You will be met directly at the cruise center, outside of the main gates of the port, with a refreshing bottle of water then whisked away in air-conditioned comfort to paradise.

At the feet of the beautiful Isabel de Torres Mountain and the majestic Atlantic Ocean, Puerto Plata city is located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, full of considerable contrasts of mountains, beaches and exuberant landscapes, but also with great historical and entertainment values. As you drive through the bustling city of Puerto Plata, your excursion host will provide you with interesting information regarding the history and culture of Puerto Plata and the Dominican Republic. There will be brief photo stops along the way to Playa Dorada (Golden Beach).

Make a stop at Fort San Felipe for photos and narration on the fort grounds, then continue along the Malecon Beach area, a boardwalk on the Atlantic running alongside of the beach, where you can see the statue of Neptune positioned on a small island. Make your way next to Parque Independencia for a brief history of the Victorian era architecture and for photos. You will enter the Cathedral and also be provided with some free time to explore on your own.

Only a short ride from the historic town is the region’s most popular beach. Born as the first tourist destination in the country, Playa Dorada is located on the north coast of the country, surrounded by many interesting and diverse attractions. The coastline is one of the most beautiful in the entire Atlantic Coast, meeting all environmental requirements necessary to merit the recognition of quality, both locally and internationally.

Once at the beach you will be greeted with a complimentary rum punch and warm hospitality. Secluded and romantic, Playa Dorada promises an unforgettable day of swimming or relaxing on the golden sandy beaches along the “Blue Riviera.” Beach loungers will be reserved for your convenience while beach beds are on a first come, first serve basis. Additional beverages or a bite to eat are available at the beach bar and restaurant (at an additional charge).

After this relaxing time away at the beach you will return to the cruise center in comfort.

Damajagua or “27 Charcos” (Charco translates as “pool” and refers to the natural swimming pools of the falls) as the locals call it, is one exhilarating eco-adventure not to be missed in the Dominican Republic. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Northern Corridor mountain range and behind the long stalks of sugar cane lays a treasure you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Your adventure begins outside the main gates of the Cruise Center where you will be welcomed and greeted by the friendly staff who will be escorting you on the tour. A narrated, countryside drive will take you to the Damajagua “base camp” located within a tropical forest. Immersed in the beautiful landscape of the “Cordillera Central” (mountain range), the “Salto de la Damajagua” and its 27 lagoons are part of the system of a protected area of the Dominican Republic. This natural monument of the Damajagua River is composed of 27 bodies of water of various sizes.

Here you will have time to use the facilities before hearing important rules and safety instructions and receiving your helmet, lifejacket, and bottle of water. Then you are on your way up-hill for approximately 30-minutes to the first waterfall. Official park guides are located at each fall, slide, or jump and climb. Although this tour does include jumps of up to 25 feet, there are ladders at some of the highest jumps where you can choose to go around.

Your return to base camp is by jumping and sliding down the different and natural waterslides created from centuries of rushing water (please note the number of slides/jumps can increase/decrease depending upon the amount of rain during a particular season). After your adventure, you will have a chance to change into dry clothing.

On your return to the cruise center you will enjoy lively, typical music as you sip on your rum punch and enjoy a snack of delicious fresh local fruit provided by your guide.

On this active tour you will ascend by mountain road with panoramic scenic views, through villages and then descend by cable car. At 2,555 feet above sea-level is the summit of Mount Isabela de Torres.

Mount Isabela is Puerto Plata’s most impressive geographic feature towering above the city, which will delight you with panoramic views of Puerto Plata from its flat-topped peak. Once at the top, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, see a representation of a typical countryside house or “casa tipica,” take photos of the Christ the Redeemer Statue (a smaller version of the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and enjoy the views of Puerto Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.

After your time at the summit, you will take the cable car ride down the mountain for amazing views and then meet your transportation for the drive through the city to Fort San Felipe, home to a historic Spanish fortress built in 1577 to protect the city of Puerto Plata from pirates and other enemies. Here at Puerto Plata’s oldest surviving structure, you will enjoy a fully narrated tour around the grounds of the fort after gaining exclusive access. It is located on a hill at the Puntilla Del Malecon, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; its strategic location protected the entrance to the city’s seaport. The construction of the fort was commissioned by King Felipe II of Spain in 1564, and it was completed in 1577 by Don Rengifo de Angulo, the fort’s mayor.

Next, you will make your way to Parque Independicia, where your guide will provide you with interesting information regarding the Victorian architecture. The Parque de la Independencia was the first park in the city and its origin lies in four public squares at the intersection of two then newly opened large boulevards, Santafesino and Argentino, the four-part plaza was named Independencia. You will enter the Cathedral as well as have some free-time in the Victorian square before returning to your cruise ship.