Virgin Voyages' guide to Puerto Plata
PUERTO PLATA
Setting sail to the silver coast
With its silver fog covering the mountain tops and shining coastline by the sea, Puerto Plata earned its name as the Port of Silver. Its lush mountains and rushing waterfalls dare adventurers to explore more, while its sandy beaches and colorful cityscape lure in sightseers to slow down.
Soar up to the top of the Pico Isabel de Torres to get a bird's eye view of Puerto Plata or stroll by the Malecón at sea level. The technicolor Victorian facades, colonial homes and the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe will turn any regular Joe (or Joanna) into an architecture aficionado. On top of the sights, the Dominican Republic’s rum, cigars and cuisine keep you coming back for more (and a second serving). But, settling on a day lying on the beach is perfectly ok, too.
Air, water and rum
The three elements to a great adventure
Cable Car Mountain Ride and Lunch
Cable car ride up the gorgeous mountain and lunch
Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-Road Adventure
Journey through villages, rivers and waterfalls
Island Rum Tasting Tour
Rum-run (casually walk) visiting a top rum museum
Cable Car Mountain Ride
Soar 800 meters above sea level as you take a 10-minute ride in a cable car up to the top of the beautiful Loma Isabel de Torres Mountain. Once you get up there, you’ll get to take in breathtaking panoramic views of Puerto Plata. After exploring the ecological park on the mountain top, you’ll head back down to the city for a brief tour — followed by lunch at a local hot spot in the city.
Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-Road Adventure
Over the river and through the woods to reach the Waterfalls of Damajagua you go. Drive around in an off-road buggy, then hike to jump into the falls. After your adventure, enjoy an authentic Dominican cuisine lunch.
Island Rum Tasting Tour
(D)rum roll please…calling all rum lovers! Spicy, sweet, and toasted — it’s the famous Caribbean rum tour of your dreams. See how Dominican rum is made at the Brugal Rum Factory and learn its history at the Macorix Rum Museum all while sipping on a collection of different rums.
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Eat, Drink and Dance: A Dominican Fiesta
Puerto Plata
Take in the sites of the DR on your way to the Macorix Rum Factory to learn about the island’s famed spirit, and sample the finished product. Onward to Plaza Independencia (the gorgeous city square) for a quick tour before heading into the countryside. When you arrive in the Hacienda Dora community, you’ll be greeted with welcome drinks and then get to dance the merengue. The native Sanchocho dish will be served with domestic beverages so you can experience a day like a local — with the locals.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, stopping at Plaza Independencia
- Visit a local distillery — Macorix Rum Factory
- Indulge in the famous Dominican dish, Sanchocho
- Travel countryside to the traditional community of Hacienda Dora
- Enjoy an open bar of domestic beers, rum drinks, and refreshments
- Get on your feet and dance the meringue — and don't be shy if someone takes you by the hand to guide you
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Gratuities are included
- Sailors should advise of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance of the experience
- Lunch and adult beverages are included
- Beverages include domestic beers and rum
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheelchairs, as well as Sailors who can navigate a few steps on their own
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
All-Inclusive Day at Coconut Cove Beach
Puerto Plata
On an off-roading adventure through the countryside, you’ll arrive at the beach (Coconut Grove) for a relaxing day spent soaking your feet in the warm, blue water with a tropical drink in hand. If you’re ready to pump the adrenaline, take advantage of the kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling opportunities included. And for lunch, enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine and grab a drink any time from the domestic open bar.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- For lunch, authentic Dominican cuisine and drinks at the domestic open bar
- Relax on the beach or take advantage of the kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling opportunities
- Explore the rugged back roads of the Dominican countryside before arriving at your own personal beach oasis
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Local lunch and open bar included
- 30 minutes of water sports included (kayak, paddle board, and snorkeling)
- Sun loungers and umbrellas are included
- Lockers are included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Approximately 60-minutes of off-roading in a safari-style truck to reach Coconut Cove Beach
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors with back/neck, cardiac conditions, or respiratory conditions should not select this Shore Thing
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
The Boat Party at Sea
Puerto Plata
Travel the warm waters by modern powerboat while enjoying snacks, an open bar and listening to music that compliments the experience. You’ll have the opportunity to either swim and snorkel in the colorful underworld of the Caribbean, or just take in the scenery from the boat. The day ends with approximately 20 minutes to spent at a gorgeous beach in Sosúa Bay.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Travel on a modern powerboat through the Caribbean waters
- Swim and/or snorkel amidst the colorful underworld of the sea below
- Enjoy tapas-style snacks included cheeses, smoked meat, olives and skewers
- An open bar of beers, rums, mixed drinks, and soft drinks will be available
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Gratuities are included
- Includes light bites, lunch, and refreshments
- Approximately 45-minute drive to/from the boat
- You will embark/debark the vessel by wading in the water and using a 4-stepped ladder
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Scooter Snorkeling in Coconut Cove
Puerto Plata
With waters so stunning, you don't have to swim far — and today your adventure is only steps from a stunning beach. After a short set of instructions from the professional Coconut Cove crew, you’ll be introduced to your underwater propulsion vehicle and receive snorkeling gear. When comfortable, you'll submerge, scoot, and soar through the majestic aquamarine waters in a way that most never will — exploring the incredible coral reef and the tropical fish that call it home.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy your day at the beach, where you will enter, exit, and spend your time snorkeling off the shore
- Explore the aquamarine waters, and see the incredible coral reef filled with tropical fish that call it home with a mask and snorkel
- Discover the stunning coral reef of Coconut Cove via an underwater scooter
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Maximum weight for this Shore Thing is 250 lbs.
- Sun loungers and umbrellas are included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Approximately 60-minutes of off-roading in a safari-style truck to reach Coconut Cove Beach
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
The Tasting Tour of Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata
On this interactive tour, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the city in a most flavorful way — through your taste buds. Stopping at three local restaurants (La Skina Restaurant, Casita Azul and Mares Restaurant), you’ll have the opportunity to taste traditional local dishes. You’ll also go on a city tour, stopping at a few hot spots around the city like Plaza Independencia and the Macorix Rum Museum.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Tour a few city hot spots like Plaza Independencia and the Macorix Rum Museum
- Stop at three main local restaurants of Puerto Plata — tasting different local dishes
- Learn about the Dominican Republic culture through its gastronomy
- Gratuities are included
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheelchairs
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Puerto Plata is home to the teleférico, the only cable car in the Caribbean.
Shore Excursions
Waterfalls of Damajagua
If your friend jumps off a waterfall should you? Yes (safely, of course). Jump into the Waterfalls of Damajagua to find surprises around each corner.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
In the Dominican Republic, everything has a silver lining, especially in Puerto Plata. The port town that was once plagued by pirates now shines as a destination with rhythm, color and soul. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or beach bum, Puerto Plata has something in store for you — even if you prefer to look at bugs trapped in ancient amber (yes, seriously, visit the Amber Museum). The flavors of Dominican coffee, rum and mamajuana — the D.R.’s sweet rum and wine concoction will linger on your taste buds until you return to the lush mountain tops and snow-like powdered beaches to experience it all over again.
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