Rum Distillery, tour the Amber Museum, and ride the cable car to the top of Isabel de Torres Mountain for views across the Amber Coast. 

**Afternoon:**Cool off this afternoon with some time in the azure Caribbean waters. Spread out a towel on a local beach or opt for a more active afternoon of snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, Jet Skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing. Tours typically include all necessary equipment, so all you need to do is show up and have fun.

**Night:**After a day of activity, get ready to party like a VIP during a bar crawl to some of the hottest nightlife spots on the northern coast. Leave the driving to someone else as you drink and dance your way from one private table to the next in Puerto Plata, Sousa, and Cabarete.

Day 2: Inland Adventure

**Morning:**The Dominican Republic is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and today is all about exploring the great outdoors. Kick off your day with a short trek to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, where you can swim, jump, and slide in Mother Nature’s very own waterpark. Alternatively, explore the rugged countryside by dune buggy. 

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, take to the trees to experience the beauty of the Dominican Republic while soaring through the canopy by zipline. For a convenient and budget-friendly day, combine your favorite adventures—such as ziplining, ATV riding, and waterfall hiking—into a single tour.

**Night:**Tonight, treat yourself to an evening of dinner and live entertainment at Ocean World Puerto Plata. This Vegas-style dinner show features intricate costumes and upbeat Caribbean music, paired with an open bar and time to play some slots or dance at the Ocean World disco.

Tucked between the mountains and the ocean on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, Puerto Plata is considered the birthplace of tourism in the country. While there’s plenty to do in town, the multitude of beaches and biodiverse waters just off shore are highlights. Here are some options for encountering sea life during your stay.   Snorkeling The clear, warm waters of Sosua Bay are home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the region. No experience is needed to join a tour, and equipment—a snorkel, mask, and fins—is typically included. The bay is sheltered by an impressive reef, which keeps the waters calm and provides a habitat for a diverse array of fish. ** Scuba Diving** Those who want to go deeper and get closer to the sea life of Puerto Plata can do so, with or without a scuba certification. New and inexperienced divers will learn the basics in a simulator pool before heading to the ocean to see marine life with a certified instructor, while more experienced divers can opt for a 2-tank dive to see sunken ships and coral reefs off the northern coast.   Catamaran Cruising It’s hard to beat a day of sailing on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Though many catamaran cruises offer passengers opportunities to swim and snorkel, you can also spot marine life from the decks, including dolphins and flying fish.   Whale Watching The Bay of Samana, located within day trip distance of Puerto Plata, welcomes some 1,500 humpback whales to its warm waters each year. During peak season (January to March), it’s one of the best places on earth to spot whales. Whale watching tours to this region often include a horseback ride to El Limon waterfall as well.

The Dominican Republic province of Puerto Plata may be where Christopher Columbus made his famous landfall in the Americas, but today, the Atlantic-facing region is known for its azure waters, electric-hued coral reefs, and miles of sun-soaked sands. See below for a few of the premier beaches in Puerto Plata.

Sosua Beach

This picturesque, crescent-shaped stretch, about 20 minutes east of Puerto Plata by road, fills with both travelers and locals on weekends. Hang out on the white sands, cruise the turquoise waters by catamaran, or explore the underwater park on a snorkeling excursion. 

Grand Beach (Playa Grande)

This palm tree-fringed beach may look tranquil, but its waters are not for the faint of heart—Playa Grande some of the biggest swells in Puerto Plata. Those who prefer to hang out on the safety of the sand will find plenty of diversions and deals—beachfront vendors are known to sell fresh-caught lobster lunches for under $20.

Golden Beach (Playa Dorada)

Beach-goers who crave a bit of action need look no further than this resort-filled swath of sand, known for its pristine waters and lengthy list of aquatic sports from paddle boarding to snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.

Cofresi Beach

Located west of Puerto Plata, Cofresi is known for its calm, swimmable waters, pristine golden sands, and laid-back beachfront restaurants. Right next door, however, is the Ocean World Adventure Park (in case the kids get bored).

Cabarete Beach

Travelers looking to learn a new skill—be it windsurfing, kiteboarding, or laser sailing—should make a beeline for this sports-centric beach east of Puerto Plata. The seas are regularly dotted with billowing sails, as both travelers and locals catch air out on the water. The beach is also dotted with small hotels, restaurants, and bars perfect for those seeking shade—or that 3pm Presidente beer.

Paradise Key (Cayo Arena)

Paradise Key is not technically a beach but rather a tiny, uninhabited islet off the coast of Puerto Plata where the electric blue sea meets bright white sands. Travelers typically arrive by boat (embarking in Punta Rucia, about a two-hour drive from Puerto Plata) on a full-day excursion. Pull up to the coral-fringed island, dive its crystal-clear waters, and kick back with a local brew—the journey will prove worthwhile.