Home > Amber Cove > Amber Cove Shore Excursions >

Amber Cove Shore Excursions

Our Amber Cove shore excursions

Half-day city tour of Puerto Plata

Christopher Columbus sailed into the bay of Puerto Plata more than 500 years ago, and the town subsequently founded; one of the New World's oldest is just a 15-minute drive from the Amber Cove cruise terminal!

Puerto Plata has lots for the visitor to enjoy, and we have designed this half-day city tour to get the most from your visit!

Spend a leisurely morning or afternoon with your own private Cocotours guide and driver. Stroll through our Central Park, visit St Philip the Apostle's cathedral, tour the San Felipe fortress, and shop for top-quality local rum at duty free rates at the Brugal bottling plant. Also included is a visit to the Amber Museum. Time to take in the sights in the old town and before heading back to your ship, there's an opportunity to stock up on tobacco, rum, coffee and other souvenirs in one of the town's leading supermarkets.

Full-day tour of Puerto Plata & Sosua

Spend a leisurely morning with your own private Cocotours guide and driver in the local town of Puerto Plata, originally settled by the brother of Christopher Columbus more than 500 years ago. Stroll through our Central Park, visit St Philip the Apostle's cathedral, tour the San Felipe fortress, and shop for top-quality local rum at duty-free rates at the Brugal bottling plant. Also included is a visit to the popular Amber Museum, and time to take in the sights of the old town.

We then head east along the Atlantic coast to the town of Sosua, only 20 minutes' away, where there'll be free time to lunch in one of the many restaurants, or down on the beach itself. Time to relax on the pretty golden beach and swim and snorkel in the clear turquoise waters.

An opportunity to shop for local gifts, souvenirs and particularly good naïve art at one of the many beach side market stalls.

Santiago city tour

A visit to the second city of the Dominican Republic, and the first Santiago in the Americas, just under an hour's drive from the Amber Cove cruise terminal. Santiago, also known as the Ciudad Corazon - the heartland city - due to its prominent place, central for agriculture, particularly tobacco growing and foodstuff production in the fertile Cibao valley. Also birthplace to many of the greatest Dominican baseball players and home to their major team the Aguilas.

Visit the León Jiménez cigar factory to see how local leaves are rolled into premium cigars and then a visit to the Centro León, a large modern museum and a world-class gallery featuring major Dominican art of the 20th century. Typical, and delicious lunch in a local neighbourhood restaurant.

A visit to Santiago's most visible and recognisable site, the Monument to the heroes of the restoration of the Republic, is also included.

Morning Ziplining at Monkey Jungle & relaxation on Sosua beach in the afternoon

Located in the hills, high above Sosua and Cabarete, the Monkey Jungle offers something for every age. This 280 acre working farm provides a 4,500 foot ACCT Certified zip line with 7 stations and a free-fall fan descender, dropping almost 60 feet into an ancient cave. You will also tour a 5-acre botanical garden located in an old grotto, with 45 squirrel monkeys posing for pictures, sitting on heads and shoulders, without fear of humans. A large enclosure houses rescued capuchins who entertain and provide countless memories. All profits from these venues goes to charity.

Following the morning’s exertions, cool down with a swim in the clear turquoise waters at one of the island’s prettiest beaches, at Sosua. With its classic horseshoe shape, soft golden sand that gently shelves into the clear water, this is a favourite with all. An offshore reef means calm water much enjoyed by divers and snorkelers with pretty fish to see.

Relax on a sun lounger, shaded by a beach parasol, to drink a piña colada from a fresh pineapple or an ice cold Presidente, the country’s favourite beer. There are food stalls and a row of appealing little beach bars for snacks or a full meal. Try delicious fried chicken, rice & beans with fried green bananas, or a fresh fish or lobster pulled from the ocean that day! A range of local stalls and small shops sell local crafts and particularly good for the naïve art that the Caribbean is noted for. Bargain your way through the day – it’s all part of the fun!

See Amber Cove shore excursions FAQs