Getting ashore
Ships berth at the cruise port, close to the town. Taxis wait at the gate, and the agreed fare should be confirmed before you set off.
Watch-outs
Vendors and drivers approach visitors often. A polite refusal works. Sun is strong, and the roads to the beaches are busy.
The town
Puerto Plata has colourful Victorian-era wooden houses and the Malecón promenade. The Fort San Felipe guards the harbour.
Mount Isabel de Torres
The cable car takes you up Mount Isabel de Torres, with a statue of Christ and views over the coast. The top is cooler than the town.
Amber Museum and the coast
The Amber Museum shows the local amber, a fossil resin found only on the island. Beaches and resorts line the coast east and west of town.
Food & shopping
Dominican food includes la bandera, mangú (mashed plantain) and fresh fish. Local markets sell fruit and crafts.
Money & connectivity
The currency is the Dominican peso. US dollars are accepted in tourist places, and cards are accepted in larger hotels.
Accessibility & mobility
The port and the Malecón are flat. The cable car has level boarding at the station. Old town streets are uneven. Ask your operator for vehicles with step access.