What Is Near Puerto Plata: Beaches, Waterfalls and Day Trips

By the Puerto Plata City Guide Editorial Team · Published from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Quick answerWithin an hour of Puerto Plata you can reach Sosua beach (25 min), Cabarete kitesurf bay (35 min), the 27 Charcos de Damajagua waterfalls (40 min) and the Amber Cove cruise area (15 min). All make easy half-day or full-day trips combined with a city tour.

Sosua and Cabarete

Sosua, 25 minutes east, has a sheltered coral cove popular for snorkeling and diving, plus a lively beachfront. Cabarete, 35 minutes east, is the Caribbean kitesurf capital with steady trade winds and a young beach-bar scene. Both pair well with a morning city tour in Puerto Plata.

27 Charcos de Damajagua

About 40 minutes south, the 27 Charcos de Damajagua are a chain of natural rock pools and small waterfalls you climb, jump and slide down with a guide and a life jacket. It is the most popular adventure day trip from Puerto Plata and runs year-round, fed by spring water rather than rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day trips can I do from Puerto Plata?

The most popular are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua waterfalls, Sosua beach for snorkeling, Cabarete for kitesurf and beach bars, and Ocean World marine park in Cofresi. Each takes a half day to a full day with hotel pickup.