12 Things to Know About the Stunning Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Are you heading to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic? This cruise port is quickly becoming one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean. In fact, the Dominican Republic itself is the most popular destination in the Caribbean. To help you plan out your day, we’ve come up with a list of 12 Things to Know about Amber Cove.
If you’re a long-time cruiser, I’m sure you’re dying to check a new port. Carnival has designed this port similarly to Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, and Grand Turk. You could absolutely get away with not booking an excursion here and simply spend the day shopping, zip lining, enjoying the pool, or even drifting in the lazy river!
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12 Things to Know about Amber Cove
1. It's the Dominican Republic's Newest Cruise Port
Amber Cove is a stunning 25 acre cruise port complex nestled on the northern shore of the island of Hispaniola. Located on Maimon Bay, just outside of the beach town of Puerto Plata. The $85 million cruise port was open by Carnival Corporation in 2015. When the complex opened along Amber Coast, it brought cruise ships to the Puerto Plata area for the first time in 30 years.
The site is absolutely gorgeous and offers cruise passengers a way to enjoy the island free of charge. Basically, the cruise corporation designed this space to KEEP YOU HERE!
2. The Area is Rich in History
Sure, Amber Cove is new but Puerto Plata certainly isn’t. The area dates backs in the 1490s when a little-known fellow known as Christopher Columbus first “discovered” the island. The site was home to one of the first forts in the Americas, Fuerte de San Felipe. Today, Puerto Plata is a popular beach town with deep roots in their Spanish colonial past. Although it is tempting to stay at the cruise center, we implore you to get out and explore! Check out the local museums and landmarks honoring their past.
3. It's Easy to Get Around
Since the entire area is designed around cruise passengers, it’s super easy for them to get around. From the transportation hub, cruisers have easy access to rental cars, taxis, and guides willing to show you Puerto Plata and the surrounding area.
Another great feature is that as soon as you get off the ship, you are greeted by pedi-cabs that will whisk you down the pier to the cruise center. Although it is not a long walk, this is great for those who need a little help getting around or those traveling with young children. The pedi-cabs work for tips only.
4. There are TONS of Great Excursions
The port offers some of the best excursions in the region. Visit the majestic waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua, zip line, take in the historic sights, hit the beach, swim with dolphins, go on an ATV adventure, or try your hand at watersports. Whatever you’re into- there’s plenty to do in Amber Cove.
5. You Can Spend the Day Like a Celebrity!
You know those luxurious overwater cabanas that you see all over Instagram? You could totally spend your day relaxing in one! The overwater cabanas at Amber Cove are exactly what you’ve been daydreaming about. We’re talking Caribbean breezes, air-conditioning, WIFI, a hot tub, and a personal waiter that will take your food and drink orders. The Grand Cabana also features 2 water sports that you can enjoy for a full hour. Choose from kayak, stand up paddleboards, or aqua cycles. The cabana accommodates up to 20 guests so they are perfect for large groups!
6. You Can Hit the Beach and Pool All in One Day!
Our water babies love places like this because they don’t have to choose between the beach or the pool. At Amber Cove, you can enjoy both! You can book a beach excursion (or take a taxi to the beach), or set up at the water park and pool for the day. The Aqua Zone has a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and an ample number of lounge chairs to kick back and relax. There’s also a super-fun children’s splash area. Oh, and the best part? It’s totally free!
Note: There is not beach access at Amber Cove.
7. The Are Shops Galore
If you are looking for the perfect souvenir, or simply need to take a break from the sun, there are plenty of shops for you to explore at Amber Cove. The shops feature authentic arts and crafts by local Dominican artisans. You’ll also find plenty of classic souvenirs such as t-shirts, beachwear, shot glasses, magnets, etc. While you’re in the shops, be sure to grab some local rum, coffee, chocolate, or amber.
8. You Can Swim with Dolphins (and Sharks!)
If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, you can check that off while visiting Amber Cove! Ocean World offers encounters with dolphins, stingrays, and sharks. The cool thing about the dolphin encounters is that they are done in waist-deep water making them accessible to young children.
9. Zip Lining is a Must!
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Me too! I love zip-lining so I was super excited to find out that there are twin 650-foot zips that traverse the Aqua Zone. Purchase a day pass for $20 for unlimited thrills. While you’re at the summit, be sure to check out the Sky Bar for spectacular 360-degree views- and a bit of liquid courage.
10. The Weather Will Probably Be Pretty Perfect...
Due to Amber Cove and Puerto Plata being on the northern side of the island, the weather is pretty perfect year-round. In the summer you can expect the temperatures to be in the 80s, whereas the winter brings average temps of 75 degrees. December is the wettest month of the year.
11. Puerto Plata is Nearby
The town of Puerto Plata is literally a stone’s throw away. Puerto Plata is a popular beach vacation spot for Dominicans. Grab a cab and explore the Amber Museum, Brugal Rum Factory, check out the historic downtown, visit the 3-mile long boardwalk, check out historic Fort San Felipe. Venture a little further inland to explore the impressive Damajagua Falls. If you’re looking to relax away from the crowds, we suggest spending the day at Playa Bachata Resort.
If you don’t mind traveling a little bit further out, Sosua Beach is about 30 minutes away and offers stunning blue waters and decent snorkeling. There are also jet-ski rentals.
12. It's Totally Insta-Worthy!
There are plenty of photo opportunities staged around the cruise port area. Be sure to snap a few photos with the carnival masks, the vibrant blue Amber Cove sign, the stone wall entrance, and the man-made waterfall. Oh, and obviously you’ll want a shot of you sipping on a pina colada at the swim-up bar.
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5 Comments
Ree Driggers
Been there and look forward to going back in a few months.
Elle MacRae
We’ll be making a return visit, as well! We can’t wait to go back 🙂 Have a safe trip.
Jayne Rhodes
Was just in Amber Cove last week for the first time. I was hoping to enjoy the beach, but I couldn’t find it! All I saw were the shops on one side of the port and the restaurant/bar, pool, slides, and cabanas on the other side of the port, along with the small zip line and place to rent water sports. How do you get to the beach? Is it within walking distance from the ship?
Elle MacRae
In order to access any of the beaches in Amber Cove/Puerto Plata, you’ll either need an excursion or you’ll have to take a taxi. We booked an excursion that took us to a resort directly next to the cruise port. The resort was called Playa Bachata. The water was pretty choppy, which is probably why they don’t offer beach access at the cruise port.
I’ve read that you can access the beach from Ocean World, but I can’t verify that.
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