Amstar Puerto Plata Travel Guide 2023

WELCOME TO PUERTO PLATA!

True Caribbean culture and relaxation

Puerto Plata is one of the most complete destinations in the country, as it combines golden-sand beaches, Victorian-era architecture, historical sites dating back to Colonial times, and even an impressive cable car ride to the top of Isabel de Torres Mountain.

In addition, you can feel your adrenaline surging by zip lining over the Northern Corridor Mountains, cooling off in the Damajagua Waterfalls, enjoying aquatic fun at Ocean World Park, and many more adventures for all ages!

PUERTO PLATA

PARADISE ISLAND PLATINUM EXCURSION

8 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: LOW

BO OK ONLINE

Sail along the Puerto Plata coastline onboard a catamaran on your way to the mesmerizing Paradise Island. During the sail, enjoy swimming in crystal clear, turquoise waters with a sand bar in the middle of the ocean and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish. Later, continue your sailing adventure with a visit to a national marine park where you will navigate through the mangroves hoping for a glimpse of elusive manatees. Once on the Island, enjoy a delicious lunch and open bar, and full access to the Paradise Island Beach Resort.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing, swimsuit and towel

• Camera, hat and sunglasses

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• This excursion is not recommended for people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

DOLPHIN SWIM AT OCEAN WORLD

6 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE

BO OK ONLINE

Get the experience of a lifetime swimming with dolphins in Puerto Plata! Interact with these wonderful sea mammals as they kiss, hug, play, and delight in their interaction with you. This program also includes: dolphin, sea lion and exotic bird shows, a shark feeding observation, rainforest visit with tropical birds, snorkeling in a tropical reef aquarium, water slides, pool, beach access, lunch and roundtrip transportation from hotels in Puerto Plata.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing, shoes, swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, and towel

• Money for souvenirs, photos, snacks and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Each child participating must be accompanied by a paying adult.

• Electric wheelchairs are not allowed

• Pregnant women can not participate in the Dolphin Swim

MEGA ADRENALINE & SPLASH

8 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: INTENSE

BO OK ONLINE

Jump aboard giant 6x6 Mega Tiger Trucks and navigate rugged terrain as you head up into the mountain. Then hit the trail as you explore the countryside and experience 7 exhilarating cascades of the Damajagua Waterfalls, swooping down naturally sculpted waterslides into refreshing mountain lagoons. Next buckle up in a powerful all-terrain buggy and discover secret beaches along the Puerto Plata coastline. Finish the day with more adrenaline surges as you fly high on a series of long zip lines with fantastic panoramic views.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING

• Clothing that can get dirty, wear swimsuit underneath and closed-toe footwear

• Towel, biodegradable sunscreen and hat

• Good physical condition is recommended

• Max. weight 250 lbs; max. waist 47 in; max. chest 39 in.

• Buggy drivers must be 18 years old or older and present a valid driver’s license

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional) Soft drinks and water

DAMAJAGUA WATERFALLS

4 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: INTENSE

BO OK ONLINE

Visit Damajagua Falls and refresh in its beautiful cascades, swim in blue pools below as fresh water pours down over the rocks under the greenery of the Northern Corridor Mountains. This excursion is a great way to delve into the Dominican Republic’s natural wonders to truly experience its sweeping beauty.

WHAT TO BRING

• Wear swimsuit under shorts, closed-toe footwear, towel, and camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Open air transport

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

Bilingual guide Water and soft drinks Buffet lunch Adventure equipmen t

* Duration does not include transportation time to and from the activity

ZIP LINES & MONKEY LAND

5 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: INTENSE

BO OK ONLINE

A fantastis adventure combo.  First, Gear-up and get ready for some serious zip lining! Let loose and soar through the jungle, rainforest, and across a river on an 8-line circuit covering 1.5 miles of adrenaline pumping zips!  Guides will be at each platform you reach, ready to steady you and assist on your next line! Then, it’s off to Monkey Land, a protected reserve tucked away In the tropical jungle. Listen to the sounds of  nature while keeping an eye out for cute little squirrel monkeys that abound in this natural habitat.  An awesome opportunity to get up close and interact with these  loveable, fun little creatures of the jungle canopy.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear

• Biodegradable sunscreen and camera

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Max. weight 285 lbs (129 kg); max. waistline 44 in (112 cm)

• Zip lines not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional) Bilingual

• People with peanut allergies, asthma, cold or flu symptoms cannot participate in the monkey interaction

WHAT’S INCLUDED

PUERTO PLATA RUNNERS

8 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE

BO OK ONLINE

Enjoy a journey of discovery and experience the culture of the Dominican Republic. Tour the Bay of Maimon, discover an incredible variety of natural beauty, sample natural products and prepare to be amazed by the island and its people. End the day at a private beach to take a refreshing dip in the sea or to soak up some vacation sun.

WHAT TO BRING

• Wear swimsuit under comfortable clothing, towel

• Camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

* Duration does not include transportation time to and from the activity Open air transport

Bilingual guide Sof t drinks and water Buffet lunch Horseback rid e

Fresh snack samples

PUERTO PLATA CITY TOUR

5 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE

BO OK ONLINE

Get a glimpse into the island’s vibrant history as a friendly bilingual guide points the way. Visit the Amber Museum, the island’s oldest fortress, rum and chocolate factories, the city’s main square, and top it all off with a bird’s-eye view of the city from a cable car. Have your walking shoes and camera ready!

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing, closed-toe footwear, hat and sunglasses

• Camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Not suitable for pregnant women

• Good physical condition is recommended since this activity involves a lot of walking

WHALE WATCHING

8 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE | (SEASONAL)

BO OK ONLINE

Become amazed by the enchanting natural sights of Samana Bay and its grandest winter visitor — the humpback whale! On this adventure, you’ll sail off to the Cayo Levantado Island area to catch a glimpse of whales as they swim and breach in the warm Caribbean waters of the northeastern Dominican coast.

WHAT TO BRING

• Wear swimsuit under comfortable clothing, towel

• Camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

• Motion sensitive guests are encouraged to take medication as recommended by their physician

• This is a seasonal acitivity (from January to March)

Buffet lunch Boat ride Bilingual guide Soft drinks and water

* Duration does not include transportation time to and from the activity

CAYO ARENA VIP

8 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: LOW

BO OK ONLINE

Depart from the picturesque fishing village of Punta Rucia to take a boat ride to Cayo Arena, one of the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic. Try to spot manatees and tropical fish as you snorkel in crystal-clear warm turquoise waters. Enjoy a delicious lobster lunch (in season) as you soak up the sun in this magical place.

WHAT TO BRING

• Wear swimsuit under comfortable clothing, towel

• Camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Lobster lunch served in-season (There is a yearly lobster ban March 1st - June 30th). A seafood paella will be served

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

WELCOME TO SAMANA!

A hidden, nature-filled paradise

Samana is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines, bays, coves, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains in the DR. The area’s famous landmarks including El Limon Waterfall, Rincon Beach, and Los Haitises National Park, are waiting for you with breathtaking displays of beauty and unforgettable adventures.

Whether you’re a honeymooner looking for romantic beach time, a highflying thrill-seeker, or a scuba and snorkel aficionado, will fulfill your vacation dreams.

SAMANA RUNNERS & LIMON WATERFALLS

4 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: INTENSE

BO OK ONLINE

Join a journey of discovery and experience the culture of the Dominican Republic. Learn about the area and sample its incredible variety of natural products, enjoy a horseback riding adventure to the famous El Limon Waterfall for a dip in its refreshing waters before returning to a ranch to continue falling in love with the local people and the island’s simpler pace of life.

WHAT TO BRING

• Wear swimsuit under comfortable clothing, towel

• Camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Open air transport

Sof t drinks and water Buffet lunch Horseback rid e

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

Fresh snack samples

Bilingual guide

* Duration does not include transportation time to and from the activity

RINCON BEACH

6 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: LOW

BO OK ONLINE

Calling all beach lovers! Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Rincon Bay, voted among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Soak up the sun and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to spot a colorful array of tropical fish. Enjoy refreshing beverages and a freshly cooked lobster lunch (in season) on a riverboat as you immerse yourself in some of the most relaxing scenery on the island.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing, closed-toe footewar, hat, and camera

• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Lunch is served on the riverboat

• Lobster lunch served in-season (There is a yearly lobster ban March 1st - June 30th. Shrimp and beef will be served instead)

• Not suitable for pregnant women

SAMANA ZIP LINES

4 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: INTENSE

BO OK ONLINE

An adrenaline-filled experience in the tropical mountains near Samana Bay and Los Haitises National Park. Soar on 10 zip lines to get breathtaking views of the Samana Peninsula’s greenery and the stunning Atlantic Ocean on the horizon. Refuel with some fresh tropical fruits and refreshments before returning to your resort.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing, closed-toe footwear

• Biodegradable sunscreen and camera

• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

• Max. weight 285 lbs (129 kg); max. waistline 44 in (112 cm)

• Not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and/or mobility disabilities

Open air transport

Soft drinks and water Ziplin e equipment

Bilingual guide

* Duration does not include transportation time to and from the activity

MONKEY LAND

4 HRS* | ACTIVITY LEVEL: LOW

BO OK ONLINE

In the heart of Santa Barbara de Samana lives a family of squirrel monkeys who loves making new friends. Come and visit these cute and inquisitive primates in their natural habitat, feed them fresh fruits and feel their soft hands and feet as they mischievously interact with you!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothing, closed-toe footwear

• Camera and money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Open air transport

Bilingual guide Soft drinks and wate r Monkey interaction

• Monkey interaction is not suitable for people with peanut allergies, asthma, cold, flu or upper respiratory infections

* Duration does not include transportation time to and from the activity

THE DOCTOR IS IN! Healthy tips for your vacation

USE PURIFIED WATER TO DRINK AND TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH

Even though hotels purify their water, it still carries a large quantity of calcium and minerals that can easily cause an upset stomach. Play it safe and drink only purified bottled water. When brushing your teeth, rinse with bottled water. When away from the hotel, confirm that food, beverage and ice are prepared with purified water. Also, try to avoid consuming ice cream and fruit juices outside the resorts, as it can be difficult to determine whether they were prepared with purified water.

STAY HYDRATED

Remember that the Caribbean sun is stronger than the one back home. So while you are here, make sure you always stay hydrated by drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluid, especially water. We know you are here to relax, but large amounts of alcoholic beverages will not treat you kindly! Many guests are not used to the amount of alcohol used in preparing those delicious tropical cocktails. Also, know that some tropical fruits are naturally diuretic and act as nature’s laxatives. So watch out, as too many “coco locos” can have you making a run for it!

BE SAFE FROM THE SUN

In the Caribbean, you can easily get sunburned very quickly — even on a cloudy day! Use a strong sunscreen, specific for your skin type, and don’t forget to pay attention to your ears, nose, and lips. Get used to wearing a hat and protect your eyes with good quality sunglasses, particularly if you will be near the sea or sailing.

IMPORTANT

Avoid exposing yourself to the sun for a prolonged period of time, particularly during the hottest hours of the day — 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. When the kids are playing on the beach and/or in the pool, it’s a good idea to consider wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt and applying sunblock regularly.

Most resorts have the services of a doctor available if needed. Just ask the front desk or your Amstar Representative for more information.

RATE US ON TRIPADVISOR WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!