If you are heading to Puerto Plata Cruise Port in the Dominican Republic, there is a lot to do withing walking distance of the port. When you leave the port complex gates and head into Puerto Plata, I recommend you do so. Of course, you get the usual persistent chatter for taxis and tours. But we never had a problem when we politely said no. But you do have to be quite clear.
There is a lot to do in walking distance. If you want to head into town and see some of the local attractions such as the Umbrella Street, and Pink Street. However there are also a lot of registered taxis outside. Registered drivers and also tour guides have government registration and wear it on a lanyard around their necks so look for this.Â
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Get A Taxi To The Beach From Just Outside Puerto Plata Cruise Port
In our experience this doesn’t regulate the taxi fare price. Our friends were heading to Playa Dorada beach and wanted to get a taxi, directly outside the port. They were quoted $60, yet a little farther down the road they agreed a fare of $30 for a large taxi for 6. Plus the driver waited for them as they chilled on the beach and were ready to return to the ship.
Umbrella Street
Umbrella Street, also known as Calle de las Sombrillas is a 7-10 minute walk from the port. It is so worth the walk out to find this short put pretty colourful street, lined overhead with brightly coloured umbrellas. The shops and cafes that line the street are vibrant and colourful, and check out the street art at the end of the street.Â
To find the street pop C. San Felipe, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic into Google Maps and the app takes you straight there. There are two busy roads to cross, however there are policemen managing the traffic for anyone needing to cross at certain points along the way.
Paseo de Dona Blanca
Paseo de Dona Blanca also known as the pink street is a 2 minute walk from Umbrella Street, on the way to the Town Square. This gloriously colourful street is an alley of pink to commemorate Mrs. Bianca Franceschini. She was a pioneer in the development of the early tourism industry in Puerto Plata at the end of the 18th century.
This pink alley, painted in the brightest shades of pink and decorated with benches, flowers a bike and telephone. There is also a statue to remember Mrs. Bianca Franceschini who was also a mum of 9 as well as running a successful hotel.
The Town Square
The town square is another 3 minutes walk on from Paseo de Dona Blanca. The town square, is a pretty colonial styled square, with the San Felipe Cathedral at the head of the square. We got a local guide from the charge, local guides an employed by the government and again wear id. Our guide told us he was not allowed to charge us, but did accept a tip.
Amber Museum
Here you can find out the history of the national stone of the Dominican Republic. You will also get the opportunity to see Amber with prehistoric fossils such as insects, plants, and animals encased inside.
Go Farther Afield To Damajagua Waterfalls
Damajagua Waterfalls are less than an hour from the port, but best booked as an arranged tour. Most trips offer a 3-hour trek that includes hiking, swimming and taking in the stunning waterfalls.
Take The Cable Cars On Mount Isabel De Torres
Head 800 meters above sea level as you take a 10-minute ride in a cable car up to the top of the Isabel de Torres Mountain. At the top, the reward is the joy of breathtaking panoramic views and photo opportunities of of Puerto Plata. You can book the Cable Cars as part of a tour, this seems the best option to avoid queues or get a taxi to take you the 30-40 minutes journey and pay $10 per person to ride the cable cars.
Is Taino Bay Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, yes, this was our stand-out favourite cruise port on our recent Caribbean Cruise. Taino Bay is vibrant, friendly and buzzing but not overcrowded.
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Sarah Christie is a craft, food, cruise, and family travel blogger Extraordinary Chaos, Cruising For All and Mini Travellers. Known for her unique perspective and ability to find beauty in chaos, Sarah designs and creates craft projects as well as creating recipes for people who want to cook from scratch the easy way. Whilst also exploring family travel and how to navigate it.