Action. Adventure. There’s a reason people say “Dominican Republic Has It All,” because there’s certainly no shortage of either on this Caribbean favorite. But because it has so much to offer, it can be challenging to cover all of the bases, make the best recommendations, and provide the top options. That’s why ALG Vacations® likes to Ask a Pro.
We spoke with members of the Dominican Republic tourist board to find out what their favorite outdoor and active experiences are in this country and what they consider not-to-be-missed, and they agreed: for travelers who enjoy staying active, exploring the water and embracing adventure, Puerto Plata is the place to be.
As DR experts who have experienced more there than we can ever imagine, thanks to their destination immersion and expertise, these are their insider picks on the types of activities you should be suggesting your most fun-loving clients should add to their Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic bookings with your agency.
Why Puerto Plata?
Generally, Puerto Plata is a much different experience than popular Punta Cana. “In Puerto Plata, you have the majestic mountaintops, golden sand on the beaches and a more laid-back feel than the larger Punta Cana area,” our sources tell us. “The nightlife is vibrant here, and the Sosua/ Cabarete area offers nightclubs, shows, and activities that attract visitors from around the world.”
Plus, its year-round vacation season make it a great standby for whenever folks just need to get away. But those who visit often make November to May their default months to travel since that’s its most lush, green season … and best for adventures.
Wet and Wild
Water sports are among the most popular activities for the area and provide family-friendly aquatic adventure that can be scaled for a variety of ages and experience levels. Of course, there’s your everyday ocean swimming, but kids can start their lifelong love of getting in the Caribbean Sea with an easy snorkeling excursion – or at least getting on top of it aboard a catamaran cruise. They can learn to hang on tight on the back of a rented jet ski as their parents drive, and as they get older, learn to steer one themselves. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are also options, and Cabrete in the Puerto Plata region has gained acclaimed as one of the best spots in the world to windsurf and kiteboard.
If a meet and greet with marine natives, there are more ways vacationers can “dive deeper” into that aspect of Puerto Platan adventure. Snorkeling is fun, accessible, and appropriate for most ages and skill level, particularly with established, reputable outfitters such as Amstar DMC, who are experienced enough to plan and outfit an excursion to the very last detail. Then there’s also scuba diving for more in-depth encounters with the denizens of the underwater world.
Then there’s Ocean World Puerto Plata, an incredible facility that gives visitors a chance to snorkel in a tropical reef aquarium; attend dolphin, sea lion, and shark shows; walk among iguanas and tropical birds; interact with select animals; and then relax on a white sandy beach after lunch.
On Land
On or under the sea isn’t the only place to be in Puerto Plata, according to our experts. After all, Jurassic Park movies were filmed right here, so “wild” is a given.
Land activities for the entire family abound across the varied terrain of the island, with adventure sports sharing the headlines with aquatic ones. The intensity level, though, is up to the visitor.
To start things easily, the Puerto Plata cable car ride from the mountain top is a great choice to get a lay of the land, and visiting Fort Felipe is a great choice for both culture and exploration. Bike rentals are also readily available and a family favorite activity.
The next level? Ride high on ziplines at Monkeyland take guests through the canopy near curious squirrel monkeys who are made even friendlier on the ground when the staff supervises fruit feeding. Spend a day rotating between hiking and swimming in the mountains of the Northern Corridor of Dominican Republic while making your way through the dozen cascades of Damajagua Falls. And don’t forget to tie your swimsuit on tight! Natural water slides and a 25-foot-tall jump-off point into a natural pool up the adrenaline.
Thrill-seekers also love the jungle safari offerings in the countryside, including on 15-foot-tall mega trucks and safari-trucks. Some tours even combine this with ziplining, swimming, hiking, and more to make it a day of ultimate adventure.
Puerto Plata “Has It All”
Essentially, whether vacationers prefer their adventure to take place on land or sea, as a family-friendly or adults-focused trip, or are just looking to get off the beaten path and explore a different side of Dominican Republic than the famous resorts of Punta Cana, Puerto Plata is the region that surely “has it all.”
