Puerto Plata Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Puerto Plata tours on the Dominican Republic’s sun-soaked north coast: leap and slide down the legendary 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, race a dune buggy or ATV through the lush countryside, sail a catamaran to snorkel turquoise reefs, ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, meet friendly monkeys at Monkeyland, and sample rum and chocolate on a city tour. Compare top-rated experiences and plan your perfect Caribbean adventure.
rating
Explore Puerto Plata by interest
Whatever brings you to Puerto Plata — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Puerto Plata
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
27 Waterfalls
Jump & slide.
Buggy Adventure
Off-road fun.
Catamaran
Sail & snorkel.
Cable Car
Mount Isabel.
City Tour
Umbrella Street.
Ziplines
Canopy thrills.
Beach Horseback
Scenic rides.
Sosúa Bay
Snorkel & beach.
Puerto Plata in 2 days
- 1Day 1: waterfalls & buggy
- 2Day 2: catamaran
- 3City & cable car
- 4Beach relax
Puerto Plata in 3 days
- 1Day 1: waterfalls & buggy
- 2Day 2: catamaran
- 3Day 3: Monkeyland & zipline
- 4City & beaches
40 min away27 Waterfalls
Jump & slide.
Countryside awayBuggy Adventure
Off-road fun.
Coast awayCatamaran
Sail & snorkel.
In city awayCable Car
Mount Isabel.
45 min awayMonkeyland
Friendly monkeys.
30 min awaySosúa
Snorkel bay.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Puerto Plata visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
December–April is the dry season, with sunny skies, lower humidity and the best conditions for tours and beaches.
Dry season (Dec–Apr)
Warm, sunny and dry — peak season and ideal for catamarans, waterfalls and all outdoor activities.
Shoulder (May–Jun)
Hot with occasional showers; still good for tours and quieter than peak season.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Hot and humid with some rain; great sea conditions and lively, though hurricane season begins.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
The wettest months and peak hurricane season; cheaper and quieter, but watch the forecast.
Best for the sea
For catamaran and snorkeling trips, the calm, clear waters of the dry season are ideal.
One day
The waterfalls and the city.
Two days
Add a catamaran cruise.
Three days
Add Monkeyland and ziplines.
Beach break
Add relaxed days on the coast.
Adventurers
Add buggies, ATVs and more falls.
With kids
Mix Monkeyland, cable car and beach.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours with hotel or cruise-port pickup are the easiest way to reach the waterfalls, beaches and countryside.
Taxis
Taxis are available for short trips, though agreeing a fare in advance is wise.
Cruise-port pickups
Many shore excursions collect you right at the Amber Cove and Taíno Bay cruise ports.
Guaguas
Local shared minibuses (guaguas) are cheap for getting between coastal towns like Sosúa and Cabarete.
Resort transfers
Most tours include transfers from the main resort areas and Playa Dorada.
Getting there
Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport is around 20 minutes from the resorts.
Pesos & US dollars
The Dominican peso is the currency; US dollars are widely accepted, and cards work at resorts and larger operators.
Choose your waterfall level
Pick the 7-waterfall option for an easier trip or the full 27 for the ultimate adventure.
Sun and water shoes
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for the waterfalls and beaches.
Cruise timing
If on a cruise, choose excursions clearly timed to return before your ship departs.
Book in the dry season
Catamaran and waterfall tours are best and busiest from December to April — reserve ahead.
Try rum & chocolate
Don’t miss tastings of Dominican rum and cacao on a city or countryside tour.
27 Waterfalls tours
The famous adventure fills up — book ahead.
Catamaran cruises
Popular snorkeling cruises sell out — reserve early.
Buggy & ATV tours
Off-road adventures are in demand — book ahead.
Monkeyland
Family-favourite monkey tours fill up — reserve early.
Cruise excursions
Amber Cove and Taíno Bay shore tours sell out on busy ship days — book ahead.
Peak season
December–April is busiest — plan early.
27 Waterfalls tour
Around €50–90 with transport, guides and gear.
Buggy or ATV tour
About €45–80 for a guided off-road adventure.
Catamaran cruise
Roughly €55–100 for a snorkeling and beach cruise.
City & cable car
Around €30–60 for a city tour with the cable car.
Monkeyland combo
About €50–90 combined with waterfalls or a buggy.
How to save
Choose combo tours that bundle waterfalls, Monkeyland and a buggy in one day.
Puerto Plata through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Sunny, dry, calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak; book ahead.
- Best for
- Warm, clear water.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great all-round.
- Best for
- Lively, warm sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid; some rain.
- Best for
- Quiet, low prices.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wettest; hurricanes.