LOCAL TOURS
FROM PUERTO PLATA

Before you vacations in the Dominican Republic and you are wondering what to see in Puerto Plata and surrounding areas? You have come to a great place! In this article we will try to tell you tell about the area, in which we operate.

THE ATTRACTIONS OF PUERTO PLATA ARE NUMEROUS AND VARIED, SO WE WILL DIVIDE THEM INTO 3 CATEGORIES:

SEE

PARADISE BEACHES AND NATURE

SEE

FOLKLORE AND SIGHTSEEING

SEE

ACTIVITIES AND PETS

PARADISE BEACHES AND NATURE

Beautiful beaches are one of the Dominican Republic's greatest assets. What's more, the coast is varied and various regions of the country offer different landscapes.

In the very Puerto Plata distinguish:

– beach in the center of the city - adjacent to the seaside boulevard Malecon,

– beaches in the bays west of the city by the hotels Lifestyle and Senator / Playa Bachata

- finally a vast beach Playa Dorada, starting in the eastern part of the city and continuing toward the airport.

If you want to go out of town and learn about other types of coast, we have a lot of opportunities:

Paradise Island: a patch of white sand surrounded by coral reef, at which you can snorkel

Northern Beaches Trail: a kaleidoscope of northern landscapes -. 5 beaches, cenotes Dudu, the mouth of the river, mangroves

Sosua and Cabarete: 2 famous resorts Near Puerto Plata, each with a completely different character

Wild Beaches of Samana: exotic, but little-known charming beaches on the tip of the Samana Peninsula

Samana Haitises: virgin rainforest On the Gulf of Samana, mogotes - limestone monadnocks, spectacular caves, Taino Indian paintings and finally phenomenal Bacardia Island

Saona Island: legendary beautiful white beaches overgrown coconut palms

PARADISE ISLAND

Paradise Island, otherwise Paradise Island, whether Cayo Arena, is one of Puerto Plata's biggest attractions. And probably quite rightly so, because the combination of white sand and azure water authentically delights. Despite the considerable number of visitors, the islet has remained virgin, almost devoid of infrastructure, except for a few wooden shacks Giving shelter from the sun.

This is a treat for lovers of snorkeling, the prettiest publicly accessible coral reef, with a satisfactory amount of snorkel among the colorful fish.

The island is reached by boat fast motorboat or motor catamaran. Both versions have their perks: on the boat, the wind in your hair, the ocean's depths at your fingertips and the fabulous tour through a maze of narrow corridors among mangroves. On the catamaran relax, music and drinks from the open bar

Further exploration of the Paradise Island area includes local beach bars, serving Fresh fish and seafood, made over a fire on traditional hearths and oyster tasting harvested from the roots of mangroves. Finally, a visit to the Manatee Sanctuary, a haven for those critically endangered to extinction marine mammals In a bay surrounded by mangrove forests.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Paradise Island with Manatees

– Paradise Island All Inclusive

– Paradise Island on the Trail of Columbus

– Paradise Island by Catamaran

– Snorkeling on Paradise Island (shorter version for cruise ship passengers)

NORTHERN BEACHES ROUTE

If you have the desire to explore in one trip some cool places, and by the way sunbathe and swim, then an excellent option would be the Northern Beaches Trail -. combination of recreation and touring.

A cross-section of northern coastal landscapes: 5 different beaches, cenotes, in which you can snorkeling among the stalactites?, river With calm water, ideal for swimming, mangroves... In each place it is worth stopping for a bit, explore, give a dive, sunbathe, drink cuba libre The whole will be completed by tasty dinner on the Playa Grande Overlooking the ocean, in the form of chicken, fish, seafood.

When you pity your "day at the beach" tour, choose such a program where the beach will constantly accompany you! In addition, it universal option: for couples, families with children, the elderly, groups of friends... Because how can you have a bad time in beautiful places, with a drink in your hand...?

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Northern Beaches Trail

WILD BEACHES OF SAMANA

If your wish is to see exotic, unspoiled beaches surrounded by tropical forest, move to the frontiers Samana Peninsula! From these charming corners, you are separated from Puerto Plata by approx. 5 hours away, therefore you may also consider trip for 2 days.

The best option to get to the sometimes hard-to-reach beaches is to boata. During intimate cruise you will visit 4 beaches: the unearthly beauty of Fronton (Palm trees leaning over bright sand, at the foot of a high cliff), Madama (at the end of the world), Playita (fresh coconut and pinacolada in pineapple) and finally the famous Rincon beach, considered one of the most attractive in the Dominican Republic.

Fresh fish It tastes delicious on the beach! On the way back you can do a horseback ride up to impressive Limon Waterfall, or visit a well-known Las Terrenas resort And take a look at its prettiest beaches.

The Samana Peninsula and its remarkable beaches are currently the best alternative For the increasingly commercial Bacardi Island or Saona Island.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Wild Beaches of Samana

– Samana Peninsula Unknown 2 days

SAMANA I HAITISES

Another option for exploring Samana is Haitises National Park cruise, facing the bay. It is located about 4 hours From Puerto Plata, the wettest part of the country, covered virgin tropical forest.

You will see there, among other things. rocky outcrops - mogotes, standing straight out of the water and the limestone caves, covered with interesting karst formations and paintings of the Taino Indians. It's a very different Dominican Republic than the Puerto Plata area!

After the cruise, it's also worth calling in at Bacardi Island, have a meal dinner and cuba libre and spend time on postcard-perfectly beautiful beach, with palm trees among the bright sand.

Another highlight for tireless travelers is the walk to Los Cocos Waterfall Near the village of Samana. The path among Banana and cocoa groves and coconut palms, leads to spectacular cascade and lake At its base, where you can splash around.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Samana Haitises

– Samana Whale Watching

SAONA ISLAND

It is the turn of the absolute Dominican Republic's "must see": Saona Island, That is, the queen of paradise beaches. Azure water, white sand and coconut palms bowing before the Caribbean sun, is a picture that everyone would like to see in person.

From the Puerto Plata area transfer to Bayahibe, the harbor from which you sail to the famous island, is underway almost 6 hours. In our opinion, the best option is 2-day trip with overnight stay In Santo Domingo or on Saona Island itself (!), which allows you to Stagger the long route over time. Depending on the variant, you can exactly visit the capital and spend an atmospheric evening at old town, or longer enjoy the charms of the island, watch the romantic sunset on the Caribbean Sea and experience the wonderful night tiny fishing village Mano Juan, under a starry sky

Sam cruise to Saona Island, as well as to Paradise Island, can be organized on the two ways: by motorboat, or by catamaran. The motorboat allows for faster movement, and thus has a greater range, you can reach further located beaches and fishing village. You often travel then in small group and intimate atmosphere. It is such an Island of Saona away from the crowds! In our opinion it is best form of exploration Saony, with visits to several different beaches, swimming in the natural swimming pool Among the starfish, watching mangroves and sightseeing fishing village.

Alternatively, you can also choose catamaran cruise, in a peaceful rhythm, accompanied by the sounds of Latin music and visit main beach Saona Islands. Time on the island passes quickly and pleasantly, during the baths, walks and photo shoots Under the palm trees.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Saona Island Authentic Experience

– Saona Island by Party Catamaran

– PERFECT COMBO: Santo Domingo with overnight stay + Saona Island (2 days)

– PALM TREES UNDER THE STARS: Saona Island with overnight stay + Santo Domingo (2 days)

As you can see, opportunities to admire beautiful beaches and natural landscapes There are many in the Dominican Republic, you just have to decide what will suit your tastes best.

SIGHTSEEING AND FOLKLORE

If you would like to know culture and folklore of the Dominican Republic, it is a good idea to explore the most attractive cities and interesting rural areas, developed under plantations and breeding.

In front of you are our suggestions in terms of sightseeing and Dominican Republic exploration "from the inside."

– Puerto Plata: impressive views from cable car, tropical botanical garden, charming market and famous backstreets Umbrella Street and Pink Street, Rum factory, chocolate manufactory, 16th century fortress, Malecon seaside boulevard, stores and supermarkets

– Santo Domingo: colonial old town From the early 16th century. - pattern of architecture and urban planning For the entire New World, the cenotes - lakes in limestone caves with unusual rock formations, monumental Columbus monument, cable car over the residential districts of the capital

– Dominican Expedition: market in Santiago + cocoa, coffee and cigar trail: the authentic face of traditional plantations and colonial products, crops cocoa trees, coffee brewed in the Dominican way, peculiar marketplace fruit and vegetable market with stands quacks and voodoo, town center Santiago, age cigar factory, a scenic drive through Northern Mountains

PUERTO PLATA

An inconspicuous town Puerto Plata lies on a piece of Atlantic coasts discovered by Columbus as early as 1493, during his second expedition to the New World. It was then that it was decided to use natural bay as excellent port, which currently hosts, among others. world's largest ships passenger.

In years '70s a huge tourism potential of the "Silver Port" (Spanish: Puerto Plata) and began the construction of infrastructure hotel, restaurants and bars, and in time, the international airport (early '80s). From that period comes the famous cable car (Teleferico de Puerto Plata) leading to the Mount Isabella (Monte Isabel de Torres), statue of Christ on top of and exotic botanical garden.

When it comes to industry, the city is known for rum production (Brugal and Macorix factories), cocoa processing (chocolate manufactories) and beer factories Presidente and sodas (Coca Cola). Enthusiasts original jewelry find here silver and gold products with amber (mined in the mountains near Puerto Plata) and larimar (blue stone semi-precious from the south of the Dominican Republic).

A walk through old town can't miss the main attractions: square with St. Philip's Cathedral, St. Philip's, Umbrella Street, Pink Street, fort On a promontory above the harbor bay, lighthouse, Malecon seafront boulevard... At the end of the tour, the visit can be rounded off with a shopping At one of the supermarkets to stock up on affordable rum, coffee, cocoa or even branded cigars!

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Puerto Plata Full City Tour

– Puerto Plata Short City Tour

– Dominican Flavors + Puerto Plata City Tour

– Damajagua Falls + Puerto Plata City Tour

– Cities by Night: Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete

SANTO DOMINGO

For lovers of historic buildings Santo Domingo should be a must-see In the Dominican Republic.

Capital established was made by the Spaniards in 1502 estuaries Ozama rivers, which is the perfect location for the still operational port. It is unusual that the city was in the 16th century Europeans' gateway to the New World and starting point of the most important exploratory and colonization expeditions. It was from here that the Spanish conquistadors set off for the Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Florida and Panama... The oldest public buildings in Santo Domingo marked the role models on the American continent.

Therefore, when visiting the old town ("Zona Colonial") we look at the prototype Europe's first city All over the New World! In the Caribbean capital of the Dominican Republic, there are also other attractions, in addition to colonial architecture.

Just driving to the center along the Caribbean Sea is already spectacular: the azure of the water, the whiteness of the limestone cliffs and the row of palm trees at the nicely landscaped recent Malecon Boulevard.

We eastern part of the city You can find a lot of greenery, among which the biggest gem is the Los Tres Ojos National Park. Limestone rocks form there impressive caves And hidden in them lakes with turquoise water - the cenotes. Walking among exotic vegetation is a moment to relax in a noisy and chaotic metropolis. The most charming highlight of a visit to Los Tres Ojos is the barge crossing deep into the cave, where on the other bank awaits visitors postcard scenery one of the lakes.

In reference to the city's colonial history, not far from the cenotes stood in the 1992 giant monument In honor of the Great Geographic Discoveries and Christopher Columbus - Faro a Colón. In Spanish it means lighthouse, which is to express the metaphorical torch of education brought to the New World by Europeans. The mighty structure on the plan of a Latin cross like medieval cathedrals, it also alludes to a pre-Columbian legacy, as looking at it from the shorter side, it brings to mind the association with pyramids Mayan or Aztec. According to many Dominicans, the monument hides inside the The remains of Christopher Columbus, thus constituting one of the most important mausoleums in the country. Its opening ceremony - in 500th anniversary of the arrival of the New World - chaired Pope John Paul II and the Spanish royal couple.

For the past few years, a tour of Santo Domingo can be enhanced with the following a cable car ride over the city, built in 2018 to support the capital's system public transportation. A line almost 10 km links 4 stations located in neighborhoods of varying levels of prosperity, allowing express travel through Dominican realities of daily life. One can observe what is different about the houses, vehicles and, finally, the residents of different parts of the city. From a bird's-eye view, you can see, among other things, horses grazing on a garbage dump, a cockfighting kennel, or one of the best private schools in the country.

While it is hard to describe Santo Domingo as an ideal place to live, it is undoubtedly worth a visit, to discover another face of the Dominican Republic.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Santo Domingo - The Colonial Capital

– PERFECT COMBO: Santo Domingo with overnight stay + Saona Island (2 days)

– PALM TREES UNDER THE STARS: Saona Island with overnight stay + Santo Domingo (2 days)

DOMINICAN EXPEDITION: SANTIAGO MARKET + CACAO, COFFEE AND CIGAR TRAIL

For those who want to know Dominican everyday life and folklore Away from the noise of the cities, we recommend round trip province by province "Dominican expedition: plantations cocoa, manufactory chocolates, coffee Dominican-style brew, a visit to a modest country house, exploration market fruit and vegetable, typical dinner In the form of the "Dominican flag" (Spanish. "bandera dominicana"), a renowned cigar factory, passage through the mountains, finally "stoner" On one of the beaches on the way back. A day full of excitement, yet undemanding in terms of fitness, in a calm Caribbean rhythm and with an almost zero commercial.

Why go on such a Dominican trip? First of all, you can see how they grow cocoa trees, and see The stages of chocolate production, From raw cocoa beans to the finished product, melting in the mouth while tastings Secondly, you can observe how traditionally brewed coffee "colado", using the characteristic "colador" strainer. If you are curious about how it is decorated simple country house and why it doesn't have doors, glass or ceiling welcome inside!

A walk through largest market in the area, in addition to the plump avocados and sweet pineapples, will reveal to you secrets of herbalism, local devotionals and voodoo artifacts native of Haiti. A short tour of the historic center of the centuries-old Santiago de Los Caballeros will show you completely non-tourist face Dominican town. Equally non-cosmopolitan is the locally frequented restaurant, Where, on a plate, meat, rice with beans and salad will form a famous "Dominican flag." After this iconic lunch, it will be clear why so much importance is placed on the Dominican Republic's properly cook the rice and appropriate seasoning bean toppings.

There is a colossal difference between selling cigars at a makeshift table, where someone rolls tobacco leaves, and a real one. a cigar factory with more than 120 years of tradition, carefully selecting suitable grades of tobacco and subjecting the leaves to various stages specialized processing, in order to finally create from them works of cigar art In the hands of skilled workers. Therefore, we believe that for cigar fascinators, A visit to Santiago, famous for their production for over 2 centuries, is priceless. Especially since you can also smoke a cigar, and a local guide passionately tells how to properly perform this ritual.

To complete the Caribbean cigar picture, we'll pour a good rum From the factory in Puerto Plata to the picturesque landscape of the Northern Mountains through which our route passes, danced in the merengue rhythm Farewell cuba libre We will drink on one of the beaches to end our Dominican trip on this positive note.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Cocoa, market, cigars and coffee: a Dominican Expedition

– Dominican Flavors + Fish Restaurant

– Dominican Flavors + Puerto Plata City Tour

– Damajagua Falls + Dominican Flavours

ACTIVITIES AND PETS

The Puerto Plata area is a good place for Sports activities and meetings with animals.

If you feel like taking a break from the beach, but at the same time prefer to spend time more dynamically Than on sightseeing, get acquainted with our suggestions for entertainment around the city:

– canyoning i Damajagua Falls

– horseback riding in Puerto Plata for each on the beach or in the villages and hills

– Crazy 4-in-1 Package i.e. day full of impressions: Waterfalls + Zipline Rope Descents + Horseback Riding + Delicious Lunch.

- Trecking in the Roadless Mountains Through mountains, valleys and lovely hamlets (+ community support)

– rally in a layabout (buggy) through dirt roads and verges

– dolphinarium Ocean World in Puerto Plata

DAMAJAGUA WATERFALLS

Damajagua Falls is the nationally known attraction of the wandering along with the current lower mountain stream located in tropical forest.

Along the way wade In the river where it is shallow, floats Where deep, slidin Of the rock slides formed in the limestone riverbed, or even jumps Of the thresholds on which they form cascades (although it is not mandatory, this point can be bypassed if necessary ).

The biggest advantage of this place is uniqueness of the exotic landscape and quite little known activity in the form of canyoning, found much less frequently than, for example, rafting or kayaking.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Damajagua Falls

– Damajagua Falls + Zipline

– Crazy Package: Damajagua Falls + Horseback Riding

– Crazy Package: Damajagua Falls + Zipline + Horseback Riding

– Damajagua Falls + Puerto Plata City Tour

– Damajagua Falls + Dominican Flavours

HORSEBACK RIDING PUERTO PLATA

Who would like to try in the Dominican Republic horseback riding, whether it Novice or experienced rider, will find room for improvement here.

Rides organized in the field are available for any level, although most of them are organized more for people who have never ridden a horse. You get into a comfortable cowboy saddle, grabs the reins and assumes a comfortable position, and the steed does the rest The horses here know how to handle their riders very well, so there is no need to worry about inexperience.

It is worth noting that itinerary was attractive, and well-groomed horses - therefore we recommend ourselves with Our offer of horseback riding, in cooperation with a trusted stud. More advanced riders will have chance to gallop on each of the rides 🙂

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Horseback Riding Puerto Plata

– Crazy Package: Damajagua Falls + Horseback Riding

– Crazy Package: Damajagua Falls + Zipline + Horseback Riding

FRENZIED 4-IN-1 PACKAGE

If you need mega doses of positive energy and a bit of adrenaline, it is best to opt for 4-in-1 option: link Damajagua Falls, rope rappelling, i.e. zipline, horseback riding in the field and delicious Dominican lunch For added strength.

This unusual combination allows Seize the day on 100% and recharge your batteries full power of impressions.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

Who would like to try in the Dominican Republic horseback riding, whether it Novice or experienced rider, will find room for improvement here.

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Crazy Package: Damajagua Falls + Horseback Riding

– Crazy Package: Damajagua Falls + Zipline + Horseback Riding

WILDERNESS TREKKING

For passionate walkers and hikers an excellent choice will be trekking in the mountainous areas of Puerto Plata.

When a hiking trip of several hours you can see idyllic landscapes palm groves, pastures with grazing cows, farms full of animals: chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigs, donkeys, mules, horses.... Picturesque views of fields, forests and hamlets will be complemented by the river On which clean water byways are formed, ideal for bathing.

Friends of the village They will brew us coffee and prepare the homemade dinner, and a fair payment will be made to them a decent and reliable form of earning, which they are very much looking forward to.

This is my favorite excursion, created on the basis of a love of wandering in the wilderness around the city....

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Trekking Off the Beaten Path

"BUGGIES" PUERTO PLATA BOATS

For balance, a proposal for car enthusiasts: rally on a cart (or more precisely, somewhat more built-up buggies) through the villages and dirt roads around Puerto Plata.

Most vehicles are 2-seaters, then you can go in pairs and exchange (or not) behind the wheel. Alternatively, you can take car just for myself And lead at all times. Step on the gas and drive forward!

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Puerto Plata Buggy Tour

DOLPHINARIUM "OCEAN WORLD" PUERTO PLATA

Ocean World it's something on the verge of oceanarium and dolphinarium, with elements waterpark (several slides). Located close to town, is one of the most visited attractions.

You can simply buy basic ticket and as part of it watch animal shows (dolphins, sea lions, sharks and birds), dive Among colorful fish, or look at exotic birds.

Another, slightly more expensive option is buying additionally "interaction" with animals (dolphins/sea lions/sharks) and enter with them in the direct contact (It is interesting to note, for example swimming in a single pool with large yet harmless humans sharks).

The most costly activity at Ocean World is the iconic swimming with dolphins, which allows for an unusual close encounter With these friendly marine mammals. Extraordinary intelligence These animals will surprise us when in the water they "take us in hand" and arrange for us to spectacular ride

TOUR SUGGESTIONS:

– Ocean World Puerto Plata

I hope that this presentation of Puerto Plata and Dominican Republic attractions allowed you to get a better idea of the opportunities for vacationing in our part of the Caribbean and will serve as an inspiration to plan your vacation

We wish you wonderful moments, the power of impressions and beautiful memories that you will always remember.

ADDITIONAL TOUR INSPIRATION:

– Scuba Diving

– Three Beaches Nearby

LOCAL TOURS
FROM PUERTO PLATA