Is your upcoming cruise stopping at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic? Before you embark, learn about the currency, nearby beaches, extensive activities, and dining options to enjoy during your stay.
Port Overview
Amber Cove cruise port boasts numerous attractions for avid cruise travelers. It’s one of the most visited ports in the East Caribbean, especially during the fall-winter season. The port is suitably located in the Dominican Republic on Maimon Bay near Puerto Plata.
The cruise port’s design incorporates elegant and modern interpretations of the history of Puerto Plata. Amber Cove offers plenty of amenities and exciting trips to the best of Sosua, Puerto Plata, Costambar, Cabarete, and Cofresi.
Amber Cove cruise port opened in 2015 and can accommodate up to 8,000 passengers.
One of the best things about Amber Cove is that the destination is relatively safe, and you can interact freely with the locals who speak English well. If you’re cruising with family, here are sights and activities you can engage in.
Sightseeing & Activities
Cruises at Amber Cove don’t require any admission fee. Visitors will enjoy the comfort of complimentary lounge chairs, pool access, hammocks, and many other free fun activities.
Guests can have fun at the two Amber Cove distinct zones, including the Aqua Zone and the Welcome Center Marketplace. You may have guessed that the Aqua Zone is a place for pool activities. The area has three pools that connect to a flowing river with bridges above it.
The shopping area is a great spot for guests to buy gifts and other amenities from craft stalls or shops and have fun in bars and restaurants.
Here’s a look at the most appealing sightseeing and activities you should try in Amber Cove.
Damajagua Cascades
It would be a shame if you failed to visit the Damajagua Cascades in Amber Cove cruise port. It’s one of the most thrilling places to spend the afternoon. Commonly known as 27 Waterfalls, it’s a national monument that tourists can visit, and it’s an adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
It takes less than an hour to reach Damajagua Cascades, and while you can tour the area on your own, most tourists prefer exploring the area with company. The tour of the surrounding will include cliff jumping, climbing, and sliding. These activities are somewhat advanced for kids, so if you’re looking for a kid-friendly excursion, you may want to skip this one.
Some must-bring items include waterproof cameras, water shoes, and bug repellent. This gear prepares you for an amazing adventure worth your time and energy.
Sky Bar
If you’re looking for panoramic views, the Sky Bar will surpass your expectations. It sits on the hillside, beautifully overlooking the entire port, and this bar serves a wide range of refreshing drinks and snacks.
Watersports
The Aqua Zone in Amber Cove cruise port offers visitors many watersports activities. These are perfect for anyone traveling with family and friends.
Besides having the usual fun at the pool, the Aqua Zone is where visitors can rent paddle boards, kayaks, aqua bikes, and other water sports equipment.
The price to rent sports equipment starts at about $20, and they are time restricted.
Zipline and 27 Waterfalls Combo
Ready for a more captivating adventure? There’s a 650-foot twin zip line from the hillside of Amber Cove overlooking the pool area. You can ride the zip lines from the hilltop to the Aqua Zone. Zipline tickets cost about $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Each ticket allows you to ride the zip lines unlimited times, which is great for tourists looking to have fun throughout the sunny afternoon.
The ultimate adventure option combines the zipline with a 27 Waterfalls excursion. The tour takes about 6 hours 30 minutes and entails visiting the 27 Waterfalls using a 6×6 Mega Tiger Truck. You can then ride the long zip lines above mahogany trees while you enjoy the scenic views of mountains and farmland.
The combo tour also includes a one-hour hike, which might be strenuous for individuals with disabilities.
Dolphin Swim and Ocean World Day Pass
Amber Cove will make your dreams come true if you’ve dreamt of interacting with dolphins, but
it’s also home to many other sea mammals and even a tropical reef aquarium you can snorkel during your visit.
Visit Ocean World Adventure Park to see all available interactive experiences and get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks.
Shopping & Food
Your trip to Amber Cove cruise port wouldn’t be complete without shopping in the area. There are many shops and stores where you can stop and buy local gifts, souvenirs, jewelry, and fine watches.
You can head to the small stalls to buy unique and interesting gifts crafted by local artisans. Buying from the local shops will help boost the area’s economy.
Visitors can also shop at duty-free stores with chocolate, liquor, and souvenirs. Stop at these stores to buy something that will remind you of Amber Cove or inspire others to visit the area.
As for the dining experience, Amber Cove lives up to its expectations. The area has many choices where guests can enjoy local dishes.
If you’re hanging out in the Aqua Zone, head to the Coco Cana Poolside Lounge, the Sky Bar, or Cabana Bar.
Some of the local delicacies you should try at Amber Cove include Asopao, Mangu, La Bandera, Quipe, and Sancocho.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
You don’t have to settle for the ordinary when in Amber Cove. Besides having a great time at the pool, you can opt for a beach getaway to nearby beaches. There are eight beaches near the port. However, Maimón Beach is the nearest to the cruise port.
Maimón Beach features beach loungers for rent, a restaurant, a bar and liquor store, massages, a cigar shop, and a gift shop. The beach is only a walking distance (800 meters) from Amber Cove port. You can visit the beach anytime you like it.
Other nearby beaches include:
- Playa Cofresi – 3.5 miles from the port
- Playa Grande – 5.8 miles from the port
- Playa de Long Beach – 9 miles from the port
- Coconut Cove and Wild Play Adventure Park – 10 miles from the port
Other Things To Do
There’s so much to do at Amber Cove cruise port. If you have the time, other fun activities worth trying include:
Rent a Private Cabana
If you want some alone time, renting a private cabana is a perfect choice. You simply need to decide on your ideal location from the ocean, hillside, poolside or grand cabanas. The funny thing is that these small hideaways feature a small fridge with water, snacks, and other beverages. Some come with lounge chairs, WiFi, showers, and waiter service.
Try Windsurfing
Puerto Plata is the kite-boarding and windsurfing capital of the Caribbean, making it a suitable location to try these watersports. Locate a booth on the waterside that offers sports equipment for rent.
Kids’ Splash Area
Children should also have mad fun at the splash area. Allow your kids to visit the Splash Pad and Wet Zone, where they will spend hours enjoying themselves at the mini slide and splash bucket. The kids’ playing area offers many lounge chairs where you can relax and monitor the young ones.
Currency
The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the main currency at the port, but visitors can use US dollars since they are widely accepted. However, it’s important to carry some local cash on tours.
How To Get Around Amber Cove
Visitors looking to explore Amber Cove cruise ports will find it relatively easy to maneuver around. Guests can use public buses or opt for taxis or car rental services.
Taxis
Taxis are in Amber Cove Cruise Center. Drivers speak English, and you can negotiate fair taxi rates on your excursions. Drivers also accept local currency and the US dollar.
There are no Uber services in Amber Cove.
Car Rental
Car rental services are also accessible in Amber Cove. While options are few, visitors can use Alamo and National since they are the only companies offering car rental services.
It’s worth noting that drivers drive on the right side in the Dominican Republic.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
Amber Cove Cruise port is mainly served by Carnival Corporation ships, such as:
- Princess
- Holland America
- Carnival Cruises
- Costa
- Cunard
- P&O
However, there are a few cruise lines that call at this port:
- NCL
- Royal Caribean
- Regent
- MSC
Conclusion
From snorkeling to national monuments, there are many things you can do at Amber Cove cruise port. If you’re planning a trip here, this guide will help you navigate the area easily and ensure you don’t miss out on the fun.
