Why Puerto Plata is worth it
Puerto Plata is the adventure capital of the Dominican North Coast. In one compact area you can jump waterfalls, swim with dolphins, ride the only cable car in the Caribbean and snorkel a postcard sandbar. Below are the top 15 things to do, ranked, with the standout experiences first.
The top 15, ranked
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua: The number one adventure. Cliff jumps up to 8 meters, natural slides and canyon pools. See our complete Damajagua guide and the 7 vs 12 vs 27 route comparison.
- Ocean World Adventure Park: Dolphin and sea lion encounters, sharks and a snorkeling reef in Cofresi. Read the Ocean World visitor guide.
- Teleferico cable car: Ride up Mount Isabel de Torres for the Christ statue, botanical garden and panoramic views. Full details in the cable car guide.
- Cayo Arena snorkeling: The best snorkeling on the coast, a sandbar off Punta Rucia. See the Cayo Arena day trip guide.
- Sosua beach and bay: Sheltered snorkeling straight off the sand, 30 minutes east.
- Cabarete: The kitesurf capital with beach bars and nightlife.
- Playa Dorada: The golden resort beach with watersports and golf nearby.
- Buggy and ATV adventures: Off road tours through the countryside near Imbert, easy to add to a Damajagua day.
- Ziplining: Canopy lines and adventure parks, often combined with the waterfalls.
- Monkeyland: Meet squirrel monkeys in a forest reserve, popular with families.
- Puerto Plata old town and Fort San Felipe: Stroll the Victorian center and the harbor fortress.
- Monte Cristi National Park: El Morro mesa, mangroves and wild beaches to the far west.
- Amber Museum: See the Dominican amber that inspired Jurassic Park.
- Rum and chocolate tasting: Local distilleries and cacao farms in the hills.
- Catamaran and snorkeling cruises: Easy half day trips from the coast.
Best Puerto Plata itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua in the morning, old town in the afternoon |
| Day 2 | Ocean World, then the Teleferico cable car at sunset |
| Day 3 | Cayo Arena snorkeling trip or a beach day in Sosua and Cabarete |
Where to base yourself
Puerto Plata city and Playa Dorada keep you closest to everything. See our guide to where to stay near the waterfalls and the best all inclusive resorts. Heading to the south coast too? Our sister guide to Hoyo Azul in Punta Cana covers the other side of the island.
Plan your Puerto Plata adventures
Book the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and other top tours with hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua is the signature experience, with cliff jumps, natural slides and canyon swimming about 40 minutes from the city. It tops almost every Puerto Plata itinerary.
Two to three days covers the highlights. Day one for the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, day two for Ocean World and the cable car, and a third day for a Cayo Arena snorkeling trip or the beaches of Sosua and Cabarete.
Yes. Amber Cove and Taino Bay sit close to the main attractions. A morning Damajagua tour or the cable car both fit comfortably into a single port day with a pre-arranged transfer.
