Amber Cove – Cruise Ship Port In Puerto Plata – Where Shopping Convenience Meets Paradise.
Amber Cove is Carnivals cruise ship port on the north shores of Hispaniola, just 12 km from the historical town Puerto Plata, in the Bay of Maimon. The facility represents one of the biggest cruise industry investments ever made in the Dominican Republic and welcomes since fall 2015 thousand of guests on the island.
85 million dollars have been invested by the Carnival cooperation in this port complex to receive cruise ships like Fathom, Holland America, P&O and other ships of their fleet.
The idea behind this huge undertaking project was to reestablish the north coast of our island as a popular cruise destination in the Caribbean again and help the development of the local economy of the region.
Up to 8000 cruise guests and nearly 2000 crew members can be accommodated here every day.
Any of the Carnival cruise ships will call this port home for and can be reached from Miami in a day and a half, while eastern Caribbean Cruises stop first at the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos.
Although it is always a good idea to venture out and explore more of the country you visit, a stay in Amber Cove is just as beautiful and relaxing.
It is a fantastic place for families, couples and friends, since there are plenty of things to do in Amber Cove and endless things to discover about the Dominican Republic.
It is a great place to walk around and explore, enjoy tropical palm trees, a man made waterfall, as well as the exhibition of Dominican carnival masks surrounding the fountain near the exit point of the transportation hub.
Dancers and Dominican music greet every guest that arrives and make them feel welcome for the moment they step foot at Amber Cove.
The port got its name due its location, close to the Ambar coast, a region known for our famous and rare Amber stone which is found in these parts.
Amber is fossilized tree resin – used a lot in jewelry – which was made famous with the movie Jurassic Park.
Did you know that the movie begins here in the Dominican Republic? when an ambitious scientist discovers a huge amber stone which has within it a perfectly preserved mosquito, which contained the perfectly preserved dinosaur DNA…..and then led to quite a calamitous adventure.
All in all – Amber Cove is a perfect place for lucky visitors to soak up Dominican sunshine, try the local rum & to enjoy some of our famous Dominican hospitality.
We here at Outback Adventures are very proud that we have been selected as one of the exclusive tour operators working together with Carnival Cruise Cooperation and for the recognition as “most innovative tour” in 2015 by the very same.
The best ways to get around inside the port
To get around Amber Cove is really easy. The passenger friendly layout allows you to move freely without any congestion.
It is probably a 5 minutes’ walk over the pier to get from your ship to the information center, but for those with mobility issues you can take a free ride with the guys that drive carts and will be happily take you around to almost all the areas of Amber Cove.
As you walk towards Amber Cove you will go through an extensive duty free area, after which you will find the information center kiosk offering Puerto Plata Tours and lots of interesting information about our island.
You can choose from an amazing selection of cruise shore excursions in Puerto Plata and other villages and towns nearby like Cabarete or Sosua.
If you haven’t done your booking already ahead of time to save a spot for yourself and your family, you will find here last minute tours and excursions.
The main restaurant, bar & pool area, zip lines & sun loungers are to your right hand side, and the shops, artisan market, coffee shops and jewelry stores are straight ahead and to your left hand side.
For those of you that have pre-booked a tour, you will find meeting points and tour guides with signs just at the back and left hand side of the main excursions kiosk, waiting to take you to amazing adventures and fun activities in Puerto Plata.
One of our Outback Adventures guides will be waiting here for YOU with our driver to welcome you on board of the Outback Dominican Adventure with lunch to explore more of Puerto Plata, the surrounding villages with breathtaking mountain views to enjoy the luscious green scenery, our rich history, diverse culture and many fantastic customs of our island – the Dominican Republic.
But let me first tell you more about what you can do right here in the port, before heading out.
Don’t worry about safety inside the cruise port
It feels very safe here, since the only people allowed here are cruisers and authorized employees that are identified with their ship ID card. You will be checked when leaving or entering the park or the port area, so keep them close at all times.
There are lockers to enclose your personal belongings available close to Agua Zone for a fee of US $ 6.00 and you have to leave a refundable deposit of US $ 6.00.
The best places to go shopping in Amber Cove
Amber Cove is a typical cruise port in the Caribbean with Diamond Internationals present and a great variety of local shops with interesting products made by local artisans and just a quick walk away from your ship, offering wooden crafts, clothing and local coffee, chocolate and many other unique gifts.
There is a small coffee shop in specific that i fell in love with and you can smell the mix of delicious brews of locally grown and roasted coffee from far away.
The highlight here is, that you are allowed to grind and pack your own beans, to take them home, as a great souvenir from your visit of the Dominican Republic. The coffee shops offers even free Wi-Fi for paying customers.
Tammilee & John have been here as well and loved it.
You will find as well a well sorted rum shop with all kind of duty free rums of the Caribbean and free rum tasting available for those who want to taste the rich Dominican flavors a bit more.
At the kiosk of the information center, a replica of the famous Gazebo in Puerto Plata city, you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial Puerto Plata stamp if you want to.
Another great place to visit is the Aurora Cigar shop, where you can overlook every step on the making of Dominican cigars and lean more about their fame as one of the best in the Caribbean.
The fasted way to relax – rent a Cabana in Amber Cove
When you step out your cruise ship and walk towards the port center you will see these very colorful huts available to rent for a day.
If you really looking for peace and quiet, renting one of the dozen villas at Amber Cove can be a fantastic and unique option for you.
Prices starting at US $ 295.00 and you can choose between hillside and waterfront.
A full service menu is available as well as a complete kitchen, TV, dining room and hot tubs and a wraparound sundeck for up to 12 people in the biggest villa that come with a price tag of US $ 1170.00
Gear up and whiz down with Amber Coves own twin Zip-line
There is a 650 foot twin zip line starting from the hillside behind the port, running across the Aqua zone, right over the pool.
You can’t compare it to the cruise shore excursions in Puerto Plata available, but it is quiet fun for the whole family if you don’t want to leave Amber Cove.
Prices for a day pass are very reasonable at US 20.00/ adults and kids pay US $ 10.00 and you get to ride unlimited amount of times.
Thanks to our fears Outback Crew that went to check it all out for you!
Stay connected in Amber Cove:
Being out to sea for several days can mean that you are without internet for a few days.
For those who need to stay connected to post their vacation pictures right away on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, you have the chance to purchase WI-Fi for US $ 8.00/ day .
The speeds can vary a bit depending on the amount of guests that are connected this day in the port, but it is overall surprisingly fast.
Overlooking the port in the Sky Bar:
You want to look out for this place, which is located high up, even higher than the zip line on top of the hill and allowing a 360 view of the nearby region of Puerto Plata and the port area.
It is definitely worth a visit to take breathtaking scenic pictures, zip a cocktail or coffee here and let the warm wind submerge you into this day dreaming state of mind that we Dominican are known for.
Where beach lover wiggle their toes in sand near Amber Cove?
For those who really want to wiggle their toes in the white powdery sand of the Dominican Republic, you have to leave Amber Cove.
Shore excursions are offered to a private island, the Riu Beach and a nearby Coconut Cove beach right beside the cruise ship port are an option to consider.
If you have the time and plan on exploring more of the north coast of our island on your own, the Kite beach in Cabarete is a fantastic place to go, catch a wave or two and enjoy they off shore winds for some surfing in Cabarete.
Sosua Beach is about 30 minutes drive away from the port area and great place to go snorkeling, scuba diving or just sunbathing and taking in some local culture.
An easy way to get there is either with a public transportation in Sosua or a local taxi that you can just find close to the bus station.
Why you should get out and explore Puerto Plata
A unique feature of this cruise port is the transportation hub, where you can find car rental offices and a place to rent bikes, if you plan to go out and explore beyond Ambar Cove, what else this beautiful island has to offer.
A great option for the more experienced Caribbean cruiserts is a ride with one of the local taxis to town. You should consider this only if you or your friends are defending yourself with the Spanish language well enough to ask your way around.
Make a plan ahead of time what you want to see and the interesting places to visit in Puerto Plata.
Do not pack too much in your days plan to make sure you have enough time to explore and enjoy your time here, but also to be back in time at the port when the ship is actually preparing to leave Amber Cove.
The cost of a taxi for up to 5 person to go to the central park is more than less 35.00/one way and if you want to see the Teleferico – Puerto Platas famous cable car that bring you all the way up to Torre la Isabella from where you have an amazing view of the city and surrounding areas, you have to calculate with US $ 30.00/one way.
The huge parking area is a meeting point from were buses and trucks are leaving to over 40 shore excursions in Puerto Plata and the surrounding areas.
The 7 most popular Cruise ship excursions in Puerto Plata
Offering over 40 excursion on land and water give you the opportunity to pick the right one for you. You can find fishing tours, as well as horse back riding, ATV rides and cultural sightseeing tours. Here you find a selection of the most popular ones that cruise guests like to go on while in Puerto Plata.
Soak in Dominican culture with Outback Adventures
Our guides are waiting already for you to take you on a fantastic countryside adventure tour in Puerto Plata to see more of the Dominican Republic and learn about our customs and culture.
Be aware that our tours are available only through the webpage or representatives of Carnival Cruise Cooperation and we suggest strongly to save your spot ahead of time, before reaching your destination at Amber Cove, since space is limited and books out fast.
Waterfalls of Damajuagua are a must for nature lover and active traveler
Located just a short drive from Amber Cove, these amazing waterfalls are truly awesome. This is definitely a tour for the more adventurous & active traveler. All of the safety equipment you need is provided (helmet & lifejacket) by the organizer.
To get to the falls you’ll walk with a local guide a good 20 minutes uphill through tropical forests to the entry point of the falls. You’ll traverse through stone valleys and ravines with cascading fresh flowing water that has carved it’s way over thousands of years to create this breathtaking trail of natural waterfalls & pools.
Important: Make sure you tuck your elbows and knees into your body on the natural waterside sections & listen to your guide at all times. If you have a fear of heights this may not be for you, you should also feel comfortable in water and be able to swim.
There is a considerable amount of walking to do but it’s worth it. The most important thing to remember is to wear comfortable footwear.
Training / sports shoes with a good grip are your best option, they will dry out quickly after and are a much better option than water shoes which generally have a thin sole and can be uncomfortable.
All in all a wonderful experience for the more adventurous traveler and definitely a potential highlight during your visit to Amber Cove. Take money for snacks, drinks, photos & souvenirs. If you want to take your own photos, bring one of those waterproof disposable cameras with you.
Coconut Cove for beach lovers
is a quiet beach if you want to relax and soak up some sun, Coconut Cove offers just that. The price you pay for 3 hours to spend time at the beach only is a bit high, but consider to upgrade to an adventure package to include more activities while there.
Tour includes: Welcome drink, local beers, local spirits, soft drinks & Dominican buffet lunch, beach chairs, umbrellas and ½ hour of each water sport.
Coconut Cove is great for active families since they also offer an adventure challenge course, a unique fly over the ocean zip line & several optional package tour combinations such as quad bikes which are available through the adventure tour company Wild Play in Puerto Plata
Your on-board representatives will gladly provide you with details of all the amazing possibilities at Coconut Cove and other Carnival cruise shore excursions.
Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour
There are a couple of catamaran tours available and (take it from me) if the advanced weather forecast looks good & the ocean calm this is definitely something to consider doing while your cruise ship is in Amber Cove.
Feel like a millionaire for a day and enjoy a fun filled adventure on the high seas, while sailing with a Freestyle Catamaran along the shores of the north coast of our island.
The coastlines are beautiful and between February and April the possibility to see dolphins or even whales breaching in the distance (late January – March) are very high.
You’ll be able to snorkel around tropical reefs and feed the fish and top the day off with a splash of rum and some Merengue dancing, which is a blast if you’ve never tried it.
This tour is perfect for families with children who want to explore the colorful underwater world.
Professional equipment is provided, including inflatable snorkel vests for added buoyancy so even first timers feel comfortable.
Experienced guided will point out interesting aquatic live like corals and plenty of exotic tropical fish of every color you can imagine.
Historical Puerto Plata City Tour
There are a variety of different city tour experiences to choose from.
Puerto Plata was originally founded in 1496 and was once a flourishing trading port for the Spanish colonies but eventually became notorious as a port for smugglers and a haven for those infamous pirates of the Caribbean that patrolled the Spanish Main during those times.
Interesting facts and fantastic stories like this you will be able to hear from the professional guides that show you the most interesting places of Puerto Plata, take you to historical places and some shopping.
Today Puerto Plata is a bustling town of busy Dominican people going about their business as only Dominican people can.
There’s a beautiful ocean boulevard in the city, various museums, a rum factory, a chocolate factory and a whole host of shopping opportunities for those of you looking for souvenirs.
This is definitely a good opportunity to try an ice cold Presidente beer or Dominican Rum on ice & one of our famous hand rolled Dominican cigars.
Adventure lovers here is your thrill – buggy tour to the countryside of Puerto Plata
Wonder what other fun, more exciting and rather active tour to do in Puerto Plata?
Terra Cross Adventures in a must if you look for a thrilling adventure. Our off-road adventure in comfy ATV vehicles differs from other ATV tours, because of the cool nature of the trails we take you on.
What guests thought about the tour:
“Absolutely a blast! Bring bandannas for your head & face. You will get muddy but that’s part of the fun! Totally worth the money and our favorite of 3 excursions in the eastern Caribbean”
“My fiance and I had such an amazing time on this excursion. The ride to the excursion site was very nice as it allowed us to see what the local areas look like and see the culture.”
The tour route can change subject to the weather as our guides like to find some mud for you to splash through whenever they can.
Important Note: Space is limited and it is recommended to save your spot ahead of time directly on Carnivals web page or with your cruise excursions representative in Amber Cove.
Swim with dolphins and rays in Ocean world
Ocean world is a fantastic marine facility literally 15 or so minutes away from Amber Cove and offers a great possibility for families with children to enjoy a day of fun and unforgettable moments with aquatic and other exotic animals.
They have several kinds of dolphin swim experiences available along with a variety of marine shows, exotic ocean animals, coral reef snorkeling and a whole host of amazing ocean based activities and experiences.
You find this tour on the list of shore excursions in Puerto Plata online or can sign up last minute once here in Ambar Cove.
I’ve been lucky to swim with Dolphins on several occasions now, it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget & for sure something to tick off your bucket list.
7 last minute tips to help you get prepared before leaving your ship
- Take water to keep you hydrated
- Bring any tickets you might need for pre-booked excursions and don’t forget your ship ID ( you need it to leave and enter the port)
- Bring cash or credit cards for any adventure tours that might catch your eye, or for food, drinks or souvenirs
- Bring a hat, sunglasses & sunscreen to protect you from the sun
- Wear comfortable tennis shoes or sandals, definitely something comfortable to walk in
- If you have booked an inland or beach tour, bring a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, repellent & again comfortable footwear a must
- Leave expensive items jewelry or valuable personal belongings on the ship for your own peace of mind
We hope you enjoyed the tour of Puerto Plata’s cruise port and find the right things to do in Puerto Plata for you while cruising the Caribbean.
Please feel free to share with us your experiences and tour videos, we love to hear what you thought about the Dominican Republic and what where your favorite tours and excursions in Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete.
For those of you who haven’t been here – get excited! There is so much to explore and we hope with our blog we are able to help planning the best Dominican Vacation.
In the meantime, happy sailing & we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful shores in the not too distant future……
