Things to Do in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata sits on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, in the shadow of Mount Isabel de Torres. It’s much older than Punta Cana — founded 1502, with a Victorian-era waterfront, an active 19th-century rum trade, and the Caribbean’s largest deposit of amber. The vibe is more local-Dominican and less tourism-zone-controlled than the east coast. The international airport (POP) is small but functional; flights connect through Miami, Toronto, and a handful of Northeast US hubs. North of the city, Costa Dorada and Sosúa make up the resort strip; further east, the small town of Cabarete is the kiteboarding capital of the Caribbean.
Quick Facts: Puerto Plata is in Dominican Republic. Best time to visit: January-March for dry, breezy, most consistently sunny weather. May-September is hotter; hurricane risk is higher than the south coast.
🌴 Save on Your Puerto Plata Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Puerto Plata for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
Top 10 Things to Do in Puerto Plata
Mount Isabel de Torres Cable Car (Teleférico)
Caribbean’s only cable car climbs to a 2,600-foot summit with a Christ the Redeemer-style statue, botanical gardens, and full city/coast views.
Puerto Plata Malecón
Long oceanfront boardwalk anchored by Fortaleza San Felipe — a 1577 Spanish fort that’s now a small museum.
27 Charcos de Damajagua
Inland from the city — chain of 27 limestone waterfalls. Most tours do 7 or 12 of the falls, with jumps and slides between pools.
Ocean World Adventure Park
Marine park near Cofresí beach — dolphin swims, sea lion shows, shark and stingray encounters. Pre-built day-out for families.
Amber Museum
Puerto Plata is the largest amber source in the world — the museum has the famous mosquito-in-amber that inspired the Jurassic Park amber. Compact but excellent.
Cofresí Beach
Resort-strip beach 10 minutes west of town — calmer than the open coast, with day passes available at the bigger resorts.
Sosúa Beach
Half-hour east — small protected bay popular with locals and tourists alike. Crescent of yellow sand, dozens of palapa restaurants.
Cabarete Kiteboarding
Forty minutes east — Caribbean’s most consistent reliable wind. Kite Beach (north end) is the kite zone; Bozo Beach is the wave-and-windsurf zone.
Brugal Rum Distillery Tour
Brugal is the Dominican Republic’s biggest rum brand and was founded here in 1888. The original distillery offers tours and tastings.
La Isabela Historic Site
About 90 minutes west — Christopher Columbus founded the first European settlement in the Americas here in 1494. Modest ruins and a small museum.
When to Go
January-March for dry, breezy, most consistently sunny weather. May-September is hotter; hurricane risk is higher than the south coast.
Combine It With a Discounted Resort Stay
Puerto Plata is one of the destinations where qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties for a fraction of retail in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. Packages typically include 4 nights / 5 days in suite-style accommodations.
🌴 Save on Your Puerto Plata Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Puerto Plata for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
View Puerto Plata Timeshare Promotions →