SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW
Race through the countryside in an all-terrain vehicle and enjoy a cool mountain stream and its tumbling cascades. The Damajagua River is the waterfalls’ source and the setting couldn’t be more beautiful. After hiking through the jungle, you will arrive at a series of cascades that comprise this natural wonder. You will be free to swim in the numerous mountain pools, slide down cascades with slick rock chutes and even jump off some of the waterfalls into the refreshing water below. This area is only accessible on foot, which limits the number of other adventurers. The adrenaline rush will continue once you ease into an ATV and tear off into jungle. You can take the wheel or ride in the passenger seat. Either way, it will be exhilarating, especially if it’s been raining because the mud will be flying. Although you will be mostly off road, you will stop in a village to interact with the locals.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls
• Slide down the slick chutes that the cascades have carved into the rocks.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.
• Race through the countryside in an open-air ATV built for adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Experience a variety of marine adventures and animal encounters at Ocean World, one of the world’s largest manmade dolphin habitats. The included day pass entitles you to explore the park’s most popular areas, including the rainforest, bird sanctuary and aquariums. You will gain a greater understanding of the marine mammals by watching them flaunt their prodigious talents at the dolphin and sea lion exhibits while their trainers describe the animals’ characteristics. You will also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water by swimming in the sheltered sea off the park’s beach lagoon and by snorkeling in a tropical reef aquarium that is teeming with brightly colored saltwater fish. The Dominican Adventure offers an enlightening glimpse into the local culture, as you might watch skilled artisans hand-roll cigars, carve wooden art objects, demonstrate the merengue and perform a folkloric ballet. To round out your experience, a buffet lunch is included and time is allotted for shopping.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours enjoying the attractions at Ocean World, a dolphin habitat with plenty more.
• Walk through the rainforest, watch marine animal exhibits and snorkel in a reef aquarium.
• Become immersed in the Dominican culture by watching local artisans and performers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Interact with the friendly, highly intelligent dolphins at Ocean World and enjoy the marine park’s other attractions at your leisure. Few experiences are quite so memorable as wading out into the waist-deep water for an up-close encounter with the resident bottlenose dolphins. After a brief introduction describing their behavior and what to expect during your interaction, you will ease into the water to touch, feed and hug the dolphins, if you wish. As you will discover, these marine mammals are curious, sociable and love the attention. But the dolphin encounter is only one adventure at the marine park. You might also snorkel in the reef aquarium, take a refreshing swim in the sheltered waters just off the enclosed beach lagoon, watch a sea lion exhibit, meander through the rainforest and feed lovebirds at the bird sanctuary. A hearty buffet lunch will be served, as well.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an up-close interaction with bottlenose dolphins in waist-deep water.
• Spend hours enjoying the attractions at Ocean World, a dolphin habitat with plenty more.
• Walk through the rainforest, watch marine animal exhibits and snorkel in a reef aquarium.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the Damajagua waterfalls in every way imaginable with a local guide leading the adventure. A hike through a jungle-like landscape will bring you to the waterfalls, whose source is the Damajagua River, a cool mountain stream. This breathtaking natural wonder contains numerous cascades of varying heights. You will jump off some of the waterfalls, negotiate other ones by sliding down slick rock chutes and swim in the sparkling pools at the base of all of them. Wooden walkways and steps connect many of the cascades, allowing you access that would be impossible otherwise. The river is known for its beautiful blue hue as it spills out of the mountains and carves its way through the rocky terrain. Steep limestone canyons line much of the Damajagua, making the scenery all the more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating at Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada, an exclusive waterfront resort with seemingly endless amenities. The all-inclusive day pass will give you access to the entire property, allowing you to focus on the attractions that you find most appealing. You might bask in the sun on a beachside lounger, relax in the shade of a coconut palm, stroll along the gently sloping shoreline and take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean. If you prefer swimming pools to the sea, there are three at the resort and Jacuzzis. You might also enjoy the pool bar and beach bar, two popular venues that are always full of life. The day pass includes a hearty buffet lunch featuring international dishes as well. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this contemporary resort, shopping if you please and simply wandering about without a care in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Luxuriate for hours on end at the beachfront resort Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada.
• Relax as you please, whether swimming in the sea, basking in the sun or strolling the shore.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch of international dishes that are sure to please.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Race through the tree canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines and then cool off in the Damajagua River as it cascades through the dense jungle terrain. The five ziplines more or less follow the river and offer a wonderfully unique perspective of the tropical landscape, as they span platforms high above the ground. To reach some of the ziplines, you will need to walk across swaying suspension bridges, which definitely add to the excitement. Afterwards, you will follow the guide along a section of the river with a dozen cascades. You will jump off some of the waterfalls into the deep pools below, while other waterfalls are more easily negotiated by sliding down natural waterslides carved in the rocks. You will also have time to swim in the cool, remarkably blue water between the cascades. Over time, the Damajagua has carved steep canyons into the terrain, so you can expect the scenery to be magnificent.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Fly high above the jungle floor on five ziplines and walk across two suspension bridges.
• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and flavors of Puerto Plata on this enriching journey through the city’s most iconic sites. Your experience begins with an inside visit to the San Felipe Fortress—one of the oldest military structures in the Americas—where the sea breeze and centuries of history come together along the city’s dramatic coastline. From there, you will explore the Confluencia Museum, dedicated to more than 500 years of Dominican heritage and the cultural roots that define the nation’s identity. Next, stroll through the charming historic center of Puerto Plata, where vibrant Umbrella Street, the colorful Pink Alley, and the lively Central Park provide perfect backdrops for memorable photos. The adventure continues at the Rum Legacy Museum, a living tribute to the island’s traditions and craftsmanship. Finally, indulge your senses at the Chocolate Museum and Factory, where the aroma of roasted cocoa beans fills the air and you’ll learn about the artistry of creating fine Dominican chocolate—ending the day with a sweet taste of local culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step inside the historic San Felipe Fortress, a symbol of Puerto Plata’s colonial defense.
• Explore 500 years of Dominican history at the Confluencia Museum.
• Walk through the colorful streets of Puerto Plata, including Umbrella Street, Pink Alley, and Central Park.
• Visit the Rum Legacy Museum, celebrating one of the nation’s most cherished traditions.
• Conclude your day at the Chocolate Museum and Factory, where cocoa culture comes to life.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors of Umbrella Street and Pink Alley.

OVERVIEW

Spend an adventurous day in the outskirts of Puerto Plata by racing through the countryside in an off-road buggy, riding horseback along a scenic trail and enjoying a pristine beach. After an orientation at the Puerto Plata Country Club to ensure that you maximize the experiences, the thrills will begin in earnest. As you race off into the wilds in a caravan of ATV buggies, the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic will take center stage. Few adventures are more exhilarating, especially after a rain as the mud will be flying. The horseback ride will also be immensely fulfilling but the mood will be more relaxed and the setting more peaceful. The only sounds will be those of nature and the rhythmic clip clop of the horse’s hooves. A traditional buffet of Dominican cuisine follows, after which you will head for the beach, where you will be free to do most anything you please.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip down dirt roads and off-road in a caravan of open-air ATV buggies.
• Ride a horse perfectly suited to your abilities through the jungle-like countryside.
• Relax however you please on one of the area’s most beautiful beaches.
• Dine on an inspiring selection of authentic Dominican dishes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a look at local life by interacting with the fun-loving residents of Monkeyland and by visiting a typical Dominican home. Two families of squirrel monkeys live in the Monkeyland nature reserve, where they spend most of the day in the trees, although not high in the canopy. Unlike other New World monkeys that use their prehensile tails to grasp tree limbs, squirrel monkeys rely on their remarkably human-like hands and powerful feet to hold on. You will see them leaping about the trees, and they will likely come down for you to hand-feed them. If you encourage them, the squirrel monkeys will climb up on your shoulder. They are exceptionally social, highly intelligent and quite vocal as they communicate through dozens of calls such as barks, purrs and squawks. You will also see how many Dominicans live by dropping by a traditional house at Monkeyland for a cup of organic coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact up-close with the gregarious squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland.
• Gain an understanding of their social behavior and high intelligence.
• Enjoy a cup of organic coffee in a traditional Dominican home at Monkeyland.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Gain an overall understanding of Puerto Plata through a diversity of attractions that will lend insight into the local history and lifestyles. At the Rum Legacy Museum, you will learn how the acclaimed spirits are distilled and aged, according to a proprietary process that has handed down through the generations. While driving around the 60-block historical city center, you will pause to explore the 16th-century Fort San Felipe and browse the unusual Amber Museum. Its collection of plants and ancient creatures preserved in fossilized tree sap, known as amber, is extraordinary. The Luperón House Museum contains photos and personal effects that celebrate the achievements of national hero General Gregorio Luperón. For a perspective of present-day Puerto Plata, you can meander through popular Central Park, browse the artisan shops that line the atmospheric streets and amble down the Pink Alley, a monochromatic walkway where everything is painted bright pink.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Stop at key attractions within Puerto Plata’s 60-block historic city center.
• Tour a Rum Legacy Museum, browse artisan shops and meander through Central Park.
• Browse a museum dedicated to a national hero and another full of amber artifacts.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit many of the key landmarks that define Puerto Plata and spend time relaxing on a golden beach that is considered to be among the city’s best. You will see remarkably diverse attractions, ranging from a Victorian Era district of gingerbread homes to a lounge where you can learn to roll cigars with premium Dominican tobacco. Nearby, you will find the lovely Cathedral of San Felipe and Pink Alley, a monochromatic walkway where everything is painted bright pink. For an authentic glimpse at local life, you will meander through Central Park, a popular gathering spot also known as Independence Square to commemorate the unification of the Dominican Republic following the War of Restoration. The adventure continues at the Dominican Rum Legacy Museum a living tribute to the island’s traditions and craftsmanship. A traditional lunch and free time at Playa Dorada follows. This spectacular stretch of sand is a Blue Flag beach, a prestigious designation only awarded to beaches that are clean and eco-friendly.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain an overall understanding of Puerto Plata by visiting its landmark attractions.
• Visit the central park, Victorian Era district and highly unusual Pink Alley.
• Spend hours enjoying eco-friendly Playa Dorada beach on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch artisans demonstrate how they make an array of local products and enjoy shopping for these signature items before relaxing on one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. You can expect to see premium cigars being hand-rolled from a blend of tobacco leaves, coffee beans being roasted and organic cocoa beans being processed for chocolate and to flavor other foods. You will also browse a museum devoted entirely to amber, an ancient hardened tree sap that is often used in jewelry. Similarly, larimar is a rare blue mineral only found in the Dominican Republic and it too is often incorporated into jewelry. Besides seeing how all of these raw products are hand-crafted into extraordinary merchandise, you will spend free time shopping in downtown Puerto Plata. The adventure continues at the Dominican Rum Legacy Museum a living tribute to the island’s traditions and craftsmanship. And what better way to relax afterwards than by basking in the sun on a gorgeous stretch of beach and swimming in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how local products such as cigars, coffee and chocolate are made from raw materials.
• Browse a museum full of amber products, including exquisite jewelry.
• Spend free time shopping in downtown Puerto Plata.
• Relax on one of the beaches that rims the city and swim in the sea if you like.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.