Things To Do In Puerto Plata – “Bucket List ” Tours and Activities

Puerto Plata Tours and Excursions that definitely make your stay more fun and interesting!

Puerto Plata Sightseeing Tours

This is a great way to submerge yourself in the Dominican history and our amazing culture.

You get to see the most historic places in Puerto Plata like the famous cable car that takes you up the mountain to Mount Isabel de Torres, from where you are able to enjoy breathtaking views over the villages and the old port of the city.

You will have the chance to see the Spanish fortress San Felipe and the bars and cafes on the city’s beach boulevard – the Malecon of Puerto Plata. The ride takes you right through our beautiful city, that could not display a bigger contrast between the historical Victorian and Modern times.

Most of the tours include even a short stop at a cigar factory, where skilled artisans show you the process of hand rolling Dominican Cigars and a tour to the nearby rum factory of Macorix, all with free sampling of one of the finest Dominican Rums, of course!

Tour companies that offer Puerto Plata city tours:

• Monster Truck Safari – Puerto Plata Route
• Puerto Plata City Tour by Runners Adventures

“The sights on this tour was amazing and at a really affordable price!”

“The tour of Puerto Plata is quite an adventure! A cable car brings you to the top of Parque National Isabel de Torres, where the view is awesome! ”

“We took a tour of Puerto Plata to get a feel what the country is actually like out of our resort. It was very enjoyable.”

Almost all tour operators include in their city tour drinks and a typical Dominican lunch, while you are listen to folkloric music and watching Dominican dancers. Choose to book it either with your representative if you are staying at one of the all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Plata or reserve your tour ahead of time online.

To do a city tour on your own is pretty easy and  if you are an experienced world traveler, you fancy the fact that you can enjoy all the different places on your own pace.

Find the most interesting landmarks and information about museums in Puerto Plata below and create your very own Puerto Plata City Tour.

If you speak Spanish enough to ask your way around and want to include more museums and historical places of Puerto Plata , eat at local restaurants or  stop by at one of the many bars in the city, read more further down, about what to do in Puerto Plata and decide which ones interest you – there is something for everybody’s taste.

Get a local taxi, pay around US $ 70.00 for the day and enjoy the feeling of a real city explorer. There are no long distances between the places and they are easy to find with a local map or the GPS on your phone.

When Planning Your Own City Tours You Should Include Those Museums And Historical Places Of Puerto Plata 

• Amber Museum Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

Open from Monday until Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

The visit doesn’t take too long, it is a rather small place. There is a guide who gives some explanations if you want to and then you can see different types of amber exhibited. With the entry you get a discount to buy in the store below.

• Espigon Cigars – Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

This is more an “excursion” – Dennis and his entire staff go out of their way to give everyone from novice to aficionados a first rate experience.

You get  a chance to sit with a MASTER roller and have him walk you through the steps of rolling your own Dominican cigars.

While this is an operating “factory” the staff is a small handpicked group of artisans that work in synchronization with the rhythm of the moment & if that means an impropriety to dance with their guests, they will happily do so – the chairs are pushed aside and everyone joins in.

• Brugal Rum Center – Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

This is a quick but fun tour you should include in your Puerto Plata city tour. They take you through corridors filled with white oak barrels including the golden deliciousness.

A 10 minute movie is showing a bit of history and progress of the rum industry in the Dominican Republic, before heading to the next room – the tasting room.

The guides are very generous handing out different samples and explain very knowledgeable the flavors and different tastes.

If you want to see the factory in working process you have to come here from Monday to Friday.

• Del Oro – Fine Dominican Chocolate – Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

• If you are a chocolate lover as much as we are, you will feel like Willy Wonker in the chocolate factory. The store is really easy to find. They changed the big blue Shirt sign on the outside to a nice cocoa bean.
• You won’t see the process of the actual chocolate making, but you get to try hot chocolate samples and a brownie, that are really yummy.
• The 20 minutes video shows you how they refine and make their actual artisan chocolate. This is a great family tour in Puerto Plata on a rainy day and will have your children talking about it for a long time. Great tour for a family on a budget, since it is free.

• Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperon – Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

This is a relatively small, but fascinating museum, that will take you through the life of General Gregorio Luperon, one of the most important figures in Dominican history that was from Puerto Plata.

You should come here from Tuesday to Sunday when they open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and learn about the love that the people of the Dominican Republic have for their former leader, General Luperon, step into his former home, that is now the museum.

• Casa De Cultura In Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

You find this small house right across the Central Park of Puerto Plata right next to the town hall and next to the cathedral. If you are a true cultural and history enthusiast you have to plan a quick stop here, it is a great place for art and local Dominican culture, with frequently changing art exhibitions and pictures.

Amazing Places To Visit With Puerto Plata’s City Tours

• Get Up The Mountain With The Famous Cable Car – Teleferico Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

• The ride up the hill is smooth and very scenic, with amazing views over the harbor and the town of Isabella and Puerto Plata. It is a fun way to go up and it only takes about 15 minutes to reach the top.

• Even though this attraction in Puerto Plata opens all day from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, we recommend to choose the early hours on a sunny day, since otherwise the mist will move in around 10:00 am and obstruct the view a bit.

• It is a very safe transport and an economical and very unique experience – a must go to if you are visiting Puerto Plata, or even if you just need a break from the beach.

• Once you get to the top there is an extensive trail network, which take you around the peak of the mountain to visit caves, ponds and enjoy the breath taking views of the mountains and the coast lines.
• The park is beautifully groomed with indigenous vegetation and an old historical house. There is also a huge statue of Christ – the redeemer – that is quite impressive.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of steps and some are quite uneven.Prices are US $7.50 for adults and kids from 5-10 years old pay US $ 4.00This is one of the tours recommended for families in Puerto Plata, since kids under 4 years are travelling free.

• Fortress San Felipe In Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

• Located to protect the port of Puerto Plata, this 16th century fort is worth a quick look.
• You find it at the end of the beach boulevard of Puerto Plata and after paying the entrance fee of US $ 2.50 per adult you are given a Walkman type device that gives you information on what you are looking at throughout the exhibits.

• It’s a cheap attraction with some interesting facts about the history of this building. There are some good views across the bay and nice photo opportunities towards the mountain Mount Isabela de Torres.

• Since this Puerto Plata attraction is rather small, you get to tour it quick. Plan your visit in the late afternoon hours and stay for a stunning sunset, that is definitely worth taking some amazing Dominican Vacation pictures.
• Outside there are lots of pushy vendors though trying to sell you souvenirs, so be prepared to say “no thanks” to get them off you.

• Cathedral San Felipe In Old Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

• The cathedral is a very simple building compared to the stunning cathedral in Santo Domingo.
• Go inside for a quick walk and admire the sun shining through the beautiful stained glass windows.

• The building is located at the central square of old Puerto Plata city, surrounded by nice colonial houses.

• Both places are an oasis of calm and invite to sit down and enjoy the tranquility for a while. You do not need one of the tour guides, since they just walk you through the church, with little bits of information and waiting at the end for a tip.

• Central Park With Victorian Houses

• There are all kinds of street artists, working the crowd for tips, like the guy with a huge flock of pigeons that would sit on you as you feed them and there is a guy in a suit that looks like he is riding a horse.
• The square is also surrounded by cute little food carts where you can get beer, snacks and ice cream.

• Lots of benches invite to rest for a while and soak in the Caribbean flair of the good old times. It is a traditional social gathering place nearby the City Hall, the Palace of Justice and other government office buildings. It is a very recognizable place.
• When driving here with one of the local taxis, just tell him” Parque Central, por favor”.
• It’s a great place to start your personalized city tour, walking down the noisy and busy streets, going from store to store and take in the Victorian architecture from the colonial style houses around the square.

• Malecon Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

• This beach boulevard runs for about six kilometers from “Long Beach” to the San Felipe Fortress and it’s a famous hang out spot for locals, that come here to go jogging or biking at dawn or meet at one of the many colorful bars to enjoy a refreshing beer or Caribbean cocktail, while watching the surfers and kite surfers catching the last waves of the day.

• During the Dominican Carnival and on holidays this boulevard becomes the center of great parties and parades and you should plan to visit while staying here, around these dates.

• El Mercado – Central Market Place In Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

• You can find the local fruit, meat and fish market about 10 minutes from the Central Park. It is a great place to mix and mingle with locals, buy fresh products from the region and exchange news with one of the many vendors.

• National Park La Isabela In Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

This national park is dedicated to the second – oldest European settlement in the New World, founded by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage in 1493.

The small museum provides a short overview ( in Spanish only) with pictures and stories, of Columbus’ travels and adventures in the Dominican Republic. The site displays the ruins and cemetery of the settlement, mostly foundations of the residences and warehouse.

The entrance fee is modest and there are clean bathrooms in the museum.

Combined with a visit to the Manatee Sanctuary, it makes a good day trip. Visit this site first and see the manatees later in the day.

• Manatee Sanctuary In Montecristi – Dominican Republic

• Not directly located in Puerto Plata, but a drive worth taking! The small seaside community of Estero Hondo can be found by driving towards Montecristi, passing the village of Villa Elisa, until you reach Punta Rucia.

• It is home to the country’s Marine Mammal Sanctuary, a natural refuge for 58  friendly manatees, the sea mammals that are currently on the endangered species list.

• According to Sanctuary guides coordinator Freddy Garcia, the 22 square-kilometer sanctuary features a lagoon fed by several rivers, protected from the sea by a sandbank and was established as a protected ecosystem in 1996.

• There are only limited amount of visitors allowed in and the Ministry of Environment takes very small groups on a ride through mangrove alleys in search of the gentle mammals.

Adventure Tours and Things to do in Puerto Plata

Damajagua Waterfalls –  Travelers Favorite Adventure Tours 

This is one of the most popular adventure tours in Puerto Plata.

It is a 45 minutes to 1 hour drive from most of the hotels in Puerto Plata and you can book through your local representative or with tour operator companies that include pick up and drop off even from Puerto Platas cruise port – Amber Cove.

Once you arrive at the base camp you will be provided with safety briefing, equipment and helmets and off you go to slide down and jump the cascades with heights ranging from just a few feet up to 25 feet. It is rated as a mild activity, but you have to be physically fit as there is quite a bit of hiking involved.

“The excursion was rated a top favorite by our family”

“The waterfalls and natural pools are beautiful. The hike is fun and not bad at all I am 46”

“Incredible scenery along the way, great guides and fun sliding and jumping into falls”

Wear comfortable tennis shoes and clothing and be warned you will get soaking wet!

You get to ride on donkeys back to base camp, what is very cool and a really tasty lunch is waiting to restock your energy, before heading back.

If you want to do your own thing, you can definitely organize this tour on yourself, get a taxi that will probably cost you between US $ 30.00-70.00 and pay the guides US $ 11.00 to take you with them.

You will join one of the other groups and have the same fun and adventure.

Zip lining Tours and Combo Deals – Action Package Tours

For Zipline adventure there is no experience necessary and anybody can do it that is not afraid of heights.

Or maybe you should try it to overcome your fear.

You drive deep into Puerto Plata’s countryside up the mountains where you will be surprised by the lush green scenery and breathtaking views.

A parcours of different leveled towers and lines are waiting for you to get hooked on, so you can wiz down between the tropical trees like Tarzan or George of the Jungle.

Walk between the lines at your own pace, with instructors by your side, stopping to try local fruits fresh off the tree.

You can either book it as a single tour just zip lining or take advantage of the combo tour deals in Puerto Plata, that includes horse back riding, a visit of tropical gardens, animal exhibit like parrots and squirrel monkeys that will interact with you and you can take great pictures with them.

Some tour operators offer tour packages with a shorter zip line course and part of the waterfall adventure tours to Damajagua. 

All tours include a safety briefing and equipment like helmets and gloves, before the guides send you off the track. There is a bit of walking involved to get from one platform to the other, but nothing to physical.

Note: this is only for older children and there are some restrictions on age and height for your own safety.

For those of you who stay at a smaller boutique hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Plata, you can drive to the zip-line parks on your own and take advantage of a flexible itinerary and the undivided attention of the tour guide that will be assigned to you and your group.

Plan about 1 hour drive passing Sosua and then turning right to the National Park El Choco y Las Cuevas. You will find street signs pointing you the way to Monkey Jungle Puerto Plata.

Country Adventure Park is a 30 minutes drive taking the country road to Navarrete. Normally there is no reservation needed, but i would suggest to call to avoid those busy times when the organized Puerto Plata zip line tours arrive.

White Water Rafting Tours in Jarabacoa – For Thrill Seekers And Adventurous Travelers

Are you ready for a really thrilling adventure? This is not for softies and only for travelers that want to actively enjoy nature to it’s fullest.

You have to get up early and take a 2.5 h drive through small villages and beautiful landscapes up to Jarabacoa.

The name means “land of waters” and is where the Baiguate, Jimenoa and Yaque del Norte rivers meet.

Before you start you will be having a great breakfast and watch a safety video with instructions.

Strap on a helmet and a safety jacket and get ready to ride those exhilarating twists and turns. You will be guided by professionals that will guarantee that everybody has a fun time and make you feel like you are in very safe hands. After a couple of hours of rafting you are headed back to the ranch, where lunch and drinks are waiting.

You will be exhausted after and enjoy a nap on the ride back, but it is definitely one of the coolest adventure tours in Dominican Republic.

Cave Exploring Tours And Nature Hikes

The Dominican Republic is home to some of the world’s most impressive caves and a few are located just a short drive from Puerto Plata.

This is a tour, which not many tourists get to do and is a well-kept secret among the locals.

Kayak River Adventure organizes tours to explore these hidden gems and you should have this tour definitely on your list of things to do in Puerto Plata when you are a true nature enthusiast and looking for alternative adventure tours in Dominican Republic.

You have to hike a bit to get to the top of the hill, where you will be rewarded with amazing views over the mountain range of the north coast of our island.

You follow a small canyon and 4 rappels before reaching the last one, that actually leads into the main cave. Equipped with head lamps and guided by experienced instructor you have now time to feel like a real cave explorer.

This tour is only for advanced adventurer, that pursuit the extreme.

Canyoning Tours To The Magic Mushroom

This is one of the most challenging but absolutely worth taking tours to do in Puerto Plata if you are looking to explore actively what the Dominican Republic is all about on the North coast.

It is slightly more challenging than cascading, since this tour includes rappelling down the actual waterfalls rather than jumping.

The highlight of the day is the, so called Magic Mushroom, a cascade that got it’s name from its appearance the water flow creates and rocks that have been shaped over hundreds of years.

Very cool but absolutely demanding tour. Only for well exercised travelers and explorers and definitely not suitable for children!

Organizer:

• Kayak River Adventures
• Iguana Mama

Ciguapa Falls Cascading Tours

If you are looking for an alternative to the sometimes crowded Damajuaga Waterfalls, this is the tour you should have on your list of Puerto Plata activities.

No experience needed, but a brave hearth and adventurous soul.

You get geared up in wet-suit, harness, helmet and life preserver and follow very professional and really fun guides.

The tour includes approximately 12 jumps of up to 10m/30ft with a total river time of approx. 2.5 hours.

You get to ride donkeys back to base camp where a delicious and hearty lunch is waiting for you.

Mountain Biking Tours – Eco Friendly Trend For Sports Enthusiasts

Explore the heart of our country, passing charming country side villages and small communities. All the sweat and swears are worth and you will be rewarded with stunning views overlooking the Cibao Valley.

Half and Day Tours are offered with different degree of difficulty. From beginners to extreme Mountain bikers, you all will find the right track to challenge yourself.

Amazing downhill rides, river crossings and seemingly invincible mountains are awaiting you, if you accept the task and hit the pedal.

Contact the guides from Iguana Mama to customize special day trips for yourself or a group. For those who don’t want to sweat and still exercise, you should try our Puerto Plata bike tour with electric bikes, so easy everybody can do it.

Kite Surfing – Learn How To Fly

When it comes to Kite-boarding on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, most people think of Cabarete, but there is also a well organized kite community in Playa Dorada, just 10 minutes from the international airport in Puerto Plata.

A true legend around here is Bibby – the owner of  Kite Legend school.

He is extremely passionate about this sport and will do anything to make sure you have a safe and memorable time catching off shore winds and waves.

How to find him? Easy! He is the charismatic guy with a big smile and a big heart, sitting outside his shack to chat with like minded locals, if he is not out to enjoy the ocean.

The conditions in Playa Dorada are practically the same as Cabarete, but much less crowded. There are also some shops and restaurants right next to the school, where you can stop by, enjoy good music, drinks, sunny days – you really don’t need more.

Puerto Plata offers fantastic wind conditions and therefore many kite surf schools have opened up here, renting equipment or giving kite lessons for first timers with professional instructors and equipment, but our local tip is the Kite Legend School.

It is an IKO certified school, one of the few in the Caribbean. The instructors care about your safety, improvement, and always make sure you have a good time.

Golfing – Practice Your Swing

Puerto Plata is not the typical golf destination to travel to when you want to practice your tee in the Caribbean, but if you don’t want to miss out on your favorite activity, you can find two nice courses around here.

• Playa Dorada Golf

This Golf course is located right at the Playa Dorada complex. It is an 18 holes – par 72 golf course that is quite challenging due to its uneven terrain and interesting bunker and water combinations.

• Los Mangos Golf and Beach Club

This is a nice and little inexpensive course that could be compared to an American city course, only that this one is located in the Caribbean and with lots of mango trees.

Family Friendly Tours and Activities in Puerto Plata

Swimming with Dolphins – One Of The Most Popular Family Tours

Ocean World in Puerto Plata is a beautiful facility for animal lovers, with friendly dolphins, parrots, sea lions, sharks and lots of tropical fish. They do offers a great variety of attractions and shows you can visit during the day.

There are several packages available. The day pass gives you the basic access to the animal park, without any interactions or animal encounters.

You get free access to water slides, parrot and shark shows and it includes a buffet for lunch.

The shows start approx. every hour so there is a little time between each show to  go snorkeling at a man-made coral reef with a plenitude of colorful tropical fishes or enjoy a coffee or ice cream.

Unlike other zoos/parks of this venue you are actually handed bird seed for free to attract lovebirds, that will come to sit on your hands. Animal trainers are there to give you very interesting information about the different species and take pictures.

If you decide to upgrade, you can do this at any time and choose, from “behind the scene pass”, “swimming with dolphins”, and “sea lion encounter”.

If you haven’t done anything similar to this before, it is definitely worth it and a very unique experience for the whole family.

Surfing with Pauhana Surf School 

Puerto Plata is known for it’s historical inner city, museums and stunning views and beaches.

If you are traveling with children that are rather active and do not like to join you on a Puerto Plata City Tour, you have a great alternative for them.

Sign your family up for a surf lesson in Puerto Plata right at the beautiful City Beach, a beach known for great conditions for beginners. The locals come to the beach in the early morning hours to catch a wave or two before heading to the office.

A yearly surf competition is held here as well and many kite surf events you want to check out.

Paradise Island Day Trip By Speedboat – Feel The Caribbean Flair

If you have done already a bit of exploring of Puerto Plata and want to treat your loved ones with a trip to Paradise Island, a sandbank near Montecristi – than this is one of the top things to do in Puerto Plata.

The power boat that takes you on a ride through mangroves and this is lots of fun. The bus drive is a bit long, but the guides will give you a lot of information about our country on the way, so you won’t feel the time that much.

The water is so beautiful here, it’s warm and shallow and ideal to take your snorkeling gear and explore the underwater reefs, seeing hundreds of colorful Caribbean fish and corals.

You get to enjoy a Dominican lunch under one of the palm huts and refresh yourself with a tropical cocktail while enjoying the view of  true paradise.

Sailing and Snorkeling Tours – Relax And Sail Along

If you want to a bit more of the nearby town of  Sosua you can either get there by bus or with a really cool sailing catamaran for the true Caribbean feeling.

Once you arrive, you have to listen to a short safety briefing and orientation from your instructors. You will get geared up with a mask, fins and a snorkel.

You cruise along the shore of Sosua to get to the first snorkeling stop, inside the bay. Kids love it here, there are so many fish and corals of all colors to see. The water is calm and crystal clear.

You get to go back to relax a bit on the beach, to sunbathe or go for a drink to one of the many beach bars and restaurants, where you can order the catch of the day if you like (at your own expense).

With refreshed energy you drive to a second place. Overall a really nice day tour for families in Puerto Plata, if you love to take a refreshing dip in the ocean, feel a fresh salty breeze in your hair and appreciate the freedom of doing nothing else than laze in the nets of a Caribbean Catamaran.

Going After The Big Catch With Charter And Deep Sea Fishing Tours

High Z’s Fishing Tours are highly recommend and fun for both amateurs and professionals, who are after the big game fish.

The boats begin the trolling with the possibility of launching several lines, which are each assigned to a fisherman, shortly after leaving the shores of Puerto Plata. The deep, crystal clear waters of the North Coast are home to many of the most exciting deep-sea game fish, like Barracuda, Mahi- Mahi,  Marlins and Sailfish.

You can either share with a few other like-minded guests the boat or decide to reserve a private charter for you and your friends only.

The crew works hard to find the best fishing grounds, but depending on the days condition, there is no guarantee for a catch.

If you have been lucky to hook one of the big ones on, you can ask Captain Nelson and he will cook the fish for you right on deck.

Other companies that offer a great service and fishing tours in Puerto Plata:

• Buscapie Fishing Tour
• Mahi Mahi Fishing Tours – Private Charters
• Dona Nina Fishing Tour

Scuba Diving Tours and Classes

You won’t find the colorful fish and corals of the Maldives or Seychelles here,so please don’t come with this in your mind to the Dominican Republic.  Thee Atlantic ocean holds its own treasures for scuba divers of all levels.

There are quite a few Dive Centers in Puerto Plata and Sosua, offering everything for underwater enthusiasts from Scuba lessons, to PADI Dive certificates and Advanced Dive Courses, guided multi tank dives and snorkeling tours to the nearby reefs.

You don’t have to be a professional to enjoy this activity, since there are plenty of spots starting at a depth of 40 feet, perfect for beginners.

The more advanced scuba divers will enjoy great dive locations around Puerto Plata and Sosua with a depth of around 89 feet.

Almost each big hotel offers free scuba lessons at the pool and you find a variety of dive packages including equipment rental or courses in one of the water sport center at the beach of your hotel.

• Dressel Divers Puerto Plata
• SeaPro Divers Puerto Plata
• DIWA Dominicana
• Scubacaribe Puerto Plata
• Northern Coast Diving in Sosua
• Divers Point Puerto Plata

Whale Watching Tours – Once In A Lifetime Activity In Dominican Republic

Did you know the Dominican Republic is considered one of the top places to do whale watching in the world?

The Silver Banks is a worldwide recognized Marine Mammal Sanctuary, providing a safe area where thousands of Humpback whales gathering over the winter season from January through April to mate, giving birth and females raising their calves, until they are strong enough to join the long journey back up the North American Coastline.

The Dominican Republic is one of only 3 places worldwide, where you are able to actually snorkel with the Humpback whales.

Why whale watching is one of the top things to do  in Dominican Republic during spring:

• It is unique, not a lot of travelers get to do
• Rare, due to the fact that it is only possible to see them during this short amount of time
• Swimming with whales – memorable life changing experience

If you really want to go snorkeling with the whales at the Silver banks of Dominican Republic you have to join a tour, on a yacht called Turks and Caicos Aggressor II™ that offers live aboard experience for up to 5 days, with the chance to get really close to these incredible mammals.

You get to listen to their singing with under water sound systems and a chance, depending on weather and the appearance of the whales, to go for up to 1 hour snorkeling with them every day, all with professional guidance to guarantee an unforgettable and safe experience.

Other options to do something similar to this are whale watching tours in Samana by bus.

Once you get to the peninsula,  you board a vessel in Samana’s port and get out to the open sea for the next 3.5 – 4 hours with a professional captain and guide, that will explain you, that only three boats are allowed at the same time to get close to one of the whales, once they have been sighted and stay with them only for the next 30 minutes to not stress the animals.

Those regulations are controlled by the ministry of environment to protect the animals well being. Don’t think there is not enough time to see whales, there are not only hundreds, there are thousands of humpback whales that come to this sanctuary and you see them jumping out of the waters and wave their flippers at you. If you are one of the really lucky ones, you can even see dolphins playing in the waves in front of the boats.

If you want to avoid long drives and you are looking for private whale watching tours to Samana, choose the trip with a small air plane ( only up to 12 people/ plane) that brings you to the local airport of Samana where your transport is waiting to bring you to the boat that takes you out to the bay,  where the whales can be watched. It is a bit pricey, but these tours include usually a stay on the island Cayo Levantado for a really nice lunch and extra time for snorkeling on the nearby reef.

No matter which tour you choose to do, whale watching is a great and ones in a lifetime experience, specially for families with children.

Note that you should prepare yourself in advance in case you are getting seasick and take some medicine with you, the ocean can get sometimes a bit rough and this could really spoil your day.

Go Kart At Fun City Action Park

This is one of the largest Go-kart centers in the Dominican Republic and is located right outside Puerto Plata.

With its 3 tracks it offers great fun for families with children age 4 years and up, that are looking to have some fun while enjoying a Dominican Vacation in Puerto Plata.

This park is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and there is no need to make a reservation.

Take a local taxi that will cost you between US $ 20.00-25.00.

 ATV And Dune Buggy Tours 

These tours are for all those who always dreamed of exploring the Dominican countryside riding their own ATV or Dune Buggy.

These guided tours take you off the beaten paths, riding along local farm land, passing rivers and streams and following the coastline of the Atlantic ocean, right at the beach.

There are several shifts a day available. If you can, choose the early morning tours, to avoid beating heat of the day.

Definitely wear clothes and comfortable shoes, that you don’t mind getting dirty – you will get muddy.

It is a lot of fun and one of the tours family and groups can enjoy together.

River Tubing Tours – The Relaxing Alternative For An Active Family

Float on a tranquil river deep in the countryside of Cabarete in big inflated tubes. Some small rapids are included and are actually quite exciting and safe.

If you dare you can jump off small cliffs into the river with jumps ranging from 6 to 30 feet.

Once you had enough, you head back to the base camp after a moderate hike to enjoy great views and a typical Dominican lunch.

Tours are offered by Iguana Mama in Cabarete, but can be easily planned on your own with other companies.

Rent a car in Puerto Plata and drive to La Vega look for the Rio Yaque Del Norte sign and the River Club Resort, from where you can start your adventure.

Jarabacoa is a beautiful town and  makes you easily fall in love with the scenic landscape.

The Hacienda, from were you do the rafting offers packages for US $ 50.00/person that include a breakfast buffet, transportation to the river, the rafting experience, snacks, a lunch buffet and a final video.

Horseback Riding Tours – Find Haven On The Back Of Gentle Souls

There are several tour operators offering full day or half day horseback riding tours in Puerto Plata with professional guides and gentle horses along country side trails and rivers, through villages or directly on the beach.

• Finca Ammann

This Swiss owned horse ranch is heaven for horse and riders, offering guided tours and lesson to everyone that is interested in this great activity and wants to stay active while on vacation in Puerto Plata. You can find this ranch just 10 minutes from the city Puerto Plata in a small village called Maimon.

Guests will be greeted by the friendly owner Alexandra that is professionally selecting the best horse for each rider’s experience.

Great family deal for tours in Puerto Plata – kids pay half price up to 12 years for a 2 1/2 hour tour.

• Rancho Lorilar

When you get to the ranch they will welcome you like family.  The owner, Joyce has really everything you need for riding- safety helmet and gear etc.

It doesn’t matter if you have just very little experience or a professional rider, they do a great job matching horse and rider.

You will explore trotting the countryside with fun guides like Alex or Angel, who are always helpful to stop and take pictures for you.

A typical lunch with chicken, beef, yucca, rice and beans is provided as well drinks and refreshments.

Half Day and Full Day tours are available.

Outback Adventures tip: very family friendly tour in Puerto Plata

• Sunset tours and Horseback riding vacations with Rancho Salvaje

This ranch has been established over 15 years ago and is a true paradise for horse lovers.

Very friendly owners help you organize everything that a true horse enthusiast could dream of when planning a Dominican Vacation, from Half day and Full Day tours to several days trail rides, weddings and sunset beach rides in Puerto Plata.

We would recommend this family friendly tour in Puerto Plata for those who have children that want to enjoy nature and explore the country beyond the pools and beaches of their hotels in Puerto Plata.

• Wise Mountain Retreat

Another great place to visit when you are searching for where to go horseback riding in Cabarete, is this family owned ranch.

The horses are well taken care of, the staff amazingly friendly to help you feel at ease, if you haven’t been on the back of a horse in years or belong to the species of newly discovered buckaroo that just enjoys to feel the freedom of riding along beautiful trails with the guidance of locals.

Really nice touch, fresh and simple lunch is included.

Kayaking And Stand Up Paddle Board Tours – Soft Eco Tourism

Kayak River Adventures offers kayaking tours, taking you on a journey to explore the Dominican Republic in a way that most visitors will never see. The variety of tours is great, offering families half or full day tours paddling downstream rivers and streams.

These tours can be combined with the Stand up paddle board and allow you to choose individually the preferred way of transport.

Your children will be able to see fish, crabs, and prawns that inhabit the rivers and enjoy the passing landscape at an easy going pace. You can plan with the guides individual Dominican adventure trips including camping on the river side. This is what family vacation in Dominican Republic is all about – true adventures.

We hope we did inspire you and showed you that getting outside the walls of your all inclusive hotels is worth it. It is easy to find the right tour or activity for yourself and your family.

Please share all your fantastic adventures and stories of your vacation in the Dominican Republic with us, we love to hear what was your favorite Puerto Plata activity.

Your Outback Adventure Team